Pregnancy is a natural condition a woman can face during her reproductive life so it’s not a disease. Good care, medical counseling and proper diet can make this all a joyful experience.
Laywomen in Pakistan estimate the time of pregnancy to be 10 lunar months. Doctors measure the time in 40 weeks or 280 days that is nine calendar months, as measured from the first day of the last menstrual period. Pregnancy is also described as a gestational period that has three trimesters. These trimesters are not equal time period but they represent different stages of the baby's development. The first 13 weeks of pregnancy, represents the first trimester of the developing baby’s life. The second trimester is from 14 weeks to 26weeks, and the span of third trimester is from 27weeks to 40weeks or till the birth of baby.
The first sign of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period. Other early signs are morning sickness that is nausea and vomiting quite common. Female feels bloated and more tired than usual in her daily routines. Food craving is also seen in pregnant women occur so they gain about 2–4 pounds during the first trimester. These symptoms are more pronounce in the first pregnancy and in the later pregnancies they appear in less intensity. In the second trimester, signs and symptoms usually differ from person to person. It also depends on the women health. If the woman is getting weight more then normal then there would be breathlessness, joint problems and varicose veins.
Diagnosis of pregnancy is nowadays quite easy. Many women test there pregnancy after a positive home pregnancy test. The newest home tests can detect pregnancy six to nine days after a missed menstrual period. Blood tests to determine pregnancy are usually required when a very early diagnosis of pregnancy is needed. Ultrasound also can detect pregnancy at very early stage. It also can help to detect any child defect.
Pregnancies which are prone to be complicated should be monitored in hospitals very carefully. There is a risk of developing diabetes known as gestational diabetes or the blood pressure may be uncontrollable in certain women. This will risk the health of a mother and also complicate the birth and child health. These pregnancies should be delivered in hospital supervised by a senior doctor.
To avoid complication during and after pregnancy, a pregnant woman should avoid the drugs, large amounts of caffeine, artificial sweeteners, smoking and alcohol.
Family history is very important in evaluating any risk factor in pregnancy. Gestational diabetes and pregnancy induced hypertension is very common in Pakistan. This will complicate the child birth and later the health of both mother and child. Strict medical monitoring, good care is necessary in these cases.
Drugs if required should be taken according to medical advice. Different drugs can damage the developing cells of the baby and will cause permanent defect in the baby.
If the women do not have access to any qualified doctor then she should visit any trained midwife during her pregnancy.
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