Pregnancy, Birth, Baby
During the first months of pregnancy, the most important step to ensure a healthy
pregnancy and baby are to find a good gynaecologist and obstetrician.
Only an obstetrician is qualified to deliver babies, hence it is important to
see if your gynaecologist is also an obstetrician.
Pregnancy brings
different issues and concerns. The first visit to the gynaecologist is the most
important one as your health status is assessed with information based on clinical history and laboratory testing.
Pregnancy Test:
The pregnancy test can be performed in
blood or in the urine. The first gynaecologist visit confirms the pregnancy and
dates it correctly. During this visit the doctor advises the following :
●
Folic acid and
multivitamin supplements are prescribed.
●
The patient is
informed about the common symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue and insomnia.
●
Informs the
patient about the various prenatal tests; the times at which they need to be
performed.
Stage 1:
During the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, the baby
is in the embryonic stage. The baby during this period develops limbs that is
their arms and legs. During this time the baby develops its heart and lungs and
also neurological nerves that later becomes the brain and spinal cord.
We can summarize
the steps for a healthy pregnancy in the following ways:
●
It is very
important to take folic acid supplements during the first three months of
pregnancy. Folic acid is naturally present in green vegetables, cereals and
dals. In spite of including these natural foods in the daily diet, it is important
to take the folic supplements for a healthy baby.
●
Include iron-rich
foods in your diet, which will help prevent anaemia.
●
Cut back on
alcohol. Instead, try including fresh fruit juices and smoothies.
●
Keep ready to eat
snacks handy at work and at home. Snacks should include nuts and fresh fruits,
or other homemade foods.
●
Take enough sleep
during your pregnancy and avoid stress.
●
Ask your doctor
about light exercise and walks during pregnancy. Yoga is a good option in
dealing with stress. Deep breathing exercises and stretching helps reduce
stress and refresh your mind.
Diet Plan:
It is important
to take proper nutrients to keep your baby grow healthy and strong. Daily
supplements of calcium, iron, folic acid, Vitamin D and Zinc may be required on
the advice of your doctor. Other nutrients like chromium, copper, fluoride,
iodine, Potassium, magnesium and phosphorus are equally important.
A healthy and balanced diet is important to overcome any of these deficiencies during
pregnancy. A woman goes into labour
between 38 and 40 weeks of
pregnancy. A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is called a premature and
may need special care in the hospital after birth.
Labour Pain:
Labour is
painful, so it is important to be prepared for the labour day. Knowing
everything about labour and being prepared will make you feel in control and
will make you less frightened. It is important to be relaxed and stay calm.
Taking deep breaths, walking around and keeping hot pack near the lower abdomen
helps reduce pains.
Stage 2:
After the 9 months of pregnancy and giving birth
to a baby, a lot of changes take place. For the mother as well as for the baby
the first day is exhausting and thrilling! After the normal vaginal birth, the
baby is kept close to the mother for warmth and the baby feels secure. The skin
to skin contact with the mother right after the birth will reduce in crying,
give warmth to the baby and most importantly will help in breastfeeding.
The baby shows
signs to be fed soon after birth. The first milk a mother makes is colostrum
and it is the ideal milk for the baby. The baby generally sleeps soon after the
first feed. The baby may sleep for more than half a day.
The baby
recognizes the voice of the mother soon after the birth and feels secure. The
baby’s vision is blurred but can see the mothers face about 30 centimetres
away. The baby will soon make connections with the mother.
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