How to take care of a pregnant woman everyday?

How to take care of a pregnant woman everyday OR how to look after yourself when pregnant?

Pregnancy is the condition of the development of an embryo or fetus in a women’s body after the union of ovum and spermatozoon.  

It is the period of conception to that of birth. In this state, a woman carries a fertilized egg inside her body. Pregnancy lasts usually for about 40 weeks.

 

NINE-MONTH STAGES OF PREGNANCY:

 Here is the description about nine months of Pregnancy:

 

First Month:

 

During the first month of pregnancy, the embryo is about one-third of an inch long. There is the development of the head, beginning of arms as well as legs in an embryo. In this stage, the fetus is about 1inch (i.e. 2.5 cm).

 By the end of the first month, the liver and digestive system begin to develop, and the heart of the baby starts beating.

 

Second Month:

 

 In this stage, the the baby develops a complete cartilage skeleton which by the end of the month gets replaced by bone cells. Also, the heart and nervous system of the baby begins to develop.

 

Third Month:

 

In this month the baby grows and becomes about 4 inches. In this stage, the major blood vessels and the roof of the mouth get developed completely. Kidneys of the baby start functioning and the four chambers of the heart are developed.  Fingers and toes of the baby start appearing.

 

Fourth Month:

 

 In this stage, the fetus begins to kick and swallow. The organs of the baby are fully formed in this month. The baby can hear and urinate.

 

Fifth Month:

 

The baby inside the mother is about 8-12 inches. At this month the mother can feel the heartbeat of the baby through a stethoscope. The movement of a baby can also be felt.

 

Sixth Month:

 

 The fetus is red, wrinkly, and covered with fine hair all over its body. The fetus weight is about 454-681 g respectively in this month. The growth of the fetus becomes very fast this month.

 

Seventh Month:

 

 In this stage, the baby can open its eyes and can see the Mother’s watery womb. The fetus can suck its thumb. The weight of the fetus becomes 1.3 kg this month.

Eighth Month:

 The fetus may move in a head-down position as it is mostly ready to get out of the womb by next month. The baby weighs about 1.8-2.3 kg and 16-18 inches long.

 

Ninth Month:

 

Now the fetus in the mother’s abdomen prepares itself for the onset of labor. The time of delivery is between the 37th-42nd week. The weight of a healthy baby is about  2.7-4 kg during birth.

 

 SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY:

healthy pregnancy symptoms are divided into three trimesters:

Pregnancy care  first Trimester

 

The following are the symptoms of the first trimester:

1. Missing of menstruation (Periods)

2. Swelling in Women’s breasts

3. Enlargement of Nipples

4.Vomiting

5.Nausea

6. Tired

7. Creamy White discharge from the vagina

Second Trimester (13-28 weeks):

 

The second Trimester includes symptoms such as:

1. Enlargement of Uterus

2. Growing Nipples large

3. Increased Appetite

4. Increased heart rate

 

Third Trimester (29-40 weeks)

 

In Trimester three the symptoms are:

1. Stretch marks (in abdomen, breasts, and thighs)

2. Kicks from baby (may cause sharp pain)

3. Lower backaches

 

Other Symptoms:

 

Other symptoms may include:

• Constipation
•  Hemorrhoids
•  Heartburn
•  Carve to eat substances other than food
•  Chloasma

 

What to eat in pregnancy for fair and healthy baby?

 

During pregnancy, you should eat your entire favorite food that is nutritious for you and your baby. Your food must include protein, calcium, folate, iron, vitamins, and minerals.

Following is the description of the foods that are very nutritious and are very beneficial during pregnancy:

1. Protein:

 Protein is a must consume during Pregnancy. It helps in the proper growth and development of the baby’s organs as well as tissues.

Pregnant women should consume about 70-100g of protein per day.

Pregnant Women should eat Protein-rich foods such as:

•                Chicken
•                Salmon
•                Nuts
•                Peanut butter
•                Cottage Cheese
•                Beans

2. Calcium: 

Calcium helps to build the bones and tissues of the baby strong. You should consume 1000mg of calcium per day.

You should eat Calcium-rich foods such as:

•                Milk
•                Cheese
•                Yogurt
•                Green Vegetables
•                Salmon, Catfish etc.

3. Folate: 

Folic acid should be consumed by pregnant women so as to avoid and prevent the risks of birth defects as well as neural defects in the baby.

You should eat 600-800 mcg of Folic acid.

Folic acids rich foods include:

•                Dried beans
•                Nuts
•                Eggs
•                Leafy vegetables
•                Liver

4. Iron:

 Iron is an essential ingredient that should be taken by pregnant women.

You should eat 27 mg of iron each day.

Iron sources are:

•                Citrus fruits
•                Lean beef
•                Eggs
•                Leafy vegetables
•                Cereals

You should eat nutrients which include Vitamin B. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day.

 

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?

 

You should see a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

•                Bleeding from vagina
•                Abdominal pain
•                Leakage of fluid from the vagina
•                No fetal movement for 24 hours (after the fifth month)
•                Continuous headaches
•                Swollen eyelids
•                persistent vomiting
•                Strong Cramps
•                Fainting
•                Shortness of breath
•                Trouble walking
•                Blurry Vision

 

WHAT ARE THE EXERCISES THAT CAN BE PERFORMED?

You should do exercise if your pregnancy is progressing normally.

Start doing simple exercises such as:

• Aerobic Exercises (Brisk walk,swimming)
• Cycling (low impact aerobic exercise)
• Running (jogging)
• Swimming (increases heart rate)
• Walking
• Yoga (good for health and mind)
• Pilates (improve balance, strength, flexibility, and posture)

 

CAN PREGNANT WOMEN TRAVEL?

If you are a traveler and you wish to go out to visit your favorite destination, you can go ahead with your planning. But you have to take precautions while traveling. At the time of mid-pregnancy i.e. 

between 14 to 28 weeks, you can travel as per your wish. At this time there are very less chances of morning sickness as well as the risk of miscarriage. Though you should, first discuss your travel plans with your doctor and then work on them.  

You should drink plenty of water by whatever mode by which you are traveling to somewhere. If you are traveling by car then you should ensure to wear seatbelts properly.

 

TRACK YOUR WEIGHT GAIN:

You should keep constantly in your mind that you are eating for two. But on the other hand, you should neither eat too much nor less.

If you are not gaining weight then you might be at the risk of having development problems with your baby.  You should visit your doctor frequently to make sure if you are gaining perfect weight or not.

 

According to the recommendations of IOM, a pregnant woman (one baby) is

•       Underweight: if weight gains 28-40 pounds
•         Normal weight: if weight gains 25-35 pounds
•         Overweight: if weight gains 15-25 pounds
•         Obese: if weight gains 11-20 pounds

 

IS SEX SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?

 

There are many queries of pregnant women and their partners that if they can have sex during this period. Sex in pregnancy is normal, do not need to worry about that. Sex is generally considered safe in pregnancy.

For those women who are at risk for preterm labor, abstinence should be recommended for them.

The resumption of intercourse postpartum should be dictated by a woman’s level of comfort.

You should know that as the pregnancy progresses, there is a decrease in the achievement of orgasm and sexual satisfaction and an increase in painful intercourse.

 

WHAT ALL TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY?

The following are the thing you should avoid to do:

• Sea Food high in Mercury
• Undercooked meat, poultry, and egg
• Unpasteurized food
• Drinking alcohol
• Sitting or standing for too long
• Consuming excess Caffeine
• Unwashed fruits and Vegetables
• Exercise at high altitudes
• Smoking

 

So we understand how to take care of a pregnant woman everyday now look (FAQ):

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON PREGNANT CARE:+

Q1. Can I be pregnant even after getting your Periods?

The answer to this question is simply no. You can never get pregnant if you are getting your periods.

But if your vagina is bleeding doesn’t necessarily mean it’s your period. You could be bleeding for some other reason. A lot of women experience vaginal bleeding while they are pregnant.

2. So you should confirm properly if you have missed periods and you are pregnant.

Q2. What are the early signs of Pregnancy?

The signs may differ in women. Some common signs include:

• Missed Period
• Tender, swollen breasts
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Increased urination
• Fatigue