Hello….Dear expected mom’s,
Becoming a mom is a wonderful experience and great feeling, but it also means some big challenges, changes & there’s a lot to take in. I am writing this blog just to help you to before welcoming your new little family member, nurturing her/him happy healthy development even before he/she leaves the womb.
Well before plan/unplanned pregnancy make sure you have the following:
- Mediclaim (that covers the maternity) else
- Knowledge of good hospital (within your budgets)
Pregnancy has 3 stages, each of which is marked by specific fetal developments. A pregnancy is considered full-term at 40 weeks; infants delivered before the end of week 37 are considered premature. Premature infants may have problems with their growth and development, as well as difficulties in breathing and digesting
- First Trimester
- Second Trimester
- Third Trimester
In every stage you will be require to know about the do’s & don’ts, reminders(Doctor visit, medicine, tests etc…) which you requires the most for healthy development of your baby & the changes in your body. Once your periods gets late 7 days or more than that, you may confirm at home through the various pregnancy test kits, if the test comes positive then you should prepare for yourself for pregnancy stages.
First Trimester of Pregnancy Challenges and Discomforts (0 to 13 Weeks)
1st Trimester: Very crucial stage of your pregnancy as baby starts developing in your belly. During this period, your baby's body structure and organ systems develop. Most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this period. Your body also undergoes major changes during the first trimester. These changes often cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness and frequent urination are some of symptom’s.
What should you do in 1st trimester of pregnancy?
Firstly plan your first visit to your Doctor (gynecologist). One of the goals of your first visit to your doctor is to confirm your pregnancy an+d see whether you or your baby could be at risk for any health problems. The doctor will do a full physical exam, which may include a weight assessment, blood pressure check, and breast checkup.
Prenatal First Visit!
Every pregnancy always different from another & Prenatal tests are tests done during pregnancy to check a woman's health and her baby's. They can detect conditions that can put a baby at risk for problems like baby's shape and position, preterm birth, any other health issue which can be harm to women or her baby. Your doctor might ask for following test but make sure you will do all the prescribed test as suggested by your gynecologist even on the same day as mention in your prescription.
Urine Test- To confirm your pregnancy, you may have a urine pregnancy test, which checks for HCG, a hormone and pregnancy indicator. Your urine (pee) also is tested for protein, sugar, and signs of infection. When your pregnancy is confirmed, your due date is calculated based on the date of your last menstrual cycle (period). Sometimes an ultrasound exam will help to figure this out.
Ultrasound- To check women’s due date, baby’s shape and development etc…
Blood test- your blood type and Rh factor. If your blood is Rh negative and your partner's is Rh positive, you may develop antibodies that prove dangerous to your fetus. This can be prevented through an injection given around the 28th week of pregnancy.
• anemia, a low red blood cell count
• hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV
• immunity to German measles (rubella) and chickenpox(varicella)
Thyroid disease- normally it happens during the pregnancy but it requires attention a lot as it can be very risky for women health and for her baby also. Take medicine as prescribed by doctor.
If your doctor recommends any test, ask about its risks and benefits that helps you to make an healthy pregnancy.
Apart from that
Your body also undergoes major changes during the first trimester. These changes often cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness and frequent urination. Although these are common pregnancy symptoms, every woman has a different experience. For example, while some may experience an increased energy level during this period, others may feel very tired and emotional.
You may try below tips that might help you
- Take a rest as you can; if you are working take a small break during your working hour that will makes you energetic whole day.
- Proper diet – take proper diet; you may include in your diet -Dairy Products. During pregnancy, you need to consume extra protein and calcium to meet the needs of the growing fetus, Legumes, Sweet Potatoes, Dark, Leafy Greens etc.. and forget about junk food, coffee, tobacco, alcohol & some fruits like pineapple grapes tamarind, papaya, watermelon, dates, frozen barriers etc..
Hope that now you have a good idea of what to eat, or not to eat when pregnant, While it may be difficult at the start to give up some of your favorites veggies and fruits, remember you are doing it so that you can carry your pregnancy to term and ensure good health for the baby and yourself.
Second Trimester of Pregnancy Challenges and Discomforts(14 to 26 Weeks)
The second trimester of pregnancy is often called the "golden period" because many of the unpleasant effects of early pregnancy disappear. During the second trimester, you're likely to experience decreased nausea, better sleep patterns and an increased energy level. However, you may experience a whole new set of symptoms, such as back pain, abdominal pain, leg cramps, constipation and heartburn etc…but in other way the baby's organs become fully developed during the second trimester. The baby can also start to hear and swallow. ... Later on in the second trimester, the baby will begin to move around. Somewhere between 16 weeks and 20 weeks, you may feel your baby's first fluttering movements. It will also develop sleeping and waking cycles that a pregnant woman will begin to notice.
Beside that -changes in your body during the second trimester.
- The uterus will expands, you begin to show a larger abdomen and people will notice your pregnancy by seeing your belly.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness due to lower /higher blood pressure.
- Feeling the baby movements.
- Body aches
- Increased appetite
- Skin changes, like darkening of the skin around your nipples, or patches of darker skin itching
- Swelling of the ankles or hands.
- Stretch marks on the stomach, breast, thighs, or buttocks -If you haven’t begun your pregnancy stretch marks prevention regimen, the second trimester is the time. Get a stretch mark oil as prescribed by your gyne and use it in the mornings after bathing. Enjoy the process of moisturizing by getting Daddy in on the oil application, and remind him that he needs to rub it onto your belly, hips, thighs, bottom and breasts.
Tips during your second trimester that may help you
- You may also notice some blood on your toothbrush when you brush your teeth. The increased blood volume can cause your gums to become softer and more vulnerable to bleeding. You may wish to use a softer-bristled toothbrush during pregnancy. Don’t give up on your dental routine, however. Brushing and flossing are still vital. You may ask your doctor if you’re concerned your gums are bleeding too much.
- Continue to take vitamins or as guided by your gyne
- Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat forms of protein, and fiber.
- Drink lots of water.
- Eat enough calories (about 300 calories more than normal).
- Eat sweets/sugar if you feel less/no moments of your baby and call your doctor on immediate basis. Never forget to discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns about the prescription drugs or supplements you are taking.
- Take a hospital tour. If you haven’t already, month 7 is a great time to take a tour of the hospital or birthing center where you plan to give birth.
Third Trimester of Pregnancy Challenges and Discomforts (27 to 40 Weeks)
You have now reached your final stretch of pregnancy and are probably very excited and anxious for the birth of your baby. Some of the physical symptoms you may experience during this period include shortness of breath, hemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, varicose veins and sleeping problems. Many of these symptoms arise from the increase in the size of your uterus, which expands from approximately 2 ounces before pregnancy to 2.5 pounds at the time of birth.
Your baby's bones are soft but fully formed, Movements and kicking increase, The eyes can open and close, Lungs are not fully formed, but practice "breathing" movements occur.
Your baby's body also begins to store vital minerals, such as iron and calcium so make sure that you are taking as per guided by your doctor.
Changes in your body
- You're probably feeling lots of fetal activity inside your belly. You may also be experiencing changes in your body as your bump gets bigger than ever, including:
- Abdominal achiness, Heartburn , Backache, Fatigue- you’ll feel more zapped this trimester because of the demands pregnancy is putting on your body, so eat well and frequently, stay active and solve pregnancy sleep problems.
- Fake contractions: Your body’s way of preparing for labor, you’ll start to feel these irregular practice contractions now until real labor starts.
- Stretch marks: These tiny tears, which appear in skin that’s being stretched to the limit during pregnancy, are usually a result of genetics. Moisturize to minimize their appearance.
- Crazy dreams: Thanks to pregnancy hormones, your dreams may be more vivid than ever as you near your due date. They’re totally normal — so take them with a grain of salt and have fun swapping stories with a loved one.
- Leaky breasts: Your body’s warming up to feed your baby.
- With all of these pregnancy symptoms and more weighing on you, just try to keep your eye on your beautiful baby, who you'll meet you very soon!!
- Tips that might help you in third trimester
- Keep track of fetal movement. From about week 28 on, you’ll want to count baby’s kicks regularly and note any changes in activity, especially during month 9.
- Lightening: By about week 36, you may find yourself waddling as your baby drops in your pelvis.
- Your water breaking: This may not even happen, however, until you’re already at the hospital.
- If at any point, however, you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, a fever over 101.5 F, severe lower abdominal pain, sudden weight gain, signs of preterm labor or any other signs that warrant a call to your doctor, don’t hesitate to reach out — you’re always better trusting your instincts and staying on the safe side when you’re expecting.
Editor Note: This blog is just for the help, before taking any decision, consult to your doctor first.
