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Week 5 Welcome to Week 5 of the KidandParent Pregnancy
show. You are elated and at the same time anxious about entering into motherhood. In
this show, we will cover what you can expect in your first doctor visit and ectopic pregnancy.
We will also discuss the next steps forward when your pregnancy is unplanned.
Changes Taking Place in Mother You will be surprised to know a woman produces
more estrogen in one pregnancy than her entire life when she is not pregnant. Her progesterone
levels also rise significantly during pregnancy. This provides laxity to internal organs. No
wonder, pear-sized uterus is able to grow a thousand fold to house the full-term baby.
Outwardly, you may feel that your *** and nipples are getting bigger and the area
around your nipples is getting darker. You may also be facing a wide range of pregnancy
symptoms like fatigue, sleepiness, nausea, constipation and frequent urination.
How is Baby Doing ? You will be glad to hear your baby is growing
at a rapid rate. A primitive placenta can be seen by the end of this week. Umbilical
cord development is in its early stages. Fetal blood vessels are in place.
Just 3% of all pregnant women will give birth to twins.
The First Doctor Visit Your first visit to the doctor during pregnancy
is filled with anticipation. You were waiting for this moment. You are filled with questions
and hear advice from every corner. With a little care and planning you can optimize
your visit to the doctor and benefit maximally from it.
Some Things to Inform Your Doctor: 1. Any major illness in the family especially
genetically transmitted diseases. 2. Pattern of your periods. This will make
it easy for her to estimate the date of conception. You should also inform your doctor about any
previous pregnancies and about any prior history of vaginal infections.
3. Medications you are taking for pre-existing illnesses.
4. Any medicinal or non-medicinal allergies you might have.
Things to Ask Your Doctor: With so many do's and don'ts from all corners,
it is best to consult your doctor and get some authenticated information about your
pregnancy. Here are some common questions many women have.
1. Safety related issues during pregnancy. Can you exercise during pregnancy. .
2. Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy and best sleeping posture at different stages
of the pregnancy ? 3. What are the things you should avoid during
pregnancy ? 4. Concerns about working, mode of traveling
to work, safety and stress at the workplace? 5. Ask about healthy nutrition and what not
to eat, importance of supplements and their dosage.
Make a note of any questions you may have about your pregnancy. This will be handy during
your consultation with the doctor.
Unplanned Pregnancy: Sometimes a woman gets pregnant when she has
not planned for it. Pregnancies can occur even in women who are on contraceptives. Here
are some possible reasons - 1. You might have not understood the instructions
properly and followed them adequately. 2. *** breakage or damage.
3. Forgetting your daily oral contraceptive pills.
4. Error in calculating your fertile period based on your ovulation date can leave you
pregnant when you really did not plan for it.
What Should You Do ? In case you have been continuing usage of
birth control pills before knowing that you are pregnant, it is best to stop and consult
your physician. She will guide you accordingly. Birth control pills have an effect on hormones
and should be avoided once you suspect you might be pregnant. With an IUD still in place,
there are increased chances of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and infections. In such
a situation, get in touch with your doctor and follow her advice. If you were using condoms
or safe time method and that has failed, there is nothing to worry.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy ? When the fertilised egg implants itself outside
the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, it is called an ectopic pregnancy. Most symptoms
are the same as that of normal pregnancy. However, if you have intense pain in the lower
abdomen or bleeding even after the pregnancy test showed positive, consult your doctor
immediately. The doctor may identify an ectopic pregnancy by measuring the hormone levels
in the blood or by having an ultrasound done. It is easy to mistake an ectopic pregnancy
for a regular period, so be alert to the possible symptom of an ectopic pregnancy such as lower
abdomen pain. I love my morning coffee. Should I stop drinking
coffee during pregnancy ? It is best to avoid or reduce caffeine products
such as coffee. Reduce the intake to 1 or 2 cups a day if you cannot stop entirely.
Words of Wisdom Laugh out loud with this funny quote by Carrie
Latet ! Pregnancy is a disease from which you recover
in 18 years and 9 months. Carrie Latet