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Week 4 Welcome to Week 4 of the KidandParent Pregnancy
show. Some of you might be experiencing pregnancy symptoms. This week, we will talk about early
signs and symptoms of pregnancy and how to confirm your pregnancy with the help of a
pregnancy test. You will also find out why it is essential for an expectant mother to
be on a balanced diet and what is an ideal diet during pregnancy.
Changes Taking Place in Mother At this stage, your body is undergoing many
hormonal changes. During pregnancy, a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
is produced. This hormone helps the ovary to produce the progesterone hormone which
maintains the growth of pregnancy. These hormonal changes are responsible for morning sickness
and other symptoms you might face during pregnancy. Some women start experiencing early pregnancy
symptoms at this point.
How is Baby Doing ? You may think it is too early but your baby's
spine and brain have started developing at this stage. By the end of this week, the embryo
will get attached firmly into the lining of your womb. The embryo is attached through
a stalk which will later form the umbilical cord. The cells in the embryo start developing
into your baby's organs and body parts. Approximately 70% of expectant mothers experience
some symptoms of morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms Here is a list of some early signs or symptoms
that will help you to know if you are pregnant. 1. Missed period and breast tenderness.
2. Exhaustion, tiredness, nausea and vomiting. 3. Frequent urination and/or increased vaginal
discharge. 4. Mood swings and headaches.
5. Strange food cravings, increased salivation. Please remember these are just the indications.
You might have all of these or none of these symptoms. Your pregnancy can be confirmed
with the help of a pregnancy test.
Pregnancy Test Pregnancy tests detect the amount of hCG in
either the woman's urine or blood sample. The levels of this hormone rise after the
woman has conceived. They are usually detectable within 10 days after conception. So, if the
pregnancy test is performed about the time the woman misses her first period, detection
through this method will be possible.
How to do a Pregnancy Test ? 1. You can perform the pregnancy urine test
in the privacy of your home. Buy a pregnancy test kit at your local medical store. Follow
the instructions on the strip carefully to get the most accurate results. You will get
the results within a couple of minutes. The results are generally accurate but can sometimes
generate false negatives for a variety of reasons.
2. You can alternatively do a pregnancy blood test, which is more sensitive than a urine
test and thus more accurate. A blood test measures the levels of hCG in your blood instead
of urine. This can measure lesser hormone levels in the blood and can detect pregnancy
earlier than urine tests. However, these tests cannot be done at home. You may have to get
your doctor's help in doing these tests and draw blood through a needle.
Home Pregnancy Test Kits in India There are many pregnancy test kits available
in the Indian market. The accuracy of the test depends on how it is performed, so read
the instructions carefully before performing the test. Some of the products are listed
here: * Velocit by Dr. Reddy's
* PregColor Card * ClearView
* Cadila's Acutest * Akon Kit
Frequently Asked Questions: Is it possible that the pregnancy result is
negative but I am actually pregnant? Yes, it can happen in case:
1. You have used it too early, even before the hCG hormone can be detected.
3. You have ovulated at a date later than you expected.
4. Your hCG levels are really low. So if you get a negative test but are not
getting your ***, please repeat the home pregnancy test again after a few days or visit
a doctor for confirmation. If you are planning to get pregnant consult
your doctor about any long-term medications you are on.
Nutrition during Pregnancy Every mother wants to ensure that she delivers
a healthy baby. She needs to provide nutrition both for herself and for the growing foetus.
It is recommended that pregnant women should take an extra 300 calories, irrespective of
activity. Her diet should be balanced, rich in proteins and fats, contain liberal amounts
of vitamins, minerals like calcium and iron and fluids along with high fiber. Here are
some tips for a healthy pregnancy diet
Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy Diet 1. Dairy products are the primary sources
of calcium. If you do not like milk, use curd,cheese,yogurt and khoa. Green leafy vegetables are also
good sources of calcium. 2. High sugars and more refined foods should
be avoided. 3. Foods that supply empty calories like soft
drinks, junk foods can also be avoided. 4. Needs of essential fatty acids increase
during pregnancy. Fats can be taken in prescribed amount, but products like vanaspathi and dalda
which contain saturated and trans-fats should be avoided. Instead, use products rich in
unsaturated fats like olive oil, fish and avocado.
5. If you are vegetarian, increase your intake of legumes, pulses and nuts to meet your protein
requirements.
Info-bite Normal calcium requirement of 400 mg shoots
up to 1000 mg during pregnancy. Increased calcium intake helps the growth of foetal
bones and teeth. Foetal skeletal growth peaks in the last trimester. The mother should increase
her intake of calcium rich food, otherwise the foetus will draw from the maternal stores.
Words of Wisdom Have a nice week with this lovely chinese
proverb while awaiting your lovely baby ! There is only one pretty child in the world
and every mother has it. Chinese Proverb