CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY

 

Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg after it’s released from the ovary during ovulation. The fertilized egg then travels down into the uterus, where implantation occurs. A successful implantation results in pregnancy. On average, a full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. There are many factors that can affect a pregnancy. Women who receive an early pregnancy diagnosis and prenatal care are more likely to experience a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.

Symptoms of Pregnancy

You may notice some signs and symptoms before you even take a pregnancy test. Others will appear weeks later, as your hormone levels change.

Missed period

A missed period is one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy (and maybe the most classic one). However, a missed period doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant, especially if your cycle tends to be irregular. There are many health conditions other than pregnancy that can cause a late or missed period.

Headache

Headaches are common in early pregnancy. They’re usually caused by altered hormone levels and increased blood volume. Contact your doctor if your headaches don’t go away or are especially painful.

Spotting

Some women may experience light bleeding and spotting in early pregnancy. This bleeding is most often the result of implantation. Implantation usually occurs one to two weeks after fertilization. Early pregnancy bleeding can also result from relatively minor conditions such as an infection or irritation. The latter often affects the surface of the cervix (which is very sensitive during pregnancy). Bleeding can also sometimes signal a serious pregnancy complication, such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or placenta previa. Always contact your doctor if you’re concerned.

Weight gain

You can expect to gain between 1 and 4 pounds in your first few months of pregnancy. Weight gain becomes more noticeable toward the beginning of your second trimester.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension

High blood pressure, or hypertension, sometimes develops during pregnancy. A number of factors can increase your risk, including:

• being overweight or obese
• smoking
• having a prior history or a family history of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Heartburn

Hormones released during pregnancy can sometimes relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus. When stomach acid leaks out, this can result in heartburn.

Constipation

Hormone changes during early pregnancy can slow down your digestive system. As a result, you may become constipated.

Cramps

As the muscles in your uterus begin to stretch and expand, you may feel a pulling sensation that resembles menstrual cramps. If spotting or bleeding occurs alongside your cramps, it could signal a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.

Back pain

Hormones and stress on the muscles are the biggest causes of back pain in early pregnancy. Later on, your increased weight and shifted center of gravity may add to your back pain. Around half of all pregnant women report back pain during their pregnancy.

Anemia

Pregnant women have an increased risk of anemia, which causes symptoms such as lightheadedness and dizziness. The condition can lead to premature birth and low birth weight. Prenatal care usually involves screening for anemia.

Depression

Between 14 and 23 percent of all pregnant women develop depression during their pregnancy. The many biological and emotional changes you experience can be contributing causes. Be sure to tell your doctor if you don’t feel like your usual self.

Insomnia

Insomnia is another common symptom of early pregnancy. Stress, physical discomfort, and hormonal changes can be contributing causes. A balanced diet, good sleep habits, and yoga stretches can all help you get a good night’s sleep.

Breast changes

Breast changes are one of the first noticeable signs of pregnancy. Even before you’re far enough along for a positive test, your breasts may begin to feel tender, swollen, and generally heavy or full. Your nipples may also become larger and more sensitive, and the areolae may darken.

Acne

Because of increased androgen hormones, many women experience acne in early pregnancy. These hormones can make your skin oilier, which can clog pores. Pregnancy acne is usually temporary and clears up after the baby is born.

Vomiting

Vomiting is a component of “morning sickness,” a common symptom that usually appears within the first four months. Morning sickness is often the first sign that you’re pregnant. Increased hormones during early pregnancy are the main cause.

Hip pain

Hip pain is common during pregnancy and tends to increase in late pregnancy. It can have a variety of causes, including:

• pressure on your ligaments
• sciatica
• changes in your posture
• a heavier uterus

Diarrhea

Diarrhea and other digestive difficulties occur frequently during pregnancy. Hormone changes, a different diet, and added stress are all possible explanations. If diarrhea lasts more than a few days, contact your doctor to make sure you don’t become dehydrated.

Stress and pregnancy

While pregnancy is usually a happy time, it can also be a source of stress. A new baby means big changes to your body, your personal relationships, and even your finances. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for help if you begin to feel overwhelmed.

Pregnancy week by week

Pregnancy weeks are grouped into three trimesters, each one with medical milestones for both you and the baby.

First trimester

A baby grows rapidly during the first trimester (weeks 1 to 12). The fetus begins developing their brain, spinal cord, and organs. The baby’s heart will also begin to beat. During the first trimester, the probability of a miscarriage is relatively high. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it’s estimated that about 1 in 10 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and that about 85 percent of these occur in the first trimester. Seek immediate help if you experience the symptoms of miscarriage.

Second trimester

During the second trimester of pregnancy (weeks 13 to 27), your healthcare provider will likely perform an anatomy scan ultrasound. This test checks the fetus’s body for any developmental abnormalities. The test results can also reveal the sex of your baby, if you wish to find out before the baby is born. You’ll probably begin to feel your baby move, kick, and punch inside of your uterus. After 23 weeks, a baby in utero is considered “viable.” This means that it could survive living outside of your womb. Babies born this early often have serious medical issues. Your baby has a much better chance of being born healthy the longer you are able to carry the pregnancy.

Third trimester

During the third trimester (weeks 28 to 40), your weight gain will accelerate, and you may feel more tired. Your baby can now sense light as well as open and close their eyes. Their bones are also formed. As labor approaches, you may feel pelvic discomfort, and your feet may swell. Contractions that don’t lead to labor, known as Braxton-Hicks contractions, may start to occur in the weeks before you deliver.

Pregnancy tests

Home pregnancy tests are very accurate after the first day of your missed period. If you get a positive result on a home pregnancy test, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. An ultrasound will be used to confirm and date your pregnancy. Pregnancy is diagnosed by measuring the body’s levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Also referred to as the pregnancy hormone, hCG is produced upon implantation. However, it may not be detected until after you miss a period. After you miss a period, hCG levels increase rapidly. hCG is detected through either a urine or a blood test. Urine tests may be provided at a doctor’s office, and they’re the same as the tests you can take at home. Blood tests can be performed in a laboratory. hCG blood tests are about as accurate as home pregnancy tests. The difference is that blood tests may be ordered as soon as six days after ovulation. The sooner you can confirm you’re pregnant, the better. An early diagnosis will allow you to take better care of your baby’s health. 

Pregnancy and vaginal discharge

An increase in vaginal discharge is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Your production of discharge may increase as early as one to two weeks after conception, before you’ve even missed a period. As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll continue to produce increasing amounts of discharge. The discharge will also tend to become thicker and occur more frequently. It’s usually heaviest at the end of your pregnancy. During the final weeks of your pregnancy, your discharge may contain streaks of thick mucus and blood. This is called “the bloody show.” It can be an early sign of labor. You should let your doctor know if you have any bleeding. Normal vaginal discharge, or leukorrhea, is thin and either clear or milky white. It’s also mild-smelling. If your discharge is yellow, green, or gray with a strong, unpleasant odor, it’s considered abnormal. Abnormal discharge can be a sign of an infection or a problem with your pregnancy, especially if there’s redness, itching, or vulvar swelling. If you think you have abnormal vaginal discharge, let your healthcare provider know immediately. Learn more about vaginal discharge during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Heartburnd. Avoid using douches and harsh soaps in the genital area. Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a UTI. Infections during pregnancy can be dangerous because they increase the risk of premature labor. When caught early, most UTIs can be treated with antibiotics that are effective against bacteria but still safe for use during pregnancy. Follow the advice here to prevent UTIs before they even start.

Pregnancy or PMS

The symptoms of early pregnancy can often mimic those of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It may be difficult for a woman to know if she’s pregnant or simply experiencing the onset of another menstrual period. It’s important for a woman to know as soon as possible if she’s pregnant so that she can get proper prenatal care. She may also want to make certain lifestyle changes, such as abstaining from alcohol, taking prenatal vitamins, and optimizing her diet. Taking a pregnancy test is the best, and easiest, way to determine if it’s PMS or early pregnancy. You can take a home test or visit your healthcare provider. Some common symptoms of both PMS and early pregnancy include:

• breast pain
• bleeding
• mood changes
• fatigue
• food sensitivities
• cramping

Early pregnancy and PMS are often difficult to tell apart. Learn to distinguish between the two with the help of this Venn diagram.

When to seek medical care

Most women in their 20s or early 30s have a good chance of a problem-free pregnancy. Teens and women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk for health complications.

Underlying conditions

Underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease will increase your risk of pregnancy complications. Other examples include:

• cancer
• kidney disease
• epilepsy

If you have one of these conditions, ensure that it’s properly monitored and treated throughout your pregnancy. Otherwise, it can lead to miscarriage, poor fetal growth, and birth defects.

Other risk factors

Other factors that can affect an otherwise healthy pregnancy include:

• multiple-birth pregnancies, such as twins or triplets
• infections, including STDs
• being overweight or obese
• anemia

Pregnancy complications

Pregnancy complications can involve the baby’s health, the mother’s health, or both. They can occur during pregnancy or delivery. Common pregnancy complications include:

• high blood pressure
• gestational diabetes
• preeclampsia
• preterm labor
• miscarriage

Addressing them early can minimize the harms done to the mother or the baby. Know your options when it comes to treating pregnancy complications.

Dr. Suchi Gupta's Gynae Clinic 

(Gynaecologist in Gaur City, Greater Noida West, Noida Extension)

Shop No 130, FF, Gaur City Plaza Market, West, Gaur City 1 Rd, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301

visit website for more details 

http://www.drsuchiguptagynaeclinic.com/

facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/DrSuchiGuptasGynaeClinic/

Twitter 

https://twitter.com/SuchiGynae

instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/dr.suchiguptasgynaeclinic/