Pregnancy - Expectations and Management

A lot has been written about what to expect during pregnant and how to manage all the changes that take place. Even though there is nothing that you can read or hear that will prepare you for pregnancy completely, knowledge of the kind of things that you can expect, help you in better management of the nine plus months that you need to wait before you can see your little angel.

Starting with a missed menstrual cycle, pregnancy brings with itself a myriad of physical and emotional changes that extremely pronounced and need proper management to ensure that you enjoy the period rather than whine and sulk it out.

The first trimester will bring increased levels of progesterone and a weakened digestive system. There is also morning sickness, flatulence, constipation, and heartburn to struggle and fight with. The best way to manage constipation and flatulence and digestive related issues is to eat frequent but smaller meals and try to consume food that if fibrous. Adequate quantities of water, fruits and whole grain are good sources of fiber. A small walk after a meal can go a long way in relieving a constipated system. Try squatting while using the bathroom since it is the most natural elimination posture for the human body.

During the second trimester the morning sickness is likely to subside to a large extent. But other signs of pregnancy like an increase in waistline, a change of shape of the belly, nasal congestion, an increased appetite, and varicose veins may surface. Women who have been constipated during the first trimester may at times develop hemorrhoids. You may also feel a bit disoriented and unable to concentrate. In about the fifth month, higher levels of fatigue and general aches and pains are likely to start. Sexual relations become a cause of concern due to the extended abdomen and you will need to explore a comfortable position that can accommodate your extended abdomen.

You may have to shop for large size clothing as you see that your clothes are getting tighter. To get some extra help with shopping, stitching and pregnancy ideas share the news with your friends and relatives and let them pitch in.

By the end of the second trimester, you will be able to feel the movements of the baby. This is probably the first sign of an actual life inside you. Other things that you will notice are stretching of ligaments that support the uterus causing pain in the lower abdomen, swelling of hands and feet, itching and skin pigmentation. Worry and nervousness are likely to be at its epitome with thoughts about labor and childbirth that almost seem to haunt.

The last semester is a time of more frequent visits to the doctor and major decisions need to be taken. Some women develop aches and pains in the rib cage due to the movements of their babies. Changing positions usually eases the discomfort.

One aspect that peeves most expectant mothers is the fact that the D-day seems to be around the corner but the time just does not seem to pass. Excited and nervousness about the new arrival conjure happy and at times upsetting thoughts. The best way to avoid these thoughts is to stay busy. This is a good time to get an ultrasound done and ask for the sex of the child and then go on a shopping spree.

Women may notice that vaginal discharge becomes heavier in the ninth month. Heartburn and flatulence too may become a bit of a bother. Leg cramps, as well as backaches and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, may be more pronounced. Braxton Hicks contractions may become more intense, as well as the need to urinate. Women may also find that their breasts may leak.

Irrespective of all these issues that you go through, with pregnancy brings a divine power to be able to manage all these and more. Your desire to start a family imposes upon you a divine responsibility to carry your pregnancy to full term. The emotional and physical symptoms are routine occurrences and all of them can be combated with proper education and information.

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