Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a journey of 40 weeks. It could be a joyful or stressful experience, depending on the pregnant woman’s disposition. It is the time when a woman takes responsibility to care for a new life that grows within her. Whether it is her first or nth, pregnancy entails so many adjustments in a woman’s, her husband’s and/or the entire family’s lives. It is important for her, therefore, to be aware of certain measures that may influence and guide her through a healthy and balanced pregnancy journey.
For one, an expectant mother cannot afford to let herself be carried away by her craving for or aversion to food because she has to consider the health and nutrition of the new creation inside her womb. She should eat a well-balanced diet and make sure that she takes the vitamins prescribed by her doctor otherwise she may suffer from pregnancy malnutrition. A malnourished mother may eventually lead to birth complications and abnormalities.
After having gone through identifying the signs and symptoms of pregnancy, and pregnancy tests, the expectant mother now has to step up into the preparation level of pregnancy.She can now arrange for an appointment – and more appointments during the whole course – with an obstetrician. This is called the prenatal visit(s). During the first visit, she discusses with her obstetrician the first day of her last menstrual period and her expected date of delivery. Pregnancy vitamins will then be prescribed and the monthly prenatal schedule is set to monitor the baby’s development. She will also have to further undergo more tests and procedures like urine test, complete blood count, blood type, Rh factor, antibody screening, hepatitis B testing, ultrasound scanning, and fetal monitoring.
Pregnancy has three stages, called trimesters. The first trimester lasts for 14 weeks. It is during this period that the expectant mother starts to strictly observe an intake of 2200 calories per day; well-balanced, healthy diets with sufficient amount of fiber for energy and comfort and to promote her baby’s growth; punctilious taking of prenatal vitamins; abstinence from alcohol and tobacco; small yet more frequent meals to replenish what she throws up, and; physical exercises to help decrease fatigue and stress.
The second trimester, which lasts until the end of the seventh month of pregnancy, is the easier stage because the expectant woman’s feelings of morning sickness would have considerably lessened and she starts to regain some of her energy. It is during this stage that her stomach becomes conspicuous as it begins to expand. She can now feel her baby kick and move. Between weeks 18 and 20, the expectant mother may want to have an ultrasound scanning to determine her baby’s gender. Moreover, she still has to maintain an intake of 2500 calories per day; well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber; prenatal vitamins; abstinence from alcohol; modified exercises to protect her weight bearing joints, back and abdominal muscles, and; be very cautious in lifting and carrying activities.
Finally, the third stage.During the third trimester of pregnancy the expectant mother will now feel more sensitive, emotional, and anxious. The increased size and weight of the baby can cause her more pain, especially in her back, making her feel uncomfortable and anxious. Emotionally, too, she may begin to worry about what kind of mother she is going to be. At this stage, she should do some stretching and toning exercises to prepare for childbirth.
And then comes, childbirth, which is the culmination of a human pregnancy.
Tags: Pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms