Pregnancy care can start as early as in preconception stage. A mother's body goes through a lot of changes throughout pregnancy and hence the care should not be ignored. Health expert Dr. Gauri Valame, who has 15 years of experience in Obstetrics and treatment of infertility, takes us through some amazing ways to take care of this journey. Care during pregnancy is something every woman has questions about. A pregnant lady should never ignore the issues related to following:
Breech Baby
Vaginal Infections
Amniotic fluid
Abdominal pain
Medications
Baby growth
Pregnancy care is split into three parts:
Preconception: If you are trying to conceive then make sure that your body is fully prepared to handle the demands of pregnancy. Maintain regular intake of folic acid and monitor thyroid, weight, blood pressure and sugar regularly.
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Pregnancy: This phase is again divided into trimester. While the care and precautions remain same overall weight gain needs to be monitored. Weight gain normally occurs as 1kg, 5kg and then 5kg in each trimester respectively.
Post conception: Care extends up to breast feeding phase and you have to follow the same nutritional plan as you baby is still dependent on your body for nutrition. Strictly avoid alcohol and smoking. Exercise regularly and follow proper diet.
Commonly Asked Questions About Pregnancy
1. Is normal delivery possible if mother has slip disk?
If pelvis is open adequately and there is labour pain then normal delivery is possible. Other factors which have to be taken into consideration are health and weight of both mother and baby.
2. I'm 29 weeks pregnant and scans showed that there's less water around the baby. I'm also a thyroid patient. Will this affect the baby?
Visit your doctor for treatment. Baby anomalies once checked should be treated immediately. Thyroid should be checked and monitored.
3. Is it safe to have sex at 8 months of pregnancy?
It's your choice but there's a risk of infection.
Care during pregnancy is something that is crucial
4. I'm 35 weeks pregnant and my baby is in breech position.
There's a chance that the baby may turn. Otherwise delivery can be done through C-section.
5. I'm 9 months pregnant. How do I overcome fatigue and tiredness?
It is quite a common symptom. Don't stress. Practice butterfly and Kegel's exercises. You can also do housework like squatting and mopping.
6. I'm 6 months pregnant and experience shortness in breathing.
Stay hydrated and avoid physical exertion and standing for too long.
7. There's a single loop of cord around baby's neck. Is it going to cause trouble?
There's no need for C-section as it's not harmful. However, if the baby is choking then surgical intervention may be required. If active infection is there then vaccination may be required for the baby.
8. I'm 6 days overdue for delivery. What should I do?
NSD and water around baby is to be checked. Consult your doctor.
9. I'm 8 weeks pregnant and experiencing abdominal pain and nausea.
Both are normal symptoms of first trimester. Consult your doctor for medication.
10. I'm 5 months pregnant and have urinary tract infection.
Immediate treatment is important as cramps can cause premature labour.
Immediate treatment is important as cramps can cause premature labour
11. I'm 3 months pregnant. My doctor suggested me to take NIPT test. Is it important?
It's a test to detect congenital anomalies in baby. Previous test results also matter. If you have a history of congenital anomaly then definitely take the test.
12. My TSH (thyroid) level is 7.5. What is the normal level and is it harmful for the baby?
Normal TSH levels are 3-3.5. High thyroid levels can affect baby's development.
13. I'm 32 weeks pregnant and had watery discharge.
If it's curdy then it's a sign of infection otherwise it's normal. Consult your doctor to check for labour.
14. I'm 6 months pregnant. How can I overcome gas problems?
Gas is usually a sign of indigestion. Have an early dinner and do light exercise to improve digestion. Munch ajwain with a little salt.
15. I'm 6 weeks pregnant and I can't feel my baby's heartbeat.
Don't worry. It's too early to feel a heartbeat. As long as other scans are normal there's no cause for worry.
16. I'm 5 months pregnant and I usually take breakfast at 11 am. Do you have any suggestions about diet?
Eat small meals more frequently. Ideally breakfast should be done by 9am. You can eat snacks at 11am. Eating too late or having too much gap between meals can cause acidity.
17. What can I do to deal with backache?
You can apply topical gel ointment and consult your doctor for painkiller.
18. I have low lying placenta. Please suggest some measures I can take to ensure safe delivery.
Avoid sexual relations and strenuous physical exertion. Avoid traveling and stay at home and stress-free environment. Take stairs and maintain proper posture.
19. I'm 34 weeks pregnant and I'm experiencing pain in sides of stomach and above vagina and also frequent motions.
It's normal and indicates that the baby's head is moving downwards. If frequent motions are accompanied by cramps or constipation. You can take stool softener.
20. My wife is 35 weeks pregnant. During her last ultrasound it was found that lateral ventricles of the baby was 10.7mm. What's the standard size?
It shouldn't be more than 10mm or it could lead to complication.
Eating healthy during pregnancy is good for you and the baby
21. What should be the baby's weight at 5 months of pregnancy?
It should be between 2.25-2.75kg.
22. What is the meaning of posterior placenta? Is it harmful condition?
It's nothing to worry about. It's a reference for doctors to judge the position of placenta.
23. Baby's toilet pouch seems larger than normal. Is it problematic?
A detailed NIPT blood test can give decisive results.
24. I'm 33 years old and worried about having a normal delivery.
As long as your health and baby's health is fine it's possible to have a normal delivery.
25. I'm 6 months pregnant and the ultrasound showed that the baby's heartbeat was irregular.
Don't worry. You can check again after 7 days.
25. I'm 6 months pregnant. What vaccines should be taken at this stage? Also, what are the pros and cons of water birth?
At this stage the vaccines you should take are diphtheria prevention, influenza prevention. I would not advise water birthing as there's not enough experience to support it in our community.
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