Signs of Pregnancy

Some of my friends are trying to get pregnant and had asked me for signs of pregnancy. For their benefit, I have listed some of the signs here. Good luck, gals! :)

Usually, one would see/feel changes to her body around Week 4. Week 1 is actually the week of your menstrual period but still counts towards the 40-week pregnancy. This is because the expected delivery date is calculated from the first day of your last period.

Anyway, during Week 4, Mom will experience symptoms of PMS such as fatigue, tingling or aching breasts, nausea, cramps and even some spotting. At this point, if you try doing a home pregnancy test, the result may not be accurate.

Week 5 - same as Week 4, but could be slightly heightened. Please avoid eating soft cheeses, unasteurised milk and juices, raw/undercooked meats, raw eggs, and raw shellfish, as they van cause illnesses which may cause birth defects.

Week 6 - Mom will feel extreme fatigue as her body adjusts to the demands of the pregnancy. Tender and aching breasts as well as nausea and vomitting (morning sickness) will make it even worse! Now is a good time to for a home pregnancy test. Once, result is positive, you should schedule your first prenatal visit where your doctor will take your medical history and perform a complete physical examination.

Medical history:
a) Menstrual history - whether your cycles are regular and the date of your last mentrual period
b) Information on any previous pregnancies, miscarriages/stillbirths, abortions, problems with your reproductive organs
c) Family health history such as heart disease/genetic defects
d) Serious illnesses, surgeries that you have had

Physical examination:
a) A urine test to confirm pregnancy
b) Weight and blood pressure management
c) A urine test to check your sugar and protein levels as well as if there is any sign of bacteria
d) A blood test for blood typing and to make sure that you are not iron-deficient and are immune to German measels - at this visit, doctor might perform a blood test on your hubby, as well.

In any case, women who are planning to get pregnant should start consuming folic acid (before and throughout the pregnancy). Folate-rich foods include dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, citrus fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and fortified breads and cereals. Since folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin you can lose this vitamin in cooking water, so steam or cook vegetables with a small amount of water to preserve the folate. Other ways is to purchase folic acid/prenatal vitamins and nutrients from the pharmacies. Happy trying!