The Period of Pregnancy
The normal period of pregnancy is 280 days or 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. Therefore, care throughout pregnancy is essential.
Updated On: 11/5/2009  [Total Votes: 4, Hits: 34] Print

The normal period of pregnancy is 280 days (40 weeks) from the first day of the last menstrual period. Throughout pregnancy, the growing foetus is entirely dependent on its mother. The mother's diet, her general state of health and the amount of physical work she does all have their effect on the child. Therefore, proper antenatal care throughout pregnancy is essential.

During pregnancy, the baby's development depends on the placenta, the umbilical cord and the amniotic sac. The placenta is a disc-shaped network of blood vessels attached to the uterus. It is connected to the foetus by the umbilical cord through which the foetus receives its nourishment.

The amniotic sac is a bag of fluid that encloses the foetus and protects it from injury. The growth of the baby during pregnancy causes the uterus to expand. By 20 weeks, the uterus is at the level of the mother's navel, by 28 weeks, it is four finger-breadths above the navel, and by 36 weeks, it fills the whole of the abdomen.

By 12 weeks, most of the major organs -- liver, kidneys, intestines, and lungs-as well as the limbs are formed, even though at this time the foetus is only 9 cm long and weighs only 14 g.

By 20 weeks, foetal movements are felt when the baby moves in the amniotic fluid and the baby's heartbeat can be detected with the stethoscope. By 32 weeks, the baby adopts a head down position in the uterus and gradually the head settles down in the pelvis. Sometimes, this does not happen, and the buttocks are in the pelvis (breech) or the baby may be lying across the uterus.

The first three months of pregnancy are important because, as mentioned earlier, during this period the baby's organs -- brain, heart, kidneys, eyes, ears -- and limbs are being formed. Avoid any medication during this period. Some medicines can be harmful for the growing baby inside you and so no medicine should be taken without the advice of your doctor.

The intake of certain drugs towards the end of pregnancy, may make the baby drowsy or unwell for some time after birth. During breast feeding, drugs may pass into the milk. Some may have no effect on the baby but others may be harmful. Similarly, all X-ray exposures should be avoided during the first few months. Some infections, particularly German measles (rubella), during the first three months of pregnancy, may result in the abnormality of some organs and lead to heart defects, congenital cataract or mental retardation in the baby. After the first three months, the risk of damage is much less.

If there is bleeding from the vagina or pain in the lower abdomen, consult your doctor immediately and take complete rest till you are able to do so.

Skin Peculiarities [Hits: 12]
Pigmentation or skin discolouration is quite common with some pregnant women.
Updated On: 11/21/2009
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Leg Cramps [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 5, Hits: 25]
You may wake up in the middle of the night with a painful cramp in your leg or in your lower abdomen. This is a very common third-trimester symptom.
Updated On: 11/17/2009
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Stretch Marks [Hits: 21]
These are silvery marks that appear during and after pregnancy, as the skin around the stomach and the waist stretches beyond repair.
Updated On: 11/16/2009
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Food for the Breastfeeding Mother [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 9, Hits: 65]
What should the breastfeeding mother have to ensure the right nutrition for herself and her baby?
Updated On: 11/11/2009
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Taking Care of your Body [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 5, Hits: 41]
Pregnancy hormones bring about changes in almost every part of the body. To keep your body in the best condition, a changed daily routine may be necessary.
Updated On: 11/9/2009
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Ovulation and the Safe Period [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 8, Hits: 41]
Ovulation refers to the rupture of the ripened follicle in the ovary to discharge the egg ready for fertilisation at middle of the menstrual cycle.
Updated On: 11/7/2009
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Symptoms of Early Pregnancy [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 7, Hits: 37]
You are feeling giddy and nauseus. Your menstrual cycle has been delayed. Things don't seem quite right.
Updated On: 11/7/2009
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Ultrasound Scans [Vote Average: 2, Total Votes: 10, Hits: 68]
Imagine seeing your unborn baby move while she is in your womb! Ultrasound scans are harmless and have many advantages.
Updated On: 11/6/2009
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Importance of Antenatal Care [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 4, Hits: 41]
Antenatal care aims at health education during pregnancy to prepare a mother for labour and her role of motherhood.
Updated On: 11/6/2009
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Sexual Intercourse [Vote Average: 3, Total Votes: 8, Hits: 57]
Sex during pregnancy can cause an abortion, said a friend and someone else said it wouldn't. Rini did not know who to believe.
Updated On: 11/5/2009
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