Pregnancy
Created | Updated Nov 9, 2010
Introduction
Every woman should know the possibilities of what may happen when pregnant. Although what I have written are all possibilities, don’t fret, as everyone’s experience of pregnancy is different, even your own when you have more than one child. I have linked other entries to this one, that go into more specific topics, so feel free to look at them as they are very informative. Lets hope that this entry may be a help to you!
First signs of pregnancy
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tiredness
- Stomach pains
- Needing to urinate more often
- Constipation
- Tender breasts
- Cravings or going off certain stuff
- Metallic taste in your mouth
- Missed period
What to do if you have any of these signs
If you are experiencing any of these signs, the main one being a missed period, you can either buy a home pregnancy kit which are available in most chemists, or see your GP for a test.
Drugs/Medication during pregnancy
Understandably during pregnancy there is a great deal of caution about the use of drugs and medication, but doesn't mean that all medication will go through to the baby. However, if you suffer from a chronic condition that requires you to keep taking a certain medication, you would need to speak to either your doctor or specialist looking after you for any alternatives.
Alcohol during pregnancy
If heavy drinking continues during a pregnancy it can lead to, what is known as 'Foetal Alcohol Syndrome' . This could damage your baby's physical and mental development permanently.1
There is also evidence that binge drinking creates a higher risk of miscarriage, but if you drank excessively before knowing that you were pregnant, there is no need to torture yourself as the majority of babies are born healthy, even where the mother had consumed a lot of alcohol. It is still a bad idea to drink heavily if you are considering a pregnancy.
Chickenpox during pregnancy
Symptoms:
- Mild fever
- Itchy rash of red spots
Chickenpox is a very contagious infection. It can be spread by close contact with others and respiratory droplets. Anyone developing chickenpox usually become infectious within 48 hours even before the rash will appear. The blister-like spots are what contain most of the virus, and a person can stay infectious until the last of the spots crust over.
It’s said that you will normally only ever have chickenpox once in your life, usually when you're a child. You can catch it twice, but it is very rare. Chickenpox is a more serious illness in adults than it is in children.
The incubation period for chickenpox is around 14-21 days.
If you think that you may have chickenpox whilst being pregnant, you should go see your doctor, who may decide to have you take a blood test to see if you have your own antibodies to the infection. If results show that you don’t, injections of immunoglobulin (antibodies) may be offered, and should be given ideally within 96 hours of contact.
Rubella during Pregnancy
What is Rubella?
Referred to as German Measles, Rubella is a childhood illness that can cause problem for pregnant women. It is most common among children, but has become rarer sinse the MMR jab was introduced.
The sypmtoms
The first noticeable symptom may be a rash, although initially you may have a mild fever, the body temperature can be normal.
The rash starts on the face and will then spread across the whole body. Although it doesn't usually itch in childrens cases, it may become itchy for adults who have Rubella. Other symptoms include swollen and tender glands around the neck, armpits and groin and possible joint pain.
Rubella can be confirmed with a blood test, and is infectious from seven days before the rash appears until about four days after.
Length of pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts for 9 months (38-40 weeks)2. This is split into 3 trimesters (which you can find out about on various websites). You can have what's known as a premature baby which is when the baby is born early. Or equally you could have your baby late, in which case if your baby isn't showing any signs of wanting to be born, the nurse may induce you.
You usually decide how or where you would like to give birth earlier in your pregnancy, such as at home, or in hospital or a water birth etc, but as pregnancy goes, you may not always have the choice when the time comes!
In worse case scenarios, there is the risk that a pregnancy may not end in a live birth, for example:
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Help during pregnancy
While you are pregnant, you can use some of your time to do some research such as talk to other mothers about their experiences, discuss any issues with your midwife or read up on any issue you may have. The interent is a good resource offering lots of advice on being pregnant.
Choosing where to give birth
There could be a number of maternity units in your area or near by, or you may choose to have a home birth.
You should consider these below, before making your decision:
- If this is your first child
- If you're having twins or triplets etc
- How any previous pregnancies/births went, if you have already had children before
- Special health requirements
You may have to consider circumstances that have an impact on your decision such as, going into early labour, or if it becomes apparent that your baby isn't growing well in which case you would be better off at a consultant-led maternity ward as small babies may need immediate paediatric care.
Home birth
If it's not expected that you will have any problems during your pregnancy, then there is no evidence that a planned home birth is any less safe than that of a hospital birth. You can book a home birth with a doctor or midwife.
Hospital birth
You would normally 'book' your birth at your chosen hospital near the beginning of your pregnancy, but you can change your mind later if you decide so. Again, you can book this with your midwife, doctor and also at the hospital itself.
Other things to keep in mind for before giving birth
- Who would you like with you when in labour
- Pain relief options
- Choice of a birthing pool for all or some of your birth
- How you would like your babies heart rate monitored
Helpful links
Here are some more links that you may find useful;
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