If you are a first time to-be mom, then pregnancy can be very confusing, and at times, a frightening experience for you. However, to ensure safety, you ought to be aware of certain things and practice them religiously.
Pregnancy is an experience of a lifetime. Apart from physical, a woman undergoes a plethora of psychological changes too. These changes can be quite challenging to deal with.
If you are a first-timer, then a slight variation in your physiology can scare you beyond wits. Hence, it is imperative that you know a few basics, as this will enable you to determine what is normal and what isn't. Needless to say, this will ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Gestational Age
Gestational age is counted from the first day of your last menstrual period. Since fertilization occurs anytime between 11-21 days of menstruation, your baby can be born anytime after 37 weeks and before 40 weeks of pregnancy. This is a full-term pregnancy.
Bleeding
Bleeding is normal if it occurs very early during pregnancy. It is called implantation bleeding or implantation spotting, and the discharge is mostly pink or brown in color.
However, if bleeding occurs after the first trimester, you should consult your OB-GYN without delay. This could be an indication of a possible miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. In either case, you need immediate medical intervention. Thus, unusual bleeding is one of the important indications of abortion.
Weight Issues
It is a well-established fact that pregnancy causes a lot of weight gain. But what you need to know is how much weight gain is normal and when exactly should you put on weight.
A weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds is considered normal. This amounts to about extra 300 calories consumption everyday. Weight gain usually occurs during the second trimester, mostly in the 5th month, when a voracious hunger sets in.
Diet and Nutrients
Your doctor will most likely make a diet chart for you. Apart from well-balanced meals, you must take prenatal vitamins and supplements like folic acid (to alleviate birth defects), iron (to prevent anemia) and calcium (to strengthen the bones and teeth).
Signs of Labor
Once you are nearing your due date, you should look out for signs of labor. One sure shot sign that you are going into a labor is frequent contractions which increase in duration as well as intensity.
There are certain physical conditions that will accompany you throughout your pregnancy. These include back pain, swollen legs, and drastic variations in emotional state. Also, the hormonal changes may make you susceptible to various diseases and infections.
You should also be aware of the fact that this causes tremendous fatigue and an excessive urge to urinate. During the later stages, you may find yourself coping with a condition called 'nesting', which essentially is an urge to clean the house or do other chores.
Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.