Your Pregnancy

One of the beautiful as well as burdensome phase for young couples. Many were confused due to a lot of inputs by people surrounding you and many are always worried about well being of the fetus from the day they learn they are conceived.

Child health is closely related to the mother’s health and hence a healthy mom gives birth to a healthy child ( genetic conditions are whole different topic )

So this is going to be a near-complete guide to take away the fear of pregnant couples BUT NOT THE SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL CARE – what to do, what not to do, when to worry, what is normal, what is abnormal etc.

Your pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your Last Menstrual Period ( LMP)

When to suspect you are pregnant?

1. Missed period

2. You will have light spotting for a day or two in between the month and it’s called as Implantation Bleeding.

3. Fatigue, increased frequency of urination, mood issues, breast tenderness or any other changes

4. Nausea and vomitings

5. Finally a positive HPT ( home pregnancy test)

What does your doctor do when you visit her with the doubt of pregnancy?

1. A blood test to determine your blood HCG levels ( Human chorionic Gonadotropin hormone levels which are elevated during pregnancy)

2. UPT ( Urine pregnancy test)

3.Pelvic examination.

4. Sonogram

If you are pregnant she prescribes you Folic acid tablets, calcium tablets, vitamin D tablets, drugs for nausea, vomiting, and other drugs if you need any.

FIRST TRIMESTER

Common problems faced by women

1. Nausea, vomiting

2. Light bleeding varies from Pinkish to brownish color mostly for 1-2 days and it will be watery.

3. Breast tenderness

4. Constipation

DIET – It’s very important to keep a check on your diet because this is the trimester where important organs of your child develops – spinal cord, heart, brain, etc

1. Take medicines prescribed by medical professionals without fail.

2. Folic acid-rich foods are important for proper development of the nervous system – Green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beetroot, bell pepper, nuts ( Almonds, walnuts, dry grapes and cashew paste ( eat less cashew, pasta if you have constipation or diabetic )

3. Protein – Important for growth of baby. Eat seafood ( try avoiding pond fish as the risk of chemical exposure is high), chicken, legumes, lentils, soya, tofu, cottage cheese, eggs.

4. Fruits – Eat seasonal fruits available.

5. Take dairy products.

6. Keep yourself hydrated.

DON’TS

1. Avoid undercooked meat.

2. Don’t drink castor oil for constipation.

3. Don’t eat raw papaya in large quantities.

4. Don’t eat food at a time rather eat at regular intervals.

5. Avoid alcohol

6. Don’t take any medicines without a doctors prescription.

7. Avoid spicy foods

EXERCISE – Avoid the doctor says to or just walk or get advice from trained professionals.

Minimum visits to a doctor – 1

But see your doctor if you have

1. Heavy bleeding

2. High fever

3. Burning sensation during urination – Chances of urine infection.

4. Many episodes of vomitings that lead to dehydration ( dryness of throat, eye discomfort, abdomen pain, dry skin are symptoms of dehydration.

5. Fits

SECOND TRIMESTER 13-28 weeks

Common symptoms

1. Nausea, vomitings but are reduced when compared to first

2. Frequent urination

3. Around 18 weeks you will feel fetal movements.

4. Mild edema of legs

Minimum visits to doctor – 1

DIET – As mentioned above.

When to see a doctor

1. Any bleeding per vagina

2. Severe edema of foot and edema of the body.

3. Headaches

4. Blurring of vision

5. Sudden disappearance of fetal movements.

6. Pain or burning sensation during urination.

7. Fever – Common during this trimester and don’t neglect.

8. Fits

EXERCISE – As advised by the doctor.

THIRD TRIMESTER – 29 – 40 weeks

Common symptoms

1. More pronounced fetal movements

2. Palpitations, breathlessness due to exertion of pressure of fetus.

3. Breast tenderness, enlargement.

4. Around 38 weeks one feels lighter.

Visits to doctor

Recommended – Once in 7 months.

Twice in 8th month

After completion of the 8th month – Once in a week.

DIET – As mentioned above

When to see a doctor

1. Bleeding or any discharge per vagina.

2. Blurring of vision

3. Edema of body

4. When the pains or contractions increases with time ( true labor pains)

5. Burning or painful micturition

6. Fever

7. Fits

EXERCISE – As recommended by the doctor.

How to differentiate between true and false labor pains?

False labor pains – You will be relieved with rest or change in the position. They occur irregularly. Usually mild pain in the lower abdomen. If not relieved or if you feel discomfort visit the doctor.

True labor pain – Occur regularly and the intensity of pain increases as time passes. Not relieved with rest or changing position. Back pain and abdomen pain are seen. Immediately see a doctor.

NOTE – Minimum visits should be 4.

Never miss 2 TT shots.

When is your pregnancy called a High-risk pregnancy?

1. When you are more than 30 years old.

2. Twins

3. When you are short-statured ( 140 cm and below)

4. Hypertension, diabetes, TB, heart problems, malaria, kidney, liver diseases in pregnancy

5. Fits

6. Three or more consecutive spontaneous abortion.

7. Previous c section or complications in the last pregnancy.

8. Incorrect position of baby.

9. No signs of delivery even after the expected date.