Normal Pregnancy Care
Few of the common questions pertaining to pregnancy are answered here.
- When should I start taking pregnancy care during pregnancy?
- Ideally, you should visit your ObGyn for a preconceptional counselling 1-2 months before planning pregnancy. You will have to start prenantal vitamins, check for genetic conditions or diseases you may be having. This will you to keep yourself better prepared for pregnancy.
- After getting to know of your pregnancy, visit your doctor immediately. Prenatal vitamins, if not already started will be prescribed. Other medications may be prescribed depending upon your past history. You can get all your doubts cleared.
- Early pregnancy complications such as tubal pregnancy, bleeding in pregnancy can be addressed during this visit.
- What does pregnancy care consist of?
The 3 basic components of pregnancy care include:
- Ensuring the delivery of a healthy baby
- Pleasant experience of pregnancy with the least complications with timely vaccinations and appropriate nutritional supplementation
- Healthy, happy mother during and post delivery
- What are the symptoms of pregnancy?
- At one end of the spectrum, there are women who do not have any pregnancy symptoms till the abdomen starts to increase in size and begin feeling fetal movements. They may assume that they have irregular cycles!
- At the other end of the spectrum, women may begin experiencing nausea/ vomiting (which is the commonest symptom of early pregnancy) at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy.
- How to take care of pregnancy during first 3 months?
The first 12 weeks of pregnancy is considered most crucial as most abortions happen during this time. The most common cause of abortions seen in 15% of women is due to genetic abnormalities in the conceptus. The dos and don’ts include:
- Avoid lifting heavy weights
- Sexual intercourse is safe if your pregnancy is otherwise uncomplicated. Talk to your doctor about it.
- If you have been exercising regularly, the changes happening in your body as a result of pregnancy may restrict your energy levels. Do not push yourself too much. Stay in your comfort zone.
- Eat healthy. Do not skip meals. Keep yourself well hydrated. Take the prescribed prenantal vitamins regularly.
- Consult your doctor, if you feel anything is abnormal.
- Get planty of rest
- Signs that your pregnancy is going well?
Your doctor is the best person to tell you if “everything is fine” with your pregnancy. Clear any doubts with your ObGyn. The most checked aspects include:
- Haemoglobin is normal
- Blood pressure is within normal range
- Blood sugar values are not elevated
- Adequate weight gain in pregnancy
- Adequate increase in abdominal girth
- Growth of fetus normal when assessed by your doctor on abdominal palpation or on scan.
- Adequately perceiving fetal movements in late pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Preconception counselling with an obstetrician-gynaecologist around one to two months before planning pregnancy can help review your health, identify possible genetic or medical concerns, and provide advice about prenatal vitamins. Preconception care can help you enter pregnancy better prepared.
You should arrange an early appointment with your obstetrician-gynaecologist rather than waiting for later months. An early visit can help identify concerns such as bleeding or a possible tubal pregnancy, while prenatal vitamins may also be prescribed. Early pregnancy care helps your doctor assess your health and address concerns promptly.
Not necessarily. Nausea and vomiting are common early pregnancy symptoms, while some women may have very few or no noticeable symptoms at this stage. Early pregnancy symptoms can therefore vary considerably between women.
For an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy, sexual intercourse is generally safe, although women should discuss their individual circumstances with their doctor. If there are pregnancy complications or specific concerns, your doctor may recommend different precautions. First trimester pregnancy care should therefore be individualized.
The first 12 weeks are an important period, and getting plenty of rest while staying within your comfort level when exercising can be helpful. Avoid pushing yourself beyond your energy levels and follow your doctor's advice based on your pregnancy. Healthy pregnancy habits include adequate rest, hydration, and appropriate nutrition.
If you were already exercising regularly, you may need to adjust the intensity as pregnancy changes your energy levels. Avoid pushing yourself too much and stay within your comfort zone. Your doctor can guide you regarding pregnancy exercise according to your individual circumstances.
Eating healthy, not skipping meals, staying well hydrated, and taking prescribed prenatal vitamins regularly are important during pregnancy. Individual nutritional requirements may vary depending on your health and pregnancy. Pregnancy nutrition should therefore be discussed with your obstetrician rather than relying on a generic diet plan.
Blood pressure and blood sugar are among the factors doctors monitor when assessing whether a pregnancy is progressing appropriately. Haemoglobin, weight gain, and fetal growth may also be monitored. Antenatal care allows these parameters to be followed throughout pregnancy.
Your doctor may assess fetal growth through abdominal examination and scans, along with monitoring your overall pregnancy progress. Adequate abdominal growth and fetal movements later in pregnancy can also provide useful information. Fetal growth monitoring helps your obstetrician identify whether further assessment is needed.
You should contact your obstetrician whenever you notice something that concerns you rather than trying to diagnose the problem yourself. Early pregnancy assessment can also identify complications such as bleeding or tubal pregnancy. Pregnancy monitoring is important because timely evaluation can help address concerns appropriately.
