Pregnancy

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What do I need to know about the second prenatal visit?

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Your 2nd prenatal appointment occurs between your 10th and 12th week of pregnancy. Starting now, you’ll realize that almost every prenatal appointment starts with a nurse taking your weight and blood pressure and with a urine sample. The urine test looks for bacteria and high levels of sugar and protein in your system, which could indicate diabetes, urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or preeclampsia (high blood pressure). Preeclampsia typically occurs later in pregnancy if it occurs at all. During the second prenatal appointment, the doctor will discuss all the results of the pap, blood, and urine testing completed at your first prenatal appointment. It’s also the time when you’ll discuss the results of the cystic fibrosis test (if administered), the Rh factor test, and the notes from your genetics counseling visit. If you choose to have a nuchal translucency screening (also called an NT scan) to test for the possibility of Down syndrome, this will be administered during your second appointment.

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What do I need to know about the third prenatal visit?

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Throughout your third trimester, you'll be offered more tests depending on your age, health, family medical history, and other things. These can include: Ultrasound: Third-trimester ultrasounds can examine the placenta, and sometimes are part of a test called a biophysical profile (BPP) to see whether the baby is getting enough oxygen. Women with high-risk pregnancies may have multiple ultrasounds in their third trimester. Glucose screening: This test checks for gestational diabetes, a short-term form of diabetes that develops in some women during pregnancy and can cause health problems for the baby, especially if it is not diagnosed or treated. You'll drink a sugary liquid, then have a blood test an hour later to check glucose levels. Group B strep test: Between your 35th and 37th weeks of pregnancy, the doctor will check you for group B streptococcus (GBS) infection. GBS bacteria are found naturally in the vaginas of many women but can cause serious infections in newborns. This test involves swabbing the vagina and rectum. A woman whose test comes back positive must go to the hospital as soon as labor begins so that intravenous (IV) antibiotics can be started to help protect the baby from becoming infected. Nonstress test: A nonstress test (NST) is usually done when a health care provider wants to check on the health of the fetus, such as in a high-risk pregnancy or when the due date has passed. The test checks to see if the baby responds normally to stimulation and is getting enough oxygen. A baby that doesn't respond isn't necessarily in danger, but more testing might be needed. Contraction stress test: This test stimulates the uterus with pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin (a hormone secreted during childbirth), to determine the effect of contractions on fetal heart rate. It may be recommended when an earlier test indicated a problem and can see whether the baby's heart rate is stable during contractions. Remember that tests are offered to you — it's your choice whether to have them. To decide which tests are right for you, talk with your doctor about why a test is recommended, its risks and benefits, and what the results can — and can't — tell you.

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How do I deal with dizziness during the first trimester?

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Get up slowly from either sitting or lying down (this is especially important when you are getting out of the bath) Eat regularly. Avoid long periods between meals; it is better to snack throughout the day. Avoid hot baths or showers. If you experience dizziness during pregnancy, the best thing to do is quickly find a place to sit or lie down for about five minutes, then try to slowly get up. Once the dizziness has passed, have a drink and a small snack. It is recommended to have a piece of fruit, which is not only healthy but will give you a quick release of sugar. For some women, feeling faint can be symptomatic of changes in their blood glucose. Feeling light-headed can be a sign of gestational diabetes, so it’s important to mention your symptoms to your doctor. On hot days, move to a cool, shaded area and stay out of the heat. Make sure you are hydrated. A long, warm bath or shower can also make you feel dizzy. It is recommended to avoid hot baths or showers and place a cold cloth on your forehead if you feel light-headed.

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How frequently should I visit a doctor?

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Routine prenatal visits will be ip to 26 weeks pregnant: appointment every four weeks. 26 to 32 weeks: appointment every three weeks. 32 to 36 weeks: appointment every two weeks. 36 weeks to delivery: appointment every week. Your doctor will decide how often to see you based on your individual health picture. Your doctor will want to see you more often if you had any health problems before you became pregnant or if problems develop during your pregnancy. You also may need additional tests to ensure that you and your baby stay healthy.

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What are the common hormonal changes I will face during pregnancy?

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Estrogen and progesterone are the chief pregnancy hormones. A woman will produce more estrogen during one pregnancy than throughout her entire life when not pregnant. The increase in estrogen during pregnancy enables the uterus and placenta to: improve vascularization (the formation of blood vessels). Hormonal changes taking place in pregnancy will make your nipples and the area around them go darker. Your skin colour may also darken a little, either in patches or all over. Birthmarks, moles and freckles may also darken. Some women develop a dark line down the middle of their stomach, called 'linea nigra'.

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What are the risks and red flags that I should look out for during week 9?

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Some symptoms you'll need to pay more attention to during your early months: 1. Vaginal Bleeding Some spotting is normal, but heavy bleeding could be a sign of miscarriage. Call your doctor and your doctor will likely do an ultrasound, an exam, and some blood work based on your symptoms. Though most spotting or light bleeding may not be a serious problem, you do not want to ignore it if it is associated with cramping, heavy bleeding, or abdominal pain. 2. Excessive Nausea and Vomiting It's normal to have some nausea and vomiting during your first trimester. Most pregnant women go through that.But if it's severe or makes you dehydrated, that's something to heed. If you can’t keep any water or fluids down for more than 12 hours, call your doctor. 3. High Fever A fever greater than 38 degrees Celsius during pregnancy may be serious.It could be a sign of infection, which could affect the baby. Report any fever plus upper respiratory symptoms, body ache, and flu-like symptoms or rashes and joint pain to your doctor. 4. Vaginal Discharge and Itching Some vaginal discharge is normal. If its heavy or abnormal, it could mean that there is infection and it could harm the baby. Consult your doctor to be safe. 5. Pain or Burning During Urination These can be signs of bladder or urinary tract infections, and if left untreated, they can lead to more serious illness, infection, pre-term labor, and pre-term birth. If it's an infection, treating it can relieve your pain, and help assure a healthy pregnancy. Consult your doctor to be safe. 6. Leg or Calf Pain, or Swelling on One Side/ Severe Headache This won't happen in most pregnancies. But pregnancy does mean a greater chance of developing a blood clot. A blood clot in the calf may lead to pain or swelling and can result in a blood clot that travels to the lung, which could be fatal. A blood clot in the brain may be heralded by a severe headache. There are other possible causes of bad headaches during pregnancy. If you have a history of blood clots, or if you get a severe headache, consult your doctor. 7. Flare-Ups of Chronic Diseases Women who have certain pre-existing medical conditions -- such as thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and/or lupus should note any changes in their condition during pregnancy. If your underlying disease is flaring up or not well-controlled, it can have serious consequences for your health and your baby's. Any flare in an underlying condition is a red flag and should be reported and followed up by your doctor.

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What should I know about intrauterine growth restriction?

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Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to a condition in which an unborn baby is smaller than it should be because it is not growing at a normal rate inside the womb. Delayed growth puts the baby at risk of certain health problems during pregnancy, delivery, and after birth. They include: Low birth weight Difficulty handling the stresses of vaginal delivery Decreased oxygen levels Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) Low resistance to infection Low Apgar scores (a test given immediately after birth to evaluate the newborn's physical condition and determine need for special medical care) Meconium aspiration (inhalation of stools passed while in the uterus), which can lead to breathing problems Trouble maintaining body temperature Abnormally high red blood cell count In the most severe cases, IUGR can lead to stillbirth. It can also cause long-term growth problems. The main symptom of IUGR is a small for gestational age baby. Specifically, the baby's estimated weight is below the 10th percentile -- or less than that of 90% of babies of the same gestational age. Depending on the cause of IUGR, the baby may be small all over or look malnourished. They may be thin and pale and have loose, dry skin. The umbilical cord is often thin and dull instead of thick and shiny. Not all babies that are born small have IUGR.

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How do I manage urinary incontinence during pregnancy?

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Incontinence is common during pregnancy, but it can be managed with the right habits. Schedule your bathroom breaks. There’s no way around it: When you’re pregnant, you’re going to have to excuse yourself to use the lady’s room more often. It is recommended to use the bathroom at least every two hours. Practice Kegels. Kegel exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor and help you avoid leakage, but you need to practice in order to do them properly. You can start by stopping the flow of urine the next time you urinate. The contraction of those muscles is how you do a Kegel, and you can do Kegel exercises any time throughout the day, whether your bladder is full or empty. Simply contract the same muscles you would to stop the flow of urine, hold the contraction for a count of 10, and then release. It is recommended to do Kegel exercises 10 to 20 times in a row two or three times a day. Kegel exercises really do help with incontinence.Keep in mind that it takes about four to eight weeks of doing them regularly before you’ll see results. Watch the weight gain. Studies show that women who weigh more when they get pregnant or who gain an excessive amount of weight during pregnancy are more likely to experience urinary incontinence.

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What are pregnancy calculators and how will they help me keep track of my pregnancy?

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The pregnancy calculator gives you an approximate due date, which it works out your due date by adding 280 days (40 weeks) to the first day of your last menstrual period (assuming a 28 day cycle, it is adjusted for longer or shorter cycles). Your period and ovulation are counted as the first two weeks of pregnancy.

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Is it safe to carry my toddler or heavy objects in pregnancy?

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The general rule of thumb is to avoid lifting any heavy objects. Women who are at risk for premature labor may need to stop lifting objects after the first trimester. Future moms may also be discouraged to lift heavy objects if they have pregnancy complications such as bleeding or early contractions. For most women, carrying a toddler while pregnant with baby number two is totally fine. But there's a trick to it that you should know: When you do pick him up, lift with your legs so you don't strain your back in the process. You'll probably be most comfortable holding him on your hip, below your bump.

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