Pregnancy Care Guide
Home
Preconception check up
How to get pregnant
Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy
Foetal Develpoment
First Trimester
Second Trimester
Third Trimester
Changes in the woman
Check Ups and Tests
Blood Tests
Urine Tests
Tests on the Uterus
Diet and foods for the pregnant
Essential Nutrients
Recommended Daily Diet for the Expectant Woman
Tips for Healthy Eating
Wholesome Eating During the Trimesters
Exercises during pregnancy
Antenatal care
Medication
Complications during Pregnancy
Causes of repeated abortions and miscarriage
High Risk pregnancy
Twins and multiple pregnancies
Gestational diabetes
Pregnancy induced hypertension
Bleeding during pregnancy
Preterm or premature labour
Ectopic pregnancy
Rhesus Factor

Changes in the woman

First Trimester (From conception to 12 weeks)

Pregnancy sickness (nausea) / morning sickness is usually experienced during this time. No two women are alike neither are two pregnancies in the same mother. Some suffer terribly while others are lucky. The best advice is to eat small amounts of food that can be tolerated throughout the day. By not eating due to nausea you are taking the first step towards a very unpleasant first trimester. Fatigue may set in as all body systems are trying to accommodate the new changes. It could be a warning sign of anaemia. Your breasts may feel heavy. Make rest a priority.

Second Trimester (13 to 28 weeks)

You may experience heartburn or indigestion in the l4-28 week as the uterus expands to press on the stomach. Eat small frequent meals and eat them slowly. Avoid foods that cause heartburn like carbonated drinks. Dahi or curds are quite beneficial.

Constipation or haemorrhoids is another common complaint. Eat ample fibre and drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. Don't take laxatives without consulting your doctor.

Backache is due to additional weight that the spine has to support. Best defence is good posture and pelvic tilt exercises. You are losing waist! Clothing fits snugly! It's time to start loose-fitting garments.
Leg cramps are due to shortage of calcium in the body. Increase your calcium intake in diet by eating the right choice of food. Do not forget your calcium supplements!

You may notice swelling in your legs and feet particularly at the end of the day. Rest for some time during the day, put your feet up, relax and the swelling should subside. Your areola of the breast may darken in colour. Wear good supportive bras throughout your pregnancy.

Third Trimester (29-40 weeks)

Backache worsens as pregnancy progresses. This is because of the additional weight of the baby which your lower spine has to support.

Frequent urination as the weight of the uterus presses on the bladder may even discover leaking of urine on sneezing or coughing (incontinence). Shortness of breath as the uterus pushes the diaphragm and lungs are squeezed.

Fluid retention will be common. You may notice the .welling more on your feet. Learning about the symptoms of premature labour and regular contact with the doctor will Certainly help. If labour does begin before 37 weeks, an attempt to delay the delivery till your baby is more mature is made. This improves the baby's chances of survival and health.

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