A new life is about to begin for you and your partner. Pregnancy may be one of the most exciting moments in your life, full of anticipation and joy. It’s also a time when you’ll have many questions about your health, the changes in your body, and things to expect during pregnancy. Here are some things that might answer your questions:
First appointment with the doctor
There are many things concerning pregnancy care and considerations for first-time parents, such as what to expect in the first few months of your pregnancy and when to schedule your first appointment with a doctor. Around week 7, when the embryo is around 10 centimeters long from head to bottom, you can confirm your pregnancy with your doctor. At this stage, your embryo receives nutrition from the yolk sac to grow and form the various organs in the body.
To better understand the care you need, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and past pregnancies (if any). A transvaginal scan will ensure the pregnancy is healthy and still in the womb. If you are experiencing pain or bleeding, have health issues, or have had previous pregnancy complications, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
Early Pregnancy
A good diet and some little exercise will help your pregnancy and experience. You should avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and certain foods while pregnant since they can harm your baby.
You should have already begun taking folic acid to lower your baby’s chance of neural tube abnormalities. To assist your baby’s healthy growth, your doctor may also urge you to take prenatal vitamin D supplements.
Early pregnancy is characterized by pain and bleeding. Many ladies get tired quickly as well. You should consult your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. If you have pregnant bleeding, you may be given progesterone hormone to minimize your chances of miscarriage.
Baby Bump
The first visible change you may notice on your body is your “baby bump .”It is one of the first signs of pregnancy, happening about the fourth or fifth week after conception. The muscles in the uterus begin to contract, pushing the fetus into a more rounded position. That causes the abdomen to swell and grow outward. By the ninth week, you’ll be able to see a bulge at your belly button and maybe even feel movement from the baby. This is called quickening.
Heartburn
Another thing you can expect is heartburn. The top of your uterus is just below your ribs, and over your navel, so it’s no surprise that heartburn is common during pregnancy. Some women experience this condition throughout their entire pregnancies. Heartburn usually happens when stomach acid enters your esophagus due to pressure on that organ from the growing uterus. Heartburn can also be caused by hormonal changes, spicy foods, and caffeine, which are no-nos during pregnancy. Heartburn usually doesn’t require medical treatment as long as you don’t have it too often or it doesn’t bother you too much. If heartburn persists, you may visit a doctor.
Morning sickness
In addition, you’ll also feel awkward and uncomfortable as your belly grows. You might feel tired or nauseous, but eating healthy foods and getting plenty of rest is essential. Smaller meals are better than three big ones a day, but try not to skip any meals. You might start craving certain foods or notice that smells make you feel sick. These feelings are normal, so don’t be afraid to stick with your usual diet as long as it’s healthy.
One of the challenging changes you can expect during your pregnancy is having morning sickness. Morning sickness affects most pregnant women at some point in their pregnancy. It usually begins in the first trimester and stops by the second, but it can last longer for some women or occur throughout the pregnancy.
Week 12
It’s the last week of your first trimester! Your fetus has reached complete development but will continue to grow and mature. During this visit, your doctor will review the results of your usual blood tests and FTS or NIPT. If their results are concerning, some couples may require additional testing.
The majority of early pregnancy symptoms should improve. The pregnancy is also more stable – most couples announce their pregnancy at this point. If you are employed, you should notify your employer so that you can continue working appropriately and your responsibilities are covered when you leave. You should check your rights and obligations with organizations like the Ministry of Manpower.
Week 13 and onwards
Attending antenatal classes and hospital tours is usually beneficial if this is your first pregnancy. This typically happens in the middle of the third trimester. Parenting programs can help your spouse prepare for pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. They can also help you meet other expectant parents and share your experiences.
Short, frequent bouts of exercise (about 30 minutes) three to four times a week are preferable to lengthy, vigorous regimens. Appropriate practices include brisk walking, running, swimming, antenatal gym, and yoga. Avoid activities that could cause you to fall, be hit, or overheat. It would help if you do not become out of breath and should be able to carry on a conversation while exercising. If everything is fine, your next doctor’s appointment will be in about 16 weeks.
Now that you’re aware of what to expect during pregnancy, you’ll notice that many physical and emotional changes occur during this phase. And it would help if you become careful of what you eat and how you take care of yourself, as it may affect your little one. Since there are many things to consider, take what you’ve read here and learn as much as possible about your pregnancy.