How Much Are 15 Weeks Pregnant In Months?

Wondering 15 weeks pregnant is how many months? You’re in the month 4 of your pregnancy! That is exactly 3 months 3 weeks.

15 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms 

The second trimester is marked with having high energy and respectively high libido though this may not apply to a significant number of expecting women. The symptoms for the week are described below.

1) Low Libido

The sex drive may increase in the second trimester and it is perfectly safe to indulge in sexual activities unless advised against it. However, it would be totally fine if you are not up to it while dealing with all the other symptoms.

2) Swollen Gums

The effect of hormones can also be seen on dental health. Swelling of gums is quite normal. The gums become extra sensitive. If not taken care of, this may lead to a condition called Gingivitis.

3) Nosebleeds

The increased sensitivity of nasal passages with all the extra blood flowing through every part of body may cause you to deal with occasional nosebleeds. Also, there is swelling of blood vessels and increased mucus production causing pregnancy rhinitis, commonly known as stuffy nose.

4) Shortness of Breath

As uterus increases in size, pressure on lungs increases. When you breathe, lungs are unable to expand as easily and hence it may lead to shortness of breath.

5) Heartburn & Flatulence

Oh these hormones are to be blamed for everything! Symptoms like heartburn and gas may remain with you for the larger part of pregnancy.

6) Varicose Veins

The bluish streaks across your body are nothing but veins swelled in size due to increase in blood volume called varicose veins.

7) Round Ligament Pain

The stretching of ligaments attached to uterus with increasing uterine size may cause some pain, known as round ligament pain.

8) Dizziness

Decrease in blood sugar level or getting up suddenly after lying/sitting down for a while may cause some dizziness.

9) Forgetfulness

Are you struggling with remembering stuff that you never forgot before? Blame it on decreased brain cell volume owing to pregnancy. This symptom is known by the term ‘pregnancy brain‘.

10) Pre-eclampsia

Stress? Anxiety? Symptoms too much to deal with? Yes, dealing with everything may give you occasional headaches. Though if the headache is severe and is accompanied with blurry vision, high blood pressure, etc. then you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may the signs of a condition called pre-eclampsia.

Relieving the Symptoms

• Dental care is of utmost importance. Brush your teeth often preferably with a soft bristle toothbrush. Go for regular dental check-ups.
• Using a humidifier to have relief from nasal congestion is one of the better methods. The doctor should be consulted before taking any over-the-counter medicine.
• Avoid doing any physically strenuous work. Perform deep-breathing exercises which will help in breathing more easily.
• Try to include more fibers in diet that will help you with gas and indigestion. Avoid consuming foods that may increase the probability of having heartburn like spicy food, acidic food or fired food.
• Though varicose veins cannot be prevented, you can try to decrease the severity of the symptom. Do not stand or sit for too long. Take short breaks in between and walk around. Also keep your feet elevated while sitting whenever possible.
Eat small meals regularly. Always keep hydrated. Keep healthy snacks handy. Whenever you feel dizzy, sit down or lie down if possible until the dizziness goes away. Try not to get up in a rush after sitting/lying down for a while.

Changes in Mother’s Body

• The uterus is now growing out of the pelvic cavity. The rate of growth is different for everyone and is also different for each pregnancy for the same woman. Also, if this is not your first pregnancy, then you MAY show earlier as compared to your first pregnancy.
• The top of the uterus now lies around 4 inches below the belly button.
• Your body’s center of gravity is changing with respect to uterine growth. You may become clumsier by each passing week than before.

Weight Gain

The suggested weight gain range by week 15 of pregnancy based on BMI is given in the below table.

If the weight is deviating too much from the normal weight gain range, you should first consult your doctor before taking any measures.

Ultrasound in Week 15 of Pregnancy

• There will be no ultrasound appointment this week unless there are some complications and your doctor has scheduled one.
• Also, if you had opted for amniocentesis to be performed in this week then ultrasound scanning would be required.
• Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test for neural tube defects and chromosomal abnormalities.
• Alternatively, you can also opt for Multiple Marker Screening (or triple or quad screening). This test involves removing blood sample. The levels of AFP, hCG, Estriol (and Inhibin-A in a quad screen) are measured.
• Multiple Marker Screening or MMS is done to screen for risk of neural tube defects and some chromosomal abnormalities.
• MMS is a screening test; so if the results show that there is some risk to the fetus then you may/may not opt for more confirmatory amniocentesis. Ultrasound scan is also performed and results of the scan and MMS are combined to give a final result.
• Sex of the baby may/ may not be determined accurately so it would be better to wait for a few more weeks.

Warning Signs in Week 15 of Pregnancy

Even though the risk of miscarriage has gone down significantly, if you experience or observe any of the below signs then contact your doctor as soon as possible.

• Severe headache, blurry vision, nausea and dizziness are signs of high blood pressure and can also indicate early pre-eclampsia.
• Pain and burning sensation while urinating are signs of an underlying infection.
• Severe nausea and vomiting may lead to dehydration which poses a risk to overall health.
• Thin and clear vaginal discharge might indicate leaking amniotic fluid.
• Abdominal cramping or lower back pain with or without vaginal bleeding.
• Colored and/or foul smelling vaginal discharge is an indication of genital tract infection.

Tips for 15 Weeks Pregnant

• Maintain an exercise routine. This will help you to deal with the physical stress of pregnancy, and also in maintaining health after pregnancy. You can choose any form of exercise like yoga, pelvic floor exercises, etc.
• Avoid any strenuous exercise routines like the one associated with contact sports, etc.
• Now that the bump is showing, you have to take extra care while driving. Always wear the seat belt. The seat belt should go around your lap rather than abdomen. The upper part of the belt should go around the top of stomach or between the breasts.
• You should try sleeping on your side (the left one preferably) which is considered to be a healthy sleeping position. This would allow easy blood flow and you may get a restful sleep for a while.
• Sleeping on stomach is to be strictly avoided as it will put undue pressure on the uterus. Sleeping on back puts pressure on lower body veins via the uterus.
• To help you sleep on side, you can extra pillows to give support to your body or you may also invest in a pregnancy pillow.
• You should see to it that all necessary vitamins are included in your daily intake in proper amounts. If not, then take prescribed supplements.

Tips for the Partner

• If you see that your partner is having trouble sleeping then try to help out in some way.
• You may offer to her a massage before going to bed.
• You may also/alternatively offer to adjust her pillows for her before sleeping.
• These small acts are greatly appreciated even if not verbally expressed.

The time is passing by too quickly! There is so much left to do before the baby comes might be the thought constantly in your mind. Well, you will always find that time is too short to do anything. However, if it makes you feel better then make a list of everything that you would like to do and discuss it with your partner or any other person that you trust. Also, indulge in activities that will help you take your mind of the stressful thoughts. At the end, try to enjoy this phase of pregnancy.

The post 15 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect? appeared first on Pregnancy.

You may wonder how does suddenly the woman goes into labor and pain as they show in movies. In real life, the climax is not that spontaneous, and instead, a woman goes into labor gradually. If a pregnant mother does not undergo natural labor then doctors adopt techniques for inducing labor artificially.

By the end of the second trimester, you start experiencing what are known as Braxton Hicks. They are false contractions that prepare your muscles for the day. As your due date approaches the contractions to become stronger and frequent. And finally when the contractions are rhythmic and pulsating then you reach active labor.

The screaming and pain of active labor are because of rapid contraction of the uterine muscles. Oxytocin hormone is responsible for these strong contractions that push the baby out.

What is inducing labor?

Labor induction is artificial or medically intervened start of labor. The reasons can be paused labor, fetal distress, or unconsciousness of the mother.

Some women willingly opt for such procedures that may even require artificial rupture of membranes. In that case, the procedure is elective. Nowadays it is common to induce labor to prevent long labor time.

Reasons for inducing labor

As mentioned above there are many reasons that answer why to induce labor. When do you need inducing labor? If the labor ceases or when the contractions don’t pick up you need induction.

1) Fetal distress

If there is any sign of the fetus being under stress then the doctor immediately does labor induction. It is possible that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen or the cord is choking.

2) Labor complications

When the mother’s blood pressure rises up or she has preeclampsia then inducing labor is common. It is a precautionary measure to prevent the death of either of them.

3) Prolonged gestational period

If the baby remains inside the womb for more than 40 weeks induced labor will prevent mishaps. After 40 weeks the babyfaces nutritional deprivation. The placenta is not enough to meet the need.

4) Elective induction of labor

If the mother wants to have quick childbirth she can get induced labor.

5) VBAC

In cases where a woman tries to give birth vaginally after the C section, she does a TOLAC. The trial of labor after cesarean may need naturally inducing labor.

6) No labor contractions long after mucus plug fall off

If the pregnancy water breaks and mucus plug comes off but labor does not start then doctors induce labor. The period of waiting after pregnant water leaking is about 24-48 hours.

7) Uterine problems

The infectious uterus or compromised uterus need inducing labor

8) Emergency

In certain cases of unexpected events during labor doctor administers medications for inducing labor. The birth process becomes faster and is helpful in saving lives.

How to induce labor?

Ways to induce labor can either be natural or those that need medical intervention. Either way, inducing labor is not better than natural labor when there is a low-risk healthy pregnancy.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that induction of labor should only be when there is some risk in waiting. When the risks of continuing naturally outweigh the risk of inducing labor only then doctors resort to it.

How to Induce labor?

Naturally, the hormone oxytocin releases in great amounts during childbirth. It is responsible for rhythmic contractions of the uterus muscles.

You may have read about Pitocin administration during labor. What is Pitocin? It is artificial oxytocin.

1) Using medications such as Pitocin and prostaglandins

Vaginal suppositories of prostaglandin induce labor in around 12 hours. When the prostaglandins placed in the vagina reach the circulation they lead to contractions. Syntocinon and Pitocin are medicinal names of oxytocin. Pregnant women get the artificial oxytocin through IV. They may also take oxytocin through inhalation.

Earlier it was a notion that artificial oxytocin does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Thus the emotional or mental benefits of soothing and inducing drowsiness would be absent. But after research, it was clear that oxytocin through IV or snorted reaches the brain too.

2) Rupture of membranes

The amniotic sac ruptures to allow the baby’s head to lodge in the cervix. When the head reaches the lower bottom it sends feedback for the release of oxytocin.

A popular method of inducing labor is to rupture the membrane and release the water. A sterile pincer or needle pricks the membrane which bursts and the baby’s head positions for labor.

Some doctors discourage artificial rupture of membranes. It can lead to infections and is not a good choice. Unless a doctor does it you must never try rupturing the membrane yourself.

3) Nipple stimulation

Inducing labor at home requires natural ways. The artificial oxytocin or rupturing membranes for labor is not safe at home. Nipple stimulation to induce labor is the easiest way to naturally induce labor. You can use a breast pump or your hands to stimulate the nipples.

How does nipple stimulation induce labor? The same hormone that is responsible for the induction of labor contractions also initiates breastfeeding. When the baby suckles the nipples the milk ejection reflex starts with oxytocin. So the nipple stimulation is a way to induce oxytocin release.

4) Warm water

Since earlier days doulas and midwives use warm water for a home birth. In that case, it is for avoiding infections and feeling cold. But warm water can lead to labor and hot water bath is not safe for pregnant women. When you deliberately want to induce labor soaking in a warm water bath is an option.

5) Balloon catheter to induce labor

Pumping to induce labor using a balloon catheter is another method doctors use for labor induction. A balloon placed inside expands when air pumps in it. The pressure makes the contractions become stronger to expel it out. This is not safe for inducing labor yourself. At hospitals, doctors know the extent to which pumping is safe.

How to induce labor at home?

You will have to use natural remedies to induce labor at home. It is not safe to rupture membranes. But stripping membrane near the vagina can naturally induce labor. Once your midwife is sure of the necessary dilation you can try induction of labor. Massage and warm water are equally effective in enhancing the strength of contractions.

How to naturally induce labor?

Stimulating your nipples is one of the ways of inducing labor naturally. Other methods of natural labor induction are safe for a home birth. The best way to get labor started is nipple stimulation.

1) Walkaround

When you go to a birth center it is not a single shift process. You might stop feeling any contractions after a period. So you will watch TV or walk around inside the birthing center. Do not feel the slightest disappointment because it is completely normal to have intermittent pauses. Exercise and walking around can help reduce the stress that causes stiffening of muscles.

2) Try herbal remedies for inducing labor

Some midwives bring herbal supplements to help you through labor. You can drink such preparations to induce labor. Don’t hurry down a whole lot of volume. Just sipping some of it might do the trick.

You can also have some spicy food during pregnancy. Now that you want labor onset there is no stopping from popping in your favorite food.

What should you eat before being induced? Avoid eating too much because you can vomit due to an unstable gut. Women must avoid eating from the night before labor.

Raspberry tea, black Cohosh, and castor oil consumption is a popular natural way to induce labor. Be careful with the herb you use because there can be side effects.

3) Make love

You had to avoid intercourse for preventing early labor. Now you must have it to induce labor. However, this is not for those women whose pregnant water is leaking. It can lead to infections. Also, women with low lying placenta may not find it pleasant to make love at this stage.

4) Stripping off the membrane

Not like rupturing the membrane but you can open the seal a bit. Your midwife has enough skill to do this at home. All that you need is to remove the membrane covering the cervix. Make sure the water does not break or gush out. If that happens you need to shift to the birth center or hospital. When the water breaks naturally there is only a span of about 24 hours until delivery.

After stripping membranes examination of the vagina becomes risky. Do not touch it and only use a hand mirror or ask someone else to look for dilation.

There can be spotting and cramps after the step. Make sure that the bleeding is not severe. If you bleed heavily then you will need to call the doctor immediately.

How long does it take to have a baby after being induced?

Nipple stimulation labor or natural ways might make you take longer than medications. It is safe to go for natural labor induction when it is necessary. Most women deliver within few hours after medical induction of labor. Some may still take 1-2 days after getting medications.

How long does it take for Pitocin to induce labor?

Pitocin induction is mostly for women who stop contracting after reaching the first stage of labor. After getting induced Pitocin takes few hours to induce active labor.

In most cases, labor starts after 6-12 hours from taking Pitocin. The drug dilates the cervix at a rate of 1cm an hour. Prostaglandins can take a period of 12 hours.

Is it safe to induce labor?

Naturally inducing labor that does not involve interfering with the organs is safe.

Can you induce labor yourself? Yes, you can try the natural methods at home for inducing contractions. But there are many benefits of waiting for natural labor.

Why wait for natural labor?

1. Natural toning of muscles allows more effective contractions
2. Better development of the baby
3. Lesser chance of c section and delivery complications
4. Reduced risk of infections for both and disease such as jaundice in newborn

What are the risks of inducing labor?

After inducing labor you are at a higher risk of getting an emergency C-section. When you decide to get labor induction then you must know that it can lead to a sudden panic situation.

1. A longer hospital stay is probable if you need a C-section.
2. Other than that there is a risk of getting infections.
3. Premature rupture of membrane or placental abruption can lead to severe bleeding.
4. Is it more painful to be induced? Women who undergo inducing labor need pain killers more often than those who wait for natural onset. After induction of labor, one is more likely to request an epidural.
5. Premature induction of labor at 37 weeks is potentially dangerous for the fetus. There can be development lags and cause breathing problems for the baby.

A woman who previously got a C-section must not elect for inducing labor. Reasons not to induce labor include being more than 40 weeks pregnant. It is possible that some babies take longer or some miscalculation exits.

The post Inducing labor appeared first on Pregnancy.

The first birth on the planet and subsequent birth for ages were home births. But that does not imply that this process is a stone-age practice and outdated. People born in the time period before the development of vaccines or labor wards were not all infected with diseases.

At present, around 1-3% of births in different regions are at-home deliveries. Pregnancy complications make a hospital delivery preferable but do not nullify the safety of delivering a baby at home. Infections and neonatal stress can happen anywhere and midwifery includes bringing all necessary equipment.

Is it legal to have a home birth?

In some places, law codes consider having a home birth along with a midwife is not legal. However, having a home birth without any planned assistant is legal.

The stories of women giving birth in cabs or bathroom floors are not uncommon. And declaring this illegal is not possible for obvious reasons. But there are many countries that totally sanction having a delivery at home as legal.

Who can give birth at home?

A home birth suits a woman who has a low-risk pregnancy and is carrying a single child. In the case of twins, the chance of complications from giving birth at home is higher. It is because the second baby may need the use of suction or artificial assistance for delivery.

Here is a list of factors to help you decide:

1. A low-risk healthy pregnancy with all development milestones achieved.
2. A mother wanting to have a natural delivery calls for a home birth as the first choice.
3. No risk of infections such as HIV or STDs that can transfer to the baby.
4. Normally proceeding stages of labor.
5. A birthing center or hospital not far off than 30 miles assures an alternative at hand.
6. Desire to have family members along during delivery.
7. You don’t want to have epidural, pain killers, or artificial assistance in labor.

What are the reasons to not give birth at home?

The reasons for avoiding a home birth can be because you are having infections, preeclampsia, or diabetes. There are situations where the birth partner is not ready. It may be because they are apprehensive of the safety or find it messy. You can convince them of it after you learn about it. Midwives can highlight the real aspects and benefits of delivering a baby at home.

Other actual reasons for not having a birth at home are high blood pressure or a history of preterm labor. If the mother is obese or aged then the doctors don’t wait for natural labor and plan a c section. Similarly, for mothers who have had a previous C section, a VBAC at home is not completely safe.

Giving birth at home

Who can have a home birth?

Any woman who wants to give birth inside her house can opt for it. Previous pregnancy complications do not imply that you cannot have a second birth at home.

It is also possible that you shift to a hospital even after trying to give birth at home. But if you are living in a remote area with limited access to facilities and far away from the hospital then switching in between won’t be likely. In that case, it is not safe to have your delivery at home.

To give birth at home you will have to hire a midwife and keep in touch. She will be there with you when you feel labor onset. A doula can help you if the midwife is not available before and after childbirth.

How can you have birth at Home?

You can either hire an independent midwife or contact a home birth service provider. She will discuss with you, all possible situations that may arise during delivery and your choices. You can chalk out a birth plan and the necessary steps you both will be taking.

How much does a home birth cost?

The midwife’s charges may vary but giving birth at home can cost $3000 or £5000.

Who all are there during a home birth?

The midwife might have a doula along who will set the bathtub and later clean it. They may even help you breastfeed colostrum to your baby. There are generally two women to help you during birth.

The midwife checks your dilation and ability to adjust to labor changes. She may either stay with you during your last stages of pregnancy or coordinate over the phone. Once active labor starts, the midwife will not leave you until delivery.

What things do you need for homebirth?

The midwife will bring along all the things you need for homebirth. The cost of it may either be included or added later on. You can buy the things needed for home birth yourself also. There are not very elaborate tools and instead of basic comforting items and cover-ups.

Your midwife will bring all the stuff beforehand and you can keep them anywhere cool and dry. It is possible that you already have the things needed for a natural home birth.

1. Cover-ups to prevent your birthing equipment to get dirty
2. Old towels that are soft to wipe and probably throw away
3. Dustbin polybags enough to collect all rubbish
4. Comforting snacks and drinks, scented candles
5. Birthing stool or squatting mattress
6. A bowl or polybag to collect in case you throw up
7. Light blanket and room heater if it is cold
8. Baby’s necessities like soft towel, clothing, baby wash, etc.
9. Torch or hand mirror to look for dilation of the vagina and check any rupture of tissues
10. Lots of newspapers, or old mattresses to line the area from the birthplace to the toilet

Things such as maternity pads and clothing are common for hospital birth. There are no other additional things needed for delivering a baby at home. You can rent a birth pool if you would like a water birth.

The birth unit you consult might be supplying such birth pools that are sterile and safe. Your midwife will bring along sterile gloves and pads. Oxygen masks for you and your baby are also part of the birthing kit. She may also bring IV and herbal or other pain-relieving drugs.

How safe is home birth?

The modern method of delivering a baby at home is safe for any woman. The midwives have IV fluids, oxygen masks, suturing material and everything needed even in case of emergency.

Sanitary conditions are no longer like what they were years ago. You don’t have to worry about who is inside the ward and how many people are looking at your private parts. The comfort of home and presence of family members makes home-birth ideal.

Homebirth vs hospital birth statistics show that there is a higher risk of neonatal death in the first one.

When will you need to transfer to the hospital during a home birth?

In case the mother gives up and needs an epidural or the fetus is under stress shifting to the hospital becomes necessary. Your midwife will continue to support and help you even when you shift. Pregnant mothers who live far away from hospitals should not try giving birth at home.

During delivery, upon monitoring your conditions, your midwife can tell you exactly when and if you need to shift to the hospital.

It is natural to feel low if you have to eventually land up in a hospital after delivering at home. But it is possible that it is for treating laceration or neonatal care. There is no guarantee that mothers who have hospital birth don’t have complications.

What are the benefits of home birth?

The main advantage is the comfort and convenience of being at home. You don’t have to go and come from a hospital. The neonatal care is extensive and it is not that messy. You are able to bond with your baby.

Birth partner or baby daddies too find home birth easier to join the birthing process. It is easy on your pocket!

You must join childbirth classes to educate yourself and your partner about delivery. The tips for successful delivery include hiring the right midwife. You must consider her experience and past record.

Don’t go overboard with the package of home birth. Be open to the idea of transferring to the hospital in case there is an emergency.

The post Home birth: Can I give birth at home? appeared first on Pregnancy.

Preexisting diabetes can affect the health of the pregnant woman and her baby. It is not safe to get pregnant with high blood glucose levels.

The body depends on blood sugar for various reasons such as energy and osmolarity. Contraception is essential because managing an unplanned pregnancy with diabetes is difficult.

Every year countless women with diabetes give birth to healthy babies. How? They are able to do so by managing their blood glucose, eating right, and going for regular checkups.

Diabetes can be Type 1 or Type 2 depending upon what is the cause. Generally, adults have a higher risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes.

In Type 1 Diabetes the body does not produce enough insulin. The hormone insulin is responsible for bringing down the level of blood sugar.

Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the cells of the body stop responding to insulin. And there is a third category of gestational diabetes, which is temporary.

Preexisting diabetes and pregnancy

Women with diabetes during pregnancy are prone to a lot of complications. At the same time cases of diabetes while pregnant accounts for 3.3% of live births. Symptoms of diabetes during pregnancy are the same as the regular signs of the disease. Thirst, hunger, frequent urination, hyperglycemia, and low blood sugar during pregnancy are signs of Diabetes.

Is Diabetes During Pregnancy Dangerous?

During diabetes, the normal metabolism of the body to regulate blood sugar suffers a crash down. You can have periods of high sugar levels (hyperglycemia) followed by a sudden drop in sugar levels below normal (hypoglycemia). Both are dangerous for a normal human and even more for the one yet to be born.

Very high blood sugar levels cause developmental defects, neural problems, and larger babies. Risks of C section are higher when you are a diabetic patient. Contrasting to this condition low blood sugar or a sudden drop in blood glucose can lead to fainting. Unconsciousness while pregnant can lead to injuries, miscarriage, and further complications.

Is it hard for diabetics to get pregnant?

Soaring sugar levels interfere with a healthy pregnancy. Blood glucose affects fertility and reduces the chances of conception. One can try to conceive with diabetes after controlling blood glucose levels. It is not hard to get pregnant with diabetes.

Difficulties lie in the path of maintaining a healthy pregnancy and Diabetes. With pregnancy, you can’t control hunger because your energy requirements increase. Managing chronic diabetes and pregnancy together is double trouble.

Once you get to the safe blood glucose levels during pregnancy then risks fall down.

What are normal blood sugar levels during pregnancy?

Energy demand increases during pregnancy and a higher glucose level are acceptable. Normal blood sugar during pregnancy is fasting range 70-95 mg/dL and not more than 140 mg/dL one hour after eating.

Doctors do a glucose tolerance test for pregnant women who are not aware of their diabetes status. Pregnant women drink concentrated sugar syrup with 50 g of sugar. Later their blood glucose levels at intervals of one hour diagnose diabetes during pregnancy.

If the blood glucose is higher than 130 mg/dL you will have to come for a second GTT fasting.

What is considered high blood sugar in pregnancy?

High blood sugar levels are anything above 140-150 mg/dL after one hour from a meal. Exceeding 95 mg/dL in the condition of fasting is also a sign of uncontrolled diabetes while pregnant.

Other than normal blood glucose tests there is another test for diabetic pregnant women. A glycosylated hemoglobin test or HbA1c test tells you the average of plasma glucose levels over three months.

Imagine, you had a very light meal and your blood sugar levels did not show up. Later you had a carb-loaded meal and blood sugar soared way up.

What is a reliable blood sugar test for pregnant women?

The HbA1c test detects an average of three months of blood glucose. You will get the most accurate diagnosis of the current status of your body. When you have HbA1c levels above 48 mmol/mol getting pregnant is not difficult. But when the test results are higher than 86 mmol/mol it is not safe to get pregnant.

Type 1 Diabetes pregnant women also need to test for their ketone levels.

What happens when your blood sugar is too high during pregnancy?

A high blood glucose level in a mother with poor regulation allows it to cross the placenta. Insulin production shoots in your baby to metabolize the excess sugar going in. Growth factors and insulin are not independent in function. When the insulin levels rise beyond normal growth of the baby impairs.

Higher insulin in babies after birth leads to hypoglycemia and poor nutrition management. Absorption of magnesium, calcium, and vitamins also deteriorates due to very high blood sugar.

Contrary to this scenario when the mother has normal blood sugar the baby is able to utilize it without stress. The first 8 weeks of pregnancy are very critical as the development of organs takes place. A mother with high blood glucose levels during the first trimester is at higher risk of having a baby with defects.

How does diabetes affect my pregnancy?

Diabetes in pregnancy is a barrier to normal progression of baby’s growth. Not only for the baby but diabetes poses risk to the mother. Chances of premature labor, c section, and preclampsia, are higher in cases of diabetes and pregnancy.

Ways in which diabetes affects pregnancy:

1. Risk of stillbirth, and birth defects in your baby
2. Larger baby size may require c section or cause laceration and tears
3. Higher possibility of having high blood pressure, preclampsia and poor oxygen supply to baby
4. Dehydration, fainting due to sudden drop in blood glucose and or anxiety
5. Brain, heart and spine defects in baby eg. Spina Bifida where the spine development does not occur properly
6. Miscarriage chances increase when you get pregnant with preexisting diabetes
7. Problems in vision, kidney functionality, and eyes
8. Early labour and delivery

How Diabetes during pregnancy affects your baby?

Diabetes in pregnancy risks to baby are because of high blood sugar. The increased amount of blood glucose leads to developmental defects. High blood sugar during pregnancy affects on baby includes poor oxygen supply.

Preclampsia in diabetic pregnant women leads to reduction in oxygen reaching the baby. It can stress the baby during labor leading to stillbirth.

The baby’s pancreas overworks due to maternal levels of blood glucose. They need special care after birth for 24 hours. Insulin levels can cause sudden drop in baby’s blood sugar leading to unconsciousness.

Breastfeeding baby with diabetes is not harmful. In fact it reduces the chance of baby getting diabetes in the long run. But if you take insulin shot and feed soon you can add additional insulin to the baby.

The first few hours after birth are critical for the baby. You need to follow the post partum care plan for healthy recovery of both.

Insulin also impairs absorption of calcium and magnesium. Jaundice risks are higher is babies with diabetic mothers. It is yellow coloration of eyes and skin and is serious neonate health complication.

When the baby grows larger than normal the condition is Macrosomia. A large baby can suffer injuries during labor.

How to manage diabetes and pregnancy?

Follow these simple steps to control diabetes for a healthy pregnancy:

1) Exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle

Keep your sugar levels in control by exercising. Attend childbirth classes and stay healthy. Not only physically but mentally cleanse yourself off anxiety and stress. Try to talk to people who have been through similar situation. You are not alone. Light exercises such as yoga, breathing practice and running while pregnant can help you manage diabetic pregnancy.

2) Have a healthy diet

What should diabetics eat when pregnant? A diabetic during pregnancy needs to take care of her diet even more. Timely small meals, cutting alcohol, caffeine and smoking are some steps. Eating less protein and cholesterol will prevent complications such as protein coming in urine (proteinuria) and high blood pressure.

3) Cut down alcohol and smoking

Drugs and alcohol are not healthy and during pregnancy their side effects are adverse. When you have diabetes your liver functions more than normal. Type 1 Diabetes pregnant women need to control the toxins entering body because liver gets overworked.

4) Go for regular checkups

You must take contraceptives before getting pregnant if you have diabetes. After you decide to get pregnant and are in the state to continue consult your doctor. Tell him about your family history of gestational diabetes, or pregnancy complications. Also get a glucose tolerance test and consultation about already prescribed medicine.

5) Change your medicine with doctor’s advice

You will need to switch from oral insulin to shots. During different stages your requirements will change and so you need to alter your medicine plan. Stay in touch with your doctor all the while.

The post Diabetes During Pregnancy appeared first on Pregnancy.

Why do you need a birth plan? Well, because during labor you’d be a mad seal, and all you say would be Hebrew for others. ?

On a serious note, a lot can happen during labor unexpectedly. When you will be in pain and people around under pressure it can be very difficult to make decisions. The hospital staff cannot act according to your preferences unless notified beforehand. You have to decide about the use of epidural, baby’s feed, the position of delivery, and environment. Even if you think at present that you can decide it at that time, you must make a plan!

What is a birth plan?

A birth plan is a checklist answering questions about your preferences and dislikes. The questions are about the environment, kind of labor, and many more things. When you will let the doula and/or the OB about your choices you’ll be able to focus on your work.

The outline will allow your labor to be more comfortable and personalized. While the importance of a birth plan remains unquestioned there can be last-minute changes. In fact, it is just a list of your choices during a certain situation that may occur at that time.

The birth plan also includes things such as the lighting of the labor room, music, snacks, and assistance. Whether you want to sit on your knees or lie down can also be mentioned in the plan. Another important component of the checklist is your consent to use pain medications.

What is the purpose of a birth plan?

A birth plan template not only helps your birthing plan but also informs you about the possibilities. You get to know choices regarding the positions of giving birth or the use of external support to suck out the baby. The various kinds of medicine available to help you during labor pain are there in the birth plan examples. A sample birth plan before writing your own will eliminate unnecessary details. Use a birth plan checklist or birth plan worksheet available.

What all to include in a birth plan?

Birth plan samples can show lengthy lists regarding pregnancy planning. However, just like any other formal document it has to be short and precise. Writing a long plan would increase the chances of missing out on key details.

A natural birth plan has to accept the possibility of having a C-section under complications. So jotting down too much is not needed because doctors know their job. It is not a how-to do manual you have to teach the OB. You just have to give answers to possible questions that will help them do their work.

How to write a birth plan?

There are many things that you can include in your birthing plan. You can consider several factors while planning how you will give birth.

Items to include in a birth plan:

1. Personal information

The first things you’ll write in the birth plan are the names of you, family members, and the gynecologist dealing with your case. You have to clearly mention the names of people you want to be along with. This will enable the staff to allow only the ones you want.

2. Pain medications

Every woman has a different level of pain tolerance. You may not be able to gauge your threshold and opt-out of having pain medications. But it is possible that the conditions change so you need alternatives. Massage or ice chips for comfort must also go on that list.

3. Seating and lying down tools

You may want to have a birthing chair or lie down while giving birth. The extent of inclination you want while labor is also a point in the list. Squatting is another way of positioning during delivery.

4. Filming permission

Whether or not you want your partner to click photos is your choice. However, in cases of a C-section and other procedures, your doctor may prevent such activity. You can have someone holding a mirror to allow you to see your baby coming out.

5. The way of giving birth

You can have a water birth or natural vaginal birth. If you are not in favor of getting a C section or episiotomy you need to let your doctor know. Other than that you must write about the lights of the labor room.

6. Extra accessories

Soft music or some snacks to help you along the labor need to be present before. You can mention if you want a particular stool or chair. If you want to bring your squat mat or music write it. Hospitals have bean bags, in-room showers, birth balls, and tubs. You can choose from the birth tools.

7. Interaction with the baby

Mention whether after having your baby whether you want it to be with you or in the NICU. You can mention it if you want to bathe your baby or have your partner do it. Your presence during the bathing of a baby requires informing as a part of the plan. If you don’t want to interact with your baby immediately or only when awake, jot it down.

8. Lactation and feeding newborn

Whether or not you will breastfeed your child is something you can decide way before. This decision won’t change unless you decide to do so. Expecting mothers might want to breastfeed along with formula. You can submit the plan so that the nurses are aware.

9. Pacifying the newborn

If you want your baby to have a pacifier, do write it. Similarly, inform the ones attending your baby about your allergies and other possible reactions. You can prevent them from giving any antibiotics or optional vaccinations.

10. Assisted birth

If you want a suction or forceps to help you push during labor mention it. There are vaginal examinations during delivery. If you don’t want continuous or multiple times viewing your female parts then you can deny the permission.

11. Post delivery period

After giving birth your partner can cut the umbilical cord. You can also give your body heat to the baby by skin-to-skin contact. Whether you want to stay inside the labor room or discharge asap is up to you. Other than that if you are having a doula or midwife to assist you her presence needs a written consent.

12. Placenta delivery and third stage of labor

Some women want to bank the baby’s stem cells or get placenta encapsulation. Only a few hospitals have the provisions for storing the placenta. You need to find the one that allows you to store the placenta in a hygienic state. If you don’t want to store your baby’s stem cells then you can prevent them from preserving them.

13. Religious customs

Some sects have particular religious proceedings after birth. However, the hospital regulations are strict about allowing such activities. If you want your baby to get circumcision then put every detail about it clearly. Discuss this with your doctor about who will do the procedure.

What should I do before writing a birth plan?

Before you finalize your birth plan try to get to know things. You can join some classes for moms-to-be. Labor coaches or doula can help you learn and practice some baby birth skills. One must meet other women who went to the same hospital or birth center. Try to get to know things. Without fail check your hospital’s birth and delivery policies. If there is a conflict between what the regulations say and your desire, sort it out.

Your birth partner plays a crucial role. Adequate discussions and getting to know each other well will help you a lot. The midwife you appoint can have the role of a wet nurse to your baby. You need to make sure she is ready near your due date. Attend all prenatal checkups and get counseling about your pregnancy.

What after writing a birth plan?

You must submit a copy of your birth plan to your doula or birth partner. Discuss with them the possible diversions from your plan. Have a second choice and make necessary changes in conditions which they recommend. Allow them to review it. And always keep in mind that things can and will happen out of the blue.

Avoid having negative or strict instructions in your birth plan. Keep the language and mindset more flexible and positive.

Do not include phrases that have a lot of negation. Instead, opt for sentences that only highlight your preferences.

There is no doubt that you are going to give birth but doctors and nurses have vast experience.

Be confident and take charge of your mind and body. The pain of twenty bones breaking together is scary but is a myth. You must be optimistic and calm. The more you will panic the more you will feel out of control. A birth plan considers everything from vaginal delivery to episiotomy or C section. But even during labor you can ask if there is an emergency and think about it.

You must mention conditions such as rapid labor or preterm delivery (Read: How Long Does Labor Last?). Do not feel pressured to do something if you don’t want to. At the same time don’t be adamant to regret later.

The post How To Create A Birth Plan: FREE Birth Plan Template appeared first on Pregnancy.

Throughout fetal life irrespective of the development the placenta performs the function of major organs. It is the lung, kidney, gut, liver, and gland. All of the baby’s necessities move in and wastes come out through the cord. For this reason, at any point, about 33% of fetal blood is in the cord!

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommended a delay in the clamping of the cord by 1 minute for preterm babies in December 2012. Delayed cord clamping (DCC) gained popularity because of a successful reduction in the rate of intra-ventricular hemorrhage.

After birth during placental transfusion, the blood gradually moves into the baby. Cord clamping is the step where the supply from the cord is cut. Some women wait until the cord stops pulsating and others get it soon after birth.

What is delayed cord clamping?

Delayed cord clamping is a step in neonatal care in which the umbilical cord is cut after birth but cord clamping is delayed for a few minutes. The cord carries an ample amount of blood with nutrients and cells. Whether the woman has a natural delivery or C-section, the benefits of delayed cord clamping hold true.

Even if the baby is preterm delayed clamping serves the purpose of providing basic care. In fact, delayed cord clamping is more beneficial for a premature baby. Not only for the baby, but cord clamping also reduces the chance of postpartum hemorrhage in the mother.

How long to wait before clamping cord? 

There is not a particular defined time for clamping and the safe time period is between 1-3 minutes after birth.

When is immediate cord clamping necessary?

When will DCC not be done? Immediate cord clamping is also a necessary step in some situations. When the risks of delayed cord clamping outweigh the benefits, it is not possible to wait. This happens when the baby suffers oxygen deprivation leading to unconsciousness. If the baby needs revival to life by means of external oxygen supply, doctors do immediate cord clamping.

Why is it better not to cut the umbilical cord right away?

Delayed cord clamping assures the return of a major volume of blood to the baby. Along with blood, immune cells, red blood cells, stem cells, oxygen, and nutrients reach the baby. The cord pulsates to pump back the blood from the placenta. Oxygen and nutrients are essential until the baby is able to breathe properly.

The WHO recommendations say that cord clamping not earlier than 1 minute improves the health of mother and baby. The step helps meet the nutritional needs of the baby. Nonetheless in certain conditions such as when your baby needs positive pressure ventilation the cord will have to be cut. Some doctors prefer waiting as long as three minutes after delivery before clamping the birth cord.

What are the benefits of delayed cord clamping?

The benefits of not clamping the umbilical cord include many for both mother and infant. Why is delayed cord clamping recommended? The benefits of delayed cord clamping include:

1. A one-third increase in blood volume of the infant
2. Reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage in the mother
3. Better nutritional status of the baby due to extra iron received from cord blood
4. More red blood cells in the baby’s circulation within 2 days
5. Higher hemoglobin levels up to six months
6. Reduced risk of infections and blood transfusion
7. Lesser chance of getting anemia after birth due to iron deficiency
8. Risk of jaundice due to DCC is lesser than being able to reach a status where the baby can survive the infection
9. Stem cells which form different cells, also move through the cord
10. Lungs get more blood that allows better adaption to the life outside the womb

Should I add DCC in my birth plan?

The practice of immediate cord clamping allows infant care to start early. Hence, since long doctors have preferred immediate cord clamping. How common is delayed cord clamping? What is the latest advice about DCC? Even today delaying clamping of the cord is more prevalent for preterm babies. In the case of a full-term infant, doctors may still cut the cord after 30 seconds.

World Health Organisation recommendations assert considering 1-minute delay as lower limit for cutting the cord. Presently WHO, NICE and RCOG guidelines are in favor of delay in cutting the umbilical cord after 1 minute. It is a cautionary step for premature & healthy full-term babies.

Do delayed cord clamping benefits favor it?

The delayed cord clamping risks in the case of HIV positive mothers or asphyxiated neonates are considerable. But delaying cord clamping doesn’t lead to the transfer of HIV from an infected mother if there is pre-diagnosis. The WHO guidelines for preventing postpartum hemorrhage say that the benefits of delayed cord clamping outweigh the risk of HIV transmission.

Professionals dealing with pregnant women having HIV risk say that the placenta can lead to the transfer of HIV through maternal blood. However, this is theoretical and HIV testing is mandatory during gestation.

If the mother is positive doctors give her antiretroviral (anti-HIV) drug. Infants of HIV positive mothers also receive a dose of antiretroviral injections. Delaying cord clamping is recommended for infants of HIV positive mothers.

What are the risks of delayed cord clamping?

The risks of delaying in clamping cord are mainly for babies that have asphyxiation. Low oxygen levels require immediate positive ventilation. Similarly, if the cord is bleeding or the delivery had complications the baby needs immediate neonatal care. Other than that if the baby’s heartbeat is less than 60 beats per minute DCC is risky. Some studies show a few long term risks of waiting before cutting the cord. There is an equal number of studies that deny such long-run risks.

1) DCC babies had slightly more cases of jaundice

Delayed cord clamping jaundice risk has a theoretical explanation. The storehouse of iron reaching the baby leads to burdening of the liver. Red blood cells have hemoglobin that breaks down after 120 days lifespan. The end product is bilirubin that gives a yellowish color to eyes and skin during jaundice.

Throughout the fetal life, the placenta takes care of the bilirubin production. After the baby comes out the liver has to mainly do the needful for recycling red blood cell components. If the liver gets an additional burden of excess iron then chances of getting jaundice are higher.

All this is theory and testing serum levels showed no such increase in bilirubin levels.

Jaundice in infants requires the use of phototherapy. And DCC infants have a higher probability to withstand such treatments if they get it by chance.

2) Rapid breathing or breathing failure

The increase in blood volume prevents the lubrication of the walls of lungs. The surfactants prevent the collapse of the airbags in the lungs. When babies receive extra blood they have difficulty in meeting the oxygen demand. It leads to breathing distress and eventually calls for ventilation.

The first thing to note here is, that if the baby has such troubles doctors don’t do DCC. Even if the baby has the cord there are ways to help in breathing in that state.

3) High blood pressure and viscosity

In some cases, the increase in red blood cells in circulation can pose a risk of polycythemia. The increase in elements in the blood can make it viscous and raise blood pressure. On similar lines, it is proposed that DCC babies who have more red blood cells can have hyperbilirubinemia. There is no scientific ground to prove these statements.

Are there risks of delayed cord clamping for the mother?

There are risks of DCC for mother if she already has placental problems. When the placenta lies very low in the womb or attaches deep-seated there can be high-grade bleeding. In such cases, DCC is not the right choice. Placenta accreta or placenta preveria patients generally get immediate cord clamping. In other situations there is no such risk for the mother if her infant gets DCC.

If the mother is bleeding heavily due to the tearing of tissues or some reason a DCC is not safe. The baby will need to go to the neonatalogist because the mother had to undergo a surgery or some other procedure. You can mention about the cases when you would want to be away from the baby.

Can you have delayed cord clamping after the C section?

Yes. Even when the c section is due to emergency or planned you can opt for delayed cord clamping. There is no harm of a DCC after cesarean section. The placenta itself takes time to come out during natural or induced third stage. When your doctor gives an injection for the placenta removal it takes about 5 -10 minutes. Sufficient time is available for the blood to move from the cord to the baby.

Umbilical cord milking: What are the benefits of umbilical cord milking vs delayed cord clamping?

The difference between DCC and milking the cord is primarily the pace of blood transfer from the cord to the infant. When the doctors voluntarily force out the blood from the cord to the infant it is milking. Naturally, the pulsating cord sends the blood to the infant taking some time. Milking the cord is different from delayed cord clamping. UCM is a choice when the cord needs immediate clamping but the baby is premature.

The post Delayed Cord Clamping And Risks appeared first on Pregnancy.

Screening tests only give results in ratio form. For instance, you get a Downs Syndrome risk test and the results come as 1:500 risk or 1:1000 risk. The lower the second digit, the higher is the risk. But even then, there is no diagnosis. You can get screening tests for checking your baby’s health or your health.

Tests such as screening risk of infectious diseases are optional. Here we will discuss the different prenatal testing use, risks and time to be taken. Common tests have been considered here. There are many other tests available for different purposes.

1) Tests Just Before Conception

Unless you’re one of those who had an unplanned pregnancy, you probably know what is ovulation tracking. Some women can do it without any aid just by calculations. Others just have sex every alternate day to increase their chances of getting pregnant. Someone might attempt coitus every day too. And some smart ones buy an ovulation test kit.

Those undergoing fertility therapy or having long cycles or irregular menses also use OTKs to find their fertile period. It’s easy to use and the most effective way of finding ovulation. Having sex a day before ovulation is most likely to get you pregnant.

a. Fertility Test

A fertility test includes all tests done for assessing your current reproductive health. It includes general blood tests for detecting levels of progesterone and estrogen. A medical history discussion about past incidences of surgeries, miscarriages or STDs also comes under it.

b. Ovulation Test

OTKs can be digital kits or strip tests. Doctors also use blood sampling for detecting ovulation. In any situation, the basis of the test remains the same. Along with the ovulation test, other fertility tests may also be done before TTC period.

What is ovulation test?

An ovulation test is a kit that detects a surge of LH in your blood or urine. This hormone starts coming along urine just a few hours before ovulation. Near ovulation, conception is most probable.

An ovulation test can either detect LH surge or estrogen surge. The tests that detect LH surge tell you that ovulation is just about to occur. Within 24 hours after the positive test, you will ovulate.

How is it done?

A home OTK has a general method of testing. A urine sample is taken and the OTK strip is exposed to it. The reaction takes place and the result is visible. Based on key given you can decide whether you have a positive or negative OTK.

When is it done?

Unlike pregnancy tests, ovulation test is not an early morning test. The hormone takes time to build up in your urine after you wake up. Early morning urine doesn’t have enough LH and gives a false negative. A dark line is positive and all lighter lines are negative. You don’t get a blank OTK because some LH exists in the blood.

Why should I take this test?

Taking an ovulation test makes it easier to time sex. Having too much sex causes depletion of your partner’s sperms. Similarly, exhaustion of the body makes it lose the receptivity for conceiving.

You must not take an ovulation test for natural contraception using abstinence. Throughout the month there is a slight probability of conception. Ovulation kit cannot detect that but its there.

Risks

The only risk with ovulation is inappropriate interpretation. Getting a positive test for many days implies that your LH production is excess. Pregnancy tests are straightforward while OTKs require some background personal information.

2) Pregnancy Detection Test

There are a variety of ways to detect pregnancy. Rarely when those test strips ditch a woman she can head for a digital test or blood test or even an ultrasound scan. Yes! An ultrasound is used to detect cryptic pregnancy or when the hCG levels are low.

a. Home Pregnancy Test

A basic pregnancy test uses hCG in urine to detect pregnancy. The pregnancy hormone reaches sufficient levels by 4 weeks pregnant and comes in the urine.

What is the test?

A pregnancy test is a strip that has hCG antibodies. These develop a color when hCG hormone attaches to them. Exposing a test strip to urine can help detect the presence of hCG. Just for your information, you can use the strip with blood too. After all the test is only for finding out whether or not hCG is present.

Digital pregnancy tests display the result as a flashing message. Pregnancy test strip shows a colored line other than control.

How is it done?

A pregnancy test is best done with early morning urine. Midstream test kits are directly exposed in urine stream. For dip strip sample of urine is taken in a container and the strip is dipped in. Results are displayed as the kit is designed.

When is it done?

A pregnancy test is done early in the morning. The reason is just to concentrate hCG in urine. You can take the test at night by storing urine or not peeing the entire day.

After a week from ovulation, you can begin taking a pregnancy test. Early pregnancy tests are able to detect pregnancy a week before due period.

Why should I take this test?

You can take a pregnancy test to find out the reason for the missed period. Taking a pregnancy test can also be a way to detect hCG from cysts. These form when a woman has PCOS. After IVF treatment taking a test will give you a false positive. Yet it will be a measure of having hCG in blood for superovulation.

Risks

False-negative test results are one of the few limitations. You can keep getting a negative test even when you’re actually pregnant. Not getting a beta hCG test after positive HPT, has a chance of undiagnosed abnormal pregnancy. Molar, tubal, and chemical pregnancy do give positive HPT but are not normal.

b. Beta hCG test

A beta hCG test is a pregnancy blood test. You will have to get it done at a lab or hospital.

What is the test?

A blood sample is taken from a vein. This is sent for detecting beta hCG levels. You will get a report with exact quantification of hCG. A home pregnancy test only detects the presence and is qualitative. Beta hCG test is quantitative. If the value obtained is in the range of pregnancy levels then the test reports me mentions it.

How is it done?

A blood sample is taken from venepuncture and sent for a laboratory procedure. Later you get the report mentioning the results. A positive test means you’re pregnant and have hCG more than 25 mIU/mL.

When is it done?

A beta hCG test can be done at any point. You can get it after a week or two weeks. Day and night don’t matter nor does any dietary precaution need to be followed. As general protocol doctors first ask you to take a urine strip test at hospital before withdrawing a blood sample. They may take both of the tests simultaneously too.

Why should I take this test?

You must take the test to know whether the positive test you got in HPT kit was a healthy pregnancy. A doctor will be able to diagnose any abnormal symptoms. Ectopic pregnancy is hazardous for fertility. In the condition, the fallopian tubes can burst and make conception impossible.

One will also need to take the test for PCOS diagnosis. Other causes of elevated hCG include tumors, drug analogs, etc.

Risks

There is no risk associated with beta hCG test as you’re under the supervision of a medical professional. Except for a mild sting, you won’t feel anything. Texts saying that withdrawing a small blood sample can cause dizziness are misleading.

3) Genetic test or Carrier Screening

A carrier of a disease is a person who herself doesn’t show the symptoms of the disease but can pass it on. Although the disorder didn’t occur in that individual carrying the defective gene, chances are high for the offspring to get it. Especially if two carriers mate then the child will have the disorder with a minimum chance of 25%.

There are three types of genetic tests – theoretical, non-invasive and invasive. Genetics tests tell about the probability of your future baby having a particular inheritance disorder. Parents get extremely nervous and worried when it comes to genetic tests.

Know that whatever be the results the choice and decision is still with you.

And there have been many cases defying the accuracy of these tests. Some have got a high-risk test and not had the disorder while others with no risk had it. Taking the test does two things – informs you and gives time to make decisions and prepare.

If no matter whatever the results are you will still have the baby then you could skip the invasive test.

What is this test?

A genetic test can be an analysis of your medical history. Blood tests followed by biochemical procedures can detect the presence of a particular genetic sequence. Scientists have identified the sequences (DNA content) that signs a disorder.

Paternity tests also have the same genetic basis. Both parents and children have common repetitive genetic sequences. Detecting the presence of the same sequence in two samples establishes a relation.

How is it done?

Non-invasive tests are just discussion between patient and doctor or taking a blood sample. For invasive tests, the doctor inserts an instrument that can collect blood or fetal tissue. The sample is then sent for further analysis.

When is it done?

Medical history tests or pedigree analysis are common practice since past times. In fact, earlier people did such compatibility tests before marriage. Pedigree is a history pictorial chart that highlights the affected and carrier of a particular disease through generations.

Even the Royals have a pedigree chart. Showing the inheritance of hemophilia, a blood clotting disorder,  of which The Queen was a carrier.

Non-invasive blood tests are done by the end of the first trimester. When the fetal mass starts shedding cells, a test can be done using the mother’s blood sample.

Invasive prenatal DNA tests are done later in pregnancy. They are optional like the other two. As they require intervention into the amniotic sac they’re risky.

These tests are for women with a family history of chronic or degenerative diseases. Women ahead of ideal maternal age also must take the test.

Why should I take this test?

You can take the test just for beforehand hint. There is absolutely no guarantee either way. Taking a test can help doctors educate you about possible treatment or complications.

Extra caution can prevent pregnancy complications. Current medical science progress is not enough for curing such disease in the womb.

Risks

• Puncturing of the amniotic sac
• Infection of fetus
• Mother can go into depression and anxiety
• Unnecessary stress due to the possibility of any disease
• Second thoughts regarding the termination of pregnancy

4) Biophysical profile

The test is a combination of fetal stress and heartbeat test. During the test, the Fetal Non-Stress Test is done along with an ultrasound scan. During the scan, fetal movements are observed in response to a prod. Using a Doppler heart rate is under constant moderation.

What is the test?

A Biophysical profile test is an assessment of your fetus’s health. The non-invasive test measures the baby’s heart beats, checks movements and scans a picture.

Amniotic fluid levels are also measured to ensure efficient exchange of material between baby and you. Four quarters of the uterus are considered and volume in each of them is added.

With a biophysical test score, you can know how your baby is doing inside without actually letting any instrument inside.

How is it done?

A belt is placed around your bump for a non-stress test. There are sensors in it. Your baby may not respond initially if she is asleep. A buzzer beep can wake up the baby for the rest of the test. Some women report that drinking cold water or juice also generates a stimulus.

Ultrasound device moving on your belly shows everything inside. Amniotic volume is measured. It takes nearly half an hour for the entire test procedure to complete.

The test looks for 5 factors:

• Fetal movement
• Fetal heart rate
• Amniotic fluid
• Non-Stress Test
• Fetal muscle tone and strength

Every factor has 2 points to it. There is a standard way of interpretation of each factor. The heart rate is either reactive or non-reactive. Depending on the results each is given points. The final grand total is the Biophysical profile score.

A score above 8 is normal, within 6-8 is uncertain and below that is negative or abnormal.

When is it done?

The test is done in the third trimester beyond the 32-week pregnant stage. In high-risk pregnancy, the test can be in the second half of the second trimester.

Modified biophysical profile test is done in case you don’t deliver even after completing 40 weeks. Obesity, overage, miscarriage history, and twin pregnancy make the test necessary for mums.

Why should I take this test?

You must take the test to know about your baby’s development. Lack of oxygen supply to baby due to the insufficient amniotic fluid can lead to stillbirth.

Gynecologists are able to foresee the complications during labor based on results. The test tells about the preparedness of you and baby for undergoing labor stress.

Risks

There are no risks of a Biophysical profile. However, there is no improvement in the pregnancy outcome just by taking the test.

5) Group B test

Group B streptococcus is a bacteria residing in rectal and vaginal passages of women. Healthy women have a limited number of bacteria. When the number of Group B strep increases beyond the normal range, the woman has an infection.

The infection can spread to the bladder and pass to the baby during labor. Pregnant women in the week 37 and ahead about to go into labor are screened for Group B strep. There is a 0.05% chance in every pregnancy to contract a Group B strep infection and pass it on to the neonate.

What is the test?

The Group B strep screening is prenatal testing that checks for the presence of bacteria in the rectum and vagina. Positive test results indicate colonization by the bacteria. Group B strep and throat infection causing streptococcus are different.

Taking intravenous Penicillin reduces the chance 4000 times for the baby. Even c-section will not prevent the passing of the infection if the water broke before it. Reliable treatment involves the use of antibiotics.

In case the mother passes on the infection to the baby, there are many consequences. Meningitis is the inflammation of brain-protective membranes.

Newborn with Group B Strep infection is at a high risk of meningitis, pneumonia and BP problems. The infection can take days to show symptoms or be early onset.

There lies a possibility for not passing on the infection even without treatment. But taking an intravenous antibiotic is safe and is the right caution. Not only the baby, you too can develop bladder and uterus infections.

How is it done?

Group B Strep Test is done in a lab that cultures the bacteria. A swab sample is swiped from vagina and rectum separately. These are sent for testing. You can expect the reports after 2 or 3 days.

When is it done?

If you test positive during early pregnancy, then you have to take the treatment. There is no rescreening to check again. In cases where the early prenatal testing didn’t show a positive test a cautionary test is again done in 37 weeks. Rupture of membranes prior to due date also makes it necessary to take a Group B test.

Why should I take this test?

You must take the test as Group B strep is fatal. There is a risk of stillbirth if the mother has Group B strep. Other than that heart stabilizing complications can occur in the neonate.

The mother and baby both can get a bladder infection. Kidney problems and digestive system can get hampered.

Risks

You might have a slight irritation in the vagina while taking out the swab sample. There is a risk of being allergic to the IV antibiotic. Consult your doctor about the best-suited antibiotic for you.

6) Dating Scan

An ultrasound scan for determining how far you’ve come along pregnancy based on baby’s growth is a dating scan. Based on the results your OB tells you your due date. A dating scan is the first ultrasound of pregnancy.

What is the test?

A dating scan is an ultrasound done in the 7 weeks of pregnancy. By the 7 weeks, pregnant time pregnancy test shows a positive result in most cases. The baby has a heartbeat and organs have started to appear. Sex determination is not possible.

Certain ranges of size and maturity of different parts of the body are standard. Comparing your baby to the set parameters the doctor is able to estimate the due date of pregnancy. In many cases, no heartbeat is detected in the dating scan. The thickness of the endometrial lining and gestational sac, at least give information about having twins.

A dating scan is also able to distinguish between a chemical pregnancy and a normal pregnancy.

How is it done?

If you take the test earlier than 7 weeks pregnant stage then it is transvaginal. A device attached to the catheter is pushed in the vagina. It produces an image of the inside of uterus on a screen.

You will not need to drink excess water for a transvaginal scan. And that makes it more ideal for pregnant women. A transabdominal ultrasound requires the bladder in a fully expanded state.

Thus, you have to drink a lot of water till holding your pee seems impossible! Expanded bladder allows the things across to it to be clearly seen.

The nurse applies some lubricant on your belly. Using a transducer the OB glides it all over your lower abdomen, showing the picture of internal organs. It can take up to 15 minutes for a complete scan. The OB or sonographer will point out the embryo for you.

In the first few scans, you won’t be able to make out much. Just the heartbeat will seem familiar stuff.

When is it done?

Dating scan purpose is to estimate due date and find out how far you are in pregnancy. Prenatal testing has a dating scan as the second test. By the 7-8 week of pregnancy, you’d get a dating scan appointment.

Why should I take this test?

You must take the test to know whether the baby’s development initiation has been the right way. Pregnancy due date will help you prepare and plan better. Your doctor will not be able to tell you whether or not you will have a natural delivery.

Yet you can make a decision based on the due date if you want to have an elective c section. Other than that twins detection and any implantation abnormalities are also shown in the scan.

Risks

There are no risks from an ultrasound. The process is non-invasive. Mild irritation in the vagina or from the lubricant is possible.

7) First Trimester Screen

The FTS is an optional prenatal scan cum fetal genetic test. Being a non-invasive genetic test many OB include it in the routine prenatal checkup list. A nuchal translucency scan and blood test make up the first-trimester screen.

One can take the first-trimester screen test after 8 weeks. If you take the test late in the first trimester then it can be a sequential screen. Being optional you can skip it and get a quad screen. It involves the same tests and more additional parameters.

What is the test?

The first-trimester screen is aimed at detecting genetic abnormalities in the fetus. Until the 6-8 weeks, the head and body of the baby are like a tailed mammal. After crossing the week, the head starts moving up and body straightens. Fluid under the neck area gradually changes in volume.

Measuring the volume of fluid under the neck is nuchal translucency named on the procedure involved. If there is a wide nuchal translucency result then there is a risk of genetic defects.

Translucency doesn’t mean a separation. Just being able to see space under the skin fold below the neck, is translucency. The skin can cover the entire fetus. Neural tube defects are not correctly screened via neural tube defects. Along with AFP levels test the screening is complete for neural disorders.

For, the blood test a sample of blood is taken and sent to the lab for testing. High levels of hCG occur due to molar pregnancy. Twins also give an hCG surge in blood more than a single fetus. Low levels of hCG could be because of a chemical pregnancy, insufficient production or inaccurate dating of pregnancy.

How is it done?

No preparation is required for the first-trimester screen. A blood sample is taken from a superficially visible vein. PAPP A and hCG levels are measured.

During the ultrasound, you just have to lie down. The doctor will perform the scan and compare the space above and below the baby. If space is enlarged then the test result is negative. A negative test doesn’t mean your baby has Downs Syndrome or other disorder. Risk of the disorder is higher as per the test in that situation.

When is it done?

First Trimester Screening can be done after 8 weeks in the first trimester. Nuchal translucency is a separate test in the 11-14 week. But you can get a combined test after 10 weeks.

Why should I take this test?

You can take the test to know about the possibility of having a chromosomal defect. Even if you’d still want to have the baby, you will be able to make the preparation. If not anything, at least you will have a mental determination to be ready for it.

After delivery and bearing the anticipation for long, the risk of postpartum depression increases a lot upon sudden shock.

Risks

Week 11-13 see an emotionally fluctuating phase. Getting a negative result can take a toll on a mother’s health. She may be carrying a perfectly healthy baby but because of test results live in anxiety.

It’s quite possible that you won’t have had a single thought about chromosomal defects. After seeing the results you may not able to handle the news if you get a negative result.

Getting a negative FTS result calls for more tests such an amnio, cordocentesis or Chorionic Villus Sampling.

8) Triple Screen

The triple screen is a genetic test for aneuploidy. Humans have 46 chromosomes. They occur in pairs. An abnormal number of chromosomes are termed as aneuploidy condition. An increase in the number of chromosomes is polyploidy.

Trisomy is triplet instead of a pair of chromosomes. Downs syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. The triple screen can detect it.

However, other prenatal testing are more advanced and a triple screen is just an additional option. Triple screen is able to assess neural tube defects because it checks high AFP levels.

What is the test?

Triple Screen is a blood test which measures 3 pregnancy-related hormones. Placental hCG, fetal AFP, and estriol produced by mother and fetus are the three factors of the triple screen. High levels of hCG indicate being ahead in pregnancy than expected. Similarly, low levels of AFP point out inaccurate dating of pregnancy. But the low levels of AFP could also be because of trisomy of chromosomes. Downs Syndrome, Patau Syndrome, and Edward Syndrome are some of the chromosomal disorders.

As triple screen doesn’t require any extra step other than the blood test, one can request it any time. If you want a Quad screen then PAPP A is also quantified in the same blood sample. A Quad screen is a triple screen and FTS combined.

How is it done?

A blood sample is collected. You get the reports in a weeks time at most. Your doctor may call you for a consultation afterward. Discussing the results of the test is important in the case of mothers above 35 years, or with a history of miscarriage. Family with a history of birth defects makes it more likely for the OB to suggest the test.

When is it done?

The triple screen can be done from 15 weeks pregnant time. But the results are more reliable in the late second trimester. It is a second-trimester screening. As there are no preparations needed, one can go for the test at any time of the day.

Why should I take this test?

You must take the test if you want to know about the possible dangers to your baby. If you have a chronic disease then also the test is a safe step to take. Viral infection, depression or radiation therapy patients also are advised to take the test.

Being on any medication during gestation, even antibiotics can affect your pregnancy outcome. As there is no harm, one can take the test.

Feeling overwhelmed by the anxiety of the results makes few parents elect out of such tests. You can control the anxiety by knowing that these are just screening. With whatever result, they hold a huge possibility of otherwise.

Risks

There are no risks associated with the non-invasive test.

9) Blood Test – Rh compatibility test

Red blood cells have sugars attached to them. Your blood group is a result of these sugars and their interactions. The reason why the blood group repeat check is done is to test the Rh factor. Even when a sibling or person aware of blood group offers to donate, the check for the Rh factor is essential.

There are antibodies against the other blood groups inside every human. For a person with blood group B, he has antibody type A. Just like that there is another factor is blood which is the Rh factor. A person either has it and is Rh+ (positive) or lacks it and is Rh-(negative).

What is the test?

A mother with Rh-negative blood can have a fetus with Rh-positive blood. The first exposure during labor will lead to mother producing antibodies against the fetus. And upon the second conception, the mother’s cells will attack Rh-positive fetus and destroy RBCs. Destruction of red blood cells rapidly causes oxygen deprivation and can lead to fetal death.

Giving an Rh-negative mother with an Rh-positive baby, an immunoglobulin suppressive shot subsides the attack. However, at times mother has made antibodies while pregnant due to internal hemorrhage. Blood transfusion through the umbilical cord and close monitoring are last alternatives.

How is it done?

Rh screening is a part of tests after the first prenatal visit. Your doctor will see the results and decide if you need the shot. Blood test just like any other is followed by immunological reactions.

When is it done?

The test is done in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Why should I take this test?

You must take the test to avoid erythroblastosis fetalis. The condition is characterized by the killing of the fetus by an attack from the mother’s cells.

Risks

There are no risks of the test.

11) Quad Screen

After the first trimester screen and the triple screen comes to the Quad screen. All three factors are the same as the triple screen. Here hCG, estriol, AFP and inhibin A levels are checked. The new addition inhibin A tells about the risks of preeclampsia and genetic disorders.

The quad screen is modified multiple marker test. That is also the reason why the triple screen is now outdated. With the same procedure, an additional inhibin A increases the accuracy.

What is the test?

The test is a blood test to assess overall pregnancy health. Different hormones and factors being measured have crucial roles. Fall or rise in levels above normal causes abnormal results. These results mean that there lies a possibility of the child being born with the disease.

How is it done?

A blood test is performed. The reports show levels found in your blood. Next to it, a range of normal values is given. You or your gynae will compare the two. A little bit of high or low levels is not problematical. However, only a medical expert can decide how much beyond the limit is still not a disorder.

Standard ranges for each test are approved by the medical council or supervisory body of the region. Depending on both biological and abiotic factors the range is declared.

When is it done?

The Quad Screen is done during the second trimester. If a woman has pregnancy complications the OB may ask her to take the test earlier. Measuring the levels of inhibin A in the first trimester is rarely correct. Taking the test way early increases the chance of false-negative results. You or your fetus can be healthy and an early test will give negative results. That is because the normal values are for a stage of pregnancy. Naturally stages before it will have lower levels of hCG.

Why should I take this test?

Taking a Quad screen completes the non-invasive screening. If financial liability doesn’t exist then the difference is nothing. All three blood screening prenatal testing only withdraw blood. The volume of blood may be taken slightly more if multiple tests are to be performed. Quad screen leaves no room for doubts that a non-invasive test could clear.

Risks

Absolutely no risk exists while taking a Quad screening test in the second trimester.

11) MSAFP

Maternal Serum Alpha Protein is the fetal AFP entering the mother’s bloodstream. Just like previous screening tests, MSAFP looks for alpha-fetoprotein. Although the need for normal levels AFP is yet to be entirely described. Lack or excess of AFP signals developmental defects.

When the alimentary canal is not complete and closed, the AFP levels fall. Spina Bifida also reduces maternal levels of AFP. The factor rises slowly in the blood of the mother and may even stay low for a late trimester.

What is the test?

The MSAFP test is a blood screening. Often just as a part of the triple screen test, MSAFP is a parameter. Rather than a test, MSAFP is a measured protein during other tests. Later a detailed ultrasound helps establish a correlation between the results.

In the 18th week, every organ of the baby is working. The development is complete. And now only growth and continual of function remain. Thus the results will be most accurate then. But MSAFP can be taken any time from 12-18 weeks.

Some parents may feel like opting out of invasive tests. MSAFP acts like the reassurance of their decision. If the results of MSAFP are not normal then they can reconsider getting an invasive test. But if they’ve decided it for sure that no matter what they will continue with the pregnancy, they can skip this one too.

How is it done?

The MSAFP is a part of the triple screen test. It’s just like a routine blood test. Along with it, an ultrasound enhances the accuracy of the test.

When is it done?

MSAFP is a second-trimester screening done late. By the 17-18 weeks of pregnancy, the results are mostly accurate.

Why should I take this test?

One must take the test if you expect twin pregnancy. If you have a history or risk of a hereditary disease then get this test.

Risks

There are no risks except for anxiety before or after getting the results.

12) Chorionic Villus Sampling

An early invasive test, CVS, detects genetic make-up of your baby as early as 10 weeks. Before 10 weeks Chorionic Villus Sampling involves a risk of polydactyly. The condition is marked by a fused extra finger or toe.

Being pregnant in the late 30s or genetic disorder inheritance pattern requires an invasive test early in the first trimester.

What is the test?

During Chorionic Villus Sampling a small part of placenta tissue is removed. This is tested for genetic content. Being placental in origin the tissue matches with the fetus tissue. Thus, testing it gives a picture of the fetus genetics.

Placenta has tiny projections that keep beating in the fluid. They are responsible for conduction.

For removing it there are two paths – cervix or abdomen.

Chorionic Villus Sampling allows detection of diseases such as Downs syndrome and cystic fibrosis. But neural tube defects are not detected by it. An ultrasound done along the sample collection helps screen spina bifida chances.

Amniocentesis is more advanced and done later in pregnancy. If screening results are positive then amniocentesis is the way of detecting.

False-positive results can occur in the tests. Yet after getting a positive test the mental dilemmas are extremely draining. All these diseases have management therapies and counseling systems. But overall their treatment doesn’t exist.

How is it done?

For performing CVS prenatal test your doctor will ask you to fill up your bladder. Though your doctor will tell you the volume of water to drink, you must be able to judge your bladder state. If you already feel like going to the ease yourself then don’t drink too much of water.

After applying some antiseptics and gel your ultrasound sonographer will perform a scan. The scan will be transabdominal.

You can get cervical or abdominal CVS. For abdominal CVS a fine needle will be inserted into your bump. A sample will be removed using it. A thin catheter will be put through the vagina for transcervical CVS.

In both conditions, care will be taken to not even go near the baby. It can take up to 3 weeks for the results of CVS to come.

When is it done?

Chorionic Villus Sampling is done after 10 weeks. But the test is for the first trimester. If you have a tilted uterus that doesn’t allow transabdominal puncture then cervical CVS is done early.

Why should I take this test?

After getting a positive screening test CVS will actually detect the disease. Unless you are of those who would have the baby no matter what, then taking the test will only help you. Thinking and worrying about anxieties will not change the challenges of having a baby with the disorders.

Risks

Miscarriage risk exists after CVS. The Rh factor is fetal blood can cause the mother to produce antibodies. These can kill the fetus through a condition called erythroblastosis fetalis.

13) Amniocentesis

Regular amniocentesis is an invasive genetic test. A gynecologist will directly poke a needle through your stomach to baby’s amniotic sac. It may sound like a tyrant but the needle is extremely fine. As pregnancy progresses the fetal shed cells reach mother’s blood. Cell-free DNA is naked. Without a cell covering it proves to be ideal for quickly testing genetic information.

What is the test?

Amniocentesis is testing the baby’s health using amnio fluid. The fluid has cells, DNA and other hormones and factors. Measuring the levels and genetic tests on the amnio fluid reveal a lot about your baby. But the test punctures the amniotic sac. As a result, complications such as injury or amnio fluid can start leaking.

Amnio is also used for accurate sex detection. For checking the functioning of lungs another type of amnio called fetal lung maturity amnio. India has banned gender determination before birth.

The list of diseases that amnio can assess is longer than any screening tests. Tay Sachs, Downs Syndrome, Prader Will syndrome, and Marfan syndrome. A single mutation causes such genetic diseases. These diseases are diagnosed in the fetus by taking the amnio. Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and Thalassemia are also detected. Neurodegenerative disorders and cystic fibrosis check-in fetus is also a part of the amnio.

How is it done?

Taking amnio before 20 weeks requires drinking a lot of water to have a stretched bladder. Later, the reverse happens and a full bladder can come way and get a puncture during amnio.

For performing an amnio test the woman has to lie on an examination table.

The doctor will first clean the abdomen, bump region using an antiseptic. Followed by this he will collect a sample of amniotic fluid.

For doing that, he will insert a very thin needle into your abdominal area. Continuous monitoring using an ultrasound wand will guide him to prevent the needle from hurting the fetus.

The selection of the inserting point will be such that it cannot harm the fetus. And the depth to which the needle goes will be just slightly in the amniotic sac.

As the needle will touch and pierce uterus lining you might feel some cramps. No anesthetic is used during amnio. Sample volume taken is nearly 30 mL.

Your baby by the time of amnio is producing more than 2 spoons of amniotic fluid every week. So it will be replenished within a short time.

Your OB will send the sample for testing and you will get the reports from the OB.

When is it done?

Amniocentesis is done at different times during pregnancy. Between 15-20 weeks the purpose is to detect genetic disorder and risks. Later in the third trimester, it’s for fetal activity check. In special cases, the amnio done before labor is for predicting the course of events.

Why should I take this test?

The test helps you detect diseases from the results of other non-invasive tests. After getting to know of the risks it is one of few ways to diagnose the disorder before the baby comes.

Risks

Rh sensitization can cause the production of antibodies against a fetus in Rh-negative mother. Cramps and irritation are also common after an amnio. Miscarriage as a result of the cramps is possible. Other risks such as infection, injury, and fluid leak also exist.

14) Prenatal Cell-free DNA test or NIPT

Fetal cells shed and circulate in the mother’s blood. Placenta keeps forming new blood vessels. These cells release the genetic material free-floating into the mother. So, the mother has both her own and fetal genetic material in the blood.

Later in pregnancy the ratio of fetal genetic material increases. Thus taking a sample of blood from the mother gives enough cffDNA cell-free fetal DNA. By testing it, a diagnosis of genetic diseases without invasive methods is possible.

With the introduction of NIPT risk of amnio and CVS is avoidable. But if the results of the test are positive amniocentesis may be needed.

What is the test?

Non-invasive prenatal testing using cell-free DNA is a novel method. The diseases that can be screened include Downs Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome, and sex chromosomes related disorders. Fragile X syndrome is a disease of the sex chromosome.

NIPT performed along an ultrasound is a complete screening. Nuchal translucency scan along NIPT helps in screening other defects. A wider nuchal translucency indicates risk of spina bifida.

How is it done?

For performing NIPT small blood sample is needed. Using the molecular biology methods DNA is isolated from the blood. And then there are many ways to analyze the DNA obtained from the blood.

Entire genetic count and analysis of each fragment take time. But the results obtained are able to eliminate the chances of false-negative or positive tests.

In case, the mother has a genetic disease and her DNA gets analyzed accidentally the test will be false positive. It is difficult to distinguish whether the genetic content obtained has a mother’s or baby’s DNA. It’s best to take the test after 10 weeks to get accurate results.

When is it done?

The fetal fraction of cell-free DNA increases in mother’s blood after week 10. Once there is enough of fetal DNA the test is possible. If you take the test earlier than 10 weeks then you can get false results. Chances of analysis of the mother’s DNA increase. That is because the fetal fraction is less than 4%.

Why should I take this test?

Non-invasive tests save you from invasive procedures. Your OB will persuade you for one screening test at least. Yet it’s totally your choice whether or not you find the test useful for you.

Risks

There are no risks associated with NIPT.

15) Screening For Infectious Diseases

Pregnant women can pass on many infections to their fetus. The transfer is either placental or during delivery. For syndromes such as HIV, the screening is mandatory. However, for Cytomegalovirus Infection and other such infections, the screening is optional.

Only when you will see the symptoms of the infection, the screening will take place. Vaginal examination for BV and thrush is also optional. Screening for Hepatitis B and syphilis is also advisable by the end of the pregnancy term.

TB and Hepatitis C screening is also done in early pregnancy.

What is the test?

There are special screening tests for each infection. Pregnant women need to provide samples of urine or blood. Within a week she will get her reports. If she is positive for a particular infection then precautionary steps will be taken.

The urine culture test is for testing bacterial vaginosis. Another highly contagious infection is rubella. Almost every developed country has rubella vaccination as a norm for children.

A pregnant mother who has not had rubella nor vaccinated against it can get the infection. In such a situation the only way to stay safe is by avoiding contact with infected people. Vaccination during pregnancy is safe for limited infections.

Hepatitis B test is compulsory but hepatitis C is elective. Those who are at risk must get the screening for hepatitis C too.

Recently Zika virus screening during pregnancy has gained a lot of momentum. The fatal infection can be passed on to the fetus. Depending on your area and if you are going to travel while pregnant the screening is done. Similarly, TB screening is for women with a history or risk factors of the respiratory infection.

How is it done?

Each screening has a different test. For TB your throat mucus sample (sputum) is taken. You just have to spit in a sample collection container. After chewing a rubber band or inedible stuff the generated mucus is sputum.

For HIV and hepatitis tests blood sample and other screening are done.

Vaginal infectious diseases are screened by PAP smear or physical examination.

When is it done?

The screening tests are done in early pregnancy. But some tests like TB and hepatitis B are third-trimester screening tests.

Depending on the need the optimal pregnancy screening tests are done at various times. Some rare cases where the infection risk is high may even be repeated.

Why should I take this test?

You must take the test to be able to take the treatment or precaution at the right time. Even for syndromes like HIV the right treatment at an early stage can prevent the transfer to the fetus.

Risks

There are no risks of taking screening tests. Diagnostic tests are time taking. A screening to decide which diagnosis is needful reduces the number of tests. At times you can get a false negative result and have the infection.

Every test has an accuracy rate. Nothing will interfere or affect your pregnancy health by taking a screening test.

16) Paternity Test or NIPP

NIPT and NIP are named similar because of the same procedure. NIP is a non-invasive paternity test. Knowing the biological father of a child is important for multiple reasons. The basis of all of them is to share the legal responsibilities.

The conventional paternity testing is done using fetal DNA. For that either you have to get an amniocentesis or Chorionic Villus Sampling. There are a lot of risks including miscarriage. The alternative to amnio and CVS is waiting until the birth of the baby.

An advanced method of checking the paternity of a child while you are pregnant is NIP.

The limitation of the test is not being able to establish the paternity of twins. That is because the DNA profile cannot be identified with one of the twins specifically.

What is the test?

The test is a blood test of mothers sample which has fetal DNA to match along with the possible father. After the 8 weeks of pregnancy, the fetal DNA starts floating in the mother’s bloodstream.

Using the test both DNA from fetus and father can be matched for checking similarities. The genetic code has repeated sequences that run in family.

If you suspect one of two people to be your child’s father then you will get results stating probability. For a man who is not likely, you will get a 0%. In case the expected father is the biological father then the probability will be 99% or higher. 100% of results cannot be obtained because some dissimilarity does exist in two individuals even if father and offspring.

How is it done?

A non-invasive paternity test is done my withdrawal of blood from mother. The blood has DNA from mother and fetus. Using scientific research methods the fetal DNA is isolated.

After that, the sample from probable father is taken. Two people can also give their samples together. Depending on your lab’s protocol you will have to decide and follow.

Then within a week’s time, the tests are done and reports prepared. With the probabilities of each man, you will get the results.

When is it done?

The test can be done after you are two months pregnant. Accuracy of the test is reliable after fetal DNA fraction in the mother’s bloodstream is 4%. Testing too early will pose a risk of analyzing the incorrect DNA or not being able to perform the test.

Why should I take this test?

You must test because of emotional and legal issues. Not knowing the real father can be an emotional burden. And instead of knowing the real father is there along with you, can be a boost to your pregnancy.

For legal reasons, identifying the biological father helps with custody, finance, etc.

Risks

There are risks of miscarriage and stillbirth with amnio and CVS paternity tests. NIP doesn’t pose any risks.

17) Gender Detection Scan

Gender detection scan and DNA karyotype are non-invasive ways for detection of gender. Scanning is a more common way for detection of gender after the 16-18th week. Before that either the genitals are not formed or the baby position isn’t suitable.

Even after the stage, there can be false results. Your baby can be playing with the umbilical cord giving a false impression.

What is the test?

Medical professionals use set patterns and theories for differentiating between a girl and a boy. Penis of a boy baby is the easiest and clearest sign for gender detection. If the penis is there or not is the first thing to look for.

With advancing technologies, now there are 4D ultrasounds. There you can see the baby as a whole. Testes or labia are clearly seen in a 3D or 4D scan.

How is it done?

There is nothing different in a gender detection scan. Just that the purpose of any scan is to assess the overall development of the baby. The second-trimester scan can involve gender detection if you opt for it.

Make sure that your country has legalized prenatal sex determination.

When is it done?

By 16-18 weeks pregnant stage, sex determination is accurate. Before that stage, a lot of anomalies prevent accurate gender detection.

Why should I take this test?

There is absolutely no need to take the test unless you want to. Maybe it will help you decide nursery decor or baby clothing beforehand.

Risks

There are no risks in gender detection scan expect for the legalization of the procedure.

18) Nuchal Translucency

Amongst the tests for genetic disease detection, nuchal translucency has a low false-positive rate. By measuring PAPP A and hCG along the test becomes even more accurate for detection of Downs syndrome. Latest developments include observing the nasal bone and respiratory tract efficiency.

What is the test?

A fluid collects near your baby’s head underneath. Once the head starts moving up and body straightens the volume of the fluid reduces. The ratio of the volume of fluid above and below the neck change with the stage of development. Unless there is something not right the fluid under neck reduces and narrows out.

Seeing the difference in volume near the baby and away, towards the sac, tells about the risk of Downs Syndrome. Neural tubes defects are not correctly predicted by the test.

A sonographer is able to view and analyze the features of the fetus. Using certain parameters the volume of fluid is measured. If the nuchal translucency is wide then results are negative.

Without any blood tests, the genetic disease screening test is possible with an NT scan.

How is it done?

For performing a nuchal translucency scan the sonographer will apply some gel on your belly. As the test is done is late first trimester you might need to drink extra water to stretch your bladder. Later you will lie down on an examination table.

All of your body will be covered and just the bump exposed. Using an ultrasound wand the sonographer will display the images on a screen. Either the reports will go to the OB or you will get them to carry along.

A negative test means that your baby has a wide nuchal translucency. That could be just due to incorrect dating of pregnancy too. In the next appointment, your OB will interpret the data.

When is it done?

The nuchal translucency scan is optional for first-trimester screening. If you received unsatisfactory results then the test may be repeated later again.

Why should I take this test?

You can take the test for the ease of screening method. Other than that knowing the risk of genetic disease can help you get appropriate counseling. Always remember that nothing will be done to you or your baby without informed consent.

Risks

There are no risks of nuchal translucency.

19) Fetal Non-Stress Test

Fetal Non Stress Test is a test measuring fetal heart rate during her own activities. It doesn’t lay any stress on the fetus for taking the test. At most your OB uses a buzzer or asks you to caress or walk to wake the baby for the test. A belt placed on your belly before the test has a heartbeat sensor.

What is the test?

Fetal NST measures a baby’s ability to move and tolerate stressful situations. Oxygen supply reaching the baby must be enough in order for her to be energetic. The results of NST are reactive or non-reactive. A positive test is the one where the baby is reactive and has an increased heart rate during movements. A baby who doesn’t receive enough oxygen will be non-reactive. That doesn’t necessarily mean a lazy baby and instead could be a warning for preeclampsia.

How is it done?

During a fetal non-stress test a nurse will place a belt on your bump and your OB will conduct an ultrasound. The belt will measure fetal heart rate while the ultrasound will show your baby moving.

When is it done?

Fetal Non Stress Test is done after you are 28 weeks pregnant. Upon a certain prescription or before proceeding for induction of labor the test can be done.

Why should I take this test?

The test is a method of finding out how prepared you and your baby are for undergoing labor.

You must take the test to allow the gynecologist to predict and guide you about labor.

Risks

No risks are associated with the fetal Non Stress test.

20) Glucose Tolerance Test

The glucose tolerance test is the most basic diabetes test. During pregnancy, gestational diabetes can occur. That is because your insulin can get overwhelmed with the extra calories and baby’s needs. Temporarily it can lead to diabetes. After the delivery of the baby, the condition subsides.

But having diabetes while pregnant affects labor and pregnancy outcome.

Blood pressure fluctuations due to inability to manage blood glucose are symptoms of gestational diabetes. Women with a family history of diabetes are at a higher risk. And then need to take the test earlier.

Your gynae will recommend you to get the test in the prenatal visit during the last weeks.

What is the test?

The glucose tolerance test or oral glucose test is an assessment of the body’s sugar utilizing abilities. Basically, the secretion, action, and function of insulin are being monitored.

A sugar load is put on the insulin and its activity is observed by withdrawing blood samples.

Glucose utilization has set ranges after a few hours from the meal. Just after a meal within the first hour, the sugar levels don’t peak up. They do go a little low before starting to rise. That is the time for insulin activation. And during that period glucagon is acting to increase blood glucose.

Once one and a half-hour pass the sugar levels increase. Later by the end of 2 hours insulin causes reestablished normal osmolarity of blood sugar.

How is it done?

For performing the test you will have to go fasting for more than 8 hours. You can go in the early morning without eating anything. The one-step test will require to drink a 75g glucose drink. The volume will be small to make it concentrated. Different glucose concentration is used for two-step GTT.

When you are done drinking, a blood sample is withdrawn just after that, called zero hour. Followed by it after an hour another sample is taken. Then after half-hour another sample. And so on samples of blood are taken until 2 hours are complete.

For the two-step test, you can go without any fasting. A higher concentration of glucose is used here. If the levels after an hour are in the range 130-145 mg/dL then the test finishes. If your levels are higher then you have to come for a fasting GTT.

These samples are tested for insulin activity. Plotting a graph it is seen if there is a belly shape with certain characteristics.

When is it done?

Glucose tolerance test is done during the 24-28 week pregnant stage. For women with a family history or high sugar levels in urine, the test can be earlier.

Why should I take this test?

Diabetes during pregnancy can cause a lot of complications. Fainting and dizziness are the less serious ones.

Risks

Drinking sweet syrup is not a pleasant experience. Take it slow else you might feel like puking. A rest day can be tiresome as you will feel giddy of the taste. You may have to answer a few extra nature’s calls.

No, big issues or risks crop up after a GTT.

21) Urine Tests

A part of the routine prenatal examination, urine tests can tell about various organs. Composition of urine changes in different conditions. Examples of it are when you start getting LH in urine and hCG in urine near ovulation and pregnancy.

Presence of proteins, sugars, ketone, and bacteria is urine indicate disorders like diabetes and STDs.

What is the test?

A urine analysis is checking urine contents. A normal adult urine has a set composition. Glucose doesn’t cross kidney filters. If it does then there has to be some metabolic disorder.

Similarly, Proteinuria in pregnancy is a sign of preeclampsia. Ketones in urine could be because of metabolic disorders. Presence of bacteria in urine sample other than normal vagina bacteria are indicators of infection.

Other than that, urine analysis also establishes your state of dehydration.

For symptoms like swelling, high BP, burning whole urinating and weight loss, a urine test is conducted. Even if you have a fever while pregnant your urine sample will definitely be taken.

How is it done?

You have to provide a clean sample of urine by collecting it in the provided container. Avoid drinking too much water before giving the sample. Diluting the sample will be of no good. Too much of the sample is just a waste. Your doctor may mention the volume the needed.

Storing urine overnight is safe provided you can keep it in the refrigerator. Indeed not possible for many people.

When is it done?

Whenever you will go for a routine prenatal checkup a urine test is done. At the first prenatal visit, a test is done for pregnancy confirmation.

Later if you report the symptoms such as swelling, weakness, or itching then a test will be done.

Why should I take this test?

You will have to take the test for pregnancy confirmation. Same goes for the first prenatal visit urine test. There is not much to do in it.

Risks

No risks are involved except contamination of the sample. Make sure you don’t touch the lid from inside or keep the container in a dirty place. Don’t douch before collecting the sample.

22) Kick counts

A kick count is a self-test to track your baby’s status. Not really a prenatal test but kick count charting will help you keep a daily track of the baby. Every baby has a certain sleep-wake and activity cycle. Counting the movement of the baby over a period of time tell about the growth. Once you’re past 35 weeks the movements reduce.

Squish and flutter don’t count as kicks. Rest movements such as rolling also come under kicking in early weeks. You will feel the movements in the 16-25 weeks.

Women who had a miscarriage, report having felt lesser movements a few days before it. A threatened miscarriage can be prevented by having knowledge of your baby’s kicks. You cannot suddenly or casually feel the difference.

Tracking the kicks at the same time every day will gradually make it familiar.

What is the test?

Kick counts tracking is a common practice more than a test. But it’s a way of finding your baby’s health status.

Baby’s movements are the only way to know if your baby is fine without having scans or tests. Using a kick monitor you don’t have to do anything. And even manually there isn’t any problem while kicks counting.

How is it done?

The kick counting method is simple. Using a kick monitor the test gets simpler. For doing it manually you will have to lie down and cut out everything.

Just caress your bump and note the time. If you don’t feel any movement then raise your legs up and drink a glass of fresh juice with ice.

Then take a journal and note the first kick and continue until 120 minutes pass by. Once you cross half time then add a slash.

When is it done?

You must start doing it in the late second trimester. Once you have felt a kick then you will soon know it. The time of the day your baby is active is most suitable. Waking up your baby at random times for the tracking is of no use. A sleepy baby won’t be as active.

It’s best to first identify your baby’s routine. Then time the test. Take the test every day at the same time.

Why should I take this test?

Your OB will definitely ask you to track your baby’s movements. Baby facing intrauterine growth restriction will first stop moving. Being totally aware of your baby’s routine will also help you to time your activities.

Risks

There are no risks. You may just become a little anxious about a slight change. Over time you will know when to worry and not.

23) Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a scan to look through your bump. The old but most common ones form images of the baby as shadows. Waves hit and bounce back or pass through forming images. More advanced sonograms are able to show clear pictures of cells and surrounding areas.

Doppler ultrasound or cardiography detect and show the fetal heart rate. Earlier during 7 weeks scan heartbeat could be absent. Now it rarely happens because of the advanced sensors.

What is the test?

An ultrasound is a procedure for displaying the inside of your uterus on a screen. Although transvaginal ultrasound requires insertion of the instrument inside the body, rest all don’t. Without actually going inside the baby and amniotic sac can be observed. Every stage of development is monitored by different pregnancy ultrasound.

There are many types and reasons for getting an ultrasound. Almost for every symptom, you report especially regarding the abdomen your OB will ask you to get a scan.

How is it done?

As described above, an ultrasound wand placed above your bump or taken inside vagina forms the picture inside. A layman will find it hard to interpret the standard ultrasound. The 3 D or 4 D ultrasound are easier to understand and more informative.

When is it done?

Ultrasound for the fetus is done after 7 weeks. They can be done multiple times as per your will. If only the recommendation based is considered then you will have a minimum of 7-8 scans.

Why should I take this test?

Ultrasound scans are important as they’re the only way to see what’s going on inside. A lot of conditions don’t manifest externally during early pregnancy. Scanning is safe and a precautionary routine for prenatal testing.

Risks

Ultrasound waves are safe and pose no risk.

24) Cordocentesis

Umbilical Blood Cord Sampling is the last alternative after an amnio, CVS and ultrasound don’t give conclusions. The test requires a blood sample directly from the fetus.

Upon infections like rubella or hemolysis cordocentesis becomes unavoidable. You can still say a no for it. But it’s only recommended when no other option is left.

What is the test?

Cordocentesis uses fetal blood for detection of Downs Syndrome and genetic disorders. Neural tube defects are not detected by it.

When the amniotic fluid or mother’s blood isn’t able to provide the required test sample then fetal blood is needed.

How is it done?

The OB uses a high accuracy ultrasound and inserts a needle inside the umbilical cord. Withdrawing a sample of blood from the site of attachment near placenta the needle is taken out. You get the results after 48-72 hours.

When is it done?

Cordocentesis is the final resort and is only recommended then. The test is safe after 17 weeks. Even then a certain risk of miscarriage due to excessive bleeding from puncture site exists.

Why should I take this test?

Only a medical practitioner can ask you to take the test. If other tests don’t give a clear answer then you might be willing for umbilical blood sampling.

Risks

There is a risk of miscarriage, infection, bleeding, and premature birth.

The post Prenatal Testing: Genetic Tests, Screening Tests and Routine Tests During Pregnancy appeared first on Pregnancy.

Surprised? Keep reading to learn more such first-trimester pregnancy facts.

The first trimester of pregnancy means the 1/3rd of 9 months of pregnancy. You can divide pregnancy as weeks, months or trimesters. It’s important you know the definition of each because your OB will use these terms for appointments and tests.

How many weeks is the first trimester of pregnancy?

The first trimester lasts from week 1 to week 13.

How long is the first trimester of pregnancy? Albeit just 3 months, the last part of the first trimester feels like an eternity. You won’t realize the first few weeks because conception will occur in week 3. Later when the pregnancy toxicosis and nausea begin time will adopt snail’s speed.

Risk of miscarriage is highest in the first 6 weeks of pregnancy. Preimplantation failures are the biggest cause of miscarriage. All major organ systems of baby form in the period between 5-11 weeks. Later they continue to grow in size and gain function.

Week 1 

The first week of pregnancy is never known while it’s going on. There is a probability of 35% every month near ovulation day to conceive. No one can guarantee that beforehand that this week you will conceive. Even after fertility treatment, there is still a probability of failing to get pregnant.

Your baby is divided into two parts inside you and your male partner. For this week you both are actually carrying the baby!

Main Symptom: Menstrual Period Ends

The only sign you see this week is the desire to conceive or not even that if you get pregnant by chance. TTC women after their period ends start tracking ovulation date. Your period must be regular before you’re trying for a baby. With irregular periods this week will be under deception.

To Do This Week

• Start tracking ovulation based on your cycle length, take an ovulation test
• Get ready to get busy in baby making in the coming weeks
• Keep stress at bay and eat healthy food
• Quit smoking, alcohol, and reduce caffeine

Baby This Week: Follicle

Your baby is a tiny follicle waiting to develop under the influence of ovarian hormones. You’re right now in the proliferative stage of the menstrual cycle. Endometrial lining begins to thicken and the tiny follicles start maturing.

Week 2

Ovulation week is the climax of getting pregnant. Within a period of 24 hours of ovulation, if sperm and egg meet, you will be pregnant. This week give undivided attention to your body’s cues about future ovulation.

Main Symptom: Egg White Cervical Mucus

Changes in cervical mucus and position are signs of ovulation. The white stringy mucus from cervix shows that ovulation is just about to happen. Sex is pleasurable and more effective with lubrication from the cervix. Other signs include prominent breast nipples, shiny hair, frequent urination, glow and rise in basal body temperature. The first sign of pregnancy after sex is felt by some women as a feeling of narrowing of the cervix.

To Do This Week

• Take ovulation test, BBT, cervical mucus finger test to determine the ovulation day
• Have sex a day before and on the day of possible ovulation
• Don’t indulge in strenuous exercises
• Go out to a peaceful place for conception
• For IUI, this week is the appointment for the procedure
• IVF therapy egg retrieval will be after ovulation

Baby This Week: Ova and Sperm

The baby is still an egg and sperm 50-50. The follicle has matured and will rupture to release the egg. Size of follicle increases under the action of FSH and estrogen. The hormone LH peaks to take the egg out off the cyst.

Week 3

Congratulations! If you’re here means you did conceive. You are actually through the most anxious period – Two Week Wait. Women find it very hard to cross this period between ovulation and a positive pregnancy test. Stress is the enemy of pregnancy. Staying calm is necessary for conception. Now the real development of the baby will start and you will soon see the two pink lines.

Main Symptom: Pregnancy Toxicosis

As the menstrual cycle takes a turn from the usual track of going into PMS the body releases chemicals into the bloodstream such as the Early Pregnancy Factor. The new development is foreign to the body. Toxicosis during this week will seem like aggravated PMS. You may start getting weird twitching pains and feel lethargic. Super early pregnancy tests are now using these chemicals to detect pregnancy within days after sex.

To Do This Week

• Take ample rest, you must stay off your feet and maintain a calm demeanor
• Keep some lemonade handy to stay hydrated
• Consult your doctor about your previous prescriptions

Baby This Week – Fertilisation

Your baby’s first cell zygote has already formed. Within the first 36 hours, the division of the cell will take place without separation. The fertilization site is the fallopian tube. Gradually your baby is descending into the uterus. Once the embryo reaches the site where it will attach, implantation will occur next.

Week 4

Implantation has long confused every mum to be. You’re chemically pregnant but yet to know it for sure. The attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus is a two-stage process called implantation. Releasing factors on the endometrial lining the embryo dissolves it and sinks in. The placenta will develop from this point.

Main Symptom: Implantation Bleeding and Cramps

The most common sign of implantation is brown spotting. Other signs include a triphasic pattern of BBT after ovulation. Back pain and mild cramps also sign implantation. Only 1/3rd pregnant women have implantation bleeding. Embryo implantation occurs 7-12 days after ovulation.

To Do This Week

• Preimplantation failures can cause ectopic pregnancy, avoid physical strain
• Having sex isn’t safe this week
• Things you can do during implantation include sedentary activities
• Avoid douching, tampons, vaginal cremes

Baby This Week: Blastocyst

Your baby is a 64 celled lump. There are no organs nor germ layers. The rate of division is extremely fast after crossing the morula stage. Cells are actively duplicating genetic material. These are stem cells that can form any organ and any cell. Banking them acts as a reserve for your baby in the future to regenerate any damaged tissue upon injury or mishaps.

Soon after implantation, the term layers will start forming and placenta will secrete hCG. Pregnancy test hormone hCG doubles every 48 hours. Once your blood has 25 mIU/mL you are considered pregnant.

Week 5

The wait is over and you will take a pregnancy test this week. More than often women don’t get a positive test soon. Best time to take a pregnancy test is after a week from the missed period. Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) starts coming along your urine. Taking a test early morning will increase the chances of getting a positive result. Low levels of progesterone can lead to period even in pregnancy. Make sure you’re taking enough Magnesium.

Main Symptoms: Missed Period, Positive Pregnancy Test

The first week of known pregnancy goes by dreading period. Leukorrhea, white discharge keeps bluffing period flow giving you eerie period feels. A missed period is the most popular sign of pregnancy known by every woman. Other symptoms that you can expect this week include leukorrhea, headache, ovary pain and a heightened sense of smell.

To Do This Week

• After home pregnancy test shows positive, go for a beta hCG pregnancy test
• If it is an unwanted pregnancy consider medically terminating
• The prenatal pedigree analysis will help you learn more about your baby’s genes
• Get a blood test for confirming blood group and Rh factor
• Ask your doctor before having sex, doing prenatal exercises

Baby This Week: Embryo

Your baby is now an embryo with the organ systems budding. Looking more like a fish your baby will have a tail, gills and is equal to the size of the pepper. Ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm are the three germ layers that will form all organ. Neuronal development will occur from the outermost germ layer – Ectoderm. The mesoderm will make the alimentary canal and so on.

Weeks 6

A big fat positive line will greet you in your 6-week pregnant life. The miscarriage risk is extremely high in this week. Taking care of your mental and emotional health is equally vital for protecting your pregnancy. Your first appointment with your gynecologist is near. More than you the baby is undergoing massive growth. Nervous system and heart development have started.

Main Symptom: Frequent Urination, Discomfort, and Anxiety

As your baby grows your uterus will start rising up. Gradually by week 11, it will be above your bladder at a distance. Currently, the increase in progesterone is taking a toll at your bladder making you run to pee every hour. The hormone sends more blood circulating to the lower body. But don’t try to cut water to avoid running back and forth from the loo.

Sense of smell will make you develop aversions to your previously favorites. Don’t expect a bump in this week no matter how many pictures of pregnant bellies you’ve seen. An ultrasound scan will show a gestational sac and a faint heartbeat.

To Do This Week

• Keep a list of questions ready to ask your OB during the first visit
• Read a bit about morning sickness remedies
• Start a prenatal routine and sleep for 6 hours at least, you’re going to miss it soon

Baby This Week

Gills are present in the place where ears will appear. All limbs are fused and budding. The intestines have started to develop. They will soon go into umbilical cord for growth and then descend back. Heart formation is the main development milestone of the week.

Your baby will have a heart that beats twice the times your beats a minute. The chambers of the heart will fuse. The genitalia has not grown and sex determination from ultrasound is not correct this week.

Week 7

A 7 weeks pregnant woman has a baby with a heartbeat and length of, Morning sickness and puking will not let you gain weight quickly. The baby bump is yet to show but your breasts are sensitive and sore.

Main Symptom: Say Hi To Morning Sickness, Vaginal Wetness, Mucus Plug Seal

By the 7 weeks in the pregnancy, there is no way that you can escape morning sickness. Some form of nausea and vomiting is a good sign. The hormones, factors, and secretions needed for baby’s development are present if you’re having morning sickness. Till now you must have relaxed about rechecking if you’re chumming. Vagina feels wet because of the mucus plug seal. Emotionally you can expect a lot of mood swings due to aggravated morning sickness. Light-headedness due to loss of water can even faint you. Make sure you stay hydrated.

To Do This Week

• Maintain vaginal hygiene and do not poke inside to check the mucus plug
• Can get an optional transvaginal ultrasound to see your baby
• Get a handheld Doppler to hear your baby’s heartbeat

Baby This Week

Blueberry sized baby has a tail but the fish form is transforming. Little buddy weighs insignificant but is already 1/2 inch long. The umbilical cord is complete and the right vein has also gone. The placenta is increasing in mass and mucus covers the baby-protecting her. Red blood cells are being made in the liver in week 7. Eyelids are transparent and towards lateral sides.

Week 8

You have crossed two months of pregnancy. Surely it seems like a longer period thanks to the sickness signs. Nearing the second trimester your ugly symptoms will fade away. Itching and skin changes bother every woman. Don’t have to worry as all of them are temporary.

Main Symptoms: Tingly Breasts, Nasal Congestion, Aversions

Constipation and bloating might fake a baby bump to you. Yet early to see a bump your belly can feel hard but it’s just flatulence. Heavier boobs can make you uncomfortable. Switch to a sports bra and avoid underwire. Even with the fatigue, you can have sleepless nights. Emotional changes and anxiety crop in and can affect your social life.

To Do This Week

• Buy new bras
• Consider taking stool softeners
• Ask your doctor about using pain killers for your headaches
• Start a birth plan draft mentioning your current likings and preferences for labor

Baby This Week

Inside the shut eyelids the color of the iris is changing. Breathing tubes will extend into the lungs. Gonads bud but sex is still not detected during the scan. Size of the cherry baby is 2/3 inch. Amniotic fluid increases in volume and placenta gain more blood vessels. The skin of the baby is papery and transparent. Kidneys, intestines, thyroid gland and brain are actively working on gaining function.

Week 9

The last month of the first trimester of pregnancy is just here. Several changes in the body will make you feel pregnant. The uterus will grow up from the size of chickpea to that of a fist. Morning sickness must have made you pale by now. Check your hemoglobin levels to know if you have the risk of anemia.

Main Symptoms: White Discharge, Drooling, and Dizziness

Cervical mucus or thick white discharge will increase once again. Seeing brown discharge after sex can be because of spotting along with the discharge. Salivary glands increase the amount of saliva produced especially when you’re asleep. Get ready to wake up next to a wet pillow before a wet bed sheet from the baby! Increase in blood pressure can give you jitters or sudden drop can cause dizziness.

Pregnancy discharge during the first trimester keeps changing and is a sign of your vaginal health. Don’t wear high absorbent tampons because the discharge is a necessity.

To Do This Week

• Think about making a pregnancy announcement
• Give a thought about continuing your work, maternity leave
• Now you can travel
• A dental checkup is a good idea before the second trimester
• Twins or heartbeat detection scan can also be done

Baby This Week

Movement controlling center of the brain is interconnecting neurons. The cerebellum helps in maintaining posture and balance. Size of the baby at 9 weeks is the same as a cherry. Weight of fetus is 0.07 oz and tail of baby is completely gone and the torso starts straightening very slowly. Muscles and cartilage are becoming stronger. Upper body movements have already begun but can’t be felt.

Week 10

Once you’re here the risk of miscarriage has gone down and feeling of pregnancy is rock solid. You will have some relief from morning sickness. Nightmares and sleep disturbances will reduce and allow you to relax.

Main Symptoms: Spotting, Brown Discharge or Breakthrough Bloating

Week 10 is the safest chance to get your dental treatment or hair dye. Bleeding gums during the week are because of the digestion inefficiency. Just like skin gums too become sensitive and bleed. Brown discharge and breakthrough bleeding are because of fluctuation in progesterone. The level of hCG is highest in the week and suppresses other hormones.

To Do This Week

• Nuchal translucency scan detects the risk of genetic disease in baby looking at the volume of fluid under the neck
• Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests are just screening and must not scare you
• Get any renovation or painting work done before next trimester
• Start a meditation routine and learn breathing exercises

Baby This Week

Taste buds form and will help tiny to start liking your breastmilk. Jaw bone also hardens and prepares the baby to get a perfect head shape. Brain development is so crucial that for first weeks the head of the baby is bigger than the body. Another promotion is reaching the stage of the fetus from the embryo. Next is neonate which will be after the baby comes out. Fruit size of this week is a prune measuring 1 inch and weighing 0.3oz. Thyroid gland of the baby is controlling metabolism.

Week 11

Hail the Goddess with the baby bump. Finally, you see a subtle roundness in the belly. Yes, this is your baby bump. The uterus is rising up and causing the fundus to give a bump look.

Main Symptoms: Constipation and Bloating

First-trimester constipation keeps coming and going. Unless you figure out the home remedy you will be fussy and fed up. Having a glass of prune juice is really effective to treat constipation. You can exude milk from your breasts massaging them.

Hunger pangs can give you unmanageable cravings. Don’t overeat or stuff yourself. Tripping and being clumsy is a weird thing that happens this time. You might be dropping things unintentionally and uncontrollably. Bleeding along abdominal pain is not uncommon. However, if the pain persists and gets severe then consult a doctor.

To Do This Week

• Babymoon is best for this week
• UTI risk being high calls for vaginal examination
• Cut down your standing hours because puffiness and edema can cause severe leg cramps

Baby This Week

Breathing amniotic fluid is working up fetus lung and diaphragm. The nasal passage widens your baby will continue breathing fluid until birth. The ears have reached their normal place. Lanugo hair covers your baby. Limbs have digits and your baby can summersault and take forward rolls.

Milk teeth roots also form inside the baby’s mouth. Gall bladder and kidneys are actively working. Your baby will pee in the amniotic fluid and gulp in fresh fluid. The cycle will continue for weeks to come.

Week 12

Good signs of pregnancy will start showing. Your hair will improve because the rate of falling will be restricted. That means more pubes and underarm hair too. Shaving, laser, and waxing are safe. Unlike you’re able to shave your lady bits right now you might not be able to in next trimesters. Take it a point in your birth plan whether you want hair shaving or waxing or none before delivery.

Main Symptoms: Shinier Hair And Pimped Energy

Out of nowhere, your energy levels are up and you decide to check out everything from to do list. Bad idea! Your body is still pregnant and cannot bear the physical or mental stress. Divide your work and slowly do it.

The pregnancy glow makes you look like a newlywed bride. Long tresses and changes in nail textures are because of hormones. Human placental lactogen ensures your baby gets all that is needed.

Fluid accumulation in limbs will make them swell. You may have restless leg syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome due to these changes. Relaxin is acting on all bone tissue joints loosening them.

To Do This Week

• Childbirth classes and surveying the best birth center should be latest done by this week
• A different form of breathing exercises such as Lamaze need to be practiced over time
• Practice Kegels while having sex to gain more control in the pelvic floor region

Baby This Week

As chubby as a plum your baby is growing and having a growth spurt. Lips of the baby get their color. Your baby can make a fist and suckle her thumb. Some babies can take longer and that is perfectly fine. The second prenatal appointment scan might show you how baby squirms upon a gentle belly touch. Brain interneuronal connections are developing and cognitive skills center is differentiating.

Week 13

The last week and you have been through 1/3rd of your pregnancy. Week 13 has symptoms of the first and second trimester. Your belly can feel soft when you compare it against bloated one. Twin mother might have to bear morning sickness for longer than others.

Main Symptoms: Blue Veins, Stretch Marks and Showing

Blue and red veins appear to spread and cover your bump, butt, and breasts. With gaining weight the skin stretches and veins become superficial. The red vein running right on the middle partition of your belly will darken. It is the stray of Linea Nigra. Blue veins will stay and will increase or decrease in number. Stretch marks can get severe if your skin is not hydrated. Patches on skin and acne breakout must subside a bit this week. Paleness of the morning sickness too will disappear.

To Do This Week

• Go for swimming, pilates or other stretching exercises
• Tailbone pain can get severe if you don’t move around
• Take walks after meals to help food pass down the gut as uterus compresses it more

Baby This Week

The 13 weeks old fetus is the size of a potato. Totally looking like a mini human your baby moves around. Some women assert that they felt movements of their baby in week 13 which isn’t impossible. All systems and features are there and fairly developed. Next week you can get amniocentesis and CVS tests done to know the risk of genetic disorders.

First Trimester Bleeding

Spotting is a normal occurrence though periods stop in pregnancy. For a mum to see blood in her underpants is frightening. That’s because we often think that blood from the vagina is just menstruation. During pregnancy that is not the case most of the times.

Instead for different reasons, you can expect to have scanty spotting or bleeding. To the extent, you can even see clots in bleeding and continue to have a healthy baby inside you.

Don’t take this as a green flag for ignoring bleeding of any kind while pregnant. Informing your Obstetrician is compulsory for you if you have cramps, pain, and heavy bleeding.

It will be your Gynecologist’s diagnosis which will decide whether your bleeding is a warning sign. You can only judge the superficial symptoms. With ultrasound and other tests, a medical practitioner will be able to find out the underlying causes.

Miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy are few reasons for the first trimester bleeding and cramping. Implantation defects are the biggest cause for very early miscarriage before period. When your body has hCG but pregnancy isn’t sustainable you have a chemical pregnancy.

Bleeding diagnosis will identify these issues at an early stage. These are conditions that need immediate medical treatment for guarding your fertility.

Reasons For First Trimester Bleeding

1) Implantation

The attachment of embryo during 3 weeks pregnant is implantation. Embryo cells have a covering that pierces and softens endometrial lining. Blood vessels at the site puncture and bleed. Quantity of blood is so meager that it reacts with oxygen and turns brown. So, you see brown light spotting before a week from the period. Implantation bleeding is a symptom of pregnancy before a missed period and a good hint.

2) Breakthrough Bleeding

Your body stops degrading the endometrial lining once you conceive. Every month due to failure of conception the lining disintegrated as period flow with clots. Now the lining remains intact but a slight change in progesterone levels can reverse it. Bleeding that occurs in pregnancy at the time of due period and is not menses, is breakthrough bleeding. Some women continue to experience the sign until the end of the first trimester of pregnancy.

3) Old period blood

Some old period blood can remain in the uterus. When the changes take place there and embryo swells it up, the old blood comes out. Dark brown discharge during pregnancy is old period blood. A way of cleaning of uterus you can expect dark brown discharge early in pregnancy just after 1 DPO.

4) Low progesterone

Progesterone prevents bleeding and maintains the lining. Low progesterone naturally will cause spotting. There can be many reasons for low progesterone like a high surge of hCG. Taking in enough omega fatty acid and cholesterol will ensure the synthesis of the hormone. Consult your doctor about taking injectible progesterone while pregnant. Oral progesterone and cremes may not be safe. Nutritional remedies can elevate your progesterone and cure bleeding in early pregnancy weeks.

5) Urinary Tract Infection

You are at a high risk of UTI in the last weeks of the first trimester of pregnancy. Get a vaginal examination if you’ve pain while micturation, itching, soreness or numbness. Bleeding or blood in the urine are signs of spreading UTI. Without delay let your doctor know and get a checkup.

First Trimester Cramping

Cramps in the abdomen are a sign of an impending period before a positive pregnancy test. After knowing that you’re pregnant you take them to be miscarriage cues. There are many other reasons for first-trimester pregnancy cramps. Some of them are natural and unavoidable.

There is no need to take any pain killers. Certainly, you must let a doctor know if they are severe or persistent. Don’t try any form of massage or yoga in the early weeks of the first trimester of pregnancy.

Ideally, you must take up moderate prenatal exercises after the first half of the first trimester of pregnancy. In case you are used to an active routine and post workout cramps occur then give up that exercise totally.

Reasons for First-trimester Cramping

Here are the common causes of cramps in the first trimester of pregnancy:

1) Bloating, Borborygmus and Gas

Colic is a condition in babies where they trap gas taken orally while drinking milk. If you’ve witnessed how a baby wails out in pain, you know the severity of flatulence cramps. Bloating and gas can lead to acute pain in the abdomen. Cramps of abdomen and uterus will feel similar to you as the uterus is shifting.

2) Ovary pain

Ovaries cease their function for a few months. To tune to the change they undergo shifting and changes. Pain in ovary and cysts cause severe cramps in pregnancy. Characteristic of the pain you will have cramps near your ovaries location.

3) Implantation

Implantation bleeding and cramps happen in many women 9-12 DPO. The embryo dissolves the endometrial lining. Tiny blood vessels leak and cramps occur as a result. Pregnancy toxicosis following the step also causes cramps and uneasiness.

4) Accommodation pain

The uterus is growing and shifting up to higher in your abdomen. As it grows and moves up it crushes and pushes the organs. Later in the third trimester, the weight of uterus will crush the urinary bladder under. Accommodation pain and cramps will occur for short intervals at different times. You don’t have to do anything for it.

5) Constipation

Abdominal cramps can also be due to constipation. Taking in fiber-rich food and walking around can relieve constipation and cramps. Laxatives are safe for pregnant women. Just check whether the one you use is a permissible laxative for pregnancy.

6) Vomiting and Dehydration

Dehydration and throwing up, again and again, causes abdominal convulsions and pain. You must replenish all that is lost due to morning sickness. Take water as lemonade, tea or juice but don’t let dehydration take place.

First Trimester of Pregnancy Nutrition

Nutrition during the first trimester of pregnancy has to be focused on every micronutrient. Iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 are essential for brain development.

The daily requirement of each vitamin, carb, and proteins change as pregnancy progresses. You don’t need extra calories but surely extra vitamins and minerals.

All nausea and vomiting make you lose a lot of minerals and water. Replenish yourself with water and fluids that have minerals added.

What should you eat?

Eat food rich in omega fatty acids. Take prenatal vitamins. Always consume freshly prepared food. Avocado is a good vegan fat source for pregnancy. Green veggies are your rescue team from constipation. Also, read this article on pregnancy diet.

What food to avoid during the first trimester of pregnancy?

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs. Quit smoking. Dairy products are also secondary in terms of benefits for pregnancy. Raw fish is not safe. Greasy and fried food will make you uneasy and worsen your constipation.

Weight Gain During First Trimester of Pregnancy

By the 13th week, you must put be putting on half a pound a week. Body mass index and relative expected gain in weight for a healthy pregnancy has a standard. During your first prenatal visit, your doctor will tell you how you must go about it.

Warning for thin mommas ‘You can lose weight during your first trimester of pregnancy‘. Morning sickness and appetite dearth can actually make you lose your existing pounds. Until you are taking a balanced diet everything will fall in place with time.

First Prenatal Visit

The first time you visit your doctor after knowing you are pregnant is at 6-8 weeks. Technically the first visit is the hospital pregnancy test. With coming of labs that provide cheaper tests some ladies might skip it. Nevertheless, the first prenatal visit must happen by 8 weeks pregnant.

In that, all your questions that are pregnancy FAQs for your gynae are answered in detail. Survey your nearby birth centers and zero down the most suitable one.

Things to do while the first prenatal visit

1) Mention your history

Tell the doctor about your past pregnancies, abortion, or stillbirth. Any other surgery or injury that can affect your baby must be reported. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension must be mentioned too. Other than that consult with your other doctor about any ongoing prescriptions such as antidepressant, psychotic or immunosuppressive drugs. Tell about family history of twins, genetic defects and get a pedigree analysis.

2) Ask your doubts

From safe prenatal workout, hot baths, to sex ask it all. There is no question that you can ever think of which your OB has not heard before. Better than not asking and unnecessarily living in the grey, is to overcome your hesitation and ask. Relying on gynecologists is better than calling your half drunk friend who has absolutely no idea about pregnancy.

3) Take your partner along

It’s cute and it’s essential. There are certain things your partner needs to know too. Single moms, we’re more proud of you! Partner doesn’t necessarily mean male partner, take your pregnancy partner. It could be your mom, or aunt or whoever. Each pregnancy is different and someone with an idea of you will make things easier. You never know when the need can come up.

First Trimester Ultrasound [Dating Scan]

Your doctors will time pregnancy from the last menstrual period. Most women remember the date yet a cross-check along other parameters is the first-trimester scan. During the first scan, your doctor will measure the thickness of your endometrial lining. That indicates how far you’re actually in pregnancy. Dating Scan term comes from calculating the due date.

First pregnancy ultrasound occurs during 7-10 weeks. Two types of scans are available – transabdominal and transvaginal. Early scans are mostly transvaginal. The ultrasound device is inserted through a thin tube inside your vagina. And a screen shows the inside view of your cervix and uterus.

Twins detection, hearing heartbeat, and checking for gestational sac are also done along. A sonographer will point out and guide you to understand the scan picture. You can get a print to journal your first dating scan.

First Trimester Screening

The first-trimester screening is an optional test for assessment of the risk of genetic disorders. There is a blood test and nuchal translucency scan. Both are for screening genetic defects in the baby. Levels of hCG and PAPP A protein are checked in blood. Neural tube defects cannot be screened for with FTS.

Being non-invasive it is a safer option to avoid invasive tests like amnio and CVS. Crown lump ratio is the proportion between the head and lower body of the embryo. Measuring it along with the fluid under the neck and head tells about the possibility of chromosomal diseases. FTS is done in the 11 weeks.

First Trimester Prenatal Tests

A dating scan is just one of the many tests done during the first trimester of pregnancy. There are three types of tests – pregnancy, diagnostic and screening. In the first trimester, prenatal tests are screenings. They only assess the risk of a disease with no confirmation of its actual occurrence.

We will start with the first test you take up after you conceive.

1) Home Pregnancy Test

It looks for hCG in urine. Preliminary and crude test for pregnancy, HPT has a risk of false negatives. Testing when the urine has high levels of hCG is a way to avoid false results. After getting a positive test you go to get a blood test.

2) Urine Test

Before doing a blood test even doctors do a urine test. A Blood test takes time and hCG kits are quick. At the hospital, you have to have to give a urine sample. Another parameter of the test is protein in the urine which indicates Proteinuria.

3) Blood Test At Hospital

A beta hCG test measures the same hormone as hCG kit. Even a kit can work with blood. But a hospital test is more accurate. Your blood sample is taken from a superficial vein. The test reports will take a day to come. Along with confirming pregnancy, a blood test also reveals Rh compatibility. The Rh factor is a sugar like a moiety on red blood cells. Your fetus and your blood group with regard to Rh factor must be compatible or an immunosuppressive prescription is mandatory.

4) Pelvic Examination

A pelvic examination is used for measuring the size of the uterus. The position of uterus and orientation matter immensely during pregnancy. Holding a vaginal cone using your pelvic muscles will help you identify your muscles for labor. Other than that a pelvic examination is also done during a PAP smear test.

5) Genetic Screening

First Trimester Screening, Nuchal translucency, NIPT, and cell-free DNA tests are common genetic screening. They only give results in ratio showing a chance of occurrence of the disorder. First-trimester genetic tests are non-invasive.

6) Thyroid Tests

The Thyroid gland is a major metabolism controller. Women who have Thyroid abnormalities such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism have a risk of a baby with Downs Syndrome. Thyroid disorder drugs also have the same side effects. Reporting symptoms like excessive sweating, sudden weight gain or loss calls for the test.

7) Screening Infectious Diseases

Cytomegalovirus Infection is a disease that can occur during pregnancy and pass on to the baby. And this is just one of the many like rubella, herpes, HIV, etc. While for HIV all mothers are screened but CMV infection screening is optional. You can get a list of screening tests available at your chosen hospital and decide the ones you’d want.

8) Body Mass Index

Pregnancy weight gain is not random. Mother in different body weight ranges has to maintain a specific rate of gaining pounds. General anthropometric tests are done for creating a medical record of your case.

9) Pregnancy Risks Assessment

Different risks to pregnancy can come at later stages. Certain tests are indirect measures of these pregnancy risks. For instance, pelvic examination and scan can estimate the risk of placenta previa.

First Trimester Dos and Don’ts

You have already heard a lot these, some true some not. Here are Must-Dos and Don’ts for the first trimester of pregnancy:

To-Dos

• Budget for baby
• Survey birth center and create a birth plan
• Search baby names, pregnancy announcement ideas, gender reveal
• Start a baby registry
• Take rest and divide your work to others co-living
• Negotiate prenatal genetic tests with your OB and partner
• Read pregnancy advice, labor techniques and parenting tips
• Have sex when you’re allowed to
• Eat healthily and take prenatal vitamins
• Adjust your maternity leave duration after getting a due date

Don’ts

• Stop physical labor
• Don’t eat raw, tinned, stale, uncovered food
• Quit smoking, caffeine, and alcohol
• Stay away from pets litter
• Don’t get up suddenly after waking up
• Avoid high mercury fish like sharks

The post First Trimester Of Pregnancy: Weeks 1 To 13 appeared first on Pregnancy.

How Much Are 14 Weeks Pregnant In Months?

A 14 weeks pregnant woman is 3 months 2 weeks pregnant. The first trimester is over and the second-trimester changes are replacing the earlier signs. Braxton Hicks, baby movements, and sciatica pain are second-trimester symptoms. In this week you might be lucky to not go through the same. Twin pregnancy will take longer to come out of the morning sickness coma. 

How Big Is The Baby At 14 Weeks?

The baby is like avocado in size. Length of the baby is 3.3 inches and she weighs 1.4-1.6 oz twice of last week. The human form is evident with limbs and body proportions fit. The upper body is capable of moving and the baby too can tumble and roll. Brain size is increasing and impulses are conducting. The baby is able to make expressions and suck his thumb.

Your Baby At 14 Weeks Pregnant

The upper body is developing faster than the lower body. The brain now allows a way for other features to develop and grow. Hands increase their length but legs are still stunted. Expressions such as grins and squints are your baby’s new skills. The brain keeps sending impulses to the facial muscles to contract and relax.

1) Your baby’s digestive system is functioning trying to ape adults. Inside the gut, a black poop is forming. In animal, its called meconium and is the first poop of the baby. Don’t think that it’s going to go away all in one go. The first few dirty diapers will have it.

2) The neck of the baby grows longer giving the head height above the body. Nuchal translucency scan that happens in these weeks measures the volume of fluid under the neck. More or less than normal volume of fluid indicate abnormality. Body straightens but legs are still out of proportion.

3) Hair other than lanugo starts coming this week. Eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair on the head are growing. They are fine and insufficient but present. Feeble eye movements are starting in week 14.

4) Inside the mouth 20 milk teeth, roots are ready. The upper roof and tongue are also forming now. Suckling of thumb has given your baby the instincts of opening mouth as something comes close.

5) Rest all organs are complete and are growing in size or gaining function. The voice box is completely formed. Baby drinks, pees, and breathes inside the womb but cannot speak. The first sound will be the shrieking cry after birth.

Fetal Development

14 Weeks Pregnant With Twins

Normally a pregnant woman in her 14 week needs 270-300 calories extra a day. Depending on the body fat reserves the calories needed can vary. Just like twins are double so is the calorie need for a twin mom. She will need to reach an extra 500-650 calories.

For the early weeks of pregnancy even though twins are two yet their size is small enough. In that situation, you don’t need extra calories. As they grow the difference from a singleton pregnancy gets stark. Now the twins are considerable in size so you will have to put in a little extra.

14 Weeks Pregnant First Baby

Being pregnant for the first time without any experience is a challenge enough. Practically too, the first pregnancy differs from subsequent ones. Your labor duration gets shorter in consecutive pregnancies. Similarly, movements are felt earlier when a woman is pregnant for the second time. Morning sickness may occur in the evening or be more intense or vice versa.

By week 14 with the first baby, you might still not be able to feel the baby’s movements. Braxton Hicks are mild contractions that occur in the womb in the second trimester. Bloating and borborygmus also feels like the same. With the first baby, you can easily mistake the later for contractions or movements.

Changes In Mother’s Body at 14 weeks pregnant

There will be a decrease in breast tenderness but that doesn’t mean the growth will stop. So if you have not invested in new innerwear, now would be a good time to do so.

The uterus has grown out of the pelvic cavity and top of the uterus is now slightly above the pubic bone. This means that either you have started to show or will soon.

The fundal height, the distance between pubic bone and top of the uterus can be measured now. It usually approximately corresponds to the week of pregnancy so this week it should be around 14 cm.

Your immune system has been naturally suppressed so that it doesn’t cause any harm to the growing fetus; which will be considered as foreign by it. This increases your susceptibility to cold, flu and other infections.

14 Weeks Pregnant Bump

14 weeks pregnant belly is big enough for a mum to feel. You and your close one will be able to touch the bump. A caressing touch can send a tickling feeling as the veins and nerves are prominent and active. Cold hands don’t feel good to some women. As a partner, you must try to keep these little things in mind.

The size of the uterus is increasing and can trigger frequent peeing again. You may even have bladder pain which must go away in a few hours. Baby now moves inside your belly and soon you will even feel those movements.

Weight Gain

As your appetite increases, weight gain will speed up now. Your doctor will very likely discuss weight goals with you. If you feel you are overweight or so is indicated by your BMI, DO NOT go for any weight loss regimes. If you have concerns regarding your weight, ALWAYS first consult with your doctor before taking any steps.

The suggested weight gain range by week 14 of pregnancy based on BMI is given in the above table.

If the weight is deviating too much from the normal weight gain range, you should first consult your doctor before taking any measures. Eating excess is also harmful as obesity poses threats such as Preeclampsia.

Emotional Changes At 14 Weeks Pregnant

A 14 weeks pregnant wife or girlfriend is chirpy and less of the irritating honeybee who stings. She will cuddle and laugh off things – just like you want!

The pregnancy glow and beauty of your hair are keeping you happy. You like to show off your cute little bump to your girl gang and the awes and wows!

It is a happy time and you’re getting a break from pregnancy blues. Indeed you must enjoy the period before it passes away.

On the other hand, if you’re still not feeling secure and happy about pregnancy then you need support. Ask help from your family or friends who have been pregnant.

14 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms 

Symptoms of the first trimester must be fading gradually (this might not be true for all) with the onset of some new symptoms.

1) Sciatica Pain

There is a nerve that can get compressed under your lower spine vertebrae. Sciatica vein compression due to growing baby occurs late in the second trimester. In obese or extremely sedentary women sciatica pain may occur this week too. You need professional help from a medical expert. Pregnancy complications can arise if you don’t get proper chiropractic care. Often sciatica pain requires a surgery that is not safe during pregnancy. Options such as physiotherapy, exercise, and precautions in day-to-day tasks are the resort.

2) Dry Mouth

You need more calories more water and more care. How much water should you drink while pregnant? The answer actually varies with the stage, climate, and hydration of your body. Best is to keep a lemonade bottle handy. Salivary glands produce thicker sticky saliva as a protective measure. That can cause a dry mouth. Drinking ample water will prevent dehydration and other consequences like confusion and migraines.

3) Hot flashes

Is it too hot outside or you’re a hot momma ?. Hot flashes are because of the changes in blood circulation. More blood needs to reach the uterus. But the circulation overall gets more fluid volume and raises body temperature too. There can be other underlying problems such as hyperthyroidism. Hot flashes aggravate in summer pregnancies. Eat cold salads and wear light clothing. There is nothing much you can do and to worry about.

4) Lowered Immunity

Your baby’s organs are now functioning like a real human. No longer the tiny squishy fish your body makes hormones, secretions and what not. Just like an organ transplant receives an immune response to your baby too is a new transplant growing fast. How does your body not react to it? By lowering your immunity and making you susceptible to allergies, flu, and cold. You might catch a cold or start coughing suddenly. Benadryl is safe to use and chicken soup is always there.

5) Diarrhea

After weeks of constipation, your intestines have gone limp and stiff at different places. Diarrhea while pregnant leads to acute dehydration. Keep a check on your electrolyte balance. If you are going to loo over 5 times in 24 hours let your doctor know. There is nothing to bother if diarrhea settles in a day or two. Your gut just tries to regain its form lest it knew that progesterone is still there. 

6) Anemia

Your baby needs more iron for a lot of processes. As you’re the only diet source the iron is going to be taken up by her. If you don’t increase your intake of iron then hemoglobin levels can fall. Other forms of anemia due to deficiency of vitamin B12 also occur in pregnancy. Vitamin B12 supplements are most important amongst all your prenatal supportive prescription. Get a blood test at intervals to ensure your hemoglobin level is within the normal range. As the test is optional some women tend to skip it. Feeling of weakness in week 14 is due to anemia. And it’s very common!

7) Ovary Pain

Until last week your ovaries were still producing hormones and could be ovulating too. But now they are going to become inactive for a few months. Not only until birth but a little after that too. As they adjust to their vacation you can experience some pain. The pain is lateral and extremely localized. Putting a hot compress for long can be slightly risking. Try a cold and hot compress alternate pattern for a short interval.

8) High BP

With the increase in blood volume your pulse, blood pressure and heart rate can go up. Avoid taking in much of salt in your diet. Don’t go running if you have high BP. Let your OB know about high BP. Controlling it is mandatory else you will have complications later during labor. C section risk rises when a woman has swelling and high BP. Profuse bleeding occurs in case of high BP via incision making even a c section complicated risking lives.

9) First Phase of Nesting

Just like birds you too feel like making your home comfortable for your baby. Until now you were a lifeless sloth momma. As you step in the second trimester you see a whole pile of tasks to be done. What comes next? The natural instinct of nesting due to anxiety. It’s normal and doesn’t need intervention. Exhaustion will drive you out of it. However, if nesting is making you delusional and taking you to cross your physical limits consult a counselor. And remember that once the baby is here, everyone and everything is going to messy. Let dad take up the baby welcoming task.

10) Round Ligament Pain

There is a supporting ligament present from the groin up to the side of the uterus called Round ligament. As the uterus grows in size for accommodating the growing fetus, this ligament gets stretched which might lead to pain at one or both sides of the abdomen. This is normal. However, if the pain becomes unbearable or you have some other concerns then you should contact your doctor.

11) Feeling energetic

There comes the energy surge which is the characteristic of the second trimester. With this, you can do things that you have been planning to do but just didn’t have the energy to do them.

12) Ravenous Appetite

As morning sickness takes its leave, your appetite may return with gusto. This is rather good as you need to put on some required weight. Also, you should eat something healthy and fulfilling. Remember, whatever you eat will have some effect on the fetus.

13) Better hair texture and volume

Hair fall? Well, not anymore (at least for the next few months). Many women observe that their hair become thicker and appear lustrous during pregnancy.

14) Varicose Veins

The veins have not only become visible, but they also stand out now. Such swollen veins are called varicose veins and are the result of all the extra blood flowing through the body.

15) Nasal Congestion

The increased level of hormone progesterone causes an increase in blood flow to mucus membranes (membranes that line certain organs). This causes the membranes to swell and become soft. The ones in the nose lead to stuffy feeling and might cause irritation at times.

Relieving The Symptoms

• When you feel pain the pelvic area, a result of round ligament stretching, elevate your feet and sit comfortably or rest in a relaxed position. This will relieve the pain to quite an extent.
• Always keep healthy snacks with you and eat smaller meals every 2-3 hours. You need to consume 300 extra calories than before. It is advisable to not indulge too much in greasy or spicy food. Though an occasional treat is alright.
• Veins cannot be prevented from swelling up but the effect can be minimized by taking some steps. Do not sit or stand for too long. Take intermittent walks after sitting or standing for a while.
• For your stuffy nose, avoid taking nasal sprays or over-the-counter medicines. You can rather use a humidifier.

Ultrasound In Week 14 Of Pregnancy

• There will be no ultrasound appointment this week as you most likely had the first one at the first prenatal appointment.
• The second ultrasound is done during the mid-pregnancy test which is scheduled between weeks 18 and 22 of pregnancy.
• You may opt for a private scan to peek at the fetus. An expecting mother should know that even if the reproductive organs have been formed it would be difficult to determine the gender of the fetus. You are more likely to find out the gender at the next scheduled scan.
• However, if you have chosen to have the amniocentesis procedure done then ultrasound scanning will be done for the same. This procedure is usually done between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy.

Warning Signs In Week 14 Of Pregnancy

The risk of spontaneous miscarriage has gone down much more significantly. Even then if you experience or observe any of the below signs then contact your doctor as soon as possible.

• Severe nausea and vomiting may lead to dehydration which poses a risk to overall health.
• Severe headache, blurry vision, nausea, and dizziness are signs of high blood pressure and can also indicate early pre-eclampsia.
• Abdominal cramping or lower back pain with or without vaginal bleeding.
• Pain and burning sensation while urinating are signs of an underlying infection.
• The thin and clear vaginal discharge might indicate leaking amniotic fluid.
• Colored and/or foul-smelling vaginal discharge is an indication of genital tract infection.

Tips For The Pregnant Mom

• This is a great time to establish an exercise routine. For the same, you can join a prenatal exercise class in the vicinity which might give you some motivation if required.
• Exercise options can be from yoga, pilates, dance for pregnant women, etc.
• It is important to take some precautions against the suppressed immune system. You should wash hands often (than before). Also, avoid sharing toothbrushes, towels, napkins, etc.
• Try to put some distance between yourself and a sick member.
• If you have caught something, visit your doctor as soon as possible. They will definitely prescribe medications keeping your pregnancy in mind.

Tips For The Partner

• You can help out your partner in small ways that might earn you a huge appreciation.
• Even though the second trimester is marked with an increase in energy level, at the end of the day your partner is bound to feel tired after the day’s work.
• You can help out by taking care of other child/children if there are any or you may help with dinner preparations.

The pregnancy has progressed in the second trimester and soon you will be halfway through the pregnancy!! This might make you have paradoxical feelings of excitement for seeing the baby in front of you and overwhelm for how will all these things change your life and how are you going to take care of everything.

Do not stress out yourself too much. Do deep breathing exercises or talk about your feelings with a trusted person or do both the things to feel a little better.

All in all, try to enjoy this phase of pregnancy and take care of yourself!

The post 14 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect? appeared first on Pregnancy.

How Much are 13 Weeks Pregnant In Months?

The end of the first trimester marks 3 months of pregnancy. Congratulations! You’ve crossed the first trimester with all risks and challenges. The second trimester starts from week 13 and is the awaited period of pregnancy.

You will be able to feel your baby and have good symptoms of pregnancy. With increasing energy levels through consecutive weeks, you may experience nesting.

Mothers of twins or who are not correctly tracking their pregnancy can still be experiencing unwanted symptoms. Dating scan takes place before the end of the first trimester. Just hold on for a few days and you too will reach the blissful second trimester.

How Big Is The Baby At 13 Weeks?

The baby at 13 weeks is of the size of a potato. Body straightens while arms and upper body proportions are becoming appropriate. The length of the baby is about 8 cm or 2.7 inches.

Every baby is different and can take longer or lesser time to grow. This week is not for a growth spurt instead of differentiation of organs inside. Weight of baby at 13 weeks pregnant is 0.8-0.9 oz.

Your Baby At 13 Weeks

You baby’s gut tract is going into place from inside the umbilical cord. Human placental lactogen hormone causes you to utilize your body fat. But your baby is swallowing amniotic fluid with carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The kidneys are active and your baby already has started peeing.

1) As your baby’s fingers grow she has started to suckle her thumb. Trying to learn suckling is her fun hobby and you may even get to see it in the ultrasound scan. Nails and fingerprints are also sprouting.

2) Your baby’s sweet voice and not so sweet whaling sounds are getting their source. Vocal cords develop in the larynx. Along with vocal cords, the salivary glands in the oral cavity have just begun forming.

3) Red blood cells production has shifted to spleen from kidney. Your Rh factor test will show whether you and baby are compatible. Though earlier it was a major complication if mother and baby were not Rh compatible, nowadays it’s resolvable.

4) Tear glands which will make you cry along have started growing. The eyelids will still be shut for coming 13 more weeks. Iris color at this time is blue-green and starts taking up the final shade. Both parents eye color genes affect the baby’s eye color.

5) Cognitive skills controlling region in the brain is rapidly interconnecting. Neurons are dividing and forming connections to relay the impulses. The nervous system is intricate and crucial to the extent that 1/3rd of your baby is his head. The legs are shorter than the head.

6) The fetus tumbles and summersaults while she is awake. The breathing of amniotic fluid has strengthened the lungs and diaphragm.

7) Lanugo has covered your baby’s entire body. These are fine tiny hair that shed off after the baby is born. They protect and prevent heat loss from the baby.

8) Your baby boy has a penis or baby girl has a clit. External genitals are growing but seeing them in a scan will take longer. By now if you have taken NIPT or other cell-free DNA tests you must have already got the results. If it’s a boy or girl will depend on circulating levels of androgen, estrogen, and testosterone.

9) The placenta has grown to a quarter of the final size. Storing all the nutrients and iron placenta is a temporary pregnancy gland. Your baby enjoys food coming and wees into it for excreting outside.

10) Bones are developing inside arms and legs. The skull bone is also developing. Skull doesn’t develop completely before birth to allow compression while passing through the birth canal. Your baby has more bones than you! Yes, babies have more bones than adults, which fuse after birth.

Fetal Development

13 Weeks Pregnant With Twins

Your twin babies need more hCG than a singleton. So, you might take longer to feel better with the changes in 13 weeks. Good news is your babies are growing fast and together. Nothing to worry if you still have light spotting and nausea.

Being pregnant with twins at 13 weeks will make you bulkier near your hips and belly. Summer pregnancy is tough for this reason that you cannot hide your secrets.

This week is the right time to tell about your pregnancy at the workplace. With twins, you must also be more thoughtful of your maternity budget.

Changes In Mother’s Body 13 Weeks Pregnant

You are used to the symptoms of the first trimester but the new changes will call for the second round of adaptation. Some women still don’t feel pregnant at 13 weeks. Depends on your body type whether or not you feel any physical restrictions.

Your tresses are long and shiny. After the long gap of sexual intimacy, your libido will be high this week. Ask your partner to give you belly rubs and back massage and spend some quality time.

Even if everyone else said that you feel like having sex during the 13th week of pregnancy you may still not feel like it. Just do as your body guides you.

13 Weeks Pregnant Bump

The size of your bump has increased and now you’re showing. Prodding the belly makes the baby squish towards a side. Bloating and gas can confuse you for a very hard baby bump.

After relieving yourself you may find a soft belly as if the bump disappeared. One doesn’t need to really bother about 13 weeks pregnant belly size.

Make sure you stay active and eat fat in limited quantities. You will put on a lot of weight near your buttock region. Sedentary routine can lead to severe pain in the back.

Some women find it irritating when someone touches their baby belly. Partners must be able to judge whether the mom dislikes it. Emotional outbursts are common in this week. And touching the baby bump can be a trigger.

Uterus At 13 Weeks Pregnant

The womb reaches further up. The baby is growing bigger and the size is expanding. In the previous week the size of uterus was that of a grapefruit. Placenta has increased in amount thus making the uterus feel heavier.

The pressure will transfer to all surrounding organs. As space clears up for the bladder now your bathroom visits will be less often.

Placenta size at 13 weeks is 1 ounce, which is 1/4th of final size at the time of childbirth. The increase in blood vessels makes it a slimy bag. There is a lot of fluid circulating in there. And once you are about to deliver the baby all of this will gush out as water break and bloody show.

How Should I Feel At 13 Weeks Pregnant?

Emotional changes in 13 weeks are drastic. You will have nightmares and second thoughts. Often misunderstandings make relationships shaky in this period. Until now because of your morning sickness, your partner must have only comforted you. For them, it’s tough to continue feeling pregnant when you’re just verbally pregnant. Increase in sex drive will be a savior. Stressing about postcoital bleeding or cleaning up can be a major turn off. 

The best way to conquer those emotional periods is to breathe in and know that it will pass. Consult a therapist if you are feeling out of control.

You might be feeling exhausted at times and wanting to return back to the non-pregnant life. It happens to all pregnant women. These second thoughts, insecurities, and anxiety about new changes in the body are normal.

Don’t feel guilty about not wanting to be pregnant any longer. Recall how far you’ve come and think of the potato inside and order fries ?.

13 Weeks Pregnant Belly Still Soft

Feeling 13 weeks pregnant stomach soft disappoints expectant mom. To top that if she has had vaginal bleeding along with with cramps concerns about miscarriage are genuine. Nonetheless, there is no hard and fast rule about getting a baby bump in a particular week.

Having a belly only pregnancy can take up to 20 weeks to start showing. And the bump is not hard in the early weeks.

During the prenatal appointment, your OB will coach you about checking fundus. He may warn you against prodding your belly. That’s because acupuncture points near the belly can lead to abortion. Natural abortion methods have acupuncture as the most effective one.

Just because your bump doesn’t pop or feels soft doesn’t mean your baby isn’t healthy. Race, age, and lifestyle affect weight gain and pattern during pregnancy.

13 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

The hCG hormone levels in the body will begin to go down and with that the symptoms like nausea and fatigue. For some women though, these symptoms last longer in the pregnancy (oh no!). However, even if you no longer have to deal with these symptoms, there are others that are to be dealt with.

As a woman enters the second trimester of pregnancy, there is a surge in the overall energy levels. This would be a good time to cross off things of your to-do list if you even have one. You can also take this time to establish an exercise routine which will be helpful to you during and after pregnancy.

1. Rise In BBT

Baby’s thyroid gland is now taking up the job of regulation of metabolism. Like her, you too are producing more body heat. The rise in BBT will cause more perspiration and hot flashes. Applying ice and avoiding sunny hours for going out are your new remedies. The rise is basal body temperature can be to the extent that you stop feeling cold in mild winter pregnancy. Post a workout session always cool down with your clothes on. Sudden fluctuation in exposure to heat is a risk factor for fainting.

2. Indigestion

Heartburn and burning sensation in the chest are because of indigestion. Probably you decided to eat your favorite food a little extra, after the return of appetite. Eating for two is a misnomer. Before taking over the counter medication for indigestion or heartburn consult your doctor. Tums are safe for pregnant women and an effective heartburn remedy.

3. Sexual Urges

Something good is coming your way this week. Your vagina feels lubricated and sex is on your mind while you select baby names. Let your partner know about it because he might be hiding it to let you relax. Don’t feel bad if they’re not the one to take the first step. Make sure you use a barrier contraceptive if you are still having breakthrough bleeding. Women can ovulate while pregnant and conceive too. Avoid sex if you have the risk of placenta previa or UTI. History of Herpes infection in your partner also is a caution against sex during pregnancy.

4. Feeling Clumsy And Tripping

Your body is growing at a fast pace too. Whatever weight gain and loss history you had didn’t involve the hormonal chaos in you. Feeling clumsy and dropping things is also because your joints are weak. Relaxing and increasing fluids are to blame. Before the baby comes you are allowed to break a few crockery items too.

5. Lumpy Breasts

Your girlies are like a LIVE telecast of pregnancy progress. They will keep changing. At week 13 you can massage milk out of them. Don’t do it though. Lumpy breast is a sign that perhaps you are wearing a wrong bra. Sagging under the increasing pressure you might have a sharp pain in breasts. Use an organic oil safe for pregnant women to massage your breasts before sleeping. Sleep on your side with a lot of cushioning under the chest.

6. Emotional Outbursts

You’re putting the laundry aside while your toddler is calling you for the 1000th time and husband is asking for something. All of a sudden you shout out at the top of your lung to shut up. Feeling sad or angry for no valid reason? That’s common, at some point in pregnancy in every mother feels like that. When a thing is happening naturally there is no reason to bother. Unless something is clearly appearing to be the reason for your anger just let it pass.

7. Weight Gain

Your weight gain is significant now. Gaining half a pound a week you’re going to put on more in the coming weeks. Staying active will help you achieve a belly-only-pregnancy. Weight gain matters along where you’re gaining the weight. Getting double chin and heavy arms are not necessary for pregnancy. The right prenatal workout will save you from tyrant postpartum weight loss regimen.

8. Brown Discharge

Brown discharge is a symptom you see at different stages for different reasons. Earlier it was implantation bleeding, then old period blood and now mucus plug renewal. Your mucus plug seal keeps renewing until the birth of a baby. Some spotting might mix in and the old mucus starts looking brown. Miscarriage signs do have brown discharge as a risk factor. Red bleeding is the reason you must worry. BD is not a warning sign alone for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

9. Allergies

Your body has slowed the WBC production to prevent rejection of the baby. Pregnancy is a unique case where a tissue graft isn’t rejected. Due to lowered immunity allergies, cold and flu have made you a friend. They just don’t want to leave. Taking bronchodilator is not safe for breastfeeding. Whether a pregnant woman can take inhalers requires a prescription. Precaution against such allergies is to wash your hands with water and soap frequently.

10. More Stretch Marks

The veins you saw near Linea Nigra are becoming long stretch marks. All over your lower bump and hips, you will see these white streaks. Use vitamin E oil to keep your skin agile.

Relieving The Symptoms

• Stretch marks fade naturally. However, you can use certain lotions that contain vitamin E and/or alpha hydroxy acids that can prevent the appearance of these marks to an extent. Make sure that you check with your doctor before using an over-the-counter lotion or cream.
• If increased vaginal discharge makes you feel extremely uncomfortable then you may choose to use panty liners. Use of tampons is not recommended.
• To prevent heartburn, avoid eating acidic and spicy foods.
• For help with constipation, you should include more fibers in the diet. Fruits and whole grains have enough fiber and are also healthy.
• To avoid experiencing low blood sugar, eat small meals every 2-3 hours. Keep hydrated and keep some snacks handy. Also, if and when you do feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a few minutes. Also, avoid getting up in a rush after sitting/lying down for a while to avoid the feeling of a head rush.

Weight Gain

• You will actively begin to gain weight as you enter the second trimester. Slow and steady gain is the healthiest way to gain weight.
• How much to gain? This largely depends upon your Body Mass Index (BMI) pre-pregnancy. The recommended weight gain per week as per BMI is :

• However, do not stress too much about the numbers given. Your doctor will guide you through this as your pregnancy progresses. You need to focus on eating a healthy diet with a variety of food to gain approximately 300 calories more per day than you did pre-pregnancy.

Ultrasound In Week 13 Of Pregnancy

• If you have already had your first prenatal appointment then this week you will not have an ultrasound appointment.
• Even though it is possible to detect the gender of the child this week, it is very difficult. So, in this case, it would be better to wait for the second prenatal appointment or mid-pregnancy test which usually takes place between weeks 18 and 22 of pregnancy.
• Though if you have undergone NIPT then the results may already have revealed the gender (!).

Sex In Week 13 Of Pregnancy

• There is no harm in getting involved in sexual activities at this time of pregnancy.
• The fetus is completely covered by the amniotic sac filled with amniotic fluid and hence is safe. Another reason to not worry is that there is a mucus plug in the cervix that further protects the growing child.
• Your doctor may advise you against sex only if you have a history of miscarriage or history of premature labor, there is a risk of contracting an STD, the placenta is low-lying or your cervix is more dilated than usual.
• Even if there is no risk, you should see to it that the sexual positions are safe and maintain complete hygiene.

Is It Normal To Not Feel Pregnant At 13 Weeks?

New changes during the week can numb you to the feeling of pregnancy. There is no particular period where you will feel pregnant. Throughout the nine months time, you will keep switching thoughts.

Not feeling pregnant is opposite of pseudocyesis. Phantom pregnancy is the case when the woman feels pregnant but isn’t expecting. Cryptic pregnancy is the condition where you do not feel pregnant but actually, are pregnant. You are not suffering from either because you know you’re pregnant and are just not seeing what you expected.

Absence of symptoms like nausea and vomiting in the 13 weeks might make you miss something. Associating morning sickness with a feeling of pregnancy is a habit you developed. Soon enough it will go away and you’ll identify with the new changes in the trimester.

Feeling or not, you have to take care of yourself, because ‘you are pregnant’.

Brown Discharge When I Wipe

Seeing brown discharge now should be less worrisome than in previous weeks. The risk of miscarriage is dropping below 10% of the risk until week 6. When the brown discharge only shows upon wiping it is likely an infection.

Estrogen levels fluctuate as hCG starts dropping now. The peak of hCG has passed and gradually it will reduce.

If you see brown discharge after having sex then consult a doctor before indulging again.

Other reasons can be hemorrhoids. Internal bleeding can come off as brown discharge. While wiping always take the tissue backward especially when pregnant. Make sure that the discharge is from the cervix and not the anus.

Brown discharge during pregnancy is not a concern. Your doctor will not be worried when you inform him about it. Warning signs along with BD are cramps, ovary pain and bleeding with clots. Pelvic examinations during pregnancy are done routinely. Get a pap smear test done to see if you have UTI.

Warning Signs In Week 13 Of Pregnancy

The risk of spontaneous miscarriage is significantly low. Even then if you experience or observe any of the below signs then contact your doctor as soon as possible.

• Cramping in the uterine region, lower back pain and/or vaginal bleeding.
• Profuse leakage of clear vaginal discharge might indicate leaking amniotic fluid.
• Diarrhea and vomiting lasting more than a day can lead to dehydration and is extremely harmful to health.
• Pain and burning sensation while urinating can be a sign of an infection.
• Symptoms of severe flu-like fever, chills, runny nose, and sore throat.
• Foul smelling and/or colored vaginal discharge is also a sign of underlying infection.
• Headache that does not go away for a long duration, vision changes and sudden edema of hands and feet might indicate high blood pressure or even pre-eclampsia.
• Tiredness or severe fatigue

Tips For The Pregnant

• As the first trimester is about to end, many prospective parents announce pregnancy during this time. However, do not feel pressured; the decision was always and still is yours.
• You may decide to announce your pregnancy after you start showing, at a big family event or whenever and however you want.
• With respect to diet, make sure you include proteins, calcium, and iron in your diet. Proteins are essential for growth. Calcium is essential as the skeleton has started to form in the fetus. If the fetus does not get enough calcium, they will start taking it from your body and it will take a toll on you. So it is better to include calcium in the diet.
• Also, many women suffer from iron-deficiency or anemia during pregnancy. This may make you feel tired more than usual and may also lead to breathlessness. So it is essential to include iron sources in the diet.
• Other than diet, you should also look after your mental and physical well being by getting involved in activities that you like.

Tips For Partner

• Helping in any way will be appreciated by your partner.
• One way this can be done is by filling up her car with gas. Gas fumes are generally not good to inhale. Also, pregnancy may make her extra sensitive to the fumes.
• You may at times suggest helping her with the household work if she is not working and staying at home or help her with any other work.
• These small gestures may help put her in a good mood and are also a great way for bonding.

Oh, the exhausting trimester is about to be over and it will be the beginning of the one associated with more energy for work and play. No matter what time of pregnancy, always keep your health (physical, mental and emotional) a priority. With that, enjoy this phase of pregnancy!

The post 13 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect? appeared first on Pregnancy.