Pregnancy

Pregnancy refers to a state of woman when she carries developing embryo or fetus. It occurs when fertilization of female egg takes place by male sperm. Such pregnancy tests could include over-the-counter urine test, blood tests, X-ray, ultrasound, or detection of the fetal heartbeat.

During any of the pregnancy stages, the embryo or fetus is in the womb. The duration of this pregnancy is of about nine months, since the last menstrual period (LMP) of the pregnant woman. Moreover, experts divide the entire duration period into three trimesters. The division is such that each period turns out to be roughly three months long. Use of the word gestation also takes with respect to pregnancy. Gestation refers to the time it takes for one or more offspring to develop inside a pregnant woman. Sometimes, a pregnant woman can develop twins, more than one offspring.

Introduction to Pregnancy

Pregnancy refers to a state of a woman when she carries a developing embryo or fetus. Its detection can take place by a pregnancy test.. This happens after the release of an egg from the ovary during the process of ovulation.

Afterward, implantation of the fertilized egg takes place in the uterus after it travels to it. Most noteworthy, if the implantation is successful, pregnancy takes place. The detection of this can take with the help of a pregnancy test.

On average, a full-term duration of pregnancy is up to 40 weeks. Furthermore, there is the involvement of many factors that can affect this state.

An early diagnosis helps women to experience prenatal care. This way, they are able to experience a healthy condition. Consequently, they are likely to give birth to a healthy baby.

You may experience certain symptoms even before taking a pregnancy test. Other symptoms of pregnancy appear in more advanced pregnancy stages weeks later. Most importantly, this depends upon the hormonal changes in the body.

Condoms are very popular birth control measures. However, condoms are most effective if their use takes place correctly while indulging in sexual intercourse. In spite of being quite successful, they are not 100% effective. So, it would be better for you to use an additional method of contraception like pills.

If you indulge in unprotected intercourse; there are various pregnancy prevention measures you can try. Such pregnancy prevention measures are known as emergency contraception.

Pregnancy Symptoms

Below is a brief description of the symptoms of pregnancy:

Missed period

A missed period or a disruption in the menstrual cycle is one of the earliest symptoms. In fact, it is considered the most classic symptom. However, a missed period doesn’t necessarily indicate that you have become pregnant.

Headache

Headaches are common in the early pregnancy stages.

Spotting

Some women may go through spotting and light bleeding. This bleeding due to implantation and happens in the early pregnancy stages.

Weight gain

Pregnant women gain weight in the early month of this state. This weight gain is between 1 and 4 pounds.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is also one of the symptoms of pregnancy.

Cramps

Cramps can take place in pregnant women. This is due to the stretching and expansion of the uterus muscles.

Back pain

Back pain happens during this state due to hormones and muscles stress. This happens mostly in the early pregnancy stages. However, it may even happen in advances pregnancy stages due to an increase in weight.

Breast changes

This is one of the first noticeable signs of this state. The breasts of a pregnant woman may begin to feel heavy, tender, or swollen.

Acne

Because of increased androgen hormones, acne can be a symptom in some pregnant women. This condition can make your skin oily. However, after the delivery of the baby, this condition gradually disappears.

Vomiting

Vomiting is a very common symptom of this state. Furthermore, the appearance of this condition takes place in the first four months of this condition and is very common during this time. Furthermore, this condition is also known as morning sickness and is one of the first signs of this comedy.

Pregnancy Prevention

Below are the various measures of preventing this condition:

Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Intrauterine devices (IUDs): These devices work stopping the process of fertilization. Furthermore, they are the most effective measure of birth control. The negative attribute of these devices is that they don’t lead to the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Hormonal birth control methods: Birth control pills, patches, and the vaginal ring are also effective birth control measures.  The way they work is by controlling the hormone levels. Moreover, you can get them by way of a prescription.

However, there are certain actions that can reduce the effectiveness of using pills.  One of the ways is forgetting to use them in accordance with prescriptions. Effectiveness rates that mention “typical use” are responsible for such errors.

A patch and the vaginal ring are also available by way of prescription. Moreover, their rates of effectiveness are similar to those of the rates of pills.

Condoms and other barrier methods: Condoms, diaphragms, and sponges are reliable and inexpensive forms of birth control. Most importantly, you can use them without a prescription.

Emergency contraception: Under the category of emergency contraception, morning-after pills are available by prescription and by over the counter, and prescription. Moreover, the intention behind these pills is not to use them as a regular form of birth control. You can say that these are backup pregnancy prevention measures.

The best advantage of such emergency contraception measures is that you can use them if you fail to use regular birth control.

Most importantly, the use of emergency contraception must take place within 120 hours of sexual contact. Otherwise, these measures won’t be effective. For maximum effectiveness, make sure to use them within 72 hours.

Natural family planning (NFP): This is also a preventive measure. However, its failure rate is quite high.  With NFP, a woman’s menstrual cycle is tracked to estimate her ovulation period.  As such, intercourse is avoided during the fertility period.

FAQs on Pregnancy

Question 1: What is the recommended diet during pregnancy?

Answer 1: A healthy pregnancy diet should not be much different than a typical healthy diet. In any of the pregnancy stages, aim for an additional 340 to 450 calories per day than your usual diet. Furthermore, your diet when pregnant must include:

• complex carbohydrates
• protein
• vegetables and fruits
• grains and legumes
• healthy fats

Question 2: What are some of the complications that pregnant women may face?

Answer 2: Pregnancy complications can affect the health of the mother, baby, or both. They can occur during the advanced pregnancy stages or during delivery.

Common pregnancy complications include:

• high blood pressure
• gestational diabetes
• preeclampsia
• preterm labor
• miscarriage

Question 3: Is it possible for women to become pregnant after the age of 45?

Answer 3: Yes, it is possible for women to become pregnant even after the age of 45. However, the probability of conceiving naturally is low after the age of 45.

This is because the prime fertility time for a woman is between her late teens and her adulthood period till 35 years of age. After the age of 35, the fertility of a woman starts declining.