Pregnancy is often exciting for women. Most of those who get pregnant for the first time usually have many questions about it. They want to know what they will experience until delivery and how they can help keep themselves and their baby healthy.
Pregnancy guide in the first trimester
When it comes to your week-by-week pregnancy guide, let’s first look at the changes you’ll experience during the first trimester. It may sound strange, but you are not really pregnant in the first or second week of pregnancy! Because the sperm is formed 2 weeks after the start of the last period, but the gynecologist calculates the beginning of pregnancy from the first day of the last period to estimate the delivery date. For example, if you last had your period on May 2, this date is considered the first day of pregnancy.
The first few months of pregnancy usually pass with rapid changes. The most important changes you experience are: breast sensitivity to touch, fatigue, nausea and mood swings that can range from excitement to anxiety. Significant changes also occur in the fetus, because the first trimester is the time of rapid growth and development.
If you are in the first trimester of pregnancy, see your gynecologist to start prenatal care. The doctor will provide you with a complete pregnancy guide, perform the necessary screenings and tests, and prescribe you the right nutritional supplement. It also tells you what foods and medications to avoid and how much to exercise.
Pregnancy guide in the second trimester
During the second trimester of pregnancy (from the fourth to the sixth month), you probably feel better than before. Because the further you go, the more real the fetus looks. Your baby was just a few cells at the beginning of pregnancy, but now it has real organs, nerves, and muscles.
Symptoms of the second trimester include enlarged breasts, enlarged abdomen, and skin changes. At this time, the fetus acquires the ability to move, hear and swallow. His gender is also determined.
At 20 weeks, you are halfway through your pregnancy. But it is still important to see a gynecologist regularly. Every time you see your doctor, talk to your doctor about the symptoms you’re experiencing and any concerns you have.
Pregnancy guide in the third trimester
The last months of pregnancy can be physically and emotionally challenging. Third trimester symptoms range from back pain and heartburn to anxiety. Fetal growth continues in the third trimester. At this time, your baby’s eyes will probably open and his weight will increase. This rapid growth may lead to increased fetal movements.
You should see your doctor regularly during the third trimester. The doctor examines the condition of the baby and prepares you for delivery. If you have any questions about the birth process, be sure to ask your gynecologist.
Problems during pregnancy
It is very important to maintain the health of the fetus during pregnancy. For this reason, pregnancy problems can be very worrying. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, or depression, talk to your doctor about how it might affect your pregnancy and how you can minimize the effects of the condition. In this situation, you may need more careful monitoring or a special treatment plan.
Some problems may occur only during pregnancy. For example, some women get diabetes during this period. This disease, which is called gestational diabetes (GDM), usually occurs between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes often improves after delivery, but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
A guide to a healthy pregnancy until delivery
In order to pass the pregnancy safely, observe the following points:
Follow a healthy diet. Eat nutritious foods and reduce the consumption of foods containing sugar, salt and fat. It is also recommended to consult a doctor about the necessity of taking nutritional supplements.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol passes through the placenta and enters the body of the fetus. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.
Do not smoke. Smoking or being exposed to other people’s secondhand smoke is very harmful to your child. Because it may lead to miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight baby.
Be physically active. Walking or swimming is safe for most pregnant women. But before starting exercise, be sure to consult your gynecologist about the activities you can do.
Vaccinate. If you are planning to become pregnant, make sure you get the rubella and chicken pox vaccine. These 2 diseases can cause serious complications in your child. Talk to your doctor about the vaccines you should get during pregnancy, including the flu shot.
Do not expose to chemicals. Substances that can harm your child include: detergents, pesticides, chemical fertilizers and tobacco.
Take care of your mental health. Feeling anxious during pregnancy is completely normal. But if this issue is disrupting your daily life, seek treatment as soon as possible. This is where the importance of familiarizing with the pregnancy guide for fathers becomes clear. If you struggle with fatigue and anxiety, ask your partner to help you get more rest. This is especially important when you have other children and want to take care of them as well.
giving birth
The average length of pregnancy is 40 weeks. But there is no way to know the exact time of delivery. Most women give birth between 38 and 41 weeks of pregnancy. On the other hand, it is not clear exactly what causes labor to begin, but probably hormonal changes play a role in its occurrence. With the onset of labor, the uterine muscle contracts at regular intervals and its opening expands.
In women giving birth to their first baby, labor usually lasts 12 to 18 hours, but the duration of this process is about eight to 10 hours for women who have given birth before. Remember that every woman can experience childbirth differently, and yours may not necessarily be the same as your mother’s, sister’s, or friend’s.
final word
During pregnancy, you are responsible for creating a safe environment for your child to grow. If you do not know what to do during this important period, consult a gynecologist.
