Pregnancy Planning

PREGNANCY PLANNING

This time I am sharing my views regarding Pregnancy Planning. This article is written keeping in mind the “would be parents”. This will include, when you suspect that you are pregnant, how to take care of the 9 months of pregnancy, about diet, whether intercourse is safe in pregnancy period.

HOW WILL YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT

§ You will miss your monthly period. However, stoppage of period is not the definite cause of pregnancy. There are hundred other causes.

§ Your nipple will be swollen, a bit softer and there may be a little bit of pain.

§ Tiredness, feeling sleepy.

§ Nausea- a sense of vomiting. It can occur in any time of the day. But more pronounced in the morning hours.

§ Distaste to specific food items, even its smell.

§ Craving for some other.

§ Fullness of lower abdomen and uneasiness.

§ Repeated sense of urination.

These symptoms are seen in most of the women. But it may vary from person to person.

CARE DURING FIRST TRIMESTER

The first three months is called “First Trimester”. Several changes occur to the mother during this period. This is the high time to change the life style of would be parents.

§ Quit smoking if anyone one you two are having this habit.

§ Consult your gynecologist within first nine weeks.

§ Try taking herbal tea instead of coffee. Avoid alcohol.

§ Do not take any medicine other than prescribed by medical personnel. Some medicines deleteriously affect the growth of fetus.

§ Can do some light exercise after consulting the doctor.

§ Go through the books & websites relating to pregnancy. You can start budgeting for the newcomer.

CARE DURING SECOND TRIMESTER

Second three months. The uneasiness of the first trimester gets reduced gradually. You will feel a lot better. In the last part of second semester, contour of your lower ab is increased. So that outsider can identify you as pregnant. Don’t worry, you’ll be assisted by most of them when you go for shopping or outside.

§ Would be mother gains weight. So you must be very careful to walk, sit, sleep.

§ Regular walking is a must.

§ Take plenty of water.

§ There is a tendency to swollen your legs. So you must keep adequate rest to your legs. Place a stool in front of you when you are sitting to keep your feet up.

§ Make advance booking to the hospital. You can consult your health insurance agent about how much will be covered by your insurance.

CARE DURING THIRD TRIMESTER

Final stage is third trimester. Fetus becomes 49 cms to 55 cms inside uterus.

§ Would be mothers feel more warmth because of the fetus. Don’t panic.

§ You may feel tired most of the day. So take ample rest. Lie down on your one of the comfortable sides. You may put some additional pillow in between your legs and back to give support.

§ Colostrums may dribble from the nipple. Again, don’t panic.

§ Pack your bag for hospital, so that you don’t have to rush in case of an emergency.

§ Just give up the thought about the sex of the children. Pray only for a healthy baby.

§ Have some mental preparation.

You should take adequate balanced diet after consulting your gynecologist all throughout the pregnancy period.

Take two doses of Tetanus Toxoid as per WHO guidelines.

INTERCOURSE DURING PREGNANCY PERIOD

Many couples are concerned abut what or not to have sex during pregnancy period. Just remember if otherwise okay, sex during pregnancy period is safe. Just remember the following lines: -

§ If you had a miscarriage earlier, consult you doctor regarding sex.

§ Posture should be of female partner’s choice.

§ Avoid oral sex.

§ If there is discharge from vagina, consult your doctor before having sex.

§ Female libido becomes lowered during pregnancy due to hormonal effect. She should not be pressurized for sex.

§ If female partner feels any kind of pain after sex or there is bleeding from vagina, you must consult your doctor immediately.