Pregnancy - A Lifetime Beautiful Journey - First Trimester

Discussion in 'Pregnancy & Labor' started by Priya_Mommy, Sep 7, 2010.

  1. Priya_Mommy

    Priya_Mommy Gold IL'ite

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    Hello Moms to-be,
    How are you all??
    This is the time where people get atmost attention in their life and treated as Queens!


    The Journey of Your Pregnancy -

    The beginning of a new life and the beginning of a new phase in your life. Do you feel overwhelmed?
    Pregnancy is a special situation where you are responsible for your health and that of your unborn child. Your baby's health is directly linked to your health. Therefore getting yourself fit and healthy is one of the best things you can do to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.
    Your body, adapts, changes .Your baby grows from one single cell to a fully formed human being. Understanding what happens to your body and how your baby grows will help you maintain optimum health.
    We will take you through this marvellous journey where you will ultimately bring forth a new life into the world.

    Episode -1 - Taking care of yourself and your baby

    Let's talk about Trimesters -
    Pregnancy is divided into three stages called trimesters.

    First trimester: 0 to 13 weeks (First three months)
    Second trimester: 14 to 26 weeks (4th, 5th and 6th months)
    Third trimester: 27 to 40 weeks (7th, 8th and 9th months)


    First trimester (0 to 13 weeks)

    You are technically into the fifth week of your pregnancy by the time your period is overdue and you take a test to confirm pregnancy. Pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period because the actual day of conception is not known. Ovulation occurs two weeks prior to the next period .. The missed period!!! hehehe!!!

    Yes, then starts a different story ,truely - Nausea and vomiting will take a toll on our health during pregnancy. How does it start??

    YOU - THE CREATOR

    There are certain changes in yourself and majorily health will take different turns!!

    Feeling Sick?
    Nausea can start even before you realize you are pregnant and can go on for several weeks. It is most likely due to rise in hormone levels and once this settles down at 12 to 14 weeks the sick ness usually disappears.
    Try eating frequent small meals. Hunger makes it worse, so do not starve. Eat plain biscuit or a slice of bread before you get out of bed and get up slowly. Ginger helps some women and lime helps some others. Suck on something sour like a slice of lime. If all these fails seek help from your doctor . Medications should be taken only if prescribed by your doctor.

    Tired all the time?

    Pregnancy is exhausting. Your body is working hard putting energy into nourishing your growing baby even though it is early days. Eat regularly to keep up your energy levels, get plenty of sleep and rest whenever you can.

    Heartburn?

    Many women experience a burning feeling in the stomach rising up into the throat. Eating little and often can help. If heartburn keeps you awake at night, eat early rather than late in the evening. Antacids can help. Ask your doctor.

    Medications?

    This is a critical time for the development of the baby, as you will read. This is the time for the formation of all organs: "organogenesis". The baby can be affected by any medications you take and some have the potential to cause birth defects. Therefore do not take any medications without consulting your obstetrician. Inform any other doctor you see that you are pregnant.

    Folic Acid?

    Often before women even know they are pregnant the baby's brain, heart and spine have already begun to form. The spine develops from a part called the neural tube. It does not form properly babies are born with neural tube defects. Folic acid prevents development of these defects and needs to be taken on a daily basis not only by all pregnant women but even those planning a pregnancy.

    Diet in pregnancy - The most import aspect to be considered

    Eating Healthy and Eating Well

    Eat five portions of fruits and vegetables everyday. Drink plenty of fluids. Drink eight glasses or two litres of water, fruit juices (preferably sugar free) and buttermilk everyday. Eat a variety of foods. Try to keep the fat content down. Increase your protein content by eating a variety of pulses and sprouted grams.

    YOUR BABY - THE HUMAN
    There are certain changes in your baby too and majorily from a egg form to a complete Human form!!!

    0 to 4 weeks

    About 5 to 7 days after the sperm fertilizes the egg, the egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. This process is called implantation. The fertilized egg then begins to grow in the uterus. Shortly after implantation the placenta and umbilical cord begin to form. The placenta and umbilical cord provide nourishment and oxygen to your baby and carry away the baby's wastes. Your baby is enclosed in a sac of fluid to protect the baby from bumps and pressure.

    5 to 8 weeks

    By the end of your first 6 weeks of pregnancy, your baby has a head and trunk. The eyes, brain, mouth, inner ears, and digestive system begin to form, as do tiny buds that will be the arms and legs. The heart also forms, and it begins to beat on the 25th day after conception (5 to 6 weeks after the last menstrual period).

    By the end of 6 weeks your baby is about 1/2 inch long (1 centimeter) and weighs a fraction of an ounce (or a few grams). This period is especially critical in the development of your baby. Any disturbance from drugs, viruses, or environmental factors such as pesticides may cause birth defects.

    By the end of the second month, all of your baby's major body organs and body systems, including the lungs, liver, and stomach, have begun developing. Ankles, toes, wrists, fingers, and sexual organs develop. If your baby is a boy, his penis begins to appear now.

    At the end of the month your baby looks like a miniature human infant. The baby is a little over 1 inch long (3 centimeters) and still weighs less than 1 ounce (less than 28 grams).

    9 to 13 weeks

    By the end of the first trimester, your baby is completely formed. The fingers and toes have soft nails, and tooth buds have formed under the gums. The head is large compared with the rest of the body. There is a bit of a nose and the lips are forming. The kidneys develop and start draining urine into the bladder. The baby's heart has four chambers and beats at 120 to 160 beats per minute. Your baby is now 4 inches long (10 centimeters) and weighs just a little over 1 ounce (over 28 grams).


    --------------------------------------------To be Continued!!!!
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2010
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  2. vjbunny

    vjbunny IL Hall of Fame

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    Re: Pregnancy - A Lifetime Beautiful Journey - Episode 1

    Thanks Priya-mommy,
    I would like to add my case. When my mother was pregnant with me she was adviced by some doctor to take pencillin injection as she had more water than necessary which backfired me by my having a hole in heart and I would like you to put this caution in your article ie to take medicine prescribed by good doctor if in doubt to consult another doctors opinion.
     
  3. Priya_Mommy

    Priya_Mommy Gold IL'ite

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    Pregnancy - A Lifetime Beautiful Journey - Second Trimester

    Hello All,

    Welcome back to Pregnancy -A Lifetime Beautiful Journey -Episode 2

    Neverthless to say, all of you crossed first trimester, that means you might have completed 13 weeks of gestation period with nausea,Morning sickness,giddiness etc etc which are the most common early symptoms of pregnancy.

    Yes, you are in a fabulous phase now gearing up towards 3rd trimester as you are already in second!


    Episode -2 - Taking care of yourself and your baby :

    YOU - THE CREATOR

    Reaching the second trimester is a milestone truely. You may now feel confident that this baby is on its way and start sharing news. There is still a long haul ahead but the second trimester can be a time when you really enjoy your pregnancy. The aches, discomforts and nausea of first trimester ease and you are not yet big and uncomfortable.

    Working during Pregnancy

    Most women can safely continue working throughout pregnancy. How long you continue working depends on the job you have. For example, if you sit during much of your work, you can probably continue to the end of your pregnancy.

    Some women have an increased risk of problems during pregnancy. For example, you may have a history of a premature delivery or high blood pressure. Your obstetrician considers your risk and the type of job you have, when advising you on working while you are pregnant.


    Hazardous working conditions

    Some working conditions may be hazardous in pregnancy. Consider the following guidelines to determine when you may need to quit working:

    If you have a job that requires standing for a long time, you may need to stop working as early as 24 weeks into the pregnancy. When you stop depends on how long you are required to be on your feet, if you can take rest breaks and put your feet up, and on your medical history. Stooping and bending below knee level can be a problem. If this is part of your job, you may have to stop working as early as 20 weeks into the pregnancy.
    If you climb ladders or stairs on the job, you may have to stop working at 20 to 28 weeks.If you lift heavy objects, you may have to stop working as early as 20 weeks into the pregnancy.

    Other possibly risky factors are excessive heat and heavy labor. Also, if your job exposes you to hazardous chemicals, gas, dust, fumes, radiation, or infectious diseases, you should be cautious. It is best to discuss these potential dangers with your obstetrician before you are pregnant.

    You also need to consider how long your commute to work is, the amount of stress you have on the job, and your ability to handle your additional responsibilities at home.

    Travel When You Are Pregnant


    Is it safe to travel during pregnancy? which one question comes to our mind for almost 100% pregnant women.

    For all of you - Usually it is safe to travel during the first 8 months of pregnancy. The main concerns with travel during pregnancy are access to medical care, discomfort, getting enough exercise and fluids, and having a healthy diet.

    If you plan to travel, discuss the trip with your obstetrician. Talk about:

    - The distance and length of the trip
    - The mode of travel
    - Any suggestions for things you should or should not do before, during, and after the trip.

    Generally, the safest time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester (13 to 28 weeks). At this time you probably feel your best and you are in the least danger of having a miscarriage or premature labor. Avoid traveling any long distance during the last 2 or 3 weeks before your due date. If labor starts early, you will want to be close to home.

    General guidelines for travel during pregnancy

    - See your obstetrician just before you leave on your trip.
    - Take a copy of your antenatal record with you.
    - Ask your obstetrician for the name of a doctor in the city or area you will be visiting.
    - Wear comfortable footwear and clothes.
    - Eat healthy meals and snacks. Meals may be unpredictable while travelling. Carry snacks with you.
    - Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Carry a water bottle with you.
    - Do not take any medicines, including non-prescription medicines, without your obstetrician's permission.
    - Get up and walk often while you are travelling. If you have to sit for a long time, alternate pointing and raising your feet often. Walking and moving your arms improves blood flow in your body. This prevents blood clots from forming in the legs and pelvis.
    - -Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not plan any trips during the third trimester of your pregnancy

    The mode of travel can be any but better to avoid motor bike.

    Coming to the most common issue during this period -

    Vaginal Discharge and Thrush

    A clear or white discharge is normal during pregnancy. If it becomes thicker or yellowish or causes itching consult your doctor .You maybe suffering from thrush. Use cotton panties during pregnancy, change them twice a day, and avoid scented soaps and deodorants in the vaginal region.

    Sore breasts

    You need to keep changing your bras as breasts enlarge during pregnancy. A comfortable bra will prevent pain.

    Backache in Pregnancy - an obvious issue

    The hormonal and physical changes your body goes through during pregnancy can lead to back pain. To avoid it:

    - Use a firm mattress
    - Exercise regularly: Swimming gently breaststroke or backstroke helps. Yoga is excellent but only in consultation with an expert.
    - Avoid sitting cross-legged
    - Sit straight
    - No heavy weight lifting
    - Leg Cramps

    Nobody is yet sure of the cause but some experts think it is lack of the mineral potassium and that extra calcium in the diet can prevent it. Eat bananas, drink coconut water, drink extra milk, and take calcium. If you get a cramp massage the leg firmly or put your bare foot on a cold floor.

    Swollen hands, feet and ankles - Another Pregnancy Issue

    This is due to the extra fluid in your system. Rest with your feet up whenever you can. Avoid tight fitting footwear, socks, hand-rings and toe-rings. Use a footrest while sitting. Keep a watch on your blood pressure.

    YOUR BABY - THE HUMAN
    A complete formed baby!!!

    14 to 17 weeks

    The baby is completely formed. The skin is pink and somewhat transparent, and eyebrows and eyelashes begin to appear. The baby's body is covered in fine soft hair called lanugo. The external sex organs have become distinctly male or female. Your baby has vocal cords, taste buds, and a strong heartbeat.
    The baby moves, kicks, sleeps, wakes, swallows, and passes urine. When you first feel the baby's movement (called quickening), this feeling is like bubbles or fluttering. Your baby is now 8 to 10 inches (16 to 25 centimeters) long and weighs about 150 grams.

    18 to 21 weeks

    Your baby will have a real growth spurt this month. The number of nerve cells in the brain increases rapidly this month. The baby is much more active, turning from side to side and head over heels. The baby sleeps and wakes at regular intervals and may suck its thumb. The internal organs are maturing, and the fingernails have grown to the tips of the fingers.

    Your baby is now about 12 inches (30 centimeters) long and weighs about 450 grams.

    22 to 26 weeks

    The skin is wrinkled and red and covered with vernix (a substance of oil and cells). The baby can open and close the eyes and can hear sounds. The baby's fingerprints and footprints have formed. By the end of this month, your baby is 11 to 14 inches (27 to 30 centimeters) long and weighs 450 to 680 grams. At the end of this month cells inside the baby's lungs begin to make a fatty substance called surfactant. This substance helps the baby breathe after birth. Because babies are still so small and the lungs are not fully developed at this stage, they usually cannot live outside the uterus without very specialized care.

    ---------------------------------------------------------Stay Tuned!!!!
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2010
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  4. Priya_Mommy

    Priya_Mommy Gold IL'ite

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    Re: Pregnancy - A Lifetime Beautiful Journey - Episode 1


    vjbunny,
    Thanks for your inputs, sure will highlight this in my next article!!!
     
  5. Uma Shakthi

    Uma Shakthi Senior IL'ite

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    Re: Pregnancy - A Lifetime Beautiful Journey - Episode 1

    Thanks a lot Priya Mommy for starting this article:thumbsup
     
  6. Uma Shakthi

    Uma Shakthi Senior IL'ite

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    Re: Pregnancy - A Lifetime Beautiful Journey - Episode 2

    Dear Priya Mommy,

    Thank you very much for providing the guidance and tips for the excellent phase of a woman:thumbsup

    Keep posting and it will be really helpful for us during each stage of pregnancy:)
     
  7. Priya_Mommy

    Priya_Mommy Gold IL'ite

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    Pregnancy - A Lifetime Beautiful Journey - Third Trimester

    Hello Ladies,
    Welcome back!!!I know you might have stayed over here for my article!
    Yes, I am here -

    You are almost there. You have already crossed 6 months of your pregnancy and very few months left to welcome your Bundle of joy!!!!

    Third Trimester (27 to 40 weeks)

    YOU - THE CREATOR

    You are now big, obviously pregnant, needing larger size clothes. This trimester is spent in preparation and anticipation of labour. After a certain point it leaves most women impatient and willing to agree with Phyllis Diller when she said, "The biggest craving in pregnancy is not to be pregnant".

    Pelvic joint pain - Painfully Painful

    Pregnancy hormones especially relaxin cause the joints in your pelvis to loosen - it is part of body's preparation for labour. For some women this can become painful. Simple walking and stretching may help. Massaging and hot fomentations are other alternatives. However if it gets too bad ask your doctor about a obstetric physiotherapist who can show you ways of moving which will lessen the pain. Since pregnancy hormones cause the problem it does clear to certain extent after the baby is born.

    Tiredness

    Of course you're feeling tired. Your body is working hard to keep your baby growing and developing, you're carrying extra weight and you may still be working or looking after older children. Don't overdo things - it's not good for either you or the baby if you go on to the point of exhaustion.

    Use these five ways to pace yourself:

    - Work for a bit, rest for a bit.
    - Listen to what your body is telling you - if you get breathless, it means its time to stop.
    - Remind yourself that eating little and often is good for you - take a break to have an apple, a drink of milk.
    - Have a look at the tasks you need to do - is there someone else who could do them or share them with you?
    - If something doesn't get done that you wanted to do, tell yourself it's a good way to get used to the early days with a new baby, when it will seem like you never finish anything you set out to do!

    Heavy breasts

    Your breasts are getting ready to produce milk for your baby. You may find that they leak small amounts of milk called colostrums. Use a cotton pad inside your bra. Buy good supportive bras. Look for wide straps that can be adjusted and high percentage of cotton for comfort. You may also find that you need to wear the bra at night now to stay comfortable.

    Skin changes

    While some women are enjoying the famous pregnancy 'bloom' around now, others draw the short straw and get the infamous pregnancy rashes, spots and skin dryness. Darker skin patches, caused by pregnancy hormones, are also fairly common. Darker skin on the forehead, nose and cheeks is called 'chloasma', or 'the butterfly mask of pregnancy'. The darkness will gradually fade after your baby is born.

    Check with your doctor if you notice any changes in the colour or size of a mole on your skin, to make sure it is just a side effect of pregnancy.

    Sleep problems

    Somehow, no matter how tired you get, you may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. You may:

    - Find it hard to get into a comfortable position.
    - Need to go to the toilet frequently.
    - Have disturbing dreams.
    - Be woken by your baby kicking.
    - Try these techniques for calming

    Before you go to bed

    - Have a warm bath.
    - Have a milky drink.
    - Go to the toilet.
    - Do some ankle exercises

    In bed

    Use pillows to make yourself more comfortable - in the small of your back and between your legs. Your husband could sleep in another bed so that you can have all the room, and he can get a decent night's sleep.

    Constipation

    You may not agree that getting constipated is the worst side effect of pregnancy, but it can make you feel pretty uncomfortable. Hormones relax your muscles so there are fewer contractions to push the food through your system. This allows more water from the food to be absorbed by your body, and makes your stools harder - and harder to pass.


    Fight constipation with -
    Water: drink plenty of fluids - about two litres of water, unsweetened fruit juice or buttermilk each day. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as these push water out of your body.
    Fibre: eat high-fibre foods like wholemeal bread, beans, cereals and lenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
    Exercise: try a brisk walk instead of driving.


    Shortness of breath

    The baby is now high up under your ribs, and this can make you feel quite breathless. In a week or two the baby may slip down to your pelvis and give you a little more space. Meanwhile, you might find it easier to sit in a straight-backed chair rather than an armchair.

    YOUR BABY - THE HUMAN

    27 to 31 weeks

    The baby exercises by kicking and stretching. Calcium is being stored, and the bone centers are hardening. The lanugo begins to disappear from the face, and the baby may have more hair on its head. The baby can make grasping motions with its hands. If the baby is a boy, the testicles begin to move down from the abdomen into the scrotum. Your baby is about 15 inches (37 centimeters) long and weighs 900 to 1350 grams. The baby now has a better chance of survival if born early.

    32 to 35 weeks

    Your baby is getting too big to move around much, but its kicks are stronger, and you may be able to see the outline of a small heel or elbow against your abdomen. If your baby is a boy, his testicles have descended into his scrotum. Although the baby's bones continue to harden, the bones of the head are soft and flexible. The baby is acquiring immunities (antibodies) from the mother, which will help protect the baby against illness for the first few months after birth. Sometimes the baby will have hiccups. Your baby is now 16 to 18 inches (40 to 45 centimeters) long and weighs about 1800 grams.

    36 to 40 weeks

    Your baby now becomes plumper and gains about 225 grams each week. The baby is getting ready for birth and usually settles into the vertex position, with its head down against the birth canal and its knees against the nose. The bones of the head are soft and flexible for delivery through the birth canal. Your baby is now about 20 inches (50 centimeters) long and weighs 2700 to 3500 grams. No one knows what makes labor start. You may go into labor and give birth to the child any time now.


    ----------------------------------------------------Hang on!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  8. Priya_Mommy

    Priya_Mommy Gold IL'ite

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    Re: Pregnancy - A Lifetime Beautiful Journey - Episode 2

    Uma,
    Thanks for your compliments! Hope you like the content, it took a lot of time in compiling all the pregnancy related issues that are being posted here and the solutions by our experts.

    Hope this will be truely helpful for the pregnant women!!!

    Enjoy the beautiful and fabulous pregnancy.
     
  9. Uma Shakthi

    Uma Shakthi Senior IL'ite

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    Re: Pregnancy - A Lifetime Beautiful Journey - Second Trimester

    :)Thanks Priya Mommy:thumbsup

    I can understand that compiling the points from different parts is very time consuming and not an easy task.:thankyou2:

    A big thanks for you on behalf of all pregnant ladies:)
     
  10. arch

    arch Senior IL'ite

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