Table of Contents
If you have chosen to have a baby, the most important thing is that you must take proper care, so that you and your baby remain healthy in the future. Women are likely to have healthy babies who receive proper care and make the right decisions. When you discover that you are pregnant, see a doctor to start receiving prenatal care (pregnancy care) as soon as possible. The sooner you start receiving medical attention, the better will be the chances of staying healthy in the future.
The doctor will ask a lot of questions during the first consultation, such as your last period date. You can calculate how long you have been pregnant and expect the birth of your baby. Doctors estimate the pregnancy duration in weeks. The due date is estimated, but most babies born between 38 and 42 weeks after the first day of the last female menstrual period, or between 36 and 38 weeks after conception (when the sperm fertilizes the egg); however only a small percentage of babies born at the estimated date of delivery.
The pregnancy is divided into three phases. The first trimester runs from conception to the end of week 13. The second one is between week 14 and 26. The third trimester is up to the end of pregnancy from week 27.
During the examination, the doctor first measures the belly to record the growth of the baby. Then your doctor will monitor your weight, blood pressure and urine during consultations. The doctor uses ultrasonography to hear the heartbeat of the baby and whenever you visit the doctor will listen to the heartbeat of the baby. Your doctor will probably also indicate other tests during pregnancy, such as to test the sugar, pressure, thyroid and many others to ensure that the baby is in perfect condition.
Many of the women are concerned about your body’s appearance and fear of gaining weight during pregnancy. However, as you feed two people, this is not the time to cut calories or go on a diet. Both you and your baby need the baby to grow properly with certain nutrients. If you eat a variety of healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and reduce junk food, high fat will help you and your baby grow healthy.
Exercising during pregnancy is good for your health if you have no pregnancy complications and choose suitable activities. Doctors generally recommend activities with a low impact such as walking, swimming and yoga.
Gaining plenty of rest during pregnancy is important. Try to get the habit of “SOS” (sleep on side) during the first months of pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, the most comfortable position will be to lie on your left side and knees bent. It will make it easier for the heart to function as the weight of the baby will not exert any pressure on the vein that carries blood back to the heart from the feet and legs.
Talk about sex during pregnancy with your doctor. If you have sex during pregnancy, you should use a condom to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Because some STDs in the newborn can cause blindness, pneumonia, or meningitis, protecting yourself and the baby is important for you. By taking care of all these points a woman who is pregnant will able to maintain a healthy pregnancy and the newborn child will also remain healthy.
If you read books, attend classes, or consult reliable parenting websites, you can learn more about what happens when you are pregnant and when you become a mother. They can guide you with all your difficulties.