What to Expect During Pregnancy

I am the mother of eight children so I am somewhat of a lay expert when it comes to talking about what to expect during pregnancy.

The first and best piece of advice that I can give you is that you should not rely on the advice of friends or family when it comes to any concerns that you have about the physical aspects of your pregnancy. I say this for two reasons: First, the art of medicine is constantly changing. What may have been common practice in the past may have proven to be harmful over time. Second, every pregnancy is different. What might be ok for your friend or family member might prove harmful to you or your baby. Your medical professional will know what is best for the both of you.

That being said, there are some things that are common during pregnancy. In the paragraphs that follow, I will try to address these.

Morning sickness:

Although it is described as morning sickness, it may or may not occur just in the morning. Some women feel queasy when they wake up in the morning. Slowly eating a few crackers or a piece of toast may help. Strong odors may cause a woman to feel ill. Even some foods may cause you to feel nauseous. Try avoiding whatever brings on an attack at least for the first few months. You can also ask your doctor about medicines that may help.

Migraines:

Your body is undergoing a great deal of hormonal changes. If you are prone to migraine headaches, you may find that you are having them more frequently. Try meditation. Place yourself in a dark, quiet room. Take some slow deep breaths. Imagine yourself in a place that you feel at peace. And, relax as much as possible.

If meditation doesn't work, talk to your doctor about the medicine that you usually take during a migraine episode. Taking any medicine during pregnancy may pose a risk to your unborn child. Your doctor will help you find the safest means to ease your headaches.

Backache:

Backache is common in the later stages of pregnancy. The weight of the baby and the uterus and your changing shape all put stress on your back. Back massages often help so does rest. A warm shower aimed at your lower back might also bring you comfort.

* Backache can also be a sign of labor. If the pain increases over time or comes in waves, please consult your medical provider.

Sex:

During a normal pregnancy, you can have sex up until the day you deliver. In fact, if you are at term or a little past, sex may even encourage the onset of labor. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy, you should consult your doctor before engaging in this activity.

You might notice a few changes when it comes to having sex. Sometimes, you may feel dry- a lubricant can help. You might notice a heightened urge for sex due to the hormonal changes in your body. Your breast might become tender. Your changing size might require using a different technique. Your partner may be worried about hurting you so they may try to avoid having sex. To solve this problem, bring him with you to your doctor appointment and have the doctor reassure him that it is ok.

Emotions:

You will probably be on an emotional roller coaster ride. This is normal. The hormonal changes that are taking place within your body can trigger all sorts of emotions on the outside. You may cry one moment, and be laughing in the next. It is this part of pregnancy that your partner will have the most trouble with but, if he is informed and patient, you both will get through this experience.

Note: The hormonal changes to your body last throughout the pregnancy and the post partum period. If you become intensely depressed, please talk to your medical provider.

Friends and Strangers:

You will find that every woman that ever had a baby will want to talk about her most horrifying moment. Don't let them scare you. Each pregnancy is different. Every woman is different. Most pregnancies run their course without incident. Don't worry. Trust in your doctor.

Complete strangers will want to touch your growing belly. It is not rude to ask them politely not to if you feel uncomfortable with it.

Labor:

My labor went differently with each of my eight pregnancies. With all of them, I found that the training I received during Lamaze classes really helped. Even if your partner does not want to be in on the delivery. I would suggest that you take these classes.

About the pain, each woman's pain threshold is different. For me the worst labor pain wasn't any worse than the worst menstrual cramp that I had ever had. So, I chose to have all of my children naturally. The breathing techniques and my own meditation techniques helped tremendously.

They say that natural childbirth is the best way to go. However, it doesn't work for everyone. Consult with your medical provider and then choose for yourself.

One thing that I do know. At least for me, once that newborn was placed in my arms, the memory of labor pain was completely erased.

What to expect shortly after a normal delivery:

Different hospitals may have different procedures but generally, this is what happens next:

After the baby is delivered and the cord has been cut, you will briefly be allowed to see your newborn. Then the nurse will take the child and clean him/or her up. She will suction out any mucous that may remain in the baby's nose and mouth. She'll take the baby's measurements. Apply silver nitrate to its eyes. Your baby will be assigned an

Apgar number. She'll dress the baby and wrap him tightly in blankets and put a hat on the child. (Baby's get cold quickly; it is important to keep them swaddled and keep their heads covered in the hours right after birth)

As for you, the doctor will deliver the placenta and then check it to be sure it all has passed. Every few hours the nurse will come and massage your belly and check your pad to be sure everything is ok. Soon after delivery, you will be encouraged to get up and walk around.

For a normal birth, it is now recommended that you remain in the hospital for 48 hours. I advise that you take full advantage of this policy. It is now a law that insurance companies must cover the first 48 hours of a hospital stay after a normal delivery.

Many women choose to room-in with their babies. This is great way to bond with your baby. However, from experience, I would recommend that you allow the nurse to take the baby back to the nursery during the night so that you can get some rest. You are going to need it in the weeks to come.

To sum up the way to having a good pregnancy experience is to:

Get good prenatal care.

Trust your medical professional with all your physical concerns

Ignore the horror stories that you may hear. Most pregnancies go on normally without complications.

After, delivery and while your still in the hospital, rest as much as possible.

Good Luck!