Pregnancy And Planning The Baby

Pregnancy, which finally leads to parenthood, is perhaps the most important responsibility that one undertakes in life. Yet many young couples accept pregnancy as routine, without much preparation. They accept pregnancy without any thought or expertise about the task they have taken on. Pregnancy means interaction with the unborn, understanding early developments, and sensibly using the medical and counseling facilities available.

Think Pregnancy While Planning Marriage

Pregnancy is a unique experience. There are a few points should be taken into careful consideration when planning for pregnancy. You must know that marriage between close relatives is not advisable since there is a risk of congenital anomalies. A gene of a type of anemia called thalassemia, if carried by both the parents, may expose the child to the full blown disease. With genetic counseling before pregnancy, such a situation can be avoided. Your doctor can investigate through specialized blood tests, ultrasound, amniocentesis, chorionic villous biopsy, or fetal blood sampling during pregnancy.

How To Hear The Pregnancy Bell

If your periods are usually regular and if you have not menstruated till two or three weeks after the expected date, you are probably pregnant. The other symptoms of pregnancy are an increase in the frequency in passing urine, especially in the early stages. Tenderness and a feeling of fullness in the breasts by the end of the first month (this is due to the increased flow of blood to the breasts in preparation for nursing) also happens. You may also feel nausea in the early months. Consult your doctor or go in for pregnancy tests to confirm the pregnancy.

Medical Care During Pregnancy

Special Blood Tests during Pregnancy

•    Blood Group- ABO & Rh

•    Hb A2 - to detect thalassemia carriers

•    HBs Ag - to check for hepatitis B carriers

•    HIV for AIDS

•    VDRL for syphilis

Nutrition and health care during pregnancy cannot be over emphasized. It is essential to see your doctor early and regularly during the nine months of pregnancy. Examination and care of breasts and nipples should form an essential part of routine body care. If you see the doctor regularly and your pregnancy progresses smoothly, you will surely enjoy the nine months of your pregnancy period. Do avoid visiting sick people and going to congested areas during the first three months of pregnancy.

Drugs During Pregnancy
Always consult your doctor and follow her advice before taking any drugs. Smoking and imbibing alcohol during pregnancy retards the unborn baby's growth.

Pregnancy demands maturity, involvement, and planning. You must understand all the pregnancy related aspects, right from conception to the culmination- the birth of a little baby. Remember that the journey of nine months is as important as the final result. To have a happy pregnancy, have an open and positive mind, and don't forget planning.