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Tag: healthy diet for pregnant women

The Second Month

second month of pregnancy

The second month is the time when the parents to be would actually know for sure that they are expecting a baby. As soon as the news is out, there is all sorts of advice from all and sundry. Before you get all worked up hearing so much stuff, it is important to differentiate fact from fiction.

Week Five To Six

Around this time the embryo is about half an inch, to put it simply, the size of an apple pip so you can ignore advice about eating for two!

Features

  • The embryo is floating in a fluid filled sac
  • It has a simple brain, spine and central nervous system
  • Four pits have appeared on the head which will later become the baby’s eyes and ears.
  • The digestive system is beginning to form along with a mouth and jaw
  • The stomach and chest are developing and a large bulge in front of the chest (the heart) starts beating by the end of the week
  • Blood vessels are forming
  • Four tiny limb buds have developed

Week 7

The baby is now half an inch which is like the size of a small grape

Features

  • A face is forming, while the eyes on the sides of the head are visible in a closed state
  • Arms and legs are clearly visible with clefts at the end which later become fingers and toes
  • The heart has started beating and circulating blood
  • Bone cells are beginning to develop
  • Though not fully formed, the embryo has lungs, intestine, kidney, liver and internal sex organs.

Week 8

The baby is now one inch which is roughly the size of a strawberry

Features

  • The embryo is now called a fetus
  • All major internal organs have developed though not fully
  • There is a recognizable face, a nose, nostrils and jaws and mouth which also has a tongue
  • The inner parts of the ears are forming
  • Fingers and toes are becoming more distinct though joined
  • Shoulders, elbows, hips and knees are detectable
  • The baby moves a lot, though the movement cannot be felt yet by the mother

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The Seventh Month

seventh month of pregnancy

The Seventh Month of Pregnancy

With just three months of pregnancy left, the seventh month marks the beginning of the last trimester. The baby is very active during this period and moves around quite a lot. Babies born in this month and are called premature babies and while they need special care, they can surely survive.

During these final months, the mother gains about 4 kgs, approximately 40 percent of the total pregnancy weight gain.

Changes in the mother  

  • Red stretch marks may start appearing on the stomach area
  • False contractions (known as Braxton Hicks) are sometimes felt around this time and though they are not very painful they can be misleading.
  • The mother might experience acidity, indigestion, heartburn and cramps.
  • The mother starts feeling large and may bump into things. She may also become forgetful or dream about labour, childbirth and the baby. This may be caused by disturbed sleep or due to the baby’s movements.
  • One can notice an increased weight around the thighs, buttocks and the stomach.
  • The top of the womb is halfway between the stomach and the navel.
  • The veins on the breast may become more noticeable around this time.

Features of the Baby

  • Length 14.5 inch
  • Weight 1 kg
  • The face and body is covered with vernix, which acts as a waterproofing agent.
  • The seal over the eyes is gone.
  • The hearing is well developed
  • The skin is red and wrinkled
  • A seven month old infant feels pain and responds exactly like a full term baby
  • Fat starts to accumulate under the skin
  • Taste buds are more pronounced than they will be at birth
  • Lungs have still not reached the stage of maturity
  • Around this time if the baby twists and turns the shape of the foot can be seen on the mother’s stomach
  • If the father is keen on feeling the baby movements, he can feel the baby move over the mother’s abdomen with his hand
  • The baby’s heartbeat can be heard with an ordinary fetal stethoscope.

Suggestions

  • If you are a working woman, try to put your feet up as and when possible
  • Make sure you get enough rest during the day and sleep early at nights.
  • Let the employer know in writing when you intend to take a break and when you will return to work post delivery.
  • Make a visit to the antenatal clinic every two weeks from now onwards.

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Pregnancy

The Ninth Month

Ninth Month Of Pregnancy

The ninth month is synonymous with childbirth and as pregnancy draws to a close, the mother tends to have mixed feelings. While she is eager to deliver, she is equally anxious and apprehensive about labour, child birth and the challenges of becoming a mother. If the baby were born now he would have an excellent chance of survival.

The rate of weight gain slows down and completely stops after week 38. If the total weight gain is approx 10kgs or less, it is relatively easier to return to pre pregnancy weight after delivery. In the final two weeks there might be a slight reduction in weight. This shows that the baby is matured now and you can expect labor within 10 days. The total weight gain during pregnancy ranges from 10 to 12 kgs but it may vary from woman to woman.

 

 

Changes in the mother  

  • The growing belly alters the weight distribution, so a correct posture is a must to prevent accidents.
  • There might be extreme tiredness due to lack of sleep and extra weight of the baby
  • The bladder is under pressure so the urgency to pass urine becomes even more frequent.
  • The baby’s head may have dropped in the pelvis by now.
  • Once the baby’s head drops in the pelvis, heartburn, acidity, indigestion and breathlessness may begin to lessen
  • You may be feeling high on energy due to the mother’s instinct and would want to clear out space in the cupboards. Please take it easy and don’t tire yourself in the process.
  • Your skin will feel stretched over the abdomen and may itch a little too.
  • The baby bulge will be huge and make it difficult to lie down in the bed
  • Bumping into objects will become a common feature.
  • There will be a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen
  • A lot of effort will be needed for every single movement that you make.
  • Your cervix will be softening in preparation for labour
  • Braxton and Hicks contractions may make you feel you are in labour.
  • There might be pricking sensation in the legs like pins and needles.

Features of the Baby

  • Length 20 inch
  • Weight approx 3 kg
  • The baby takes up all the space in the womb and kicks and punches rather than shifts.
  • The head would have dropped into your pelvis, ready for birth
  • The baby gains about 20gms every day for the remaining four weeks in the womb
  • Soft nails have grown on the tips of fingers and toes
  • In a boy, the testicles would have descended.
  • Hair may have grown up to 5cm
  • Baby has pinkish skin
  • Since fat is being stored, the baby becomes more rounded.

Suggestions

  • Due to the increase in the weight of the baby, the mother can suffer from swollen ankles and varicose veins. You need to put your feet up as much as possible.
  • Take a tour of the delivery room and maternity ward
  • Make a weekly visit to the clinic until birth
  • Stock the pantry and the fridge with food for the time when you are in the hospital and after delivery
  • Buy nursing or feeding bras. Measure yourself properly and choose from the various types of nursing bra that are available
  • Pack your suitcase for the hospital
  • Discuss with your doctor if your partner wants to be with you while you are in labour.

This is the perfect time to do whatever makes you happy and content. Being relaxed and stress free and moving around a little may contribute a lot towards a normal delivery. As the initial few weeks after delivery will revolve around your baby, enjoy these last baby free days.The baby can be expected any time from now so just enjoy these last weeks before the new phase of your life begins.

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Pregnancy

The First Month

first month of pregnancy

Congratulations – for becoming officially pregnant. Your doctor or your pregnancy kit has revealed that you have landed into the beautiful phase of your life-pregnancy.

However, first two weeks of the first month you cannot be called as pregnant, as the complete conception is still in the process. But, for calculating the start of your pregnancy, week first is considered from the beginning of your last menstrual cycle.

A tiny embryo will start forming if your mates sperm and your egg has fertilized successfully.

After the fertilization, the egg starts to grow, split and multiply. The egg grows and forms the zygote.

Further, zygote travels to the uterus through the fallopian tubes and gets itself placed in the uterus. Zygote once attached to your uterus confirms pregnancy and from now onwards you will not have your monthly menstrual cycle.

Changes in your body

How you feel during the first month of pregnancy can differ from woman to woman. Some women start experiencing changes from the moment the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, but on the other hand not many may not feel any change in their body until well after the first month.

You may experience one or mixed of the following symptoms:

  • Feeling of nausea and cramping
  • You may have spotting or light periods
  • A feeling of tiredness and fatigue
  • Some women also experience swollen or pain in the breasts
  • Mood swings-You may feel anxious or happy at times.

However, above mentioned symptoms do not confirm that you are pregnant, consult your doctor if these symptoms have started .Do not start any medications to suppress these symptoms as it may have serious side effects on your baby.

The aforementioned signs and symptoms may also indicate late periods. The specific test which can detect pregnancy which can detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, known as hCG Pregnancy kit can detect this hormone in your urine or you can undergo a blood test after consulting a doctor. A blood test is more specific and accurate in detecting hCG hormone in your body and can detect pregnancy at its earliest.

What You Need to Know in the First Month of Pregnancy

The first few weeks are crucial for the development of your baby. Cells are continuously dividing and each and every day marks a change in your baby’s growth. As during initial weeks you might not be aware that you pregnant, so once you start planning pregnancy you can start with a multi-vitamins that includes folic acid. Folic acid helps to prevent spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Taking Omega 3 fatty acids can also promote the eye, heart and brain development.

Do’s and Do not’s

If you are planning pregnancy or you are trying to get pregnant or you have entered pregnancy, so you need to cut down the tobacco products, alcohol, or recreational drugs. Say no to toxic fumes. If you are taking any medications consult your doctor about their further intake and usage.

Pregnancy kits are a great way to find out if you are pregnant, but it is important to consult your doctor to confirm the news. This is a good time to share the news with your family and friends. You can start with the antenatal classes to learn more about healthy pregnancy.

The most important thing is to stay happy and relaxed during this phase. Eat healthy and nutritious food to keep yourself and your baby happy and healthy.

Finally, celebrate! Your have entered a new era of your life. Coming next 8 months your body will experience new changes and you will be culminating a new life inside your womb!!

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Thinking About Pregnancy 

Thinking About Pregnancy

Thinking About Pregnancy by Famhealth

Having a baby can be an amazing experience and certainly deserves well thought out planning. How can we start planning and what comprises planning are questions that worry women and men who want to start a family. All these questions and many more will be answered in this series called Mother & Baby Care.

Why Should Pregnancy Be Planned?

  • It increases the chances of conception and those of having a normal healthy baby.
  • It helps the mother get back to normal health and shape at the earliest.

How much time should be assigned for planning?

The ideal time would be 3 months before the baby is conceived since in the initial weeks the baby develops radically and yet one may not be aware that conception has happened.  

Requirements during the planning stage?

  • Nutritious Diet: Nutritionist Nidhi Agarwal Khemka stresses on a good diet for both parents and suggests that they should make these changes together. A healthy nutritious meal is needed by the mother to be because she will nurture the baby while a healthy diet is needed by the father as the sperm quality can be adversely affected by bad diet, alcohol and smoking. It is a good idea to know if one is nutritionally deficient in any vitamin or mineral before conceiving as deficiency of folic acid may lead to neural tube defects in the baby while low levels of iron may lead to excess fatigue and complications.
  • Fitness: Keeping physically fit and active
  • Avoiding Stress: It is imperative to avoid work related stress when one plans to conceive.
  • Keeping Records: Check old vaccination cards to see if all the vaccines were given as absence of some may be fatal to the baby and could cause birth defects. Also avoid contact with chemicals and xrays that may lead to problems in conceiving. Check with the doctor about conditions like thyroid, diabetes, hypertension or epilepsy before getting pregnant.
  • The Right Weight: Keep a check on the weighing scale as both overweight and underweight mothers may need a doctor’s advice to come to the ideal weight. One should never follow fad diets during pregnancy planning.

The couple must talk to each other and the immediate family about planning for the baby as this makes everyone involved and prepared. It also gives that much needed time to work out any issues that may crop up during pregnancy while increasing the support system around.

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Pregnancy