Pregnancy,
Childbirth and Related Topics
- Conception
- Prenatal Care
- Labor and Delivery
- Postpartum Recovery
- Newborn Care
- Frequently Asked Questions
Conception
Conception
occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg. This typically happens through sexual intercourse,
but can also occur through assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro
fertilization. Conception marks the beginning of pregnancy.
Increasing Fertility
- Track
ovulation using ovulation predictor kits or apps
- Have
intercourse during the fertile window
- Maintain
a healthy BMI and lifestyle
- Take
prenatal vitamins with folate
Prenatal Care
Prenatal
care is medical care provided during pregnancy. It involves regular checkups to
monitor the growth and development of the fetus and identify potential
complications or risks.
Importance of Prenatal Care
- Monitor
fetal growth and development
- Detect
health problems in mother and baby
- Prevent
complications through early intervention
- Educate
expecting mothers on nutrition, exercise, labor and more
Some
key prenatal tests and scans include:
- Blood
and urine tests
- Ultrasound
scans
- Glucose
tolerance test
- Non-invasive
prenatal testing (NIPT)
Labor and Delivery
Labor
marks the end of pregnancy as contractions cause the cervix to dilate and the
baby descends through the birth canal. Delivery refers to the birth of the
baby.
Stages of Labor
- Early
labor -
contractions 10-30 minutes apart, cervix thins and dilates to 3-4cm
- Active
labor -
contractions 5 minutes apart, cervix dilates from 4-7cm
- Transition - contractions 2-3 minutes
apart, cervix dilates from 8-10cm
- Pushing/delivery - urge to push as cervix
fully dilates, baby is delivered through vaginal canal
Pain
management options during labor include medication, epidural anesthesia,
breathing techniques and more.
Postpartum Recovery
The
postpartum period refers to the 6 weeks after giving birth. During this time,
the mother's body recovers while adjusting to changes in hormone levels and
assuming care for the newborn.
Postpartum Self-Care
- Get
plenty of rest and sleep when possible
- Stay
hydrated and eat a balanced diet
- Accept
help from loved ones
- Give
your body time to heal before resuming exercise
Common
postpartum issues include vaginal bleeding, breast engorgement and postpartum
depression.
Newborn Care
Caring
for a newborn in the first weeks of life involves meeting needs like feeding,
diapering, bathing, soothing and much more around the clock.
Tips for New Parents
- Feed
on demand every 1.5-3 hours
- Use
soothing techniques like swaddling, white noise, rocking
- Adopt
safe sleep practices - alone, on back, in crib
- Give
sponge baths until umbilical cord falls off
- Communicate
needs through crying - hunger, tired, discomfort
New
parents should rely on their pediatrician for guidance and attend well-baby
checkups as recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to exercise during
pregnancy?
Yes,
exercise during pregnancy is encouraged as long as you listen to your body and
avoid contact sports or falls. Walking, swimming, yoga and kegels are great
options. Always consult your doctor first.
What are the signs of labor?
Signs
of labor include regular contractions, bloody show, ruptured membranes and the
baby "dropping." Contractions become closer together, longer,
stronger and more frequent as labor progresses.
How long is the postpartum recovery
period?
The
postpartum recovery period is typically considered to be the first 6 weeks
after giving birth. Recovery continues for longer, but the first 6 weeks see
the most significant physical changes and healing.
