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Pregnancy is the journey of a mother carrying a developing embryo or fetus inside their womb. It lasts about 40 weeks generally and is divided roughly into three trimesters:
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First trimester (weeks 1-12): This is when fertilization, implantation, and major organ development of the embryo take place. Common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and frequent urination.
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Second trimester (weeks 13-26): Many discomforts of the first trimester subside, and energy levels increase. The baby grows rapidly, and movements may be felt by the mother.
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Third trimester (weeks 27-40): The baby prepares for birth, and the mother experiences increased abdominal size, Braxton-Hicks contractions (practice contractions), and possible heartburn or shortness of breath.
Manipal Hospitals Ghaziabad has some of the best gynaecologists to assist you on your journey to motherhood and help you along your way.
Synopsis
Symptoms of Pregnancy
Early pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman, but some common ones include:
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Missed period
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Fatigue
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Nausea and vomiting
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Breast tenderness
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Frequent urination
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Food cravings or aversions
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Mood swings
Checking with an expert gynaecologist in Ghaziabad can help you find out the exact reason for your symptoms or if you have successfully managed to get pregnant. Couples planning to have a child should consider consulting with an Obstetrics and Gynecology expert to plan their journey into parenthood.
Care Tips for Pregnancy
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Prenatal care: Regular checkups with a doctor's provider are crucial to monitor the baby's development and the mother's health.
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Healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are essential for both mother and baby.
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Supplements: Folic acid is recommended before and during pregnancy to prevent birth defects. Other vitamins and minerals may be advised by your doctor depending upon your health and condition.
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Education: Learning about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care can help you feel more prepared and confident.
What to Expect After Pregnancy
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Physical impact: Stretch marks, postpartum bleeding, vaginal tearing, haemorrhoids, and diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles).
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Emotional: Baby blues, postpartum depression, and anxiety.
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Social: Adjustments to parenthood, changes in relationships, and financial considerations
Why is Pregnancy Important?
Pregnancy is a unique and transformative experience that allows a woman to create and bring new life into the world. It's a time of immense physical and emotional changes, but also immense joy, love, and connection. A healthy pregnancy is crucial for the well-being of both mother and baby, laying the foundation for a healthy start in life.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and it's important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and support throughout your journey.
Mental Health concerns related to pregnancy
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Depression: Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. It's important to remember that you're not alone, and depression during pregnancy is treatable.
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Anxiety: Characterized by excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath. Again, anxiety is quite common during pregnancy and can be effectively managed.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviours that can become overwhelming and interfere with daily life. Treatment options are available during pregnancy.
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Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: These can occur after childbirth and are also treatable.
Consult our OBG hospital in Ghaziabad if you want to learn more about mental health for pregnancy.
Why is Mental Health Important?
Taking care of your mental health during pregnancy is crucial for both you and your baby. Untreated mental health conditions can increase the risk of complications like premature birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression. Additionally, your emotional well-being can impact your ability to cope with changes and stress, and ultimately impact your bonding with the baby.
Ways to Seek Help
Here are some ways to seek help for maintaining mental health after pregnancy.
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Talk to a certified gynaecologist or doctor: Share your concerns and feelings openly. They can assess your mental health, provide support, and provide the best care for your mental health during pregnancy.
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Seek professional help: Consider therapy or counselling to learn coping mechanisms and manage your symptoms effectively. Manipal Hospitals provides certified counselling support to expectant mothers for their mental health.
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Talk to family and friends: Talk to your partner, family, friends, or support groups. Having a strong network of caring friends and family can be invaluable during this time.
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Practice self-care: Prioritize healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, enough sleep, and relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation, etc.).
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Take it easy: At the end of the day, you should feel happy about your new phase of life and enjoy each fleeting moment.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a fast phase lasting around nine months generally which changes the life of the expectant woman in unexpected ways. Manipal Hospitals Ghaziabad is a trusted healthcare name to find all your medical care needs in one place. Taking care of mental health is of utmost importance during pregnancy as hormonal shifts and changes can lead to mood swings and bring a flood of emotions. Reaching out for help from loved ones should be your first step, as Manipal Hospitals is second to only that. We bring you the best care.
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