Carrying a life inside of you

Pregnancy is a very crucial period in a woman’s life. It requires utmost care in all aspects related to an expecting mother’s daily routine, even how you lie down and wake up from bed. So, stay alert and take all safeguards.
By Dr Swapnil Shikha

The Child is the father of Man” remarked William Wordsworth in a poem ‘My heart Leaps Up.’ Since 1802, this phrase has appeared in many references and indicates an adult is the product of his habits, manners and behavior that he inculcated during his childhood.
Pregnancy produces many physical changes. Aside from weight and body shape, other alterations in your body chemistry and function take place. The heart works harder, your temperature registers slightly higher, body secretions increase, joints and ligaments are more flexible and hormones are altered.
Mood changes are common, resulting from a combination of hormonal changes and greater fatigue, as well as normal anxiety over body image, sexuality, finances, marriage roles and impending parenthood.
Most women may not experience symptoms of pregnancy on their own. But they may crop up well before you even miss a period. If you are the impatient type, there are many common early-pregnancy clues to look for.
The breasts of pregnant woman may be extra tender as early as a week or two after conception. The pregnant woman is making so much estrogen and progesterone in early pregnancy that the glands in the breasts start growing, this hormone surge causes breasts to retain more fluids and feel heavy, sore or more sensitive than normal PMS(Premenstrual syndrome) tenderness.
When the fertilized egg implants into the plush lining of the uterus about six to 12 days after conception, spotting (light vaginal bleeding) may occur. “This is harmless, but if any one suspectsshe is pregnant, let her doctor know, just in case it is something else. In the first trimester, bleeding should be evaluated for three things in particular—miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy or certain types of infections. Implantation bleeding is sort of a diagnosis of exclusion. That means we rule out the bad things before we can determine this is what it is.
During the first few weeks, your body is working 24/7 behind the scenes to support the pregnancy, and fatigue is a normal response. The extra progesterone produced after conception causes your basal body temperature to rise, which in turn contributes to a lack of energy.
Dr Suman Yadav, Senior Gynaecolgist, Pushpanjali Hospital, Gurgaon, said, “In this stage it is advised totake prenatal vitamins early on, eat a healthful diet, drink plenty of fluids to keep your blood pressure high enough, and rest when you can”.
The pregnant woman might think this comes later, when the baby presses on her bladder, but frequent peeing sometimes starts early. Not only can the swelling uterus put pressure on her bladder, but the extra blood flow to the kidneys also causes them to produce more urine.Nothing, unless the frequent urination is accompanied by burning, urgency or other signs of infection. Do not cut back on fluid intake.
Food aversions and nausea can start as early as two weeks after conception. Progesterone causes a lot of things to slow down include digestive processes, sometimes resulting in constipation or indigestion. Since stomach does not empty as quickly as it normally does, it thinks there is too much going on in there and wants to purge in some way—either into the gut or out through the mouth. Nausea also is related to human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone that can be detected in the mother’s blood or urine even before a missed period. The higher the HCG level (as with twins), the sicker one may feel.Another theory is that nausea and food aversions are a protective effect the body has toward the foetus. If things like free radicals or nitrates in some foods could hurt a growing baby, you may naturally develop a distaste to steer clear of them.
Many women find ginger and lemons soothing. Take advice from doctor about special vitamin B6 supplements that may alleviate nausea. Acupressure wristbands also can help. If you are vomiting frequently or cannot hold down any liquids, see your OB for possible IV hydration and medication.
Many women mistake about bloating, cramps and backache, the common early signs of pregnancy, forPMS symptoms, but actually they are caused by hormonal changes and the growth of the uterus. Nothing, unless the pain is severe or symptoms are accompanied by bleeding, the woman always faints before she finds out she is pregnant. Progesterone can contribute to lightheadedness by making your body run hotter and causing blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure. In addition, it takes a little longer than normal for blood that’s been diverted to the uterus to make its way back to your brain when you stand up. Dizziness also can stem from low blood sugar. If one is not eating properly, she can feel light headed.
Move slowly, and do not leap out of bed or off the couch abruptly. Keep blood sugar stable by eating every three to four hours, and drink plenty of water to keep your blood pressure steady. Avoid overheating, and if you do feel faint, sit down with your head between your knees.Some women have more headaches early in pregnancy. They are related to the increased progesterone levels; plus, headaches can result if you don’t drink enough fluids or if you are anemic.
Migraines become less frequent as pregnancy progresses. Fluctuating hormones tend to make headaches worse, and estrogen levels are more stable during pregnancy.
The following is a list of the most common discomforts of pregnancy and some guidelines for coping with them.

Nausea and Vomiting
• Eat small frequent meals. Going too long without eating during pregnancy can cause nausea or make it worse. If you experience continuous nausea, eat every one to two hours.
• Avoid greasy, high-fat foods. They are more difficult to digest.
• Consume dry starch foods, such as crackers, toast or cereal, in the morning before you get out of bed. Also, it helps if you stay in bed for 20 minutes or so after eating and get up slowly from the bed for a sudden change of position can aggravate nausea.
• Drinking carbonated beverages as well as peppermint, spearmint and chamomile teas may help.
• Eat plenty of carbohydrate-rich foods such as cereal, fruit, bread and rice. They are easy to digest and provide energy.
• Take prenatal vitamins only as directed. If they cause stomach upset, ask your practitioner if you can delay taking them for a few weeks.
• Some foods, such as milk or tea that are soothing to one woman may be upsetting to another. However, most women find cold foods and beverages easier to tolerate than hot ones.
• Eat a high-protein snack before bed to stabilize blood sugar.
• Limit your consumption of coffee. It stimulates acid secretion, which can make the nausea worse.
• Consume liquids separately from meals, waiting about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Wear sea sickness wrist bands. These can be found at most pharmacies.

Constipation
• Increase the amount of fiber in your diet, eating foods high in fiber such as fruits, raw vegetables, whole grain products, nuts and dried fruits. Choose a breakfast cereal that has at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. These foods help soften the stool and promote natural bowel activity.
• Drink a lot of fluids.
• Exercise, even walking, will help relieve constipation.
• Eat prunes or figs, or drink prune juice. These fruits contain a natural laxative.
• Avoid laxatives. If the problem is not resolved with the above suggestions, let your health care practitioner know. Stool softeners that are safe during pregnancy can be prescribed.
• Iron supplements can aggravate constipation — the prescription for iron can be adjusted if it becomes a problem.

Hemorrhoids
• To help avoid hemorrhoids, prevent constipation by maintaining a diet that is high in fluids and fiber.
• Witch hazel or Tucks pads can be applied to the hemorrhoid area to relieve symptoms.
• Avoid over-the-counter laxatives. If hard stools are aggravating hemorrhoids, stool softeners can be used, but first consult your practitioner for specific suggestions.

Fatigue
This is very common during the first trimester. Get as much sleep or rest as you can — even short naps will help. Your energy level will pick up after the first three months. However, fatigue and insomnia tend to recur in the last months of pregnancy. A warm bath, massage or hot drink before bed often helps you relax and get ready to sleep.

Heartburn
Try eating smaller but more frequent meals. Avoid highly seasoned, rich and fatty foods. Do not lies down flat after eating. If you must lie down, elevate your head and shoulders with pillows. Carbonated beverages and milk often can help alleviate heartburn. Certain antacids are not recommended during pregnancy. Check with your health care provider before using over-the-counter antacid preparations.

Backache
Lower back pain is common during pregnancy. It is caused by the shift in posture necessitated by carrying extra weight in front.Try not to stand in one position for too long.An exercise called the pelvic rock will help alleviate back pain and strengthen the lower back muscles that experience the most stress.Elevating the feet onto a stool while sitting will help.

Dizziness
Dizziness or lightheadedness can be caused by low blood sugar or a sudden change of position. To help avoid this feeling, move slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Eat well and frequently. Women who are prone to low blood sugar should carry snacks at all times. Juices and fruit are particularly good choices.

Swelling of the Hands and Feet
Slight swelling of the hands and feet are common in the later stages of pregnancy. Adequate fluid intake is always important. Improve the circulation in your legs and feet by elevating them as often as possible. Lie on a bed or floor and raise your legs up on the wall keeping your knees bent. If you are wearing elastic hose, drain your legs this way before putting them on.

(The author is Director, Amrapali Healthcare Ltd, New Delhi)