Congratulations, you are going to be a parent!
You must be over-the-moon when your at-home pregnancy test and medical report confirm your pregnancy. This must be overwhelming, but are you fully prepared to experience this journey, as it comes with a share of surprises, ups and downs, and a lot of learning?
Yes, every pregnancy is unique, which require contant support, careful attention, and experienced medical guidance. But this meaningful difference brings us to the gynecologist of Cradle Children Hospital, one of the best healthcare providers for women’s health. From the very first day, till the time of delivery, and even after that, a woman’s body goes through so many unexplainable experiences that require continuous support, guidance, and counselling.
Complete Guide To Pregnancy Care In Jaipur
The pregnancy journey comes with three phases or nine months, and full term pregnant lasts up to 40 weeks. Each trimester has its own charm, as the baby develops its unique qualities every month. But the major question that comes to mind for every parent is what to do and what not to do to keep their baby healthy.
This complete guide to pregnancy care in Jaipur covers all the major concerns and all the doubts of parents, because the journey should be filled with joy and understanding, not stress.
First Trimester: Where It All Begins?
You have completed all the tests, and your boat has already sailed. Now the journey begins with dates counting. So, your first trimester covers between weeks 1 and 13, during which your first 4 to 5 weeks are already gone, as women usually become aware of their pregnancy after a few weeks.
This is a crucial time; you may not look or feel pregnant, but this builds a foundation for your baby. During this phase, the baby grows faster than in any other phase, and after 5 weeks, the block starts to build, which is crucial for the baby’s vital organs. And by the end of this trimester, your baby will look like a tiny human.
Physical Changes Expected
- Tender and swollen breasts- due to hormonal changes, breasts become sensitive and sore, but this discomfort goes away after a few weeks.
- Upset stomach- morning sickness is common in pregnancy, and it begins after 4 weeks into pregnancy due to elevated hormonal levels.
- Fatigue- due to the surge of hCG and progesterone, build placenta to increase blood volume, raising metabolism, and forming the organs of the baby, it requires more energy than usual, and it makes you sleepy and fatigued most of the time.
- Heartburn- pregnancy hormones slow down the digestion (also causes constipation, as the growing uterus puts pressure on the bowel), which does not allow the stomach acid to be neutralized, causing heartburn.
- Food cravings- most of the time, women’s body signals a nutrient deficiency through cravings, such as a need for sodium, indicate the urge to eat salty food. Also, due to increased blood volume, the craving for some food becomes repulsive.
- Frequent urination- due to increased blood in the body, kidney processes more fluid, which leads to frequent urination.
How To Take Care of Yourself?
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What To Do?
This time sets the tone of growth for yourself as well as your baby. Due to the irresponsible behaviour of the mother or not taking care of herself, most of the pregnancy fails during that phase. So first start with prenatal care. Your gynecologist will guide you on what you need to do and what not, prepare your diet plan, exercises you can do, and much more.
Secondly, having nutritional rich diet which includes protein, fibre, vitamins, essential carbs, and micronutritents are crucial. Also, add folic acid recommended by your doctor, as it is crucial for the brain development of the baby. One of the crucial things is to keep yourself hydrated, because frequent urination might dehydrate your body. Make sure to move your body, as it will help to balance hormones and boost mental health as you experience lots of changes in your body.
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What Not To Do?
Avoid heavy lifting if you are active in the gym. Keep yourself away from toxins and radiation, avoid drinking and smoking, and limit your caffeine intake.
Second Trimester: All About Growth
The second trimester covers weeks between 14 and 27, and till then, the risk factor on baby is minimized, and also the most comfortable time of the pregnancy. The majority of the pregnancy symptoms started to disappear, and you may started to feel more energized, as the placenta takes over hormone production. Your belly started to show a little bit, as the uterus adjusted its place to accommodate the growing fetus.
But if your symptoms vanish before 12 weeks combined with cramps and bleeding, then it is not negotiable. Make sure to consult with your gynecologist as soon as possible.
Physical Changes Expected
- Dark patches- due to changes in hormones.
- Back and pelvic pain- now your uterus stretches your ligaments, shifting the center of gravity and posture, and extra body weight puts strain on the back and pelvic structure, leading to instability.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)- due to hormonal shift, fluid retention, and swelling, especially in the hands and legs, leads to a tingling feeling on hands and fingers.
- Stretch marks- to support the growing baby’s skin’s collagen and elastin fibres, started to tear, stretching the skin faster.
- Darkening of areolas- due to increased melanin production because of pregnancy hormones, this happens. Also, it prepares the breast for breastfeeding.
How To Take Care of Yourself?
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What To Do?
Make sure to follow all the routines you have started from the beginning of your pregnancy. You may experience cramps, but with support, you can handle those things easily. Practice good hygiene to protect your baby from infection, attend prenatal check-ups and appointments without any delay, practice safe exercises, and mentally prepare yourself for your baby, because your baby can feel your positive aura.
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What Not To Do?
By now, your baby is growing, so avoid overexerting yourself. Ensure to avoid lying on your back for prolonged hours, as it can compress the inferior vena cava, causing blood pressure issues, potentially risking fetal growth.
Avoid spicy food as it can cause discomfort, heartburn, indigestion, and worsen morning sickness.
Third Trimester: Let the Countdown Begin.
Hi, you beautiful mumma!
Now you have reached the last leg of your journey and are about to end, which means your new life as a mother is about to begin. This ranges from week 28 to delivery. You may feel more uncomfortable and tired because your body is working harder to support your growing baby, and you may experience disrupted sleep at night due to cramps, frequent urination, heartburn, and fetal movement. You may experience kicks, which can make you feel uneasy. Also, your stretch marks will become more prominent, along with unusual pain, discharge, or vomiting. Don’t avoid visiting your gynecologist once a week. As you are already enjoying your pregnancy journey, add a little charm by shopping for maternity clothes.
Some of the physical discomfort you may experience are-
- Massive weight gain
- Urination more than what you have faced in the first two trimesters
- Difficulty sleeping because of the immense weight gain and back pain
- The protruding belly button as the uterus pushed it outward, increasing abdominal pressure and stretching the skin
- Swelling in hands and legs
- Frequent cramps because of dehydration and low calcium in the blood
How To Take Care of Yourself?
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What To Do?
Eating nutrition-rich, yet small meals, keeping yourself hydrated, doing kegels, attending prenatal classes and check-ups, and getting vaccinated (flu/RSV and many more) on time are crucial to add to your checklist.
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What Not To Do?
Avoid hot saunas, baths, strenuous activities, overworking, long travelling, and don’t avoid taking your medications on time.
Delivery
Now that the baby is born, you have to be extra careful for yourself as well as the baby. Depending on the birth experience, you may experience a lot of changes in your vagina, and you also may start to feel yourself again. No matter what you feel, you need to make sure you consult with your gynecologist. Those 6 weeks of postpartum are most crucial, and regular check-ups are much needed. If you are a first-time mother, then take help from an expert like Cradle Children Hospital for lactation and breastfeeding.
How To Take Care of Yourself?
What To Do?
- Make sure to ask for help from your friends and family.
- Eat healthy food which fulfil you body’s needs.
- You can start wth gentle oving like walking.
What Not To Do?
- Don’t exhaust yourself with anything, whether it is feeding or taking care of the baby. It is essential to take care of yourself, also.
- Cramping, pain in the anus, vagina, incision area, or discomfort in your neck, back, or joints; never ignore your pain or discomfort.
- Don’t putself in the position where you have to do things because others are telling you to do. It is your body, listen to it.
- Don’t rush to be normal.
FAQs
When should I start prenatal check-ups?
As soon as you know about your pregnancy, because this phase of life comes with ups and downs, which require proper guidance and care.
Do I need to do different things in every trimester to keep and deliver my baby safely?
Yes. The first trimester is all about establishing health and managing symptoms, the second is about boosting energy to handle continued growth, and the third is about preparing for labour and increasing nutritional needs to fulfill your and your baby’s needs.
Is it safe to exercise throughout my pregnancy?
Yes. Although gynecologists recommend avoiding strenuous exercises, keeping your body moving and indulging in minimal strength training does not harm your baby. But make sure to practice everything safely, and always take guidance before starting anything new.
Can babies listen to or hear what I say?
Yes, after 18 weeks, baby’s started to hear, and they also respond to those voices. That is why it is recommended to keep yourself positive.
After how many months i be able to feel my baby move?
Most of the women started to feel their baby after 22 weeks.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is one of the best phases of women’s life, but it comes with a lot of changes, struggles, and makes you realize your actual strength. Every trimester brings new things, but it is crucial to know that, along with regular activities, take your medication and your health seriously. Because if the mother is healthy, then the baby will be happy and healthy.
Cradle Children Hospital offers the Pregnancy to Parenthood Programme so that the parents can enjoy their new phase journey smoothly, happily, and without putting a burden on themselves.
Contact us for more information!
