Useful info for expecting moms...

Tips for pregnant mothers

<!--editPad Tips for pregnant mothers

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• As your tummy grows, the centre of gravity shifts within you. Losing balance is very common. Don't try climbing chairs and ladders. If it is absolutely necessary, get someone to do it for you.
  
• Avoid high-heeled flimsy footwear. Opt for comfortable low-heeled sandals.
  
• Make sure your home is well lit. Bad lighting can cause you to stumble and fall.
  
• Good nutrition is imperative for a healthy baby. Ensure you take your daily quota of proteins, vitamins, minerals, calcium and folic acid.
  
• Stress can ruin your pregnancy and affect your baby adversely. Remain positive and upbeat.
  
• If something is worrying you, talk about it and settle the issue. Don't brood on it.
  
• Lack of sleep could make you testy. Nine hours sleep a day should keep you healthy.
  
• Exercise is important to keep healthy. However, it is not advisable to workout in the gym or play strenuous games. Walking is the best form of exercise during this time of your life.
  
• Increase your intake of fluids significantly. Consume at least two quarts of fluids a day. Milk, fruits, juices, soups, etc., are all good sources of vital fluids.
  
• Take care of your back. Don't strain it or hurt it in anyway. Back problems tend to linger for a long time.
  

 

Pregnancy Tests

Pregnancy Tests

Most often, a missed period will give the first indication of pregnancy. Other indicators can be tender and swollen breasts, frequent urination, tiredness, nausea or dislike to certain foods. The pregnancy is normally confirmed with a urine test, which is dependable, 6 weeks after the start of your last period. The urine sample contains the hormone, Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG). But a blood test will confirm pregnancy much earlier. After the confirmation, choose a doctor, who are comfortable with. This is very important since you should feel comfortable to discuss your concerns. Your doctor will calculate your expected date of delivery (EDD), as 280 days from the date of the last menstrual period. This works out to 9 months and 7days. But a full-grown baby can be delivered two weeks before or after the EDD, which is perfectly normal. From now on, you should visit your doctor, every month. These visits are important and essential for him to monitor your health and that of the foetus. After the 28th week of pregnancy, you will have to go for a check-up every fortnight. During the first check-up, your doctor will ask for details about your partner's and your medical history. Discuss in length with him your work needs and your lifestyle, so that he is aware of any potential harm to the foetus. Get your doubts clarified at every stage.

Some Normal Tests

<!--editPad Some Normal Tests

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• Urine test: For any kidney infection and check the urine protein level. An increase in this level can be harmful to the baby, as it interferes with the proper functioning of the placenta.

• Blood test: Blood grouping, RH factor. Also indicates if you are anaemic, immune to rubella or carry any harmful disease such as AIDS or Syphillis.

• Blood pressure is measured. High blood pressure can lead to serious problems and needs to be monitored regularly.

• A vaginal examination is also done, where the doctor will feel the uterus and check for pelvic abnormalities.

Special Tests

<!--editPad Special Tests

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• AFP or Test for serum Alpha FetoProtein: AFP is a substance that is produced by the baby in the womb and it passes into the mother blood stream. A higher than normal AFP can indicate twins or that the pregnancy is more advanced than you thought or if the baby has an abnormality such as Spina bifida or neural tube defects. This test can be carried out only during the sixteenth or seventeenth week of pregnancy. If there is a family history of spina bifida, then it is conducted as a routine test.

• Amniocentesis : The amniotic fluid in the womb, is drawn out inserting a needle into the uterus. This fluid is then used to conduct a kind of analysis whereby genetic defects such as Down syndrome can be detected. However, this test cannot be carried out before the sixteenth week. This test also carries the risk of spontaneous abortion in 1 in 300 cases. It is normally conducted only on women over 35 or those who have a family history of genetic abnormalities.

• Ultrasound scan: It is a method of body imaging based on the reflectivity of sound. It is believed to be a completely safe method, to reveal the position of the placenta, reveal twins at an early stage, show the size and sex of the foetus and detect major foetal abnormalities, including Spina bifida. It can also be used to measure the rate of blood flow in the foetus and can detect certain forms of congenital heart disease.