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Normal pregnancy
How much is duration of a normal pregnancy?
Normaly, a pregnancy is 40 weeks in length, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period. Pregnancy is broken down into three phases. The first phase lasts 12 weeks, the second from 13 to 27 weeks and the third from 28 to 40 weeks.
Do I need tests?
Routine tests are offered to all women after their pregnancy has been confirmed by doctor. These include blood tests to check for anaemia (lack of red blood cells), your blood type and any infections or blood disorders you may have now or had in the past. You are also offered a urine test to see if you have a kidney disease or problems. Genetic test for fetal abonormality are offered to all women and women at high risk pregancy.An Ultrasound examination performed 12 week,20 week and 32-34 week.
Who will care for me during my pregnancy?
See Dr. Asha Pahuja as soon as you know or suspect you are pregnant. You continue to see doctor throughout your pregnancy . To increase your chances of having a healthy baby, you will be asked to visit the antenatal clinic on a regular, but flexible basis. The nurse or midwife checks your weight, urine and blood pressure at each visit, and you will also be examined by midwife. Be sure to discuss any changes or questions you have with Dr. Asha Pahuja.
What can I do about morning sickness?
Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting you may have during pregnancy. Although called 'morning' sickness, it can happen throughout the day. Usually, it begins in early pregnancy and goes away by the fourth month. To relieve morning sickness, try to eat several, smaller meals and healthy snacks throughout the day. Beside your bed have a small snack that you can nibble before you get up in the morning. Avoid rich, fatty foods or cooking smells that bother you, and try to eat more carbohydrates like dry toast or a plain baked potato. Ginger products and vitamin B6 are very good for health.
For excess vomiting consult her.
What should be diet during my pregnancy?
A healthy, balanced diet is vital for your health, and your baby's growth and development. Choose a wide variety of foods from the four food groups – bread, other cereals and potatoes; fruit and vegetables; milk and dairy foods; and meat, fish and alternatives (such as beans or lentils). A normal pregnancy increases your food needs by about 200 calories a day in the final three months. Make up these extra calories with healthy snacks like fruit or a sandwich.It is likely that you will have to increase the amount of calcium in your diet during pregnancy. You can do this by drinking plenty of low-fat milk, and eating yoghurt and cheese, as well as dark green vegetables. It is also important that you take a daily supplement that contains 400 micrograms (400 mg or 0.4 mg) of folic acid (a B vitamin & Iron) before and during your pregnancy until the twelfth week. Folic acid lowers the chances that your baby will have spinal cord problems. Ask Dr.Asha pahuja about which supplement you should take for your calcium and iron requirements.
What should I avoid eating during my pregnancy?
Certain foods should be avoided while you are pregnant because they carry the risk of being contaminated with bacteria. These foods include soft cheeses, unpasteurised milk, raw or softly boiled eggs, inadequately cooked meats, and pâtés.
It is a good idea to cut down on caffeine during pregnancy. If you drink coffee, try to limit yourself to three regular cups a day.
Can I drink alcohol during my pregnancy?
Any alcohol you drink is passed through to your baby and may damage his or her health. To be on the safe side it is probably best not to drink any alcohol during your pregnancy. At the very least, avoid drinking during the first three months and then try to limit your drinking after that to one or two units of alcohol once or twice a week.
How much weight should I gain?
Weight gain differs from woman to woman, but a normal weight gain during pregnancy is 12–16 kilograms (24–36 pounds). Talk to Dr.Asha Pahuja about how much weight gain you should be aiming for. It is important that eating a balanced, healthy diet is much more beneficial than gaining a few pounds.
What about smoking?
Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to many serious problems – including miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome, to name a few. So if you smoke, stop immediately, and encourage your partner to do the same.
Can I exercise during pregnancy?
Exercise is good durning pregnancy.If you have a normal pregnancy, it is likely that you can exercise, but always check with your doctor first. Vigorous exercise that might cause injury should be avoided, so opt for gentle exercise in which you don't feel pain, short of breath or overly tired. The best kind of exercise swimming or using a stationary bike are good choices, although walking is a good option too. Whatever you choose, make sure your body temperature does not become too high and drink plenty of fluids. If any problems arise, stop exercising immediately and see her.
What about prescription or over-the-counter medication?
If you are taking prescription medicine, discuss withdoctor whether it is safe to continue to use it during pregnancy. Some prescription drugs can interfere with your baby's development, while others may be vital to control a chronic condition, such as asthma or diabetes. Always seek advice from doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicine or herbal remedies, no matter how harmless they may seem.
Can I have sex during pregnancy? Will I want to?
If your pregnancy is progressing normally, it is probably safe for you and your partner to have sex. If you're at all uncertain whether you should have sex, ask your doctor or midwife.
Your desire for sex will probably change during your pregnancy. In early pregnancy, your interest in sex will probably drop as your hormones change, you gain weight, feel tired or experience morning sickness. During the second phase, your interest will probably pick up again. Then, during the third phase, that interest may drop again as your size, back pain or fatigue may make having sex difficult. It may help to try different positions with your partner to increase your comfort.
For consultation, conact Dr. Asha Pahuja
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