WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN EXPECTING.
Pregnancy in general is that period of a woman's life when everything seems to be spiraling out of control. There's a rush of adrenaline that flows through you at that moment when you hold the test results of either a pregnancy test tube or of a medical lab that says positive. You are officially about to become a mother.This period of time in a woman's live is associated with lots of emotional drama's and physical challenges. The discomfort and trials that come with this certain period being paramount cannot overshadow the moments when the magical thrill of carrying another life inside of you spring forth.
Whether it's a result of medical coax or unexpected and unplanned for , it doesn't change the fact that your life is about to change for the better. It can never be the way it used to be.
Pregnancy basically is when there is fertilization of the females egg is fertilized by the sperm and is implanted into the walls of the uterus. It develops into placenta and embryo and later a fetus. Aside from the regular bulging of the abdominal region, which often becomes noticeable during the third month of pregnancy there are generally other compelling activities that go on inside the woman's uterus.
Normal pregnancies range within a period of nine months. These nine months divided into three trimesters.
Pregnancy expectations are all commonly known from nausea with or without vomiting to various food cravings, but there some other symptoms that women should look out for.
Most women tend to miss their menstrual cycle and not even notice it. This because one of the early symptoms of pregnancy is slight bleeding and cramps. This is often confused for menstruation.
Mood swings, faintness and dizziness, constipation and an insignificant rise in body's basal temperature are also symptoms of pregnancy.
Unfortunately, these symptoms are not unique to pregnancy. Some of them indicate the start of your menstrual period while some women get pregnant without experiencing any of this symptoms.
The three trimesters of pregnancy have been divided in such that the nine months are completely classified under the three categories.
The first trimester consists of the first three months( 12 weeks). This is the most advisable period of termination.
FIRST MONTH
At the end of the first month, the embryo has developed head and trunk. It is about third of an inch long, and receives nutrients and passes out waste mainly through the placenta and umbilical cord. The heart starts to beat and the liver and digestive system begins to develop.
SECOND MONTH
The heart starts to pump, the brain and spinal cord starts to develop, facial features start to form and the embryo has a complete cartilage system.
THIRD MONTH
Here the development of the major blood vessels occur, the roof of the mouth develops gradually as the face begins to take a more human form. The four heart chambers are complete, the kidney begins to function as the major body organs start to develop.
The second trimester of a woman's pregnancy is called the honeymoon period. This the first time you begin to feel the baby's movement for the first time. Sex drive returns and nausea subsides eventually.
FOURTH MONTH
The fetus begins to kick and swallow and hear. They have a fully developed sleep cycle at this point and weighs about a 112g.
FIFTH MONTH
Now at 454g, the heartbeat of the fetus can be heard with a stethoscope.
SIXTH MONTH
With the lugs still not fully developed yet the fetus can still survive intensive care if there is forced labor. There is rapid growth at this point.
SEVENTH MONTH
The end of the second trimester, at this point the fetus can survive if it is born. Inside the womb it is able to move and look around with open eyes.
The third and last trimester of expectancy that includes the last two months consists of continual fetus growth as it moves into a head downward position and prepares for delivery.Most healthy babies weigh 2.7-4 kg at delivery.
COMPLICATIONS OF PREGNANCY
There some health related issues that arise during pregnancy. They could either be Fetal and placenta problems, maternal problems or complications of child birth.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES:-
This is an increase in the level of blood sugar due to pregnancy.
ANEMIA:-
There is a dramatic decrease in the blood iron level during the third trimester of pregnancy. This can be treated by additional of iron containing foods to diet.
INFECTIONS :-
Risk of certain infections due to a increased level of immune tolerance to prevent an immune reaction against the fetus.
MISCARRIAGE:- forced abortion may occur as result of weak pelvis in the mother and sometimes accidents. Miscarriages are often risky as they could lead to a damage in the uterus.
RHESUS FACTOR INCOMPATIBILITY :-
Opposing rhesus factors of both mother and fetus may lead to a condition of miscarriages or still birth.
PLACENTAL ABRUPTION :-
The placenta may detach itself from the uterus due to stressful conditions. In under developed fetus the condition may be managed under hospital conditions.
ECTOPIC PREGNANCIES :-
The implantation of the embryo outside the uterine wall.
HEMORRHAGE :-
The abnormal and excessive loss of blood after child birth. This is the most common cause of death.
PERINEA L TEARING :-
The tearing of the skin and soft tissue that separates the vagina from the anus. It occurs in 85% of vaginal deliveries.
LABOR COMPLICATIONS.
- Excessive bleeding
- Fetal distress
- Perinatal asphyxia
- Failure to progress
- Malposition
- Placenta previa
- Uterine rupture
- Rapid labor.
- Shoulder dystocia
Health being the most determining factor, every pregnant woman should participate in antenatal care services and post- natal care to ensure a smooth pregnancy period and also to avoid common health issues that arises during the first few months the baby has on earth. Health care services like immunizations are being offered at clinics and hospitals and regular check ups and visits with gynecologists.
Pregnant women should note that their health is linked with that of the unborn child. An unhealthy mother would most likely lead to an unhealthy child.