Maternity

Diagnosing Pregnancy

Three of the most common signs of early pregnancy are missed period, morning sickness, which can occur any time of day, and tender or swollen breasts. When a woman has been experiencing any of these symptoms, or has other reasons to think that she is pregnant, she may use one of three basic types of pregnancy tests available. The most common and easiest to perform is one of the many home pregnancy tests. This test utilizes a first in the morning urine sample to diagnose pregnancy. If this test is performed correctly, it can give 95% accurate results 15 days following conception. A lab urine test is a procedure similar to the home pregnancy test. A high degree of accuracy is attributed to the test being performed by a trained professional who is more likely to conduct the test correctly. The serum pregnancy test, or blood test can detect pregnancy with 95% plus accuracy as early as eight to ten days after conception and with virtually 100% accuracy six weeks after conception. Questions about symptoms or test options are best answered by a qualified physician, specializing in obstetrics.

Morning Sickness

Only one third to one half of expecting women ever experience the nausea and/or vomiting of morning sickness. Morning sickness is actually misnamed since it can strike at any time of the day. Morning sickness rarely interferes with proper nutrition enough to harm the developing fetus, and for most women, tapers off after the third month. Medical experts are not exactly sure of the cause of morning sickness. There are some ways of alleviating its symptoms and minimizing its effect. Eat a diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates, drink plenty of fluids, especially if you are losing it through vomiting, take a prenatal supplement to compensate for nutrients you may not be getting. Avoid any foods that make you queasy, eat often before you feel hungry, or nausea strikes. Get extra sleep and relaxation since fatigue increases morning sickness. Take it slow in the morning as rushing tends to aggravate nausea.

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is very important to both you and your baby. Consult with your obstetrician as soon as you find out your are pregnant. He will explain proper diet and nutrition as well as medications to avoid and appropriate exercise. It is advised that the mother decrease the amount of empty calories in here diet while increasing the amount of healthy calories. Protein is especially important, and water should be consumed daily. Prenatal vitamins will be prescribed, but they serve as a supplement to a good diet and cannot be relied on to correct poor diet. Most doctors will advise their patients not to diet but to watch the sweets and fatty foods they eat. Generally, a good weight gain si 25 to 30 pounds. During your first three months, you may feel very tired. The best thing to do is to give in to the fatigue and rest frequently. Getting enough rest is important to both of you throughout your pregnancy.

Diet and Exercise

During your pregnancy, you have the opportunity to improve your baby’s healthy development by following a good diet and exercise program. Remember to make every bite count. Never skip meals. Your baby needs regular nourishment at regular intervals. If persistent heartburn or a constant bloated feeling is spoiling your appetite, eat six small meals a day instead of three large ones.

The amino acids that compose protein are the building blocks of human cells and are particularly important to a baby’s development. At a minimum, pregnant women should have 75 grams of protein every day. Calcium is also very important in the development of strong bones and teeth as well as being vital for the muscles, heart and nerve development. Pregnant women should drink four glasses of milk a day, or the equivalent in high calcium food. Substitute simple carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, refined cereals, cake and cookies for complex carbohydrates like whole grain bread and cereals, brown rice, vegetables, potatoes and fresh fruits. These complex carbohydrate foods are filling but not fattening, and will help to keep nausea and constipation in check. Avoid empty calorie foods like candy bars and chips. Substitute nutritious snacks like raisins and baked potatoes. Prenatal vitamins will be prescribed as a supplement to a good diet but cannot be relied upon to correct a poor diet.

Moderate physical activity during pregnancy is now considered not only thoroughly safe, but extremely beneficial for most expecting mothers and their babies. First check with your doctor to make sure that exercise is safe for your particular pregnancy. Exercise may be eliminated in high risk pregnancies. Exercise in moderation especially if you were not on a regular exercise program before you became pregnant. There are a variety of exercises that are beneficial during pregnancy such a walking at a brisk pace, swimming in shallow water, cycling on a stationary bike, calisthenics designed especially for pregnancy and relaxation routines. Avoid scuba diving, water skiing, sprinting, skiing about 10,000 feet and contact sports. Exercise during pregnancy can relieve backaches, prevent constipation and varicose veins, strengthen you for childbirth and leave you in better shape after the baby is born.

Postpartum Blues

Postpartum depression is a condition which occurs in approximately 50% of new mothers, typically around the 3rd day following delivery. Experts have not yet found any definite explanation or solutions for the depression. Several factors may contribute to these feelings of depression. The baby now becomes the center of attention, which was one the role of the expectant mother. Mothers often feel overwhelmed by the new responsibilities of the baby. The physical demands of labor and delivery create exhaustion for the new mother which may lead to depression. A feeling of anti-climax may occur once the big event is over, unhappiness over the new mother’s looks may result in her realizing she is no longer pregnant, just overweight. While there is no cure for postpartum blues, there are ways to cope with the condition. First, recognize that the condition is most likely temporary. Additionally, it is important to recognize your own needs. Needs for rest, recreation and relaxation. Accept the help of family members and close friends, and make time for yourself.

Working During Pregnancy

How a pregnant woman working affects an unborn fetus is still not all that clear. It depends largely on the type of work the woman does. It is best to discuss with your doctor the type of work you perform to see if it is safe for your particular pregnancy. The American Medical Association recommends that women who work at jobs requiring more than four hours a day on their feet should quit by the 24th week, and that those who must stand for thirty minutes of each hour, should quit by the 32nd week. Many physicians will permit women who feel good and are in good health to work a little longer. It’s not a good idea to stay at jobs which require lifting, climbing or bending below the waist past the 20th week if the work is intensive. Those women who have a desk job can work up until term if they feel good. There are a few ways of reducing stress at work. Wear support hose, take frequent breaks, stop working when you’re tired, keep your legs elevated at your desk if possible. If standing for a long time, keep one foot on a low stool to take pressure off your back. Avoid smoke filled areas and noxious fumes and chemicals. Rest a lot when you’re not working.