Being pregnant is the most ecstatic period of a woman’s life. Pregnancy marks remarkable emotional, mental and physical changes in the woman’s body. Intense deal of excitement accompanies these changes, marked by anxiety and uncertainty. A woman, however, need not experience worries and sleepless nights. One can lead a better life during the duration of the pregnancy by being acquainted with and appreciating these changes.
During the first trimester, marked from conception to 12 or 14 weeks from the last normal menstrual cycle, a woman often experiences morning sickness (vomiting and nausea), tiredness, tender breast and frequent urination. Taking small frequent meals can be very helpful in preventing nausea. The mother-to-be may have alternate activity and rest periods. During this stage, walking is the most suitable physical activity.
Often considered as the “Golden Period” of pregnancy is the second trimester. During this stage, the physically demanding signs and symptoms of pregnancy have subsided. There are better sleep patterns, a paramount sign of advancement in the healthy pregnancy process. It is also during this time that the most joyful moment is experienced by the mother-to-be. The first heartbeat of the baby can be heard; moreover, an ultrasound usually done in around 19 weeks may make one feel the diverse movements of your bundle of joy. The ugly stretch marks, which is a cause for worries for women may become visible. Do not scratch the abdominal area to lessen the chances of pregnancy stretch marks.
The last of the pregnancy trimesters is the time when the fetus becomes too large to move in the uterus. The to-be moms may feel tired and experience shortness of breath due to the increased growth of the fetus. At the end of the third trimester, the fetus usually settles into a head-down position in the uterus. During this time, future parents should be well prepared for the birth of the baby.
Along with the bodily changes, pregnancy also involves lifestyle changes. The woman should give up smoking and alcohol drinking. Low birth weight in babies as well as miscarriages and tubal pregnancies can be caused by cigarette smoke. Alcohol and other toxic chemicals and substances such as paint fumes are detrimental to both the mother and the baby.
The diet or prenatal nutrition is another essential lifestyle change during pregnancy. It is important to eat a healthy diet and increase water intake, about 6 to 8 glasses a day. Vitamins and nutrients found in the food are imperative to the health of a developing baby and the well being of the mother as well as supplemental vitamins. Exercise and getting adequate rest and sleep are also important. To help alleviate swelling, fatigue, and backache, regular activity such as walking, yoga, and swimming should be done.
Giving birth is undeniably one of the most magical moments of a woman’s existence. To render certain that your child is strong and happy, it is essential you do all you can to have a healthy pregnancy.
If you need to prove who the father of the baby you are carrying is, paternity test can be done after giving birth. To perform the legal paternity testing, DNA material from both the baby and from the alleged father is needed. The DNA paternity test is very much close to 100% accuracy.
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