Being pregnant can feel like being in a whirlwind of information and advice. In the past, expectant parents didn’t have as much guidance and would only find out if there were any complications after the baby was born. Nowadays, there is more information available to help people have healthier pregnancies and improve their odds of having a live child. Being pregnant today can seem like a very clinical process, but all the technology and doctors are there for your benefit. Blood tests, diagnostic tests, and weight maintenance are all governed by trained professionals who have your best interests at heart. By working with your doctor and other health care professionals, you can be sure that you and your baby are as healthy as possible.
Morning sickness is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, but it can be really tough to deal with, especially if it lasts into the second or third trimester. If you have Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a condition that causes severe nausea and vomiting, you’re not alone. There are now medications that are safe for you and your baby that can help ease the symptoms. Dehydration is a dangerous complication of this condition, so IV fluids are now commonly given to help prevent it. Morning sickness is one of the issues that some pregnant women face. It can be tough to deal with, but there is help available if you need it. Feeling run down and lousy is common with morning sickness, and this is something that pregnant women find the hardest to cope with. Being pregnant comes with a lot of expectations, and sometimes it can be hard to feel joyful when you’re dealing with morning sickness.
The ultrasound scan is a big deal for prenatal care. It’s generally a time of excitement when parents-to-be see their growing baby. But for some, the ultrasound can be a time of great sorrow when they find out their developing fetus has a defect. These are detected early on and the parents have the choice to continue with the pregnancy or abort. People are divided on this issue. Some believe that every child is a gift and should be accepted even if they have defects. But the thought of raising a handicapped child is too much for some. Ultrasound can’t pick up every problem, but it is an important part of prenatal care and is improving all the time.
Some parents choose to find out the gender of their baby in advance using ultrasound, while others prefer to wait until delivery day. There are pros and cons to both approaches. Couples who find out the gender of their baby in advance may have an easier time preparing the nursery and picking out clothes and a name, but some people believe that the element of surprise is part of the fun of having a baby. Ultimately, it’s up to each couple to decide what’s right for them. The amniocentesis test, which can help to determine if a baby has Downs Syndrome, is a fairly recent breakthrough. A very thin needle is inserted through the mother’s stomach in order to draw off a small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby. If the fetus is carrying Downs Syndrome, then parents are given the choice to continue or abort the pregnancy.
Next time you have an obstetrics appointment, go even if you don’t want to be poked or prodded. It’s always better to prevent something than to wait until it becomes a problem and have to cure it. Plus, your health and your baby’s health are very important.
