Pregnancy 101

When I became pregnant for the first time in 1992, I remember so many emotions: Elated, scared, anxious, overwhelmed to name a few. These feelings are normal. Knowing what to expect can be a great comfort the first time around.

FIRST TRIMESTER

The first trimester is usually the most challenging of all the trimesters for obvious reasons.The most common symptom of pregnancy is that menstruation stops. Some women notice "spotting" around the time they were to have their period, but this bleeding is a lot lighter and marked by bright red blood. This bleeding lasts about 1-2 days and is caused by the implantation of the pregnancy into the uterus. Not everyone experiences this, however, it is very common. Breasts become swollen and tender and food aversion begin. A pregnant woman may notice that certain smells or foods make them sick to their stomach. The sense of smell heightens during pregnancy because hormones within the woman's body do a shift to accommodate a pregnancy. Since puberty, the female body tolerates Estrogen and Progesterone produced by the ovaries. When the brain detects a pregnancy, a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is released and sends a signal to the ovaries to decrease Estrogen production. This is the cause of most first trimester woes. Other Issues of decreased Estrogen production is nausea, dizziness, lethargy and moodiness. eating Saltine type crackers and drinking ginger ale can help reduce the uncomfortable nausea symptoms and level out blood sugar. Cramping is another pregnancy woe that most go through, and most cramping in first trimester of pregnancy is completely normal. Cramping is due to uterine muscles stretching. However, an abnormal cramp is one that is accompanied by brown tinged vaginal bleeding as heavy as a period. If this occurs. contact your doctor immediately. Your first doctors visit will be a battery of tests. Common tests done at the first is urine, sugar. Blood tests may include Complete Blood Count (CBC), hCG level, blood type including Rh factor, and sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis and HIV. A pelvic exam is also done to ensure that the vagina and cervix (The opening of the Uterus) is healthy.

SECOND TRIMESTER

The second trimester is the favorite of all trimesters by most women. A woman pregnant in her second trimester usually finds that she is able to eat once again without feeling ill. The woman's body becomes accustomed to the new level of hormones, and new sense of well-being accompanies the second trimester pregnancy. The second trimester is also marked by another wonderful moment: The first kicks of her baby! This occurs around 18-20 weeks in the first pregnancy and earlier (16-18 weeks) in subsequent pregnancies. An ultrasound can usually detect the sex of the baby as well, if the baby cooperates.

This is the trimester that begins the completion stage of the baby. By 20 weeks, all the baby's organs are completed. All the baby needs now is time for the organs to mature. Weight gain may still be slow, but steady.

THIRD TRIMESTER

At 27 weeks gestation, the pregnancy is considered to be in the third trimester. Your doctor visits will become weekly until the birth and a glucose tolerance test will be scheduled to check for gestational diabetes.

Quarters within the uterus once were comfortable and spacious for the growing baby just a few weeks ago; now, they are tight and less than comfortable. A woman in the third trimester of pregnancy will notice that the baby's kicks and squirms are pretty powerful now. The mom to be may wonder if the baby is sporting boxing gloves and combat boots. As the baby grows, the mom's energy seems to be dwindling. She may be sleeping more now, perhaps her body preparing for the long labor ahead. Hormones surge once again causing emotions to be off the wall at times. She may be laughing one minute and in tears the next. Care and support is crucial in these later weeks of pregnancy.

Practice contractions begin as early as the 28th week as the body prepares itself for the real thing. Just as a pilot tests a new plane before it flies, the uterus "practices" before it produces the contractions that will result in the birth of a baby. These contractions are called Braxton-Hicks contractions. These contractions can be quite string at times, however, Braxton-Hicks contractions last for only a few seconds and do not have the leg and back pain associated with real contractions. These contractions only contract a portion of the uterus, not the entire uterus like real contractions.

MY BREASTS ARE LEAKING!!!
A common change that comes with pending labor is breast leakage. Some women notice a sticky clear substance called colostrum coming from their nipples. This occurs as the breasts get ready to feed a new baby. If the leaking becomes overly noticeable, breast pads can be bought at any retail chain in the baby care isle.

Bags should be packed, by the door, ready to go by the 36th week of pregnancy.

At 38 weeks gestation, the baby is considered "full term." True labor contraction that start anytime after 38 weeks should not be stopped.

FALSE LABOR VS. REAL LABOR

A lot of women ask- "What does real contractions feel like compared to false labor contractions?" There are a few definite signs that tell a woman "this is it!"

Here is a list of physical signs to look for false labor:

1.) Irregular contractions (a contraction that doesn't harden the entire uterus) that do not get closer together.
2.)The whole uterus does not become hard, and commonly, is only felt in the front.
3.)

True labor symptoms may include:

1.) Regular contractions five minutes apart and last 30 or more seconds. The contractions may run down the thighs and around the back into the buttocks. Contractions get closer together.
2.) Brown tinged blood comes from the vaginal area. This is called "Bloody show."
3.) The sac of water around the baby ruptures.

The best fact about pregnancy to remember is that every pregnancy is different. Your doctor is the number one source of information on what is normal and what is not. Clear communication between you and your doctor is imperative in having a healthy pregnancy. Good luck!