Pregnancy is one of the most precious times in the life of a woman. Nine months and then a bundle of joy is true happiness. This pleasure needs to be nurtured very well. It is important that you go for expert pregnancy consulting during this phase.
Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy
The commonest symptom is missing a period. Occasionally one may have spotting at the time one would have expected the period.
The other common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, fatigue, and tiredness.
On examination, the doctor may notice an enlarged uterus that can be felt through the abdomen only when more than 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Diagnosis Of Pregnancy
The pregnancy hormone is ß- HCG. This is easily detected by a simple two minute home pregnancy test. An ultrasound examination can confirm the pregnancy. It will also give very valuable information on the number of fetuses, location of the pregnancy, size of the sac and overall health and viability of the pregnancy.
Post Delivery
The patients are discharged within 24 – 48 hours after vaginal delivery and in three days after a cesarean section. Lactation is encouraged as soon as the baby is delivered.
Good care of the breast and the episiotomy is advised. Patients are advised to follow up for discussion and implementation of contraception.
Routine Checks In Pregnancy / Pregnancy Consulting
The first antenatal visit is recommended as soon as the pregnancy is suspected or diagnosed. The subsequent visits can be done as follows.
- Once a month up to 28 weeks.
- Twice a month up to 34 weeks
- Then once a week up to delivery
This is only an approximate schedule for a low-risk uncomplicated pregnancy. The schedule can change according to the circumstances at that time. The commonly advised tests are CBC, blood group, Thyroid estimation, HIV, VDRL, HBsAg, sugar level estimation and routine urine analysis.
Various special tests may be required depending on various medical situations eg. The antiphospholipid antibody in cases of recurrent miscarriage. The triple marker is offered to all at 16 weeks.
Obstetric ultrasound examination is done at various stages- in the first trimester for dating, location of pregnancy and to look for multiple pregnancies, in the second trimester for the study of anatomic defects, and in the third trimester for growth.
Additional ultrasound and Doppler examination will be required in special circumstances for eg Preterm labor and abnormal bleeding in pregnancy.
CBC and sugar tolerance is repeated at 28 weeks. Common supplements in pregnancy.
Iron and calcium supplements are commonly given to pregnant women. The folic acid supplement is given even preconception and continued into the first trimester. There is enough scientific evidence to support its use to prevent neural tube defects. Tetanus toxoid is given, usually two doses one month apart starting at 28 weeks. The role of Essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, Lecithin and Arginine are not yet convincing and therefore not recommended as a routine.
Dr. Sangeeta Agrawal has a passion for obstetrics i.e. care of women in pregnancy. You can feel free to ask queries regarding this important event in your life. She provides quality compassionate care during pregnancy.
