What to Expect During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a special time in your life that brings a host of new changes. Not only will you be holding a baby in nine months, your body will go through a major transformation---after all, it goes from gestating a tiny embryo to a seven pound fetus in a relatively short amount of time. Expect many physical and emotional changes during pregnancy. Here are some of the most common symptoms, as well as some things to consider while growing your baby.
Identification
A missed menstrual period is one of the first noticeable signs of pregnancy. You also may experience nausea, emotional highs and lows, breast tenderness, spotting, fatigue and an increased sensitivity to smell. If you think you're pregnant, either take a home pregnancy test or make an appointment to be tested with your doctor. Tests taken at your doctor's office have a smaller margin of error and will confirm whether or not you are pregnant. If a pregnancy is confirmed, your doctor can talk to you about prenatal care and answer any questions you may have.
Time Frame
A pregnancy typically lasts nine months, or 266 days from conception, and is divided into trimesters. The first trimester lasts up until week 12. Weeks 13 to 26 comprise the second trimester and the third trimester is from week 27 to whenever your baby is born, sometime around 40 weeks. A baby is considered full-term when born between 37 and 42 weeks. A baby born anytime before 37 weeks may need medical interventions to survive.
Features
Expect many physical changes during pregnancy. Besides the initial morning sickness that can actually happen any time of the day, you may experience heartburn, a frequent need to urinate, mood swings, constipation, backaches, headaches and food cravings. Symptoms differ from woman to woman. Symptoms are usually worse during the first trimester and lessen or disappear by the second trimester, often referred to as the "Golden Age of Pregnancy." The third trimester typically brings more aches and pains as your body works to support the large belly and prepare for birth.
Prevention/Solution
You can minimize or prevent some pregnancy symptoms and complications through proper nutrition and a balanced a diet. You should consume 300 more calories than you consumed pre-pregnancy and get 1000 to 1300 mg of calcium per day. Take a prenatal vitamin to make sure you're getting the right vitamins. Drinking plenty of water will help prevent constipation and replace lost fluids. Eating frequent small meals may ward off nausea and stomach aches. Some women have found it helpful to eat crackers or toast before getting out of bed in the morning.
Considerations
Expect to see your physician as often as once a week towards the end of your pregnancy. Think about having a birth plan---do you want to birth your baby naturally without medication or with an epidural? Your physician may advise you to take a childbirth class, especially if you plan to have the baby without an epidural. Also, consider having a doula, a woman who supports you with massages, positive reinforcement and comfort during your labor.
Tags: your baby, your doctor, baby born, changes during, changes during pregnancy, Expect During
