Pregnancy is a time in a woman when she is carrying a developing baby in her uterus. This is a natural process which is possible in all women of reproductive age if she chooses to pursue it. In humans, the normal period of pregnancy is 40 weeks from her last menstrual period which is roughly 9 months in duration. This time is separated into 3 trimesters with distinct features to care for in each.
First Trimester: This is generally taken to be the time from the last menstrual period up to the 13th week of pregnancy. This period is critical as this is the time for organ development and many external factors can affect the growth of the fetus. Medicines and several illnesses can affect the baby and it is therefore important to be vigilant. This is also the time during which there is the highest risk of miscarriage.
Second Trimester: This period lasts from the 14th to the 28th week. During this period, the baby develops further with discernible heart sounds. The movement of the baby can be felt by the mother. Several tests are generally recommended during this period including an ultrasound and blood tests for the mother to monitor well being of the growing baby
Third Trimester: This lasts from the 29th week till the birth of the baby. During this time frequent visits to the Obstetrician is recommended to follow up on the mother and growing baby. The position of the baby in the mother’s uterus is checked to evaluate for the preparation of childbirth. It is advised at this time to restrict travel to a minimum. Avoiding travel by air is recommended.
Pregnancy may be planned or unplanned depending on the situation, but the following can be kept in mind while planning a pregnancy
Pregnancy is considered in all women of reproductive age who present with absence in menstruation. The following tests are used to confirm the pregnancy
Once diagnosis is confirmed, additional tests are done to evaluate the mother’s health with the recommendation for regular follow up. Some more tests are required at specific periods during the course of the pregnancy to monitor fetal growth and well being
The onset of labour is marked by increasing abdominal pain with regular contractions. There is an associated descent of the fetal head in to the pelvis which can be felt by the mother. The amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus may leak out (water breaking). It is recommended to take the mother who is in labor to a hospital with a trained obstetrics team skilled at conduction both normal and caesarean deliveries
This post was last modified on July 21, 2023 3:37 pm
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