How do you determine you are pregnant?
Pregnancy is a transformational phase in every women’s life. First pregnancy brings in tears of joy
, happiness, huge expectations and many intrinsic fears too.
If you have skipped your periods and suspect being pregnant a simple pregnancy strip test using preg-card readers available off the counter in any pharmacy can help confirm the same. While most card readers are quite precise in certain rare cases, doctors may recommend a few blood tests to confirm pregnancy even if the card reads negative.
How to get prepared for pregnancy?
- However many articles, videos or advices you may have received to get a peek into this life changing event, please remember each pregnancy is unique and needs to be embraced with lots of smiles and cheers.
- Casing a life within is a wonderful experience if we can truly make it so.Just like how we find a warm loving home with good food- very nice and inviting, so should the womb within have that kind of ambience to grow into a beautiful, healthy and normal child.
- Whatever your financial or other commitments are, it is time to pamper your body, mind, soul as you shelter your most beloved soul within. Every twitch, turn, stress, anger, bad food, physical strain can cause your little one great discomfort!
- So it is time to be very conscious and responsible about ourselves as we nurture the being within.
- Avoid travel, bumpy journey and heavy pressuring jobs during these days as these could even have serious implications including miscarriages or abortions.
What food to eat?
- While early phases of pregnancy causes morning sickness, it is important not to avoid eating owing to this. A women needs to increase her weight by 10kg approx. during her pregnancy.
- It is important to be mindful of the diet we undertake. Good nourishing freshly cooked food rich in iron, calcium, folic is very good to take during pregnancy. Greens, leafy Vegetables, milk, soya products, pomegranates, apples, nuts, protein rich lentils, and sprouts can be included to daily diet.
- It is important to have food 6 times a day in small portions instead of having it all at one stretch.This must be followed by quick walk to help aid digestion.
- Doctor prescribed folic, calcium and other iron supplements must also be taken without fail.
Medications and Checkups:
- Medications and checkups are a must during the entire phase of pregnancy. Trimester scans are recommended by all doctors not to identify the sex of the fetus but to ensure there are no anomalies found.
- These are very crucial to undergo as technology can help a parent understand the stages of growth of their child and make appropriate decisions based on the results of the same under the recommendation of the gynecologist.
- These checkups, medications prescribed by the doctor must strictly be adhered to ensure a smooth sailing during and after pregnancy.
Emotional well being:
- Well, not just physiological, well being is sufficient. A pregnant women definitely needs to have good Emotional well being during this phase of her life.
- Hearing good music, having a relaxed life style, good family support, light exercises/ yoga as recommended by the physician are a must!
- Pregnancy is not an illness so however big your tummy expands and breathe contracts, allow yourself to do your house chores. Hard physical work (without carrying weights ofcourse!) usually guarantees normal delivery. Always request your gynec to provide you tips for a normal delivery as the number of caesarians are on the rise.
- Talking to the womb after the 6 month usually helps the build the bonding between the mother and child.
Parenting and Childcare:
Parenting is a huge responsibility and it starts from the day one of delivering the child. As a mother, you are biologically more bonded and closer to the child. Even if the care, breastfeeding, diapering, wails and cries are not so inviting to begin with, as the baby grows, their cherubic smiles, giggles, innocent, inquisitive eyes, short breathe, soft touches and holding fingers are sure to melt your hearts!
Good luck on your journey!