Pregnancy is the development of one or more offspring, known as an
embryo or fetus, in a woman's uterus. It is the common name for
gestation in humans. A multiple pregnancy involves more than one embryo
or fetus in a single pregnancy, such as with twins. Childbirth usually
occurs about 38 weeks after conception, from the start of the last
normal menstrual period (LNMP). Conception can be achieved when a male
sperm penetrates into a women's egg and fertilizes it. This usually
happens in the woman's fallopian tube after ovulation (the matured egg
was released from one of her ovaries). In the cases of infertile couples
pregnancy is achieved with the help of assisted reproductive
technology.
Most pregnancies last from 37 to about 42 weeks.
Health care professionals calculate the delivery date 40 weeks from the
date of conception (the date the sperm and egg fused). According to the
National Health Service, UK, only about 1 in every 20 births actually
takes place on the due date. A baby who is born before 37 weeks after
conception is considered pre-term (premature) and babies born after the
43 week mark are considered post-mature.
Symptoms of pregnancy
Every
woman is different. So are her experiences of pregnancy. Pregnancy
symptoms differ from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy; however,
one of the most significant pregnancy symptoms is a delayed or missed
period. Understanding the signs and symptoms of pregnancy is important
because each symptom may be related to something other than pregnancy.
You may experience signs or symptoms of pregnancy within a week of
conception. However, it is possible you may not experience any symptoms
for a few weeks. Most common signs of pregnancy are:
Missed period
Nausea with or without vomiting
Tiredness
Dizziness
Breast changes
Breast tenderness
Frequent urination
Headaches and back pain
Mood Swings
Constipation
Nausea generally affects pregnant women during
the first three to four months of the pregnancy. Tiredness tends to be
more acute during the first and last three months. You can be pregnant
without experiencing any of these signs and symptoms.
Pregnancy Test
All
pregnancy tests work by detecting a certain hormone in the urine or
blood that is only there when a woman is pregnant. This hormone is
called hCG. It is also called the pregnancy hormone.There are two common
types of pregnancy tests - the urine test and the blood test. Urine
tests can be performed at home through an over the counter test. They
are also sometimes done at a doctor's office. Blood tests, on the other
hand, are always performed at doctor's offices.
The Three Trimesters of Pregnancy
The
development of pregnancy is counted from the first day of the woman's
last normal period, even though the development of the fetus does not
begin until conception. Development of fetus may vary due to the
mother's health or a miscalculation of ovulation. Pregnancy is divided
into trimesters which last about 12 - 14 weeks each. These three
trimesters have different emotional and physical happenings that make
them unique. Similar to development, these can be calculated from
different dates so not all trimester calculations will equal the same.
The pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. Each of the three
trimesters is divided into a little over 3 completed months each. The
first trimester is week 1 through the end of week 13. The second
trimester usually ends around the 26th week and consists of the 4th, 5th
and 6th completed months. The third trimester can end anywhere between
the 38th - 42nd week and is the 7th, 8th and 9th completed months of
pregnancy.
The pregnancy due date calculator can help you work out
when you might expect your baby to arrive. This will give you a rough
idea to prepare for the arrival of baby, programming your maternity
leave and keep few of the clothes and babies things ready required
during stay in hospital. As part of your antenatal care, your midwife
will also offer you a dating scan that will give you a more accurate
date for the birth of your baby.
Complications during pregnancy
There
are several things that may cause a complication in your pregnancy.
However, some are more common than others. Mother's body has a great
deal to do during pregnancy. Sometimes the changes taking place will
cause irritation or discomfort, and on occasions they may seem quite
alarming. There is rarely any need for alarm but you should mention
anything that is worrying you to your maternity team. Most pregnancies
are uncomplicated. That said, it's helpful to know which serious medical
issues are most likely to affect expecting moms. Here's a quick guide
to the most common pregnancy complications. The complications that
require immediate attention and care includes:
Miscarriage
Premature labor and birth
Preeclampsia
Low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios)
Gestational diabetes
Ectopic pregnancy
Placenta previa
Other complications like Anemia, Constipation,
Genital infections, Cramps, Hemorrhoids, Hypertension (high blood
pressure), Hypotension (low blood pressure), Gum disease, Swollen
ankles, feet, fingers, Nausea and vomiting, Urinary tract infections,
Heartburn and Moodiness are also the complications that should be
discussed with the OB-GYN when the appointment is due. Your doctor or
midwife will watch for these pregnancy complications (and others)
throughout your pregnancy, using physical exams, lab tests, and
ultrasounds. Meanwhile, you can help your caregiver by attending all
your prenatal appointments and reporting any troubling symptoms.
Pregnancy
is a memorable part of a women's life and it has to be free of stress
and unnecessary doubts. It is important for pregnant women to remain
happy and active through the pregnancy month by month so that healthy
development of fetus takes place. It is also important to interact, move
out and meet new people so that it keeps you happy and occupied,
keeping in mind the rest and care.
Having a baby is an exciting
time for all expectant mothers. Whether you are a first time mother or
adding to your family, your experience is personal and unique. With
successful and busy practice in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the team of
doctors have been successful in helping women's to deliver more than
50,000 babies under their care and supervision. From pre-conception, to
antenatal care, to the actual process of delivery and following it up
with post-natal care, the medical staff and doctors are always ready to
help you and stand by your side for the entire way. Our vision is to be a
leading women and child health care provider, offering memorable
birthing experience with a commitment to providing women with the
highest quality and most advanced healthcare throughout all stages of
their lives, from adolescence through menopause. At the end of the
pregnancy journey you will be holding your precious baby in your hands
and the discomforts of the past nine months will be a memory.
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