Tag Archives: pregnancy signs
Factors to Consider Before Getting Pregnant
Deciding to have a baby is something worth thoroughly discussing about between couples because it involves life and responsibilities. Aside from physical preparations, there are salient points that couples need to be considered in planning for a family.
Physical and mental health
One of the top priorities, if not the first, to consider before getting pregnant, is to determine whether or not both would-be parents are physically fit to have a baby, because this factor has a bearing on the future offspring. It could be that the mother is not fit to be pregnant due to some health conditions. It would also be a futile attempt to forego medical consultation when, in the first place, the man has a problem with his sperm fertility. Likewise, both parents should avoid unnecessary stress because it can affect both their physical and emotional health. Studies also show that women suffering from depression tend to have fertility problems. Besides, a clinically depressed woman is generally unable to take care of herself, so much less can she be expected to look after her baby.
Lifestyle
Couples who smoke, drink excessively, and take illegal drugs must decide on quitting these vices if they want to have a baby because these can remarkably lessen the possibility of getting pregnant, and most likely to cause premature birth, miscarriage, and low birth weight babies. Besides, smoking adversely affects the fertility of both male and female. The would-be mother should also minimize her caffeine consumption because her body might not be able to absorb iron needed in pregnancy.
Financial status of the couple
Parents, who already have a child, or children, should consider whether or not they can still afford to have one more addition to the family. Likewise, new couples must answer the question “Are we ready yet?” since it is the parents’ responsibilities to provide for the basic needs of their offspring, such as food, clothing, shelter, and education. In other words, adding a new member to the family involves budget until that member would be capable of living on his own.
Child-rearing and child care
Couples, especially first time parents, should be prepared to enter into the family life. It is natural for them to have different views on child-rearing considering that they, too, have been brought up in different manners; but as a couple, they must agree and maintain a common ground on how to rear their own child. Issues that are necessary to discuss about should include discipline, values, nutrition, and physical activity. Religion is also worth discussing about, especially if the couple come from different faith denominations, because this might become an issue of contention if not yet agreed upon. Moreover, if both parents are working, they should discuss about who will take the full time duty in looking after the baby, and they should arrange for it before the baby comes.
Family time
This factor is very essential in building a wholesome family. The couple, especially if both have careers, should make room for quality time with their child and with each other. It is a different story to just leave all childcare to a crèche or a baby sitter because a child needs more than economic comfort.
Since the family is the basic unit of society, it is vital that couples work together at setting a stable and loving environment for their children to produce good and responsible citizens.You may also consider finding out on pregnancy signs in more details.
Maternity Clothes
Maternity Clothes
There are a lot of women who feel unattractive during pregnancy or when imagining wearing old and baggy maternity clothes. Their self-esteem diminishes as their belly expands which is why maternity clothes play a big part in bringing back the confidence that women lose during pregnancy.
Just because you are having a baby doesn’t mean that you are no longer entitled to be fashionable. Luckily nowadays, finding trendy maternity clothes is no longer a dilemma. There are now a lot of stores specializing in designing maternity clothes. These clothes are stylish yet comfortable and easy to wear.
Comfort should be the focal point when buying maternity clothes. Make sure that you feel great wearing them as your pregnancy develops. Always choose clothes that are not too tight so it won’t obstruct the skin from breathing.
Guide on buying maternity clothes
As soon as a woman learns that she’s pregnant through those pregnancy signs or test, she gets eager to buy herself maternity clothes; however, this is impractical especially that your belly won’t start to show until your second trimester. Restrain yourself from buying maternity clothes until you reach your second trimester. For your first three months of pregnancy, use your regular clothing except, of course, the tight ones.
It is best if you purchase your maternity clothes at a maternity clothing store. These stores offer many options. In addition, their staffs are more knowledgeable and could help in addressing your needs.
You can also play around with different clothing styles. As your body changes, the clothes that look good on you also change. Try buying a few pants and skirts so you can mix and match it with different tops.
Sometimes it would help to try on a prosthetic tummy. This would help you choose what type of clothes to purchase. You can inquire if the store has one so you can check the fit of the clothes. Also, select maternity clothes that are made from a stretchable material, this way it can be used all throughout your pregnancy.
You also need to get yourself new underclothing. When you visit a lingerie store, have yourself measured to get the perfect fit especially that your bra size will increasingly change during your pregnancy.
Shopping for maternity clothes should be a fun activity for pregnant moms. With a baby coming, women should not worry about spending a lot of money on maternity clothes. Today, we have an array of maternity clothes that are inexpensive yet long-lasting. One thing to keep in mind is that a good quality maternity wear is intended to last through the entire nine months of a pregnancy. It is also alright, though, to splurge on one or two very good or pricey maternity clothes to guarantee its durability and quality.
12 Weeks Pregnancy
At this 12 weeks of pregnancy the face of your baby is turning to look more human at this point. The weight of the fetus though still remains at 14 grams and the total length is no longer than 5.5 cms at the 12th week. At the beginning of the development the eyes of the fetus are on either sides of the head which by now have moved to their exact positions and the ears too are positioned at the exact point they should be at. By now the kidneys are capable of producing urine in the bladder and the livers too are producing bile by now.
At this point if the mother’s belly is prodded or pushed the fetus squirms inside but because of the less weight and small size the movement is not felt by the mother. At the 12 week pregnancy, the nerve cells of the fetus is developing at a very high rate and also the synapses which is the neurological connection in the mother’s brain is starting to form. Also by now the fetus is capable of enjoying more reflexes such as any touch on the soles of the feet make the fetus curl its toes and any touch on the palm triggers the fetus fingers to close similarly touching the eyelids result in the fetus clenching its eye muscle.
By now the brain of the baby is also completely formed though it is not of the original size now. Also by now the fetus exercises different movement in the digestive tract of the mother.
The fundus or the grown uterus can be easily felt now by your doctor at the lower end of the abdomen on the 12 weeks of pregnancy as well. If a Doppler is being used you can at this point hear the heartbeat of the baby. Many people are of the opinion that it sounds like horses but once you are able to hear this sound the risk of miscarriage is greatly reduced. Also as you would from now on start to swell you may opt for loose and unfitted clothes.
The pregnancy signs on the 12 weeks pregnancy that will be immediately disappear include nausea and the extensive feeling of tiredness. Other symptoms may persist for a little while longer. Your abdomen will start to swell now and will extend a bit more if this is not your first pregnancy.
At the end of the 12 weeks pregnancy, your uterus grows larger than your pelvis and rises up above your pubic bone. Naturally the uterus acquires the power of stretching extensively during pregnancy and get back to its pre pregnancy stage after a week or two of delivery.
In case you are pregnant with twins, your uterus would obviously extend much more as compared to a mom with a single fetus in her womb. Now you can imagine how big your stomach will be when you’re on the 12 weeks pregnancy period.
Less Common Pregnancy Signs
There are numerous sort of pregnancy signs that women all over the world experience. Some are common and some are not very occurring. Discussed here are the less common signs of pregnancy out of which one is Acne. Acne is a problem that is further varied to every individual. Some women may experience there acne to become better during pregnancy while some may experience acne for the first time in life and too at a terrible rate.
Acne includes not only red bumps in the skin that seem inflamed also white and blackheads are included in the category. This problem is at its peak in the first three months of pregnancy as hormones are rapidly changing at this time especially the progesterone. This frequent change in hormones can result in pimples on various parts of the upper body besides production of excessive oil in the skin resulting in acne.
A natural way to keep your pores clean is to drink lots of water and wash your skin regularly with lots of water. You can also use a mild cleanser before a non clogging mild moisturizer. One with an effective sunscreen should be preferred whereas any product that contains salicylic acid should be avoided as it is suspected to have adverse effects on pregnant women. Over the counter acne medicines are also a way but make sure to consult your doctor before taking up any medications. A common prescribed solution to acne is the Accutane or isotretinoin which can cause miscarriage if taken in the first trimester so avoid it at all costs.
Another less common pregnancy signs which is rather common as compared to the latter one is heartburn or reflux. Heartburn refers to the burning sensation that is felt in the chest area commonly after eating. In some cases a bitter taste or acid is felt in the mouth and also pain is experienced when you lie or bend down, this pain may be severe to some and on a slighter note to others. It is estimated that almost 25% of pregnant women experience heartburn from the first trimester which gets more intense at the last trimester. Heartburn also gets intense as the weight of the growing baby compresses the digestive tract. In such a situation it is advised to eat small meals at small intervals as a large meal is sure to make your heart burn especially if you lie down straight after eating.
Also there are some changes that can be made to ease reflux of mild nature. Firstly avoid all kinds of spicy and acidic foods; also abstain from late night meals. Smoking and alcohol should be completely restricted as they are not only responsible for reflux but also the overall health of the baby. Lastly use an extra pillow as keeping your head a little higher may help in fighting reflux problem.
Another less common pregnancy signs is the sciatic nerve pain. This refers to the severe pain that is experienced in the buttocks to the back or to the side of the legs. This pain is experienced usually in the later stages of pregnancy. This pain is usually felt from the uterus in the pelvis area to the legs. This pain occurs mainly due to the growing size and weight of the uterus. A suggested way to get relief from this nerve pain is to lie down on the other side to relief pain from that particular nerve.
Another less common symptoms of pregnancy is swelling of feet, fingers and in some cases ankles too. As there is a large amount of fluid in your body sometimes it gets accumulated in your legs and causes them to swell. If a pregnant woman is required to stand for long periods and that too in hot atmosphere her feet and ankles are bound to swell. It was a common believe that use of supplements especially calcium may relieve swelling but studies have proved against it.
And another very strange pregnancy signs is development of spider veins. These refer to the veins in the area of the upper arms and the chest which seem like spider legs. This symptom causes many women to worry though it should not be concerning. This mainly occurs due to the excessive blood flow in the pregnant woman’s body.
An early symptom is production of excessive saliva in the mouth. This is experienced normally in the first three months and may cause drooling mouth while sleeping or even nausea. This is a very discomforting symptom and painful too in cases of nausea. The reason to this is again hormonal change and once the body adjusts to it this symptom is over with so it should not be anything of concern.
Also during pregnancy mucous membrane areas such as gums and nose become sensitive and also in some cases swell. It is common to experience bleeding gums while brushing and bleeding noses too when blowing hard. Some women experience constant runny noses or constantly stuffed noses. Again increase production of progesterone hormones are working behind this symptom. Your gums may react intensively to this hormone through reacting more sensitively to gums bacteria. This situation is also referred to as pregnancy gingivitis. This pregnancy gingivitis is suffered by almost 50% of pregnant women.
Many pregnant woman report having vivid dreams. In some cases they are reported to be related to the baby or the pregnancy whereas in some cases it is unfocused completely. Excessive hormonal production is thought to be behind these dreams as well.
Palmar erythema is the reddishness experienced in soles and palms. These skin changes occur due to the mixed excessive production of hormones. There is nothing to be concerned of as it is reversible but you will have to wait until the baby arrives for it to go. Now you know that each pregnant women will display their pregnancy signs differently, and some will can be those less common pregnancy signs.
Breast Changes in Pregnancy
The early signs of pregnancy include a change in breast tissues in women. This is a natural process where the breast of a woman responds to the pregnancy by getting itself prepared for breast feeding. This change is among the early changes that the body develops when a woman conceives. To further elaborate the changes in a woman’s breast, here discussed are some common changes occurring during pregnancy
SORE BREASTS IN PREGNANCY
At the very beginning of the pregnancy, that is during the first three months, your breast tend to turn soar, but in some cases women with impending period also suffer from this symptom and so this sign is generally not noticed much. Your breasts turn tender or sensitive when they are touched and in many cases a serious kind of pain is experienced when a bra is worn. Though these symptoms are quite normal and experienced by almost everyone, however they are prominent only during the first trimester and lose intensity after that period. It is due to this reason that many women abstain from sex during this period, though having sex during pregnancy is safe but normally to avoid their breasts being touched, many women avoid sex.
NIPPLE CHANGES IN PREGNANCY
The obvious changes evident in the nipples of a pregnant woman are the darkening of the nipples as the pregnancy grows and the increase in their size. Also small goose bump or pimple like white areas start appearing on the aureola which is normal and termed as Montgomery’s Tubercules.
LARGER BREASTS DURING PREGNANCY
Your breasts start to grow and increase size either from the first trimester or in some cases women experience this symptom starting from the second trimester. This is all because of the expanding of tissues in the breast in preparation of getting itself ready for breastfeeding. As the pregnancy proceeds, the size of the bra also increases and you may have to opt for a nursing bra so adjust the increased size of the breast.
LEAKING COLOSTRUM
The first milk that is produced in the mother’s body is the colostrum. This milk contains all the necessary vital nutrients that the baby requires to start his healthy life. This milk also contains components that act as immunity for the baby against many diseases including Jaundice. This milk is a golden color fluid and many mothers normally experience its leaking by the end of pregnancy or even if it does not leak a light filmed cover or caked greasy substance is present on the tips of the nipples which is also due to colostrum. To avoid it from being evident you can use breast pads to feel normal and comfortable.
NO BREAST CHANGES
Also some women experience no breast changes or other pregnancy signs at all or only minor changes are seen during pregnancy. It is however normal and it has nothing to do with your capability to become pregnant, go through it safely or your breast feeding the baby.
Strange Pregnancy Signs
Pregnancy is a big turnover of life and living through it is no ordinary job. Many new moms who are experiencing this change for the first time may rely on the known information and pregnancy signs like Nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite due to some conditions and also backaches in some cases. However there are many uncommon signs of pregnancy that are never heard of. Here are five such seldom experienced pregnancy signs that mothers could experience:
Nose Bleeds and Nasal Stuffiness
Many people are of the opinion that only the uterus and surrounding areas respond to pregnancy, however this is not true. Your whole body responds to this major change and reflecting this theory is this symptom of a bleeding nose or nasal stuffiness. You should try home remedies like snorting with salt water or using a humidifier or if the symptom still persists try talking to your doctor for advice on other solutions.
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancies. As everyone knows and expect that the menstrual periods stop when you are pregnant but increase in vaginal discharge is not expected. If this bothers you, panty liners can be used as this can continue to the end of the pregnancy period until the child is born. Though if at any point you feel that the color of the discretion is changing or you feel odor you should immediately consult a doctor.
Insomnia
Feeling fatigued and tired are signs of pregnancy too and women in many cases try to sleep it off, however this does not happen in all cases. Many times mothers suffer from insomnia with or without feeling tired at all. This is a symptom that is experienced during pregnancy and is considered to be normal. This is apparent by staying up most of the time or having problems going to sleep at all or after you wake up at night. This can be avoided through relaxing, exercising and decreasing intake of caffeine. These are the main remedies that can be taken other than medical relief.
Gastrointestinal Distress
Burping, belching and gas are also symptoms of pregnancy. These are common symptoms and if a woman suffers from these unwomanly effects she should avoid foods that tend to increase the effects of these symptoms. A very important thing is to let it go as if you try to hold it in it will cause you a lot of pain.
Constipation
This symptom occurs due to the hormones of pregnancy which make the intestines slow and sluggish. Again home remedies include drinking lots of water, exercising and eating food that are rich in fiber. However if it does not help you should consult your doctor about it as it can be painful too.
The above strange and weird pregnancy signs doesn’t normally happen and are very rare and strange.
Pregnancy Safety Tips
When a woman is pregnant, their safety and the baby are paramount. This is extremely important to keep both the expecting mom and the new baby safe and sound away from any harm which could affect the mom or baby. Below are some pregnancy safety tips which you should be aware of.
Pregnancy Safety tips
- Please ensure that all cold food must be kept in below 5 degree Celsius and heat up hot food to over 60 degree Celsius prior to serving. This process will stop the bacteria from growing which could lead to food poisoning.
- Ensure that cooked food and raw food are store separately. It is advisable not to use the same set of utensils for both raw and cook food, e.g. chopping boards or knives.
- Do not let frozen food outside room temperature to be defrost all day. Try to defrost it overnight inside the fridge or use the microwave.
- Do not consume any cooked food if it’s after 12 hours.
- Always wash your hand with soap in warm water and dry them prior to and also after handling any food.
Prevention
It is advisable to not change the pet food which might contain egg ingredients nor cat litters. Always wear gloves when you’re doing gardening to ensure yourself protected from any harmful element in the garden including any contact with cat or dog feces.
Avoid eating any type of sprout which includes alfalfa sprouts, snow pea sprouts, soy bean or mung-bean sprouts, onion sprouts or sunflower sprouts.
There are some vital information on pregnancy including the pregnancy signs which you should be aware of as well.
Prenatal Vitamins
Important Prenatal Nutrients
Prenatal Vitamins and minerals that are important to take include:
- Folic Acid – Folic acid will greatly reduce the neural tube defect risks in baby by up to 70%.
- Iron - Your body will develop more blood cell to support baby when you’re pregnant. In this event, your blood could become thinner, and hence the requirement for iron supplement is vital.
- Calcium - It is important to obtain calcium rich food, approximately around 1300mg a day during pregnancy.
- Protein - Protein will help create and develop the cells in your baby. Adequate protein is required and mostly from meaty food.
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C will help develop your baby’s gums, bones and teeth. Consuming oranges or kiwi fruits, or any other fruits will help.
- Potassium - Bananas is a potassium source and potassium will help balanced the fluids in your cell.
- Vitamin B- Will help develop brain cells and healthy nervous system in your baby.
- Zinc - Helps to prevent neural tube defects and assist in body tissues development.
- Ginger Root – Ginger root will help the pregnant women to curb with vomiting and the feeling of nausea.
- Choline - researchers found that low level of choline will increase the risks of spinal cord defects.
- Inositol – Helps to protect from neural tube defects.
These are the vital prenatal vitamins which will assist a healthy baby development once you have confirm pregnancy either by taking pregnancy test or experience some of pregnancy symptoms.
Pregnancy Signs Before Missed Period
You may asked what are the pregnancy signs before missed period? Below are the answers.
Early pregnancy signs before missed period:
- Light Spotting – The spotting is normally light red or slightly pinkish, and is one of the common pregnancy signs before a missed period on women, which actually is an implantation bleeding meaning that fertilized eff has implanted through the lining of the uterus which contains lots of blood supply.
- Increased urinating frequency – during pregnancy, other fluids and also your blood supply will increase and this extra fluid will fill up the bladder once been process by the kidney rather quickly. The changes to the hCG hormone also plays a part.
- Increased Body Temperature – if you find out that you’re not sick (with any apparent illness) for more then 18 days then you are most likely pregnant.
- Cramp - As uterus starts to contracts, moving around and exercising could cause cramps on lower abdominal area.
- Fatigue - Another common early pregnancy symptoms before missed period is the feeling of extremely tiredness. This is because of the hormone level changes which caused the person to become sleepy and exhausted.
- Nausea - Another common early pregnancy signs is the feeling of nausea which could be felt any time during the night or in daytime.
- Breast Tenderness – Swollen breast and tender to touch is another common early signs of pregnancy before missed period. The feeling of it is almost similar to any breast pain before any menstrual cycle.
- Constipation - Because of hormone change, your intestine will become a bit relax and this could cause constipation. Changes to your bowel movement may also be an early pregnancy signs before missed period.
- Darkened Areola – You may noticed the area around your nipple will become darker.
- Bloating - Bloating in your stomach may be caused by the hormone changes inside your body.
If you noticed any of the above pregnancy signs before missed period and suspect you are pregnant, it is best to consult your doctor and confirm your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Symptoms
A lot of women will not experience any early pregnancy symptoms up until the 6th week into their pregnancy. Some could experience all of the pregnancy symptoms below, half of it or completely non.
Pregnancy Symptoms:
- Craving for food - This is one of the sign of pregnancy, but don’t depend on it as a sure pregnancy symptoms.
- Areolas darkening – Skins around your nipples will start to darken. However, This could also be a signs of hormone imbalance which is not related to pregnancy or a effect leftover from previous pregnancy.
- Implantation cramping/bleeding – may experience implantation spotting or slight pink stain which accompanied by cramping. This is normally caused when egg are burrowing into endometrial lining. This happen normally on the 8th day after ovulation.
- Increased urination – This is caused when hGC hormone increased.
- Fatigue – High progesterone hormone level can make you feel exhausted and a hallmark of pregnancy signs.
- Breast tenderness – Tender to touch. However pain will go away once the body accustomed to hormone surge.
- Altered sense – some describe having metallic taste around their mouth and having difficulty getting use to the taste of tea/coffee or the food they normally like.
- Morning sickness – Another hallmark of pregnancy signs. The feeling of queasiness and nauseated feeling throughout the whole day.
- Missed period – One of the surest signs of pregnancy.
To be sure, do some simple home test using the home pregnancy test. If result are shows positive on been pregnant, consult with your doctor to confirm your pregnancy and Congratulations!
