Pregnancy is a natural process. Naturally, body changes will also be involved once a woman is pregnant. Most women don’t face many complications throughout their pregnancy period though some might have to face few difficulties. Most women experience mood swings, fear, and anxiety throughout their pregnancy period. Pregnancy is the time filled with anticipation, happiness, and excitement. Most women start experiencing symptoms within a week and some others might experience after few weeks of conception.
Pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks or nine months which is divided into three trimesters. Pregnancy is counted from the first day of woman’s last period. The signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary in intensity, duration, and frequency from woman to woman.
The early signs of pregnancy are as follows:
- Missed period
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Nausea and dizziness
- Food cravings or increased liking for certain food
- Sensitivity to aromas
- Morning sickness and heartburn
- Constipation
- Mood swings
- Irritability and tiredness
- High body temperature
- Low back pain
- Weight gain and bloating
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Stretch marks
Each woman has individual pregnancy symptoms. The common symptoms during first trimester of pregnancy include: nausea and vomiting, morning sickness at anytime during the day which can relieved by having small meals, or drink juice during the day, breasts becoming swollen and tender, the area around the nipples get darker, urinate often, having constipation and heartburn, feeling tired, getting headache and mood swings.
The common symptoms during second trimester of pregnancy are: gaining weight, movements of the fetus are felt; the skin of the stomach stretches and becomes dry, breasts growing bigger, the skin of the belly stretches and gets dry, breasts get bigger, a thin fluid colostrum comes out of the nipples, feeling of heartburn, indigestion, constipation, nosebleeds, swelling of feet, hands and ankles, a dark line between the navel and pubic area, varicose veins, dark area of pigmentation on the face.
The common pregnancy symptoms during third trimester are: fetus can be seen moving from the outside, navel pushes out, backaches, painless contractions, and shortness of breath.
The body’s demand for nutrients increases during pregnancy. Pregnant women should eat all that food which will provide nutrients to the baby for its growth. The diet should contain plenty of fruits and vegetables. Some good sources of nutrients like fish, eggs, beans and lentils could be included in daily diet. Dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt are rich sources of calcium. Folic acid along with calcium should be taken to avoid any iron deficiency. Smoking and alcohol should be stopped immediately. Tea and coffee should be avoided as it triggers morning sickness.
It is quite natural for a mother to worry about the baby’s health. To cope oneself with emotions and mood swings it is necessary to accept everything as normal. Women should consult their health care provider for any problems. The visits to the doctor during the initial days of pregnancy involves assessment of overall health, identification of any kind of risk factors and determine the baby’s gestational age.
