Pregnancy Precaution Tips
After Pregnancy Pregnancy is the process by which a mammalian female carries a live offspring from conception until it develops to the point where the offspring is capable of living outside the womb. It starts with conception, the process of fertilization to form a zygote, and ends in childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.
1) Always drink plenty of water. During pregnancy it's important to be well hydrated to maintain enough oxygen for the baby. Water is best for you, followed by fruit juices. Avoid carbonated soda which fills you up with gas and gives you empty calories.
2) When you are pregnant, you should be sure to wash all raw vegetables prior to consumption. Raw vegetables have the potential to carry toxoplasmosis, which is a parasite that is typically carried in the feces of cats. It can sometimes get into the soil and contaminate fruits or vegetables.
3) The optimum pregnancy diet should be relatively low in protein at the beginning, then increase it only slightly; meat, poultry and fish can be included two or more times per week because they provide iron, B12, and essential fatty acids; beans, whole grain breads and starchy foods are appropriate for daily use; and abundant fruits and fresh vegetables are essential sources of fiber, minerals and vitamins. Sweets, especially between meals, can be damaging because they increase insulin production excessively and thus cause excessive weight gain. The best fats to use are extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil, and organic butter in modest amounts.
4) Women should take multi vitamin tabs especially containing folic acid daily before the pregnancy to the end of the 1st month of pregnancy. This will prevent neural tube defects. Begin pregnancy at a healthy weight period.
5) Avoid exposure to potentially toxic agents including alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, X rays, and illicit drugs Minimize exposure to radio frequency, microwave radiation, and radiation from television and video display terminals. There are indications that these may have adverse reproductive effects, perhaps as the result of local heating effects.
6) Travel by car, while certainly the most common, requires a few preventative measures. Always wear a seat belt with the lap belt applied across the hips, not over the abdomen. It's important to take frequent stops along the way to empty your bladder and to exercise your legs. Stop the car, go to the bathroom, and walk a few steps at least every hour. While in the car, don't sit on your legs; keep them uncrossed and get your blood circulating by contracting and relaxing the leg muscles and by wiggling your toes.
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Pregnancy Guide
From the changes that your body goes through to changes in your baby, Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole gives you week-by-week tips on what to expect during your pregnancy.
Week 3
Your baby is about as big as the head of a pin. Her cells are multiplying rapidly.
Week 4
It is alright to lose some weight due to the nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Week 5
Your baby's heart will start to beat this week. Her skin and hair have also begun to grow.
Week 6
The food cravings are most likely to start around now. Eat what you feel like, but do so in moderation.
Week 7
It is time to buy a new pair of pants with a bit of Lycra stretch to fit you perfectly.
Week 8
Your baby's ears and eyelids are now taking shape.
Week 9
Your baby's fingers have fully developed. She can now make a fist and even suck her thumb!
Week 10
Your baby will now start kicking her legs around.
Week 11
Tiny tooth buds are starting to appear under her gums. Her fingernails are also growing.
Week 12
The morning sickness will stop soon and your appetite will return.
Week 13
Your baby's fingerprints have now formed at the tips of her fingers.
Week 14
Your baby can now make facial expressions like smile and grimace.
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Week 15
You may have gained a little weight by now and will start to show.
Week 16
Your face will start to glow due to increased blood circulation.
Week 17
Your sex drive is back and you are not as tired as you were in the first trimester.
Week 18
Get a dental checkup done. Gum disease can trigger premature labour.
Week 19
Your baby is now about 150 mm long from head to toe and weighs about 200 grams
Week 20
You may start to snore, thanks to hormones that cause your nasal passages to swell and partially block your airways.
Week 21
If you are working, now is the time to explore your company's policy towards pregnancy / maternity leave.
Week 22
By now, your stomach has become a punching bag for your baby!
Week 23
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water to help prevent headaches, uterine cramping, urinary tract infections and swelling.
Week 24
Your sexual desire skyrockets. This is due to increased blood flow to the pelvic area and the heightened sensitivity it brings.
Week 25
Because of your size, you probably cannot move around as gracefully as before.
Week 26
You may notice a yellowish discharge - colostrums - from your breasts. This is your baby's first food and usually appears most heavily after delivery.
Week 27
Your ligaments are also loosening up in preparation for pushing the baby out, so you may feel loose in the hips.
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Week 28
Your baby now has fully developed lashes and the fat layers are beginning to form.
Week 29
Now is a good time to discuss delivery methods with your doctor.
Week 30
Your baby begins blinking and is now aware of light.
Week 31
You may feel the occasional light contraction called Braxton Hicks contractions. This is your body preparing for delivery.
Week 32
Your baby's skin is now smoothening out and she is growing chubby and pink.
Week 33
Your baby is slowing turning and positioning herself, headfirst, towards the lower part of the uterus. She is preparing for her birth.
Week 34
You may feel a little pain around your pubic bone. That is where your baby's head is now resting, getting ready for labour.
Week 35
By now, your baby has predictable patterns of sleep and wakefulness.
Week 36
Braxton Hicks contractions are a little more frequent now. Call your doctor if your water breaks or you notice a decrease in your baby's activity.
Week 37
Your baby's hands can now grasp things firmly and if she is exposed to a strong light, she will turn towards it!
Week 38
Since it is time for delivery, prepare for your stay in the hospital. Carry a video camera/camera, baby paraphernalia, an iPod or anything to pass the time of a long labour.
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Week 39
If your water breaks, call your doctor right away, but stay calm. It may be hours before your first contraction.
Week 40
If your baby were a fruit, she'd be a watermelon - a very big one! Get ready mom, you are almost there.
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Pregnancy Guide: 3rd Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
In the third week, your baby is conceived. The fertilised egg (blastocyst) moves through the fallopian tube, into the uterus. It attaches itself to the uterine wall. This causes hormonal changes, which will make you tired and cranky. You will also feel nauseous. Your sense of smell and taste are heightened. Your breasts will also feel swollen and tender. Also, your body temperature remains high after ovulation.
Your Baby
Your baby is about as big as the head of a pin. Her cells are multiplying rapidly. Part of the blastocyst will soon become the placenta and produce the pregnancy hormone (hCG).
The amniotic fluid is also forming around your baby and will protect her throughout the pregnancy.
Ideal Weight Gain
Since you have just conceived, you will not gain any weight in this week.
Get Tested
• Urine pregnancy test (home pregnancy kit)
• BHCG blood test
It is okay if…
• You feel the need to urinate more often than usual. Your blood is thinner while pregnant and so, the filtration by the kidneys is better.
• It is okay to experience light spotting at the end of week 3. This happens because the fertilised egg has burrowed itself into the lining of the uterus.
Eat Healthy
Take any vitamin supplements like Folvit, if prescribed by your doctor.
Avoid
• Coffee and foods with caffeine
• Alcohol and tobacco
• Over-the-counter as well as prescription drugs
Stay Fit
Try and walk as much as you can. But don't overdo it.
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Pregnancy Guide: 4th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
You may experience headaches, backaches and bloating. The symptoms are very similar to when you are about to get your period. So it is alright to experience light cramping, poor appetite and even soreness of the breasts. You may also need to visit the bathroom more frequently.
Your Baby
The blastocyst (fertilised egg) has now divided into two parts. While one part is forms the placenta, the other forms the embryo. The umbilical cord also forms at this stage. The placenta is not fully formed, so for now, the yolk sac will feed the baby.
Get Tested
• Lab work (Urinalysis)
• Haemoglobin test
• Syphilis
• TORCH test
• Rubella
• Cervical cultures for gonorrhoea
• Chlamydia
• Pap smear
Common Complications
Contact your Gynecologist if you experience:
• Vaginal bleeding
• Unusual pain
• Dizziness
• Unusual shortness of breath
• Racing heartbeat or chest pain
• Vaginal discharge
• Uterine contractions
• Muscle cramps
It is okay if…
• You notice minor spotting. This happens to a few women and is known as 'implantation' bleeding. This happens because the fertilised egg has made its way into the lining of the uterus.
• You visit the bathroom to urinate more than usual.
• You lose some weight. This usually happens due to the nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
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Eat Healthy
Avoid
• Alcohol and caffeine
Stay Fit
• If you have been following an exercise routine, then check with your gynecologist, if it is okay to continue.
• You could also start light exercises like walking. But check with your doctor first. Don't over do it. Stop the moment you feel tired, hot, cramped or dizzy.
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Pregnancy Guide: 5th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Physically, there won't be too many changes. If it hasn't already begun, you will start to experience morning sickness. The slightest smells could make you queasy.
Your breasts will continue to feel heavy and sore. You are also likely to feel tired.
Your Baby
By the end of this week, your baby will be about 1.5 mm to 2 mm long. Different parts of your baby's body are finally beginning to develop. Her respiratory, digestive, nervous and circulatory systems are forming. Slowly her skeleton is beginning to take shape. Her skin and hair have begun to grow. Her heart will start to beat this week. She is no bigger than the size of a marble.
Common Complications
Contact your doctor the morning sickness is very severe, i.e. If you are constantly vomiting and are unable to keep any food down.
It is okay if…
• You feel nauseous. Nearly 50% of all pregnant women experience morning sickness.
• You need to go to the bathroom often. This happens due to improved filtration by the kidneys.
Stay Fit
Be it walking or yoga, continue to exercise. Again, don't stress yourself out.
Special Care Tips
• Keep away from household chemicals, x-rays or other sources of radiation.
• Avoid any topical applications like bleaches, hair dyes, nail polish, etc.
• No hot tubs and saunas either.
• Cat feces raw or undercooked meat is also a no-no.
• Do not lift heavy objects.
• Take care of your health and try and keep away from people with contagious diseases.
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Pregnancy Guide: 6th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
The food cravings are most likely to start around now. Go ahead, eat what you feel like. But do so in moderation.
Your breasts might be larger. And you will now start to show a little weight gain. There is also a possibility of you losing weight due to the morning sickness.
Your Baby
Your baby is 3-5 mm, from head to rump. This is an important week for your baby as all of her internal organs are forming. Her heartbeat is distinct now and her backbone and head are beginning to form. Her arms, legs and eyes are slowly starting to form. Her brain continues to develop.
Since the internal organs are in an early stage of development, any external factor could affect it. So take care with medication and while around people with any communicable diseases.
Get Tested
• Rh Factor Test
• Vaginal sonogram
• TORCH test
• Blood sugar test (fasting)
• TSH (Thyroid)
Common Complications
• Unusual vaginal discharge such as infection (odour, itching or burning) or bleeding (bright red to brown)
• Low blood pressure
It is okay if…
• You experience indigestion and a burning sensation in the chest. You can cope with this by eating smaller meals, more frequently.
• You are constipated. This is often caused due to the iron in your vitamin supplements. You could ask your gynecologist to change your pills.
• You experience a yellowish discharge.
Eat Healthy
• A high-protein diet, which includes soy, milk, cheese and fish, is advisable.
• Have yogurt twice in a day. It is rich in vitamin B6.
• For breakfast, have a bowl of fruit or a glass of juice at the end of the meal.
• Mix wheat-cereal with a handful of dried almonds and cherries in a bowl for a crunchy snack.
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Avoid
• Fried and oily foods
Stay Fit
• You can continue with your light exercise routine like walking, swimming, aerobics or even yoga. Don't start exercising without consulting your doctor though.
Special Care Tips
• In some cases vitamin supplements trigger nausea. If this is the case with you, try taking them with food or just before you go to bed. Also, don't take your vitamins with a citric juice as the combination could trigger acidity. If this doesn't work, consult your doctor but never stop your vitamin pills.
• Nibbling on crackers will help with the morning sickness and acidity.
• Don't take your prenatal vitamin with citrus juice because the acidic combination can upset your already queasy stomach. Always keep an air bag and an old towel at hand while traveling.
• While on the go, keep a water bottle, a juice pack and a couple of healthy snacks at hand. You never know when hunger will strike.
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Pregnancy Guide: 7th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Your tummy is still not showing but you may experience bouts of indigestion and constipation. You may also feel giddy at times.
The morning sickness will continue. You may also go through mood swings due to hormonal changes.
Other aspects like cravings or food aversions may disappear by this month. Have a proper breakfast or you may get tired easily. Drink at least eight glasses of water to curb constipation and to prevent dehydration.
Hormonal changes may cause your skin to break out. So keep your face clean by washing it twice a day with a gentle soap. Also, drink plenty of water.
Your Baby
Your baby is 9 to 11 mms.
At this stage, her brain is developing rapidly along with her limbs, hair and nipple follicles. Her hands now look like small paddles. Her elbows and toes are now more visible as her body begins to straighten out. Her lungs are developing and her heart now has two chambers.
It is okay if…
You have indigestion and a burning sensation in the chest. Eating smaller meals, more frequently will help.
You are constipated. You might also get haemorrhoids. You can treat this by sitting in lukewarm water with Epson salts or plain warm bath for 10-15 minutes several times in a day.
Eat Healthy
• Have a bowl of yoghurt with strawberries.
• For breakfast have hard boiled egg and banana, a glass of juice and a bowl of cereal with fruit.
• Eat carrots dipped in yoghurt since they are full of vitamin A.
Avoid
• Ice cream
Stay Fit
• You can continue with mild exercises, unless advised not to by your gynecologist. Stop your exercise if you notice spotting or vaginal bleeding.
Special Care Tips
• Buy a new pair of pants with a bit of Lycra stretch to fit you perfectly.
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Pregnancy Guide: 8th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Even though you aren't showing yet, your uterus has expanded to about the size of a grapefruit. This will cause some cramping or pain.
You may experience bloating and indigestion. This is caused by a slow digestive process. So, chew thoroughly and eat small frequent meals.
Your breasts will still feel sore and heavy. The colour of your nipples and the area around it may darken. This is just your body preparing for lactation. You will also undergo mood swings.
Your Baby
Your baby is 10-14 mms big. That is about the size of a cherry.
Your baby's heart has begun to separate into four chambers as blood circulates throughout her body. Her ears and eyelids are now taking complete shape. Her head is rather large as her brain is developing at a fast rate.
The vertebrae and ribs are beginning to grow while the spinal cord is evident. Her fingers and toes are slowly forming. Your baby's sex has already been determined and soon the external genitals will start to develop.
Muscle contractions have started but you will not be able to feel these early movements just yet.
Common Complications
• Indigestion and heartburn
• Constipation
• Bloated feeling
• Spotting and vaginal bleeding
It is okay if…
• You experience mild cramping so long as the pain isn't severe or accompanied by bleeding.
Eat Healthy
• Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. Mix this in a bowl of salad.
• Have instant oatmeal.
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Avoid
• Alcohol and smoking
• Sodas; if you are feeling gassy, drinking soda is not the solution.
• Ready-to-eat meals
• Coffee; excessive coffee leads to intra-uterine growth retardation in babies.
Stay Fit
You could practice the Kegel exercises to strengthen your vaginal muscles. This will also help during delivery and will tone your muscles for after delivery.
Consult with your doctor first though as every case is unique.
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Pregnancy Guide: 9th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
You may still not appear pregnant to people around. But they will start to notice changes in your behaviour as the mood swings become more frequent. You will still feel bloated and have indigestion.
Try and get as much sleep (at least eight hours) as you can. If you have trouble sleeping at night, take frequent naps during the day.
Your Baby
She now is about 20mm - 28 mm big and weighs around one gram.
Your baby is ready for rapid growth right now. Her upper lip is formed fully now. Even her mouth, nose and nostrils are more distinct. Major joints like the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees and ankles have formed. This will allow her to move around in the amniotic sac.
Her fingers have fully developed. She can now make a fist and even suck her thumb!
Get Tested
• Sonography
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) - This is recommended if you are over the age of 35, have a family history of genetic illnesses or if you have married within the family.
Common Complications
• Vaginal discharge that causes discomfort, irritation or odour
It is okay if…
• You have lower back pain.
• You experience abdominal cramps.
• You experience indigestion and a bloated feeling.
• You are constipated.
• You need to urinate frequently.
Eat Healthy
• Try snacking on some combination of fruit and milk before you go to sleep so that you do not wake up hungry or from low blood pressure levels.
• Dry toast or crackers can help prevent morning sickness.
• Add non-fat milk to a bowl of cereal or soup instead of water to get extra calcium. Calcium reduces incidence of high blood pressure.
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Avoid
• Coffee
Stay Fit
• If you have been exercising, you can continue, unless advised against it. Besides walking, you could even try yoga.
Special Care Tips
• Try a body pillow for a good night's sleep. You could even try different sleeping positions.
• Try a sports bra to give your breasts better support.
• Use a good body moisturiser to soothe itchy and dry skin.
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Pregnancy Guide: 10th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Your uterus will double in size around this week. But you won't be showing just yet. Hormonal changes could cause a swelling in the gums. So take care of dental hygiene. Visit your dentist and inform him about your pregnancy. Studies have shown that dental problems increase the chance of you delivering a pre-mature, underweight baby.
Your Baby
Your baby is around 40mm - 50 mm big. That's about the size of a lime. She weighs around 4 grams.
Your baby continues to grow. Her head makes up most of her body. She has a small bump on her forehead as her brain is growing rapidly.
Her vital organs have developed and she will now start kicking her legs around. She is out of that critical stage. So you can now relax a bit.
Get Tested
• Sonogram
Common Complications
• Due to the hormonal changes, you may have a soft tissue growth along the gum line. This might also cause your gums to bleed. This is harmless and will disappear after delivery.
Eat Healthy
• 1 cup soy milk
• 1 cup broccoli as your daily requirement
Avoid
• Raw seafood such as sushi or oyster
• Sweets and between-meal snacks could cause tooth decay
• Alcohol and caffeine
Stay Fit
• Exercise will help you sleep better. You could try walking and swimming as these are low impact activities. But consult your doctor first. Do not over do it. Stop the moment you feel tired, dizzy or short of breath.
Special Care Tips
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Frequent vomiting could leave stomach acids in your mouth. So rinse your mouth with water regularly.
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Pregnancy Guide: 11th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Hormonal changes will cause frequent headaches. You may also experience excessive salivation.
You may observe an increased hair and nail growth.
You may also get dark patches on your face and neck as your body is producing more melanin (a hormone). This condition is called chloasma or the mask of pregnancy.
Your Baby
She has grown to about 63 mm and weighs around 8 grams.
Your baby's organs have fully developed. Now, her bones are beginning to harden. Even though you cannot feel it, she is moving and active. Her genital organs have developed.
Her nerve cells have begun to co-ordinate and her brain has started to create communication routes. Even her nails and hair have started to grow.
Tiny tooth buds are starting to appear under her gums. Her fingernails are also growing.
Common Complications
• Headaches; contact your Gynecologist if the headaches are accompanied by fever or if they cause visual disturbances or your hands and face to swell. Do not self-medicate. Ask you doctor if it is okay to take an aspirin.
It is okay if…
• You have frequent headaches.
• You are constipated.
• You have trouble sleeping.
Eat Healthy
• Drink at least eight glasses of fluids like water, juices, milk a day. This will ease constipation and help with that bloated feeling.
Avoid
• Excess fish; some fish contain methyl mercury, a metal believed to be harmful in high doses to foetal brain development.
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Stay Fit
• Continue with your exercise routine, unless your doctor has advised otherwise. Do not push yourself.
Special Care Tips
• Eat regularly and drink plenty of water to keep headaches at bay.
• Try and get at least eight hours of sleep a day. Take short naps as and when you can.
• Try and relax by reading, listening to music or doing activities that you like.
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Pregnancy Guide: 12th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
There is good news this week. You are at the end of your first trimester… the morning sickness will stop soon and your appetite will return. Your breasts are getting bigger and you may begin to show.
Due to the increased oestrogen levels, the pale line that runs from the navel to the pubic bone may also darken. This is called the linea nigra (black line).
Your skin may also break out with acne and pimples. Indigestion, heartburn and constipation may continue.
Your Baby
She is about 76 mm long now and weighs around 14 grams.
Your baby's eyes and ears move closer together and into their final positions. Her intestines are also growing rapidly. She can now swallow fluid. Her kidneys are also functioning. So she will urinate as well.
Her reflexes will kick in sometime around now. So she will be able to suck and even squirm. However, you will still not feel her move.
Get Tested
• Doppler Test
It is okay if…
• You still have indigestion.
• You are constipated and have haemorrhoids.
Eat Healthy
• Drink a glass of soy milk or eat yoghurt daily.
• Eat and drink soybean products that do not contain sucrose.
• Eat dark red beans, chick peas, dark green and dark yellow veggies as these are high in iron.
Avoid
• Unboiled milk
• Citric fruit juices
• Undercooked meat and poultry
• Late night snacks
• Fatty or fast foods
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Stay Fit
You can continue your exercise routine, unless advised otherwise by your Gynecologist.
Special Care Tips
• It is time to start shopping for maternity clothes. This includes undergarments as well.
• If you need to travel, do so now. Airlines have regulations against travelling after your third month.
• Your body is more prone to infections. So make sure you cook all meat well and wash vegetables thoroughly. Also, avoid situations where there are people with an infectious disease.
• Wash your face with a mild face wash twice a day to reduce acne and pimples.
• Prevent heartburn by eating small meals and avoid foods such as fried, spicy or fatty foods.
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Pregnancy Guide: 13th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
The morning sickness will ease off and you will regain your energy. The heartburn might get worse though.
Your breasts will grow larger and may feel heavy and lumpy. You will also notice bluish veins forming on your breasts. Colostrum (the first breast milk) begins to form and can be extracted by massaging the nipple.
Your Baby
She is about 88 mm long now.
Your baby's fingerprints have now formed at the tips of her fingers. Her kidneys and urinary tract are functioning now. Her entire body is covered with a fine layer of soft hair called lanugo. This will be shed off in the last trimester.
The yolk sac will soon be detached as her bone marrow, liver and spleen can produce blood cells. Her vocal cords have also started to develop. Her reflexes have developed and she will react if your tummy is prodded.
Get Tested
• Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) or three (triple) or four (quad) marker screen
It is okay if…
• You experience a heightened sex drive. Consult with your Gynecologist on whether it is alright for you to have sex.
Eat Healthy
• Drink a glass of orange juice.
• Nuts, beans, eggs and soy products provide the essential proteins.
• Food cooked in olive oil will add the necessary calories.
Stay Fit
Continue with your exercise routine, unless advised against it by your doctor.
Special Care Tips
• Go out for a morning walk and get your daily dose of Vitamin D.
• Ask your doctor to recommend a good anti-stretch marks cream.
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Pregnancy Guide: 14th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Any little activity will exhaust you. So get plenty of rest when you can.
The hormonal changes will make you moody. You might also be anxious about the delivery and the baby. This is perfectly normal. Just try and relax with a hobby.
Your Baby
Your baby continues to grow. She is about 100 mm and weighs 25 grams approximately.
Her brain has developed now and she can even make facial expressions like smile and grimace. She may even be sucking on her little thumb.
Her liver has begun to produce bile, while her spleen has started producing red blood cells.
Get Tested
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Triple Screen blood test
Common Complications
• If you are depressed, make sure to visit a doctor. It could affect your baby's brain activity and hormonal levels.
Eat Healthy
• Lean red meat, spinach and legumes such as lentils are rich in iron
• A high carbohydrate diet... dry toast, honey, banana, baked potato, muesli, steamed rice and tofu
Stay Fit
Continue with your walks or even swimming. It will refresh you and help you keep up your energy levels. Always consult your doctor first and follow any special precautions mentioned.
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Pregnancy Guide: 15th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
You may have gained a little weight by now and will start to show. You uterus has also expanded and you may feel the top of the uterus around 127 mm under your navel.
You need to be careful of infections as pregnancy makes your immune system more prone to them.
Your Baby
She is about 101 mm long and weighs around 50 grams.
Her skin is thin and transparent. So the blood vessels can be seen. Your baby's ears, eyes and nose continue to develop. Her eyes move closer to the nose.
Her bones have developed and you will be able to spot her skeleton in an X-ray.
Get Tested
• Sonogram or pelvic examination
Stay Fit
• You can go on with your walks and swimming. Also, follow any special care tips advised by your doctor.
Special Care Tips
• Wear comfortable cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing.
• You may be sensitive to smells. So avoid perfumed soaps and deodorants. Also, stay away from cigarette smoke, alcohol or other smells like petrol and kerosene.
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Pregnancy Guide: 16th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Your uterus and placenta will continue to grow as your body produces more amniotic fluid.
Your body also produces and circulates 50% more blood. The increased circulation makes your face seem brighter. Hence the pregnancy glow! The hormonal changes also make your oil glands work overtime. Besides making your skin shiny, this also invites acne. So wash your face with a mild soap twice a day.
Your Baby
She is now 120mm and weighs around 80 grams.
Your baby's lower limbs have developed. She will now start to move her hands and legs in a coordinated manner. You may feel her kicking around soon. She can now blink and her tiny toe nails have started to grow.
You can also detect gender at this point.
Get Tested
• Ultrasound
• Triple Screen test
• Congenital Abnormality scan
Common Complications
• Nose bleeds or nasal congestions Consult your doctor if this happens. Do not use over-the-counter medicines like nose drops.
Special Care Tips
• If you have trouble sleeping, try drinking a glass of milk or taking a warm bath before bed.
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Pregnancy Guide: 17th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Halfway between your navel and pubic bone, your uterus is expanding up into your abdominal area. Since blood volume increases, increased secretions - from nasal to vaginal - are common. Thankfully, your hormones are levelling out as well, so you feel more like yourself or as normal as possible. The nausea you felt in the first trimester would have reduced by now, so you are likely to feel more energetic and exuberant. Additionally, you may see the appearance of tan-coloured spots on your face or chloasma may occur on the forehead, nose, upper lip and cheeks.
Your Baby
Your baby is now about 120 mm long from head to toe and weighs about 100 grams. That is the size of a large tomato or an onion. Going forward, growth and refinement of your baby's existing systems and organs occurs. Not only are your baby's ears standing out from her head but her fingerprints and toe prints are also developing.
Your baby's first bowel movement - meconium - is beginning to collect in the colon. Fat deposits appear under your baby's skin, which help regulate temperature after birth. Blood circulation is now established and the umbilical cord lengthens and thickens. The placenta and foetus are now almost equal in size. The skeleton, which was more of a rubber cartilage till now, begins to harden.
Get Tested
• Ultrasound test, mainly to check your baby's growth.
• If you are over 35 years, an Amniocentesis is advised to check for conditions such as Down syndrome in the child.
It is okay if…
• You can't get sleep. Sleep disturbance during pregnancy is common.
• Your sex drive is back and you are not as tired as you were in the first trimester.
• You have periodic pain in your legs. This is called sciatic nerve pain and is associated with pressure on the nerve caused by your developing baby.
Stay Fit
• Exercise to maintain elastic skin tone, which in turn will help prevent stretch marks.
Special Care Tips
• Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble.
• If you are driving, be sure to wear your seat belt. Trauma to your abdomen is not only harmful to your baby but also dangerous to you.
• Drink water to stay hydrated. Your baby needs the water too!
• You will get stretch marks. So use an anti-stretch mark cream.
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Pregnancy Guide: 18th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
As your appetite increases, so does your waistline! It is about time you went shopping for bigger, more comfortable clothes - specially designed maternity clothes that can accommodate your expanding belly are your best bet. During the second trimester, your blood pressure is probably a little lower than usual. This is because your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes. This is also the time when you develop cravings for a particular food type - from pickles and ice-cream to fish and chips! Remember that gaining weight earlier in the pregnancy can make carrying and delivering the baby more difficult.
Your Baby Your baby is now about 125 to 140 mm long from head to toe and weighs about 150 grams. That is the size of a large orange. If you are having a girl, her uterus and Fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If your baby is a boy, his genitals are noticeable. Your baby's face looks human because the eyes have shifted to the front of the face and her ears have almost reached the sides of the head. The bones are still malleable but are beginning to ossify as is the myelin - a protective covering around the nerves. Her immune system is functional and begins to produce antibodies. Your baby also begins to flex her arms and legs.
Get Tested
• Sonogram.
• Triple-screen blood test
• Dental Check. Gum disease can trigger premature labour.
It is okay if…
• You feel dizzy occasionally. It is probably because your blood pressure is a little lower than usual.
• Make sure not to get up suddenly when you are sitting or lying down.
Stay Fit
• Start Kegel exercises, which help strengthen the muscles supporting your urethra, bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum.
• Sign up for a childbirth class with a local practitioner or hospital. These will help you prepare for the D-day.
Special Care Tips
• Avoid standing for extended periods of time; you feel fatigued. Also, while sitting, use a footstool to relieve leg pressure and promote blood circulation.
• Lie on your left side to reduce the pressure of the uterus on your pelvic veins. Place a pillow behind you, or under your hip or leg for comfort.
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Pregnancy Guide: 19th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Your morning sickness should have gone away by now and you can probably feel the uterus protruding a little below your belly button. The veins on your breast may be more noticeable now through the skin because of increase in blood volume by almost 20%. The movement of food through the digestive tract slows; as a result nutrients reach the foetus more efficiently. Patches of darkened skin are also common during this period. This darkening is due to temporary increase in melanin, the substance that colours your hair, skin, and eyes. These darkened spots will fade shortly after delivery.
Your Baby
Your baby is now about 150 mm long from head to toe and weighs about 200 grams. That is the size of a small carrot or radish. Your baby's arms and legs are in proportion to the rest of the body. The kidneys make urine and scalp hair begins to sprout. Your baby's brain is designating specialised areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision and touch. The teeth buds are forming behind the milk teeth buds. The sex of your baby can now be determined as the uterus or testes are apparent in the foetus. If your baby is a girl, she already has five to six million eggs in her ovaries!
It is okay if…
• Breast lumps occur, which are typically soft and may extend into the armpit area.
• You lose interest in sex; try not to feel guilty.
• You suffer from heartburn. This is because your uterus pushes up against the stomach.
• Your lower abdomen area, extending to your groin, aches. This is round ligament pain and is caused by the stretching of muscles and ligaments that support your growing uterus.
Stay Fit
• If you are a single mom, or don't have the support of an extended family, start looking for a nanny or childcare / crèche facilities in your area.
Special Care Tips
• Muscle ache is common now. Gently massage your achy ligaments or use a heat pad or warm facecloth where it hurts.
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Pregnancy Guide: 20th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
In week 20 of your pregnancy, you have reached the half-way mark! Your energy levels are more or less back to normal, which gives you a feeling of well-being. Your uterus is at the level of your belly button and pushes outwards. People begin to notice you are indeed pregnant, finally! The uterus reaches the level of the umbilicus and should now be approximately 180 to 220 mm. Your abdomen also expands and may start to itch a bit as stretching occurs. This is perfectly normal.
Your Baby
Your baby is now about 160 mm long from head to toe and weighs about 260 grams. If your baby was a fruit, it would be the size of a mango! A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats the body to protect the skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. Your baby is producing meconium - a black, sticky substance that is the result of cell loss, digestive secretion and swallowed amniotic fluid. If you have a girl, the uterus is formed even as the vagina develops. Your baby's heart has begun to beat, which you might be able to hear from your doctor's stethoscope. Though your baby shifts around often, you won't feel all the movements.
Common Complications
• If you are short in height or overweight, you may have some trouble taking deep breaths. Call your doctor if you exhibit signs of asthma or difficulty breathing at any time, especially during, or following, a cold or respiratory tract infection.
It is okay if…
• You start snoring for the first time in your life, thanks to hormones that cause your nasal passages to swell and partially block your airways.
• Your legs cramp enough to wake you out of a deep sleep. Ease the cramp by straightening your leg, heel first and gently flexing your toes back toward your shins.
• You become hot and sweaty in the middle of the night. Strip down to your bare essentials!
Stay Fit
• Though you may never have to use what you have learnt, sign up for a first aid and infant CPR class. At least you will know what to do if an emergency arises!
Special Care Tips
• Sleep in clothes made from natural, breathable fibre such as cotton. Avoid synthetics, which trap moisture next to your skin and can leave you damp and chilled.
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Pregnancy Guide: 21st Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Your pregnancy shows and how! Your uterus is just above the belly button at this point. If you place your fingers about a half inch above your belly button, you may be able to feel your uterus. If you had pimples, your skin has probably cleared up. If not, increased oil production may give you a mild case of acne. The usual aches and pains associated with early pregnancy are gone. Since pregnancy puts added pressure on the veins in your legs, you probably will get varicose veins. Your lower legs and feet swell towards the end of the day, so try to schedule a couple of times a day that you can sit and rest.
Your Baby
Your baby is now about 180 mm long from head to toe and weighs about 300 grams. If your baby was a fruit, it would be the size of a large mango! Your baby's body is more proportional, lean and with little fat. With room to move around, she is practicing to breathe and suck her thumb or hand. If you have a girl, her vagina is formed and will continue to develop until birth. Your baby's eyelids have also developed. Since your baby swallows amniotic fluid, she receives nutrients from it even as the digestive tract continues to mature.
Common Complications
• A urinary tract infection (UTI), or bladder infection, is common now because of changes in the urinary tract. If the UTI goes untreated, it may lead to a kidney infection.
It is okay if…
• You feel some pain around the belly button from the stretching.
• Your stomach becomes increasingly hairy and develops a slightly dark line from the navel downwards.
Stay Fit
• If you are working, now is the time to explore your company's policy towards pregnancy / maternity leave.
Special Care Tips
• Due to the increased weight, your legs will ache. Wear a maternity support hose when you wake up.
• Increase blood circulation to your legs with a brisk walk each day. Elevate your legs and sleep on your left side with your feet propped up with a pillow.
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Pregnancy Guide: 22nd Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
By now, your inside has become a punching bag for your baby! Varicose veins appear in your legs or vulva and these can be unsightly as well as painful. You may start to notice stretch marks on abdomen, buttocks, thighs, hips and breasts. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown and become more apparent as pregnancy progresses.
Another interesting skin quirk you may notice is vascular spiders. These are little areas of raised, reddish skin, with tiny branches. Commonly found on the face, neck, upper chest, and arms, they are caused by the higher levels of oestrogen and usually disappear after delivery.
Your Baby
Your baby is now about 190 mm long from head to toe and weighs about 360 grams. If your baby was a fruit, it would be the size of a small melon! Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn with the eyelids and eyebrows in place. If your baby is a boy, the testes have formed and begin their descent into the scrotum. His skin appears wrinkled and fine hair covers his body. The lips become distinct and the first signs of teeth appear as buds beneath the gum line. His eyes are developed though the iris lacks pigment. Your baby is now five months old and has his own immune system and pancreas essential for hormone production.
Get Tested
• Undergo a test if you are worried about pre-term labour. Watch out for lower abdominal pain, backache, pressure in the pelvic area, cramping, and a change in vaginal discharge.
It is okay if…
• You have a desire for sex. Sex can be very fulfilling at this stage of pregnancy due to the increase in blood flow to your clitoris and an increase in vaginal lubrication.
Stay Fit
• If you haven't already, register for a childbirth class. The more you know about giving birth, the more comfortable you will feel.
• Take off your rings. Many pregnant women need to have their rings cut off by a professional jeweler because their fingers have swollen up around them.
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Pregnancy Guide: 23rd Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Your uterus now extends about 38.1 mm above your belly button and is sitting directly on top of your bladder, which can cause you to leak fluid into your underwear. It can be difficult to distinguish urine from amniotic fluid which is odourless. Your headaches should subsidise by now. You may be tempted to skimp on liquids, but drink plenty of water because keeping hydrated helps prevent swelling. Expect to have a perpetual stuffy nose.
You will experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which may be felt as tightenings in your lower abdomen. While annoying at times, Braxton Hicks contractions begin the process of ripening your cervix (softening and effacement), which just might mean an easier labour for you!
Your Baby
Your baby is now close to 200 mm long and weighs about 450 gms, which is a little less than half a kilo! If your baby was a fruit, it would be the size of a small papaya. Your baby continues to gain weight and the fine hair covering its body darkens. Your baby is also beginning to look more like it will at birth. Blood vessels in the lungs develop to prepare your baby for breathing.
Your baby's skin is still somewhat translucent, so the circulating blood gives him a pink or red flush, and is quite wrinkled because there isn't much fat to fill it out. His movements are becoming more coordinated as a greater number of nerve fibres connect. His or her finger nails are now completely formed!
Common Complications
• If you notice severe or sudden swelling in your hands and face, be sure to call your doctor because it may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia.
• Be sure to notify your doctor if you experience more than four Braxton Hicks contractions in a one-hour period. More so if they change in intensity- becoming painful- and / or are accompanied by vaginal secretions.
It is okay if…
• Your ankles and feet show mild swelling. This condition is called oedema and occurs because changes in your blood chemistry cause fluid to shift into your tissue. Also, your enlarging uterus puts pressure on the veins returning blood from the lower half of your body, slowing circulation in your legs.
• You experience frequent bloody noses. Blame it on your hormones. You have a lot more blood circulating than ever before and the mucous membranes of your nose are quite delicate.
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Stay Fit
• This is the time for you to finalise plans and paperwork for your maternity leave. Be informed on what your rights in the work place are during pregnancy.
• Research suggests that there is a connection between recently cleaned carpets and Kawasaki Syndrome, a rare but serious condition that's dangerous when untreated. So if you plan to clean your carpets, do so now!
Special Care Tips
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Drinking enough water can help prevent headaches, uterine cramping, urinary tract infections and swelling.
• Put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, avoid sitting still for long periods and exercise regularly to increase circulation.
• Wear support stockings when you wake up first thing in the morning.
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Pregnancy Guide: 24th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
The top of your uterus - now the size of a soccer ball - is now an inch or two above your belly button. With the skin on your abdomen and breasts stretching, you may feel a little itchy now and then. This is normal. Avoid scratching, instead use a lotion or cream to reduce the itchiness. The skin may darken on your nose, cheeks, forehead and nipples. Use a moisturiser if you have dry skin. A dark line may appear from your belly button to the pubic area. This will fade after delivery.
Your Baby
Your baby is now close to 210 mm long from head to toe and weighs a little more than 530 gms. If your baby was a fruit, it would be about the size of a small watermelon. Your baby is growing steadily and she'll soon put on more baby fat. The skin is wrinkled and appears translucent. The brain is growing rapidly and taste buds are developing. Lungs develop 'branches' of the respiratory 'tree'. Her inner ear is now fully developed and she is getting a sense of orientation. Rapid eye movement has also begun.
Get Tested
• A glucose screening test
• Glucose tolerance test (GTT)
Common Complications
• Any bleeding, even if it is scant or brown in colour.
• Vaginal discharge, especially if it is watery, could be a sign of a leak or rupture in your amniotic sac. Infection is a risk, so call your doctor immediately.
• Maternal symptoms, such as severe or persistent headache, abdominal pain, pain with urination or backache that might indicate a bladder or kidney infection should never be ignored.
It is okay if…
• Your sexual desire skyrockets. This is due to increased blood flow to the pelvic area and the heightened sensitivity it brings. Pregnancy hormones can contribute to increased vaginal lubrication, making intercourse more appealing.
• You are experiencing aches and pains or are feeling unattractive or just plain tired.
• Your eyes become sensitive to light and feel gritty and dry. This is a perfectly normal pregnancy symptom known as dry-eye. Use an artificial tears solution to add moisture and ease discomfort.
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Stuff to Do
• Time now to plan stuff for your baby. From designing a nursery to baby-proofing your home, it is time to get cracking!
Special Care Tips
• Problem with heartburn? Have frequent smaller meals throughout the day.
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Pregnancy Guide: 25th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Your uterus is mostly a little bigger than the size of a soccer ball. The top of your uterus can be felt about halfway between your belly button and the bottom of your sternum. Because of your size, you probably cannot move around as gracefully as before. Your hair may look more full and lustrous than ever. You are not growing more hair; the hair you shed is just staying on for a longer period! You may also notice darker or thicker body hair, which returns to normal in the weeks after you give birth.
Your Baby
Your baby is now about 220 mm long and weighs close to 700 grams. If he was a fruit, he'd be a grapefruit. Your baby now has fully formed fingers and toe nails and his / her eyes should open anytime now. The ears are fully functional. The brain is also growing rapidly. The hair is more recognisable now in colour and texture but may change after birth. The now well-proportioned body puts on baby fat. Your baby's first meconium stool has been formed in the large intestine and will be excreted in the days to follow. The skin begins to smooth out and lose its wrinkles.
Get Tested
• Blood test to check for anaemia
Common Complications
• The skin on your stomach is stretched and this may result in itching, which is normal. However, if this is persistent, it may be pruritic urticarial papules and placques of pregnancy, a common pregnancy skin condition, or rarely, associated with a serious liver condition.
Consult a skin specialist.
It is okay if…
• Your muscles cramp. Your enlarging uterus may cause cramps in your abdomen and legs.
Stay Fit
• If you have an exercise schedule, use your common sense and don't work out when you are feeling overly tired. Stop if you feel any pain or when you begin to feel fatigued, dizzy or short of breath.
Special Care Tips
• You may experience increasing bouts of painful heartburn. Avoid fatty and fried foods and eat small, frequent meals. Avoid laying down right after eating. Talk to your doctor about antacids before self-medicating.
• Don't lie on your back for too long or do any exercise where you are likely to lose your balance.
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Pregnancy Guide: 26th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
The top of your uterus is now about 63.5 mm above your belly button. During the remainder of your pregnancy it will grow by approximately half an inch per week. Contrary to the previous weeks, your blood pressure may increase slightly as it returns to its normal pre-pregnancy range.
You may notice a yellowish discharge - colostrums - coming from your breasts. Colostrum is your baby's first food and usually appears most heavily after delivery, just before your milk starts flowing.
Your Baby
Your baby is around 230 mm long and weighs close to 860 gms. If your baby was a fruit, she would be a large bunch of purple grapes. Your baby now responds to the sound she hears as the nerves in the ears are developing. She also continues to swallow amniotic fluid, which causes her lungs to develop.
If you have a boy, his testicles have begun their descent into the scrotum. Your baby has more hair on her head, begins to look a little plumper and less wrinkly. Moreover, If you were able to look at her, you would see tiny blood vessels running beneath her thin skin.
Get Tested
• Gestational diabetes
Common Complications
• Preeclampsia occurs in about 3 to 7 per cent of all pregnancies and includes swelling of the hands and face, sudden weight gain (due to water retention), blurry vision, spots before eyes, sudden severe or persistent headaches, or upper abdominal pain.
It is okay if…
• If your back seems a little achy lately, thank your pregnancy hormones - which are loosening up your joints and ligaments - and your shifting centre of gravity.
Stuff to Do
• Though it is time for positive thinking, a bit of negative thinking never harmed anyone. You might want to purchase a life insurance around this time. If you have a medical insurance, update it to accommodate your new baby. Make sure your coverage is adequate.
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Special Care Tips
• Thanks to your increased weight, your feet will ache. Soothe sore feet by immersing them in a basin filled with warm water. Add a few drops of scented oil if you wish and relax.
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Pregnancy Guide: 27th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Now that you have become bigger, it is difficult to maintain your balance. So move carefully and avoid falling. Your ligaments are also loosening up in preparation for pushing the baby out, so you may feel loose in the hips. Stress incontinence is very common in pregnancy, which means urine can leak when coughing, laughing, exercising or changing positions. Since you are carrying extra weight, the uterus also puts extra demands on your circulation. You can feel your baby move quite a lot and this helps strengthen the bonding process between mother and child.
Your Baby
Your baby is now 240 mm long from head to toe. If your baby was a fruit, it would be the size of a pineapple. Your baby can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals too. He gets plumper by the day and can hear more than what he could a few weeks ago. Rhythmic movements in your uterus may make you wonder what is going on. Your baby is experiencing a case of hiccups! This is completely normal and occurs quite frequently during this part of the pregnancy as your baby's lungs continue to mature.
It is okay if…
• Your back aches now and then and your leg muscles cramp. This is because of the baby's weight.
Stuff to Do
• Plan for life with your baby. If you drive, make sure you buy a car seat and know how it works.
• Keep ready-to-eat meals handy. From now on you are going to be tired more often and cooking every day may not seem like a good idea.
Special Care Tips
• Flex your foot by pointing the toes forward and then flexing them back towards your shin. This helps stretch the calf and should give you some relief from foot aches. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf helps, too.
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Pregnancy Guide: 28th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Your uterus continues to grow; the top of the uterus can now be felt significantly above your belly button, about 88.9 mm or more. If you are worried about your weight, discuss the same with your doctor. As your pregnancy progresses, you may feel thirstier and your need for fluids will increase. Drink.
You have also probably noticed an increase in your vaginal discharge. These highly acidic secretions will protect you and your baby against infection. Make sure you have a good supply of cotton underwear and panty liners!
Since you are now entering your third trimester, the symptoms of pregnancy will change, again! You will now experience leg cramps, constipation, insomnia, and haemorrhoids.
Your Baby
Your baby is now 250 mm long and weighs a little more than a kilo! Your baby now has fully developed lashes, and the fat layers are beginning to form. Your baby already appears a lot like he or she will look at birth. Your baby now has a much better chance of doing well in a neonatal intensive care unit because her lungs are fully-functioning, and her central nervous system has developed enough to control breathing movements and regulate body temperature. Beginning this week his / her brain will develop grooves and indentions along its surface. The amount of brain tissue also increases.
Get Tested
• Rh-factor test
• Glucose check
It is okay if…
• Your legs feel creepy-crawly at night. Tingling in your lower legs and an irresistible urge to move them is known as restless legs syndrome (RLS). It is common among pregnant women.
Stuff to Do
• If you can afford it, hire extra help! Not only to cook and clean but also to help when your baby is born.
Special Care Tips
• Drink plenty of water and fluids (fresh fruit juice, soups, etc.) to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration can cause constipation and you may also experience dizzy spells.
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Pregnancy Guide: 29th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
You get bigger in your third trimester as your baby is now growing. You will feel your uterus rise to about 101.6 mm above your navel. You may feel like your body is ready to burst and may sometimes feel short of breath. Your rib cage may expand a little to make space for your lungs and growing baby.
You may feel tired and uncomfortable.
Your Baby
Your baby is around 368 mm and weighs close to 1.1 kgs. If your baby was a fruit, she would be a big papaya. Her brain, head and muscles are developing, which means she is going to need all the nourishment she can get. Her fingernails and toenails are growing and her retina is forming. Her skeleton has begun to harden. All her vital organs like the brain, heart and lungs are growing.
Her muscles are also developing. You will feel her kicking now. Her movements are more quick and definitive now.
It is okay if…
• You experience cramps.
• You have a piles problem. This happens as your growing uterus puts pressure on pelvic area. This will disappear after delivery.
• You have trouble sleeping.
• You have to urinate frequently.
Stay Fit
• Continue exercises like walking and swimming
• Do exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles with back-support. Avoid exercising while lying on your back. You may feel exhausted, so take it easy. Exercise enough to energise you, but not tire you.
Special Care Tips
• Avoid slouching while sitting as it may cause backaches
• Take frequent naps as and when you can.
• Now is a good time to discuss delivery methods with your doctor.
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Pregnancy Guide: 30th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
You may notice some swelling of your legs and ankles - mild oedema. This is common.
Sitting and sleeping will get difficult as you and your baby get bigger. Trips to the bathroom will be more frequent now as your baby pushes against your bladder.
You may have some funny dreams and late-night worrying. But all this is part of your pregnancy so there is nothing to worry about.
Your Baby
Your baby is around 400 mm long and weighs about 1.36 kgs. Your baby's digestive tract and lungs are almost fully developed. So are her eyebrows and eyelashes. She may even have hair!
She also begins blinking her eyes. Your baby is moving her arms and legs around. She is now also aware of light. During this week baby will move to a head-down position but it needn't always happen.
Common Complications
Contact your Gynecologist if:
• Your hands and face swell for more than 24 hours. Especially if this is accompanied by quick weight gain or high blood pressure. You have headaches, blurred vision or see sparkles of light. You may have preeclampsia, which is a condition of pregnancy that develops due to hypertension. It is common with first-time mothers and in the last trimester.
Stay Fit
• Consult with your doctor if it is advisable to continue with your exercise. You could ask your doctor to recommend some exercises that strengthen the muscles of your back.
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Pregnancy Guide: 31st Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Round about this time, a yellowish or creamy liquid may start to leak from your breasts. This is colostrum or the first milk. It is your body's way of preparing for breastfeeding.
You may feel the occasional light contraction called Braxton Hicks contractions. The muscles of your uterus will contract for about 30 seconds to a minute. This is your body preparing for delivery.
You can practice the breathing techniques suggested by your doctor or your birthing class instructor.
Your Baby
Your baby is around 410 mm long and weighs close to 1.5 kgs. If your baby was a fruit, she would be a small pineapple. Your baby is slowly developing a thin layer of fat under her skin. As the weeks go by, she will continue to put on weight. You may also notice that she isn't moving around as much but this is because now she has barely enough of space to move. You will feel tiny movements and you will know that she is fine.
You can practice the breathing techniques suggested by your doctor or your birthing class instructor.
Ideal Weight Gain
You've probably gained another 1.3 to 1.8 kgs this month.
Common Complications
• In case you notice any bleeding, call your doctor.
• If you have contractions that last for over a minute and repeat every five minutes for an hour, call your Gynecologist. You could be in labour.
Stay Fit
• Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen your vaginal muscles and prepare for your delivery. But ask your doctor if this is advisable for you.
Special Care Tips
• Get some nursing pads and place them in your bra to absorb the colostrums.
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Pregnancy Guide: 32nd Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Your uterus will move further up into your tummy - around 127 mm above your belly button. It's filling up most of your abdomen, so breathing might become difficult.
Your feet and legs may continue to swell.
The pregnancy hormone 'relaxin' loosens your hips and changes the way you walk. As your uterus continues to grow, your back may ache.
As your belly grows bigger, you skin will stretch and might become more sensitive. In some cases, areas of the skin become numb as the nerve fibres stretch too.
Your Baby
Your baby is around 430 mm long and weighs close to 1.7 kgs. Your baby's skin is now smoothening out and she is growing chubby and pink. Now is the time she will gain weight rapidly.
Slowly lanugo (the fine hair all over her body) will start to fall away. However, some of it may still be there when she is born. Her eyebrows and eyelashes are growing longer and so is her hair.
She won't move as much now as there is just enough space for her in the uterus.
Common Complications
• Contact your doctor if you notice any swelling on your face, hands or upper body.
Stay Fit
• You can take a walk and practice the Kegel exercises, unless advised not to by your doctor.
Special Care Tips
• Go for a walk or take a warm bath to ease Braxton Hicks contractions.
• Try and sit and stand as straight as possible to avoid the pains.
• While sleeping, support your tummy with a pillow.
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Pregnancy Guide: 33rd Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Your hands, feet and toes may continue to swell. This condition is called oedema and happens because of the extra blood being produced in your body.
You will notice a bump near your belly button every once in a while. This happens whenever your baby is on her back and pushes against your tummy. The bump will disappear once she shifts her position.
Your water could also break during this time. i.e.: the membrane of the amniotic sac may rupture. When this happens, you may find a small trickle of fluid flowing. Many women mistake this for urine. If you find this happening, consult with you Gynecologist immediately. In some cases, women feel a gush of the amniotic fluid flowing out.
Changes in Baby
Your baby is now 440 mm long and weighs around 2 kgs. Your baby is slowing turning and positioning herself, headfirst, towards the lower part of the uterus. She is preparing for her birth. Her skull bones are still soft and will stay that way for an easy birth.
The rest of her bones though are hardening. Her skin continues to become firm and look less red.
Get Tested
• A sonogram and pelvic exam
Stay Fit
• Walking, swimming and riding your exercise bike is recommended. [In case of a high-risk pregnancy please consult your doctor before doing any exercise]
Special Care Tips
• Elevate your legs during the day whenever possible. If you are at work then arrange for a small stool, a pile of books or papers under your desk. If at home then try to lie on your left side if possible.
• Drink a lot of water to help with the bloated feeling.
• Do not stand in the same position for long. It may cause a cramp.
Page 46 of 53
Pregnancy Guide: 34th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
You will get tired easily and may even have difficulty sleeping. Take short naps whenever possible.
Don't worry about labour and the delivery… your body will know what to do. Try and relax.
Your Baby
Your baby is now 450 mm long and weighs more than 2.2 kgs.
Fat continues to form under your baby's skin. This will help regulate her body temperature. Her lungs are fully developed now. Even if she is born pre-mature, she will be able to breathe on her own. Her central nervous system is still forming.
She doesn't have too much space to move around. So when she moves, the few punches and kicks that you feel will be stronger.
You may feel a little pain around your pubic bone. That is where her head is now resting, getting ready for labour.
It is okay if…
• You have a slight pain in your pelvic region when you walk. Your pelvic joints are loosening as your body is preparing for labour.
Page 47 of 53
Pregnancy Guide: 35th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Your uterus - now up under your ribs - has expanded to about 15 times its original volume, and you may feel like you have run out of room! From your belly button it should be about 152.4 mm to the top of your uterus. If you have concerns about your weight gain, consult your doctor. If you could peek inside your uterus, you would see that there is much less amniotic fluid and much more baby in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your internal organs too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and have heartburn and other digestive problems.
Your Baby
Your baby is growing and how! Your baby is about 340 mm long and a little more than 2.5 kilos. If it was a fruit, it would be a pineapple. Your baby's toe nails have reached the toe tips It is during these last weeks that your baby will put on most of his or her weight. By now, your baby has predictable patterns of sleep and wakefulness. The vast majority of your baby's growth is complete by 35 weeks. His/her kidneys are completely developed, and the liver is beginning to process waste. Because your baby has grown so much, you will notice that he/she will no longer be performing an aerobic workout!
Get Tested
• GBS culture check
Common Complications
• Your back might ache and you might have some leg cramps, since your uterus is heavy and puts a lot of pressure on the veins in your pelvis and legs. If the cramp is in your calf, the quickest cure is to bend your foot upward toward your knee; it should pass immediately.
It is okay if…
• Since your uterus is underneath your rib cage, you will have difficulty in breathing. Towards the end of your pregnancy your baby drops, which is called 'lightening'. Lightening can increase the pressure on your bladder, causing more trips to the bathroom.
Stuff to Do
• It is about time you prepared your baby's room. Make sure it is baby safe.
• Whether cotton or disposable - go get those diapers now and keep them handy!
Page 48 of 53
Pregnancy Guide: 36th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Welcome to your last month of pregnancy! Since your baby continues to put on weight, you may feel like there is no room left for your baby to grow and may be very tired of feeling so 'big'. You may notice an increase in the amount of Braxton Hicks contractions that you experience. True labour will eventually follow. You may have your first internal exam to see if your cervix has softened, thinned (effaced), dilated, or if your baby's head is dipping into your pelvis. The baby could 'drop' at any time now; the baby's head will move down into the birth canal. Everything down below gets squished, so prepare for gas, possible constipation and some new aches and pains!
Your Baby
Your baby is now about 350 mm long and weighs 2,750 grams - about the size of a large coconut. The fine downy hair - that covered your baby's skin is beginning to disappear, along with the vernix caseosa. Vernix caseosa is the thick, creamy substance that has protected your baby's skin while she was submerged in amniotic fluid. Your baby continues to grow and fill out during this 'finishing period'. Many of her wrinkles smooth out as she plumps up. The placenta doesn't function as well in the last weeks of pregnancy as it did in the earlier stages, and this may contribute to the onset of labour.
Common Complications
• Your Braxton Hicks contractions are a little more frequent now. Call your doctor if your water breaks, if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity, or if you have any vaginal bleeding, fever, severe headaches, abdominal pain, or changes in your vision.
It is okay if…
• You are not as hungry as you were a few weeks ago. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point.
Stuff to Do
• Make a list of all the people you want to hear about your baby's birth and pass this along to a friend who can spread the news for you!
Special Care Tips
• If you have difficulty sleeping, try drinking warm milk, chicken broth or tea.
• Even if you are enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, avoid flying during your final month. Many airlines won't let women on board who are due to deliver within seven or sometimes 30 days of the flight.
Page 49 of 53
Pregnancy Guide: 37th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
You may get a lot more Braxton Hicks contractions now, which may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in mucus discharge from your vagina. If you see some 'bloody show' - the mucus plug tinged with a tiny amount of blood - labour is probably right around the corner! If you have been measuring your uterus throughout your pregnancy, you may notice that there is little to no difference at this point. You will also not notice any significant weight gain. As your body begins to prepare for labour, your cervix will begin to dilate and efface, and you will pass the mucus plug.
Your Baby
Your little one now measures about 350 mm from head to toe and weighs close to 3 kgs. If he was a fruit, he'd be a small watermelon! Your baby's hands can now grasp things firmly and if he is exposed to a strong light, he will turn towards it! It is common for boys to grow faster than girls and weigh more at birth. Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 12.7 mm to 38.1 mm long. Even though by the end of this week your baby is considered full term, it is still better in most situations for the baby to remain in the womb until he / she signals that they are ready to come out.
Get Tested
• Sonogram
Common Complications
• A baby rarely arrives without due warning, but in case of an emergency delivery, remain calm! Let the baby emerge slowly. Have several large and small blankets handy. Don't attempt to cut the umbilical cord; leave it attached and continue to the hospital.
Stay Fit
• Pack a small bag with essentials, which you can take with you to the hospital. It is best to be prepared.
Page 50 of 53
Pregnancy Guide: 38th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
You may begin to experience some swelling in your feet, which is normal towards the end of your pregnancy. It may be harder than ever to sleep well at night, so take it easy through the day. Since your baby is taking up more room inside you, your innards are getting pushed and smashed, particularly your stomach, bladder and intestines. Consequently, you may suffer from heartburn and have little storage space for urine. There is really not much you can do about your bladder except stay close to the bathroom. However, you still need to keep drinking to stay hydrated.
Your Baby
Your baby is now over 350 mm long and weighs a little over 3 kilos. If she was a fruit, she'd be a small watermelon. Her growth is slowing down, but she is still putting on fat and getting plumper. The circumference of her head is about equal with the circumference of her abdomen, but her abdomen may soon get bigger. Her organs are mature and fully functioning, except the brain and lungs. Your baby might still have vernix - the creamy coating that protects the skin - but it is mostly confined to skin creases and folds and the back and neck. Your baby has a firm grasp reflex now. If a light is shown on your belly, your baby will now turn towards it. This is called the 'orienting response'.
Common Complications
• If you experience excessive swelling on your hands or face or severe and sudden swelling in your feet and / or ankles, contact your doctor. This could be a sign of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).
Stay Fit
• Since it is time for delivery, prepare for your stay in the hospital. Carry a video camera/camera, baby paraphernalia, an iPod and something 'fun' to read to pass the time of a long labour.
Page 51 of 53
Pregnancy Guide: 39th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
At this point in your pregnancy, you are feeling very large and uncomfortable. It may be difficult to tell the difference between leaking of urine and amniotic fluid. The closer you get to the end of your pregnancy, the more you will hear about 'being effaced'. Effacement is the process by which the cervix prepares for delivery. After the baby has engaged in the pelvis, it gradually drops closer to the cervix; the cervix gradually softens, shortens and becomes thinner. You may hear phrases like 'ripens', or 'cervical thinning', which refer to effacement.
Your Baby
Your baby now measures almost over 360 mm from head to toe and weighs over 3,250 grams. If she was a fruit, she'd still be a small watermelon. The fine lanugo hair is gone, but there is plenty of hair on the head. The toe and fingernails have reached the tips. Your baby is also blinking, swallowing, making breathing movements and passing urine. Your baby is continuing to grow and working on the layer of fat underneath his/her skin. This is an important part of your baby's ability to regulate their body temperature. Your baby is also beginning to form new skin cells which will replace older skin cells.
Common Complications
• Your baby should remain as active as ever right up to delivery. A decrease in activity could be a sign of a problem - meaning that you need to deliver now rather than later!
• Membranes rupture before the beginning of labour in less than 15% of pregnancies. If your water does break, call your doctor right away, but stay calm - it may be hours before your first contraction.
It is okay if…
• You complain of heartburn and constipation at this time. Make sure to drink water, avoid large meals and don't eat just before heading to bed.
Stuff to Do
• If you've received gifts, don't throw those tags away, yet. While sonograms can be a good way to judge the size and gender of your baby, they are not always right. By leaving the tags on certain items, you will save yourself a lot of trouble.
Page 52 of 53
Pregnancy Guide: 40th Week
Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Anahita Pandole tells you what to look out for this week.
Your Body
Mom, you are almost there! During pushing and delivery, your baby's head will begin to make an appearance through your vaginal opening with each contraction. When your baby's head remains visible and does not slip back in, it is known as crowning. As your baby's head crowns, you will experience a burning or stinging sensation, often referred to as 'the ring of fire'. As soon as you feel this, stop pushing! Despite medical advances, there is still no way to know for sure when a woman will go into labour. You may not be as late as you think, especially if your baby wasn't conceived exactly when you thought.
Your Baby
Your baby is now full-term; she weighs just under 3.5 kilos at 3,400 gms and measures about 370 mm. If your baby were a fruit, she'd be a watermelon - a very big one! Her fingernails practically need a trim, and if she's a he, his testes should be in his scrotum. Your baby is now ready for the world! Your baby's skull bones are still separated and they'll stay that way to allow the bones to compress enough to fit through the birth canal during labour. However, the remaining bones are hard. After birth, the hormones may cause your baby's breasts to protrude slightly, even if it is a boy. But this will go away in a few short days.
Get Tested
• A biophysical profile (detailed ultrasound) with a colour doppler study
Common Complications
• If the foetal testing isn't reassuring - the amniotic fluid level is too low - your doctor may recommend a C-section.
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