Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most unique experiences in women’s lives. Many changes occur not only on the body, but also in the mood and feelings of women. These changes occur as a result of many hormones produced by the body in preparation for receiving the fetus in the uterus, and help him to grow and develop. One of the most important hormones pregnancy estrogen and progesterone, the two hormones responsible for most of the changes that occur on the pregnant, and increase their concentration as pregnancy progresses.
Symptoms of pregnancy in the first week
When pregnancy occurs, some early symptoms of pregnancy occur. However, some of these symptoms may be due to some health problems. Some of the most important early symptoms of pregnancy include:
- And when the egg is implanted in the lining of the uterus, this can lead to mild drops of blood, which usually occurs after about 6-12 days after fertilization of the egg.
- White vaginal secretions occur as a result of increased wall thickness of the vagina.
- Feeling heavier and bulging in the breasts, and changing the color of the area surrounding the nipples as a result of the change in the level of hormones in the body.
- Feeling tired because of the high level of progesterone, and may also be tired because of low blood pressure, or because of low blood sugar level.
- Feel the nausea at any time of the day, but the majority of women suffer from it in the early hours of the morning, and this occurs because of pregnancy hormones, but there are few women do not feel it.
- A change in the appetite of the pregnant woman and her release from some of the foods that she preferred because of hormonal changes.
- Absence of the menstrual cycle or delayed date, and this offer is one of the most obvious pregnancy symptoms.
- High body temperature basic.
- Frequent urination, due to hormonal changes that increase blood volume and flow to the kidneys, which leads to bladder quickly filling and need to be discharged continuously. The need for urination increases as pregnancy progresses due to fetal pressure on the bladder.
- There is a slight swelling in the waist, due to hormonal changes and not to increase the size of the uterus.
Common symptoms of pregnancy
Common symptoms of pregnancy include:
- Change in mood : Some pregnant women may feel depressed and edema unit, in contrast some pregnant women may experience feelings of glee, due to hormonal changes.
- Constipation : Due to pressure of the uterus on the rectum, and slow movement of the digestive system because of pregnancy hormones, severe constipation leads to hemorrhoids.
- Itching : A symptom that causes discomfort, may cause sleep disturbance to the pregnant.
- Leg cramping : Involuntary contractions that often affect the leg muscles during the night, due to the accumulation of acids in them.
- Back pain Resulting from the loosening of the uterine ligaments.
- Abdominal and uterine contractions In the form of menstrual pain.
- Increase in natural vaginal secretions It is a transparent white color that has no odor and does not cause itching.
- Heartburn : Burning occurs as a result of increased secretion of progesterone, which relaxes the muscle that separates the esophagus and stomach, leading to the arrival of stomach acids to the esophagus and the feeling of burning.
- Swelling of the legs , The appearance of varicose veins due to uterine pressure on the veins, and increased blood volume.
Serious symptoms of pregnancy
Some of the symptoms that require urgent medical review, including:
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Acute abdominal pain.
- Severe headaches, headaches with tongue numbness, and blurred vision.
- Burning in the urine, or lack of quantity.
- Swelling of the face and around the eyes, and sudden swelling of the ankles or feet.
- Severe vomiting, or vomiting that is accompanied by pain or fever.
- Increase the amount of vaginal secretions and change the strength to become watery, or mucous blood.
pregnancy test
When the fertilized egg is fertilized in the womb, the secretion of the chorionic hormone (HCG), which helps the fetus’s growth and growth, begins. After the concentration of this hormone is sufficient, it starts to be released from the body through the urine. Pregnancy tests. Most devices available in the market explain how to use them easily, but in general can be adopted the following method for most devices:
- Two to three points of urine are placed on the small window to receive the urine. Often, there is a small droplet used to collect urine and distill it in the right place.
- Wait several minutes until the test result appears.
- The machine consists of two windows; the control window labeled “control” that tells the user if the test is correct or not, the second window is written (test) and indicates the presence of pregnancy or not. Some devices may display the word “minus”, meaning “negative”, “no”, “plus”, “positive” and “pregnancy”. There are devices if two lines appear, it means there is a load, and if there is a single line there is no load.
When to use the pregnancy test
Pregnancy testing is performed early in the day, preferably when waking up. Because the concentration of the pregnancy hormone is very high at this time, the test has been carried out since the first day of the cycle break; it is almost positive two weeks after the pregnancy, , If no positive result appears at the time of the examination, the examination can be repeated again after a week, and for more accuracy, pregnancy can be detected by a blood test instead of a urine test.
Nutrition during pregnancy
During pregnancy, women need more nutrients and need an extra 300 calories. The basic principle of nutrition is to eat regular meals and diversify food categories, and it is desirable that the increase in calories from the categories of food beneficial to the body; namely carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vegetables and fruits. Weight gain during pregnancy is between 11-16 kg.
The most important vitamins and minerals needed by pregnant women include the following:
- Vitamin B12 : A vitamin that contributes to the building of the nervous system in the fetus. The sources of this vitamin are only animal, including meat products, fish, milk, and eggs. It is recommended for vegetarian women to check the amount of vitamin in the blood, and consult the doctor in that regard.
- Folic acid : Most of its importance is in the production of blood and proteins, and the intake of folic acid before and during the first months of pregnancy reduces the risk of birth defects in the spinal canal in the fetus. Folic acid-rich sources such as broccoli, beans, peas, nuts, and dark yellow fruits such as orange, grapefruit, and green leafy vegetables such as spinach are preferred.
- Iron : The importance of its role in the production of red blood cells in the mother and fetus. Pregnant women are recommended to eat iron-rich foods, including red meat, iron-fortified bread and spinach.
- Calcium : Metal is necessary to build fetal bones and teeth, and to work nerves, and muscle contraction. One of the most important sources of calcium is milk and its derivatives, sardines or salmon with bones, juices, beverages, calcium-fortified foods, tofu, broccoli, and spinach.
- Vitamin C : The vegetables and fruits that contain vitamin C are essential for the health of bones, teeth, and gums. In addition, vitamin C facilitates the absorption of iron. Examples of fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C citrus, tomatoes, cauliflower.
- Vitamin D : Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports bone and dental health. It is found in bread, cereals, and dairy products.
- Vitamin A : Essential for healthy bones, eyes, and skin. Vitamin A is found in carrots, potatoes and dark-leaf vegetables.
Drink water and fluids during pregnancy
Water plays an important role in promoting fetal growth, protecting mother and child from dehydration, and prevents constipation and excess weight during pregnancy. During pregnancy, women need at least 8 glasses of water and increase the amount if the weather is hot. The amount of water must be increased in the last third of pregnancy.
Use of medicinal herbs during pregnancy
Although there are no clear warnings, women should avoid taking herbs and herbal preparations during pregnancy (especially during the first three months) and during breastfeeding. It is useful to remember that pregnancy is not a condition, so herbal supplements should not be taken as a treatment.