Pregnancy

Pregnancy is defined as the gestational period, in which one or more offspring grows and develops inside the woman’s womb (uterus). The gestation period lasts for around nine months. Most of the babies are born between 38 and 42 weeks. An embryo is a term for the developing offspring during the first eight weeks following fertilization (i.e. ten weeks gestational age), after which the term foetus is used until birth.

For a woman to get pregnant, a man's sperm must be placed in her vagina. This can be done by the following methods:

1. Natural sexual intercourse: In this method, the man's erect penis is inserted into a woman's vagina during sex, and a fluid called semen is ejaculated from the man's penis into her vagina.
2. Assisted reproductive technology (ART): this includes the medical procedures which are primarily used when one is infertile, and the natural process of pregnancy has failed. Some of these medical procedures include:
   1. In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
   2. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Pregnant women in most cases will start seeing the symptoms from the first day of a missed period. Pregnancy symptoms can range from mild and annoying discomforts to severe.  However, the following signs and symptoms of Pregnancy can be noted:

1. Absence of monthly periods
2. Headache
3. Tiredness 
4. Weight gain
5. Swollen and painful breast
6. Cramps
7. Acne, vomiting
8. Mood swings
9. Frequent food cravings
10. Increased urination
11. Fatigue
12. Constipation
13. Increased vaginal discharge

Fertilisation occurs subsequently when a man's sperm impregnates an egg (ovum) that has been liberated from the ovary during ovulation. Afterwards, the fertilised egg passes downwards into the uterus and is implanted. The pregnancy period varies from 38 weeks to 42 weeks and is divided into three trimesters (the three stages of pregnancy).

The First Trimester (0-13 weeks)

1. During this period, the body undergoes numerous changes including hormonal changes that affect every organ system of the pregnant woman. 
2. The baby’s body structure and organs develop.
3. The body will also undergo major changes, and the woman may feel common symptoms that include nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness and frequent urination. But every woman has her own unique experience.

The Second Trimester (14-26  weeks)

1. The second trimester is when many of the unpleasant symptoms of early pregnancy subside.
2. The woman is likely to have increased energy and sleep better. However, some women experience back or abdominal pain, leg cramps, constipation or heartburn.

The Third Trimester (27- 40 weeks)

This is the end of the pregnancy.

1. During the final trimester, the baby’s bones are fully formed, its touch receptors will be fully developed, and the baby’s organs can function independently.
2. Some of the physical symptoms that a pregnant woman may experience during this period include shortness of breath (as the foetus is developing), haemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, varicose veins, and sleeping problems. Many of these symptoms arise from the increase in the size of your uterus, which expands.
3. As you near your due date, the baby’s body may feel lazy, lethargic and sluggish.

1. Miscarriage – 
2. It is the termination of pregnancy before the 20th week. It occurs in 10 to 20% of pregnancies. 
3. The real statistics for termination, on the other hand, are substantially higher because it occurs early in pregnancy before you ever realize you're expecting.
4. Preventive methods: Appropriate prenatal care, quitting alcohol and smoking, limiting caffeine intake.

2 UTI

1. The uterine tract is altered as a result of hormonal changes in the body, making it more susceptible to infections.
2. Treatment: Antibiotics will be given to you for 3 to 7 days, or as directed by your doctor. If your infection is making you feel uneasy, your doctor will likely begin treatment before you receive the results of your urine test.
3. Preventive measures: stay hydrated, wear loose clothes.

3.High blood pressure (BP)

1. Despite the fact that many pregnant women with high BP have healthy babies with no significant complications, high BP can be unhealthy for both the mother and the baby. 
2. Females with pre-existing or persistent high BP are at higher risk than those with normal blood pressure to experiencing pregnancy problems. 
3. Although medications can control blood pressure but must not be taken without the doctor’s advice, especially during pregnancy.
4. Preventive measures: Controlling weight reduces the risk of hypertension.

4.Gestational diabetes

1. Expecting females can experience high blood sugar concentrations during the gestation period, and thus it is known as gestational diabetes.
2. It is generally developed in women with an unhealthy lifestyle, bad dietary habits.
3. This type of diabetes is generally cured after the birth of the child.
4. Treatment includes meditation, healthy food, exercising, and medications advised by your doctor.

5.Iron deficiency anaemia

1. Anaemia is caused due to reduced iron in the body.
2. Common symptoms – tiredness, shortness of breath, less ability to workout.
3. Preventive measures- Intake of iron-rich diet, iron supplements are recommended.

6.Hyperemesis gravidarum

1. It includes severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, dizziness and potentially dehydration.
2. It is more severe than morning sickness 
3. Symptoms usually improve after the 20th week of pregnancy, but they can persist the entire pregnancy.
4. Treatment- fluid intake, high protein diet, medications advised by the doctor.

7.Postpartum depression

1. Common symptoms- anxiety, low energy, extreme sadness and crying.
2. The cause can be physical, genetic, emotional as well as social factors.
3. Treatment- counselling and medications as advised by your doctor.

Diet in pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need to take a lot of nutritious food items to meet the needs of your young one. You must include the following items that will help you gain all the necessary nutrients.

1. Dairy products: Your body needs extra calcium and protein for your young one. One must include dairy products like yoghurt, greek yoghurt, smoothies, parfaits, and lassi.
2. Legumes: Legumes are a great source of fibre, protein, iron, and calcium. You must include food items like beans, chickpeas, soybeans, lentils, and peanuts. According to doctors, you must take six hundred grams of folate every day.
3. Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta carotene and vitamin A. Vitamin A is necessary for the baby’s development.
4. Salmon: If you eat seafood then you must include salmon in your diet. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and helps in the development of the brain and eyes of the baby.
5.  Eggs: They are high in fat, vitamins and quality protein. Eggs are a great source of choline which is a vital nutrient needed by a pregnant lady.
6. Dark and leafy green vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale are packed with calcium, iron, folate, vitamin C, vitamin K, Vitamin A, and potassium. Adding green vegetables to your diet will provide you with all the necessary nutrients.
7. Lean meat and proteins: Lean meat is a good source of quality protein. Adding lean meat to your diet will help you increase the amount of iron you are getting from your food.
8. Berries: They are a good source of fibre, vitamin C, antioxidants, water, and healthy carbs.
9. Whole grain: You must add whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, and barley to your diet. They are a good source of fibre, plant compounds and vitamins.
10. Avocados: They are rich in vitamins, potassium, copper, and fibre. Avocados are also rich in healthy fats that help in building the skin, brain, and tissues of your young ones.
11. Dry fruits: They are high in vitamins, nutrients and healthy fats. Prevent the candied varieties of dry fruits as they contain a lot of sugar.
12. Fish liver oil: Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and DHA. It helps in the development of the eye of your baby.
13. Water: During pregnancy, the body transfers your hydration to the baby and you must stay hydrated. If you do not take enough water you will become dehydrated.