Pregnancy is the most beautiful and blessed time in a woman’s life and it is equally important for every woman to take utmost care during this time. Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your last normal period. The weeks are grouped into three trimesters. During the first trimester, your body undergoes many changes. Hormonal changes affect almost every organ system in your body. These changes can trigger symptoms even in the very first weeks of the pregnancy.
If you are dealing with first-time pregnancy there are few concerns you need to know.
- Hemorrhoids- With pregnancy comes constipation. Constipation is one of the most vital things many women face during pregnancy. Increase your water and fiber intake to curb the problem.
- The sandbag boobs- Another weird thing many women faces during pregnancy is an enlargement or swelling on the breasts. Furthermore, your areolas will grow darker and can develop little bumps. Not only that, your nipples will begin excreting liquid known as colostrums, which is the early version of baby milk.
- Leg Cramps- Most of us had leg cramps at some point in our lives. Especially women previously on pills, who have long been told to look out for them as they can indicate a blood clot. The same rules of caution apply when you are pregnant, but leg cramps can be much worse, especially towards the end of a pregnancy.
- Mood Swings – Indulge yourself in some food cravings and random mood swings. Support from your partner plays a crucial role in overcoming these challenges but as long as you got it so better enjoy it.
- Bloating- Baby bump is the common and evident characteristic development that every woman faces during pregnancy. This happens because of the baby inside the womb increases in size and shape.
Pregnancy requires check-ups and routine tests; before you seek pregnancy you must know few tests that can help you towards safe pregnancy and healthy child:
- Carrier Genetic test- If you had consanguineous marriage, it is quite possible that you and your partner transfer common genetic disorder to your child. Before conceiving the couple should screen themselves for disorders.
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) – If your baby can inherit your family’s genetic disorders then opt for PGD through an IVF. PGD is performed on a small embryo biopsy and identifies which embryos are not at increased risk of developing the disorder. The goal of PGD testing is to help couples build a healthy family.
- NACE- screens the embryo for common chromosomal abnormalities in chromosome 21, 18, 13, X & Y. The test also helps in identifying the baby’s gender.
Few basic guidelines that every pregnant woman should follow are proper medication and regular checkups and avoiding stress situation. As your body changes, you might need to make changes to your daily routine, such as going to bed earlier or eating frequent, small healthy meals. Fortunately, most of these discomforts will go away as your pregnancy progresses. And some women might not feel any discomfort at all! If you have been pregnant before, you might feel differently this time around. Just as each woman is different, so is each pregnancy.
