Pregnancy

It’s good news!

Signs and symptoms

The best way to identify whether it’s  good news or not is to undergo a test. However, there are certain early signs of this phase.

Implantation bleeding

Women experience this symptom within 6 to 12 days of egg fertilization. Once she has conceived, the fertilized eggs get attached to the uterus wall which causes spotting and cramping (implantation bleeding). Most people often mistake this slight bleeding as their periods.

Apart from that, they may also experience the secretion of milky white discharge which results from the thickening of the vaginal walls. This white discharge is harmless and continues to flow throughout the entire phase. Along with these, be ready for the frequent urination.

Nausea and fatigue

One of the most common early symptoms, a woman can experience nausea any time of the day or maybe all day. It happens due to pregnancy hormones. Again, while you might not vomit at all, you would certainly experience exhaustion. It occurs mainly during the 1^st and 3^rd trimester. Take rest, consult the GYN and you’ll be fine.

Missed periods

Missed periods are an indication that encourages most women to have a test done for confirmation. However, not always does it specify  good news; on the contrary, you might also experience bleeding during your gestation period.

Changes in breasts

Breast changes are obvious and start occurring from the very initial stages; it’s because of the hormone levels of a female change rapidly.

• They become heavier, swollen and painful
• Breasts also become very sensitive
• They might appear full
• The areola (area around the nipple) will darken

Some other common symptoms include –

1. Back pain and other body aches
2. Pelvic girdle pain
3. Newfound food cravings or even dislikes
4. Constipation
5. Mood swings
6. Extreme tiredness
7. Heartburn and headache
8. Patches of skin darkening
9. Belly button sticking out
10. Trouble in sleeping
11. Baby dropping/ moving to the abdomen’s lower section, etc.

Note: Every woman is different, and so are their bodily conditions and symptoms. If you experience none of these signs, you might still be expecting. It’s the doctor who can finally give you the confirmation.

Scheduling your 1^st pre-natal visit

You should schedule your 1^st pre-natal visit after 8 weeks from LMP or Last Menstrual Period. To simplify it, visit the doctor immediately as you come to know you are expecting. As every time the condition is different, pre-natal visits are important even when it’s not the first childbirth.

Be ready to face the series of essential questions your doctor is going to ask about your medical history.

1. Height, weight and blood pressure
2. Hemoglobin count
3. Accurate date of your LMP and other gynecological details
4. History of abortion and miscarriage
5. Any birth control methods applied before
6. Cases of hospitalizations or other medical history
7. Family’s medical history, etc.

Also, you and your partner can ask any question regarding this new phase you are going to experience. Do not hesitate to clear your doubts, as this will help you to prepare for both expected as well as unexpected surprises.

Why is prenatal care so important for the would-be mother?

At the very initial stage when a couple visits a doctor, they are counseled with a pre-conception to discuss everything regarding gestation and recommendations. But why is it important?

It is because prenatal care is not just about monitoring the health of the mother, but also about the unborn child’s health. Certain possible issues like high blood pressure, insufficient weight gain, diabetes (due to gestation) can be harmful to the fetus if left untreated.

The doctor further checks weight, heartbeat and position of the fetus in the uterus. Early detection of any problem or risk factor can be cured safely, if monitored in due time.

Some of the benefits of proper prenatal care (or say, more reasons) are –

1. Monitoring and assessment can give accurate nutritional information.
2. Keep constant track of the baby’s development through USG or other examinations.
3. Both of your health conditions depend completely on proper pre-natal care.
4. Helps learn the accurate date of labor and delivery.

Now, what else should you do to take care of your baby?

Would-be-mothers should consider the following things for taking care of their baby.

1. Avoid these habits during this period

During this gestation period, make sure to quit these following habits.

• Drinking alcohol
• Smoking
• Drug usage of any kind
• Watching television while having your meal
• Not sharing your stress with the doctor
• Eating junk food
• Shifting duty
• Ensure to cut down on caffeine
• Avoid hot baths

Engaging in sexual activity

During gestation, engaging in sexual activity is considered as a low-risk factor. However, sexual intercourse should be strictly avoided if the doctor recommends to, for any specific medical reason.

According to research, the frequency of sexual engagement and desire reduces while a woman is expecting. However, studies also indicate an increase in sexual desire during the 2^nd trimester.      

Proper exercise

Doctors, in normal conditions, recommend exercises that are safe for the particular individual. Some of those are – walking, running, yoga (specifically prenatal), swimming, etc. Besides these, you should follow a healthy diet to avoid any complications.

Proper medications

Apart from those your gynecologist has prescribed, make sure the other medicines you are taking (if any) are safe for your child. For instance:

• Herbal supplements
• Medicines for acne treatment
• Regular vitamins and amino acids
• Medicines for skin disease
• Specific antidepressants
• Medicines for asthma, etc.

These are not safe for a would-be mother; ensure to consult with your gynecologist before continuing or stopping abruptly. Both can have harmful effects on the body.

Few other things to do to take care of your unborn

1. Increase your intake of folic acid. It helps in the development of the central nervous system.
2. Consume iron supplements.
3. Do not eat red meat frequently.
4. Avoid cleaning your cat’s litter or getting exposed to other toxic substances.
5. Never lift any weight or do any heavy work.
6. Take proper rest and sleep early.
7. Avoid using the stairs in the last month (Or it may result in immature birth).
8. Exposure to bright light at night can be harmful.
9. Putting on excessive weight can also adversely affect.

Finally, childbirth!

So, after a long, exciting 40 weeks, you would finally be welcoming your baby. But when exactly?

Delivery between the 39^th and 41^st week ensures better outcomes and hence, it is known as a full term. During this period, one must wait for the labor to happen naturally as its best for both the mother’s and the baby’s health.

If the baby has a pre-matured birth (before week 39) or post-term birth (after week 42), the risk of complications significantly increases.

In this context; what complications may arise?

Complications during gestation may occur mainly due to health problems of the mother, child or both. Again, in some cases, complications may arise due to the mother’s health issues before conceiving. Some of the common difficulties are –

1. Thromboembolic disorders
2. Anemia
3. PIPPP (it’s a skin disease)
4. Postpartum psychosis
5. Pulmonary embolism          
6. Ectopic pregnancy
7. Multiple gestation
8. Certain other infections, etc.

Besides those mentioned above, there are possibilities that a woman who is expecting can suffer from certain incurrent diseases including –

1. Thyroid disease in gestation
2. Hypercoagulability
3. Diabetes mellitus
4. Vertically transmitted diseases

It’s the gynecologist who will guide you throughout this journey.

While your body prepares itself, are you prepared emotionally?

Along with your body, you must also be prepared both mentally and emotionally for the childbirth and labor. Here’s how you can.

1. Encourage yourself with strong, positive thoughts. Believe in yourself
2. Eliminate negativity completely
3. Understand the whole process thoroughly
4. Fear always increases pain; so, make sure to eliminate it
5. Try some mental visualization
6. Read some positive stories to fight anxiety
7. Most importantly, you must stay true and honest to yourself during pregnancy and childbirth.

Take deep breathe, stay calm and congratulate yourself on embarking on this new jubilant adventure of womanhood to motherhood.