Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and awesome periods of a woman’s life. It is also an emotional phase a woman goes through in her lifetime. The thought and the reality of another life growing within is amazing. It is something unimaginable. Knowing what to expect during pregnancy is essential in monitoring your health and the health of your child.
Despite the wonderful feelings of being pregnant, the period of pregnancy is full of anxiety and uncertainty, although not necessarily the kind to give sleepless nights.
Visit Investogist’s home page for more stories
Symptoms
Generally, there is no real way of determining pregnancy, especially at the earlier stage, except through medical examination. However, some symptoms can tell if a woman is expecting a baby. These symptoms are triggered by hormonal changes at the early stage of pregnancy.
Symptoms of pregnancy include constipation, nausea, fatigue, weight gain, backache, cramps, nipple pains, tender breast, bleeding gum, headache, among others. The most common pregnancy symptom is a missed period, although some women experience bleeding or spotting during pregnancy.
Other changes occur in a woman’s body as the pregnancy progresses, such as the protruding of the stomach and the appearance of Linea Alba – the dark line that runs from a woman’s navel to the pubic bone. This is normal and usually becomes visible from the second trimester. It gradually fades away after delivery.
Health Tips
Rest
A lot of rest is required during pregnancy, sometimes your body feels exhausted and gets tired even when you are doing nothing.
For some people, fatigue is temporary and subsides during the second trimester. It is important to note that although pregnancy symptoms tend to be similar, it can be different for some people.
Nutrition
Bringing a new life into the world is not easy, a pregnant woman must eat healthy and nutritious food. I usually advise my patients to eat more fruits and vegetables, it provides the required nutrients for you and your child. A balanced mixture of foods containing carbohydrates, protein, grains, legumes is very important.
Drinking lots of fluids frequently is essential to keep hydrated.
Fiber and iron-rich foods are especially important during pregnancy.
Sex during pregnancy
Having sex during pregnancy is good for you and your baby; it can help you sleep better and lowers blood pressure. It makes you feel more relaxed; it makes delivery easy; it helps to reduce pains and improve your mood. It is also a form of exercise that can help you to stay active and burn out up to 50 calories in just half an hour.
Some people think that engaging in sex during pregnancy will be harmful and dangerous or that contraction from orgasm may take place and cause miscarriage. This is a misconception. When you are pregnant, the cervix position is firm, long, and closed until the third trimester.
Also, it has been reported that prostaglandins in semen may induce labour in a full-blown or over-due pregnancy. However, if you are advised by your doctor specifically that it might be a problem due to some issues, then you have to stop.
Note: A pregnant woman should never be compelled to have sex. Every woman’s body is different and reacts differently. It is not all pregnant women that like sex during pregnancy. Therefore, follow your mood and be happy.
By: Peace Chigozie
