Pregnancy - Wikipedia. Pregnancy, also known as gravidity or gestation, is the time during which one or more offspring develops inside a woman. Childbirth typically occurs around 4. LMP). An embryo is the developing offspring during the first eight weeks following conception, after which, the term fetus is used until birth. The first trimester is from week one through 1.
How to Change Your Diet to Prepare for Pregnancy. Eating well is a good way to prepare the body for pregnancy. The body changes so much during pregnancy and many.Conception is when the sperm fertilizes the egg. The fertilized egg then travels down the fallopian tube and attaches to the inside of the uterus, where it begins to form the fetus and placenta. Around the middle of the second trimester, movement of the fetus may be felt. At 2. 8 weeks, more than 9. The third trimester is from 2. After 4. 1 weeks, it is known as post term. Babies born before 3. Know what to expect in the first month of your pregnancy. The first month may come with a lot of issues from simple ones like symptoms to serious complications. Pregnancy Definition The period from conception to birth. After the egg is fertilized by a sperm and then implanted in the lining of the uterus, it develops into the. The number of pregnancies in women ages 1. Common causes include maternal bleeding, complications of abortion, high blood pressure of pregnancy, maternal sepsis, and obstructed labor. Half of unplanned pregnancies are aborted. Twins and other multiple births are counted as one pregnancy and birth. A woman who has never been pregnant is referred to as a nulligravida. A woman who is (or has been only) pregnant for the first time is referred to as a primigravida. In- progress pregnancies, abortions, miscarriages and/ or stillbirths account for parity values being less than the gravida number. In the case of twins, triplets, etc., gravida number and parity value are increased by one only. Women who have never carried a pregnancy achieving more than 2. This is in contrast to pregnancy complications. Sometimes a symptom that is considered a discomfort can be considered a complication when it is more severe. For example, nausea can be a discomfort (morning sickness), but if, in combination with significant vomiting, it causes water- electrolyte imbalance it is a complication (hyperemesis gravidarum). Common symptoms and discomforts of pregnancy include: Tiredness. Constipation. Pelvic girdle pain. Back pain. Braxton Hicks contractions. Occasional, irregular, and often painless contractions that occur several times per day. Edema (swelling). Common complaint in advancing pregnancy. Caused by compression of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and pelvic veins by the uterus leads to increased hydrostatic pressure in lower extremities. Increased urinary frequency. A common complaint referred by the gravida, caused by increased intravascular volume, elevated GFR (glomerular filtration rate), and compression of the bladder by the expanding uterus. Urinary tract infection. Common complaint caused by relaxation of the venous smooth muscle and increased intravascular pressure. Haemorrhoids (piles). Swollen veins at or inside the anal area. Caused by impaired venous return, straining associated with constipation, or increased intra- abdominal pressure in later pregnancy. Using this date, the resulting fetal age is called the gestational age. This choice was a result of inability to discern the point in time when the actual conception happened. In in vitro fertilisation, gestational age is calculated by days from oocyte retrieval + 1. Fertilization is the event where the egg cell fuses with the male gamete, spermatozoon. After the point of fertilization, the fused product of the female and male gamete is referred to as a zygote or fertilized egg. The fusion of male and female gametes usually occurs following the act of sexual intercourse. Fertilization can also occur by assisted reproductive technology such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilisation. Fertilization (conception) is sometimes used as the initiation of pregnancy, with the derived age being termed fertilization age. Fertilization usually occurs about two weeks before the next expected menstrual period. A third point in time is also considered by some people to be the true beginning of a pregnancy: This is time of implantation, when the future fetus attaches to the lining of the uterus. This is about a week to ten days after fertilization. The fertilized egg, known as a zygote, then moves toward the uterus, a journey that can take up to a week to complete. Cell division begins approximately 2. Cell division continues at a rapid rate and the cells then develop into what is known as a blastocyst. The blastocyst arrives at the uterus and attaches to the uterine wall, a process known as implantation. The development of the mass of cells that will become the infant is called embryogenesis during the first approximately ten weeks of gestation. During this time, cells begin to differentiate into the various body systems. The basic outlines of the organ, body, and nervous systems are established. By the end of the embryonic stage, the beginnings of features such as fingers, eyes, mouth, and ears become visible. Also during this time, there is development of structures important to the support of the embryo, including the placenta and umbilical cord. The placenta connects the developing embryo to the uterine wall to allow nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply. The umbilical cord is the connecting cord from the embryo or fetus to the placenta. After about ten weeks of gestational age, the embryo becomes known as a fetus. At the beginning of the fetal stage, the risk of miscarriage decreases sharply. Sex organs begin to appear during the third month of gestation. The fetus continues to grow in both weight and length, although the majority of the physical growth occurs in the last weeks of pregnancy. Electrical brain activity is first detected between the fifth and sixth week of gestation. It is considered primitive neural activity rather than the beginning of conscious thought. Synapses begin forming at 1. Retrieved 2. 00. 7- 0. Fetus at 8 weeks after fertilization. Retrieved 2. 00. 7- 0. Fetus at 1. 8 weeks after fertilization. Retrieved 2. 00. 7- 0. Fetus at 3. 8 weeks after fertilization. Retrieved 2. 00. 7- 0. Relative size in 1st month (simplified illustration)Relative size in 3rd month (simplified illustration)Relative size in 5th month (simplified illustration)Relative size in 9th month (simplified illustration)Maternal changes. Breast changes as seen during pregnancy. The areolae are larger and darker. During pregnancy, the woman undergoes many physiological changes, which are entirely normal, including cardiovascular, hematologic, metabolic, renal, and respiratory changes. Increases in blood sugar, breathing, and cardiac output are all required. Levels of progesterone and oestrogens rise continually throughout pregnancy, suppressing the hypothalamic axis and therefore also the menstrual cycle. The fetus is genetically different from the woman and can be viewed as an unusually successful allograft. Many symptoms and discomforts of pregnancy like nausea and tender breasts appear in the first trimester. Although the breasts have been developing internally since the beginning of the pregnancy, most of the visible changes appear after this point. Weeks 1. 3 to 2. 8 of the pregnancy are called the second trimester. Most women feel more energized in this period, and begin to put on weight as the symptoms of morning sickness subside and eventually fade away. The uterus, the muscular organ that holds the developing fetus, can expand up to 2. Although the fetus begins to move during the first trimester, it is not until the second trimester that movement, often referred to as . This typically happens in the fourth month, more specifically in the 2. It is common for some women not to feel the fetus move until much later. During the second trimester, most women begin to wear maternity clothes. Third trimester. The uterus expands making up a larger and larger portion of the woman's abdomen. At left anterior view with months labeled, at right lateral view labeling the last 4 weeks. During the final stages of gestation before childbirth the fetus and uterus will drop to a lower position. Final weight gain takes place, which is the most weight gain throughout the pregnancy. The woman's abdomen will transform in shape as it drops due to the fetus turning in a downward position ready for birth. During the second trimester, the woman's abdomen would have been upright, whereas in the third trimester it will drop down low. The fetus moves regularly, and is felt by the woman. Fetal movement can become strong and be disruptive to the woman. The woman's navel will sometimes become convex, . It also severely reduces bladder capacity, and increases pressure on the pelvic floor and the rectum. It is also during the third trimester that maternal activity and sleep positions may affect fetal development due to restricted blood flow. For instance, the enlarged uterus may impede blood flow by compressing the vena cava when lying flat, which is relieved by lying on the left side. In order to have a standard reference point, the normal pregnancy duration is assumed by medical professionals to be 2. The best method of determining gestational age is ultrasound during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is typically accurate within seven days. This calculates the expected due date from the first day of the last normal menstrual period (LMP or LNMP) regardless of factors known to make this inaccurate, such as a shorter or longer menstrual cycle length. Pregnancy most commonly lasts for 4. LNMP- based method, assuming that the woman has a predictable menstrual cycle length of close to 2. The average time to birth has been estimated to be 2. A decision may be made to induce labour if a fetus is perceived to be overdue. Furthermore, if ultrasound dating predicts a later due date than LMP, this might indicate slowed fetal growth and require closer review. The stage of pregnancy defined as the beginning of legal fetal viability varies around the world. It sometimes incorporates weight as well as gestational age. While childbirth is widely experienced as painful, some women do report painless labours, while others find that concentrating on the birth helps to quicken labour and lessen the sensations. How to Change Your Diet to Prepare for Pregnancy: 1. Steps. Cut back on certain fats. Trans fats are usually considered the worst of the fats; these fats are made by hydrogenating healthier oils, making them solid at room temperature. You should mostly try to avoid trans fats. Saturated fats, such as those found in bacon, dairy products, and other meats, are a little better, but you should still limit these fats in your diet. One way you can limit them is by picking low- fat dairy products. Therefore, eating fewer of these fats will not only help you be healthier overall to get pregnant, they'll also increase your chances of getting pregnant more directly. In fact, including some dairy fat is linked to better fertility in some studies. The good news is there's something you can do to help yourself have a healthy pregnancy and baby: Eat a healthy pregnancy diet. By following a few guidelines dedicated to baby's wellbeing and yours, you'll experience some impressive benefits: For baby: Helps improve the odds baby is born at a healthy weight, boosts brain development, descreases risk for certain birth defects (including neural tube defects like spina bifida) and, as a bonus, could result in better eating habits after birth as your baby grows to be a potentially picky eater. For you: Decreases the odds you'll experience some pregnancy complications (anemia, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia are less prevalent among women who eat well), makes your pregnancy more comfortable (a sensible diet can minimize morning sickness, fatigue, constipation and a host of other pregnancy symptoms), balance your emotions (good nutrition can help moderate mood swings), improve your odds of a timely labor and delivery (you're less likely to go into preterm labor) and a speedier postpartum recovery (a well- nourished body bounces back faster and has less pounds to shed after delivery). Luckily scoring these benefits is relatively simple. The foundation of a healthy pregnancy diet is the same as the average healthy diet: a balanced mix of lean protein and calcium, whole grains, a rainbow of fruits and vegetables and healthy fats (with usually a little more calories and nutrients to nourish baby). SEE THE INFOGRAPHIC: Pregnancy Nutrition 1. Of course, it's the rare woman who eats well every day, week in and week out, for all 4. What world does that woman live in?) So don't stress about it, and don't feel guilty — the following is a framework for healthy eating, not a strict curriculum to follow (and you're not being graded). Follow these principles as closely as you can, as often as you can, to have the healthiest, most nutritious pregnancy possible. Pregnancy Diet Guidelines: Updated 3/2. Monthly Guide to Pregnancy. Learning you are pregnant is a joyous occasion. For the next nine months, you will go through many changes. Although each woman’s pregnancy is different, this month- by- month guide can help you plan for some of the changes that may occur. You may feel very tired due to hormonal changes. Plan to get extra rest, sneaking in naps when you can, and slow down. You should feel more energetic by the end of the third month. You may need to urinate more frequently now. This is common during the first trimester of pregnancy and again right before your baby is born. For greater comfort, start wearing loosely fitting clothes. See your health care provider by the second month to confirm your pregnancy. Regular check- ups will be scheduled for your prenatal care. Your diet. Calcium is very important for both your and your baby’s bones and teeth. An easy way to include calcium in your diet is to drink and eat pasteurized dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and bran cereal to make sure your bowel movements are regular. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Your feelings. Talk to your partner about how you are feeling. Ask for help, especially if you are tired. During this time you may feel overweight and clumsy. Remember the extra weight is preparing your body for pregnancy and breastfeeding. During pregnancy, it is common to have mood swings in your feelings about sex. It is not harmful to have sexual relations during pregnancy, but check with your health care provider about sexual activity during this time. From our health library. Pregnancy: First Trimester. Month Four. Your body. You may notice that you have more energy. Nausea and fatigue may stop. You may also notice that your belly looks larger because the baby has grown. Your diet. During pregnancy, your need for iron increases. To be sure you get enough iron, eat lean, red meats, leafy green vegetables, whole grain breads, dried fruits and beans. Childbirth preparation classes. Childbirth classes should begin in month seven. Register now since classes often fill up early. Month Five. Your body. Changes in your circulation require that you stand and move often. Continue to do this throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. Your breasts may begin to leak a yellowish fluid called colostrum in preparation for breastfeeding. You may begin to feel the baby move during this month. Your diet. Be sure to eat food rich in Vitamin C. Your body does not store Vitamin C, so it is important to get a fresh supply every day. Good sources of Vitamin C are oranges, broccoli and tomatoes. Choosing a health care provider for your baby. Before you are admitted to the hospital, you need to decide who will care for your baby after the delivery. This is a good time in your pregnancy to start looking for a health care provider for your baby if you have not already chosen one. Talk to your friends and ask them if they are happy with the health care provider who cares for their children. Many pediatricians and family care physicians will meet with you before your baby is born and let you interview them. It is a good idea to select someone close to where you live. Month Six. Your body. You may gain 3 to 4 pounds this month. Your feet may swell during the latter stages of pregnancy. Putting your feet up may help reduce any ankle swelling. Shop for wide, comfortable shoes, preferably with a flat heel. Your diet. You may crave certain foods or find that other foods smell or taste bad, even if you liked them before you were pregnant. If this happens, try to find substitutes that provide the right nutrients. Hospital pre- registration. If you have not already pre- registered at the hospital where you will deliver, this is a good time to do so. If you are delivering at a Sutter Health hospital, you can pre- register online at www. If you are delivering at a non- Sutter Health hospital, check with your health care provider or call the hospital directly for pre- registration information. From our health library. Pregnancy: Second Trimester. Month Seven. Your body. You may gain 3 to 4 pounds this month. You may tire more easily. If you work, try to work shorter hours or arrange for a more flexible schedule if possible. Rest when you can. Your feelings. Mood swings and increased irritability are common during the last three months of pregnancy. Be sure to discuss your feelings with your partner. Childbirth preparation classes. Begin childbirth preparation classes with your partner. These classes provide useful information on labor and birth and what to expect during your delivery. From our health library. Pregnancy: Third Trimester. Month Eight. Your body. You may gain 3 to 4 pounds this month. Increases in frequency of urination, backaches, anxiety, heartburn and shortness of breath occur at this time. Shop for larger maternity clothes, if necessary. You will be growing quite a bit these last few weeks. Your diet. What you eat is still important. If you have trouble sleeping, try drinking something warm and lying on your side with pillows to support your body. Taking a warm shower before bed can also help you relax and make you sleepy. Month Nine. Your body. You may gain 3 to 4 pounds this month. Your stomach may change shape as the baby begins to position itself for birth. It may be easier to breathe now, but you may have to urinate more often. Get plenty of rest! Hospital stay. Make arrangements for your hospital stay. Keep important phone numbers and papers close by. Pack your bag for the hospital, and plan how you will get there at different times of the day or night. Make sure you have everything you will need when you come home from the hospital, such as food and diapers.
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