Pregnancy

Congratulations if you have just found out that you are pregnant! The months ahead of you will prove to be one of the most exciting, yet highly emotional, experiences you will have ever encountered. From morning sickness, to feeling that first flutter in your growing belly, pregnancy is one of life's most remarkable events.

Enjoy this precious journey!

 

General Information

So you're pregnant...now what?

You probably have a million thoughts running through your mind at this time. What happens now? What do I need to do? What do I have to prepare? How am I going to cope? ...and the list goes on. This is a natural part of pregnancy, your mothering inctincts are beginning to emerge and this is just the beginning!

Let's go through the main physical changes of pregnancy, bearing in mind that each individual pregnancy is unique in its own right and you may not experience all or any of the following symptoms.

How do I know Im pregnant?

The most common symptom of pregnancy is a missed period, followed by morning sickness and general discomfort. A list of frequently reported symptoms follows:

• Missed Period:
• Morning Sickness:
• Headaches:
• Fatigue:
• Tender Breasts:
• Frequent Urination:
• Implantation Bleeding:

The only way to find out if you are pregnant for a fact is to take a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests (or HPTs) are easily accessible by anyone and can be bought from your local pharmacy or even your general grocery store. Some tests will detect pregnancy earlier than others, though if you have already missed your period then most tests should give you an accurate result.

HPTs are a simple urine test you are able to perform in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Normally, if the 'control' line on the pregnancy test shows up without an accompanying 'test' line, then the results of the test are interpreted as negative. However, if both lines appear, then this is indicative of a positive test result - even if the 'test' line is a lighter shade than the 'control' line. Always follow the instructions accompanying the test closely for accurate results.

Its Positive! What do I do now?

Once you have determined the test is positive you should book in to see your family GP. Your doctor may want to confirm your result by performing a blood test, your medical history will be taken, weight and blood pressure checked, and you will be referred to your local hospital should you prefer this option. More on your healthcare options will be discussed in the 'Health' section.

Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your Last Menstrual Period (LMP). Your LMP is normally used to calculate your Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD) by your health care professional. Although this date is referred to as your 'due date', only a mere 5% of women actually delivery their babies on this day.

Click here to calculate your EDD online!

The 40 weeks of pregnancy are broken up into three trimesters:

First Trimester: (0 to 13 weeks)

The Embryo - In the first two weeks following fertilisation, the egg burrows into the uterine lining reaching the blood vessels and nutrients below. A layer of cells forms across the cavity left by the burrowing egg and this forms the 'embryonic disc' in which the embryo will grow. By the end of the first month the embryo has a basic heart and the beginnings of a digestive system. In the fifth week, arms and legs begin to form. Between weeks six and eight, fingers and toes develop and bones begin to harden with calcium. By the end of eight weeks the beginnings of all essential structures are in place and by four months the major organs are well formed.

You - The effects of pregnancy may vary in intensity from woman to woman. However, in the early stages, fatigue and drowsiness are common, along with occasional nausea. A woman may also be prone to mood swings from delight, satisfaction and anticipation, to worry, anger and depression, depending on her desire to have a baby.

Second Trimester: (14 to 27 weeks)

The Fetus - By the end of the sixth month, the fetus weighs about two pounds or nearly one kilogram and is about fourteen inches or thirty-five centimeters long. Among other changes, the fetus has developed a fine coat of hair on the body. By the end of this trimester the facial and bodily features are well formed. At this stage, the fetus now has periods of waking and sleeping and it will react to sudden movement by the Mother and to loud noises outside the Mother's body.

You - The pregnant woman may also experience some discomfort during second trimester. Pressure from the expanding uterus may lead to indigestion, constipation; and varicose veins and hemorrhoids may appear or worsen. This is however more common in the third trimester. Many women gain weight at this time and may also experience fluid retention causing swelling of the feet and ankles.

Third Trimester:  (28 to 40 weeks)

The Fetus - The third trimester is a period of further development and growth for the fetus. The fetus is developing well enough to survive on its own and the baby born by the middle of the final trimester or six weeks early has a seventy to eighty per cent chance of survival. Early in the third trimester the fetus is in an upright or 'breech' position and will most likely assume a 'head down' position ready for birth by the end of the trimester. During the final month of the pregnancy the fetus develops the lungs in readiness for outside life, unsupported by the Mother's body. Although size and weight varies significantly, at birth the 'average' baby weighs seven and a half pounds or nearly three and a half kilos and is twenty inches or about fifty centimeters in length.

You - woman feels many discomforts in the third trimester and most of these are due to the increased size of the fetus which displaces and presses on the mother's organs. The occasional fetal movement or 'kicking' of the second trimester has now changed into constant kicking, tossing and turning which can leads to discomfort and sleepless nights for the mother.

Hospital Checklist

Whether you've decided to give birth in the hospital, at a birthing center or at home, you'll need to get organised!

Here's a basic checklist you can use to help you better plan what to pack for the big day.

Labour Bag

Night Gown or T-Shirt

Aromatherapy Massage Oils

Aromatherapy Labour Oil Blends (Clary Sage is great for use during labour)

Electric Oil Burner

CD of Relaxing Music

HeatPack (Soothing for back pain)

Lip Balm (Lips tend to get dry, particularly if using the Gas for Pain Relief)

Warm Socks (Your feet may feel cold during labour)

A Spritzer Spray (You will get hot during labour)

Camera, Video and all necessary batteries/ film etc

TENS machine (look into the hiring one)  www.pinkorblue.com.au

Snacks for support people

List of people to call with your wonderful news!

Change of clothes and toiletries for support people

Lollies to suck on

Hospital Bag

6 - 8 pairs of underpants (depending on length of hospital stay, not your best ones)

3 - 4 nursing bras (get fitted a few weeks before the baby arrives)

2 - 4 NightGowns or Pyjamas (make sure the waist of the pants arent too tight elastic or draw string is perfect)

Toiletries (Shampoo, Conditioner, Bodywash, Brush, Deodorant, Perfume, Make-Up)

3- 4 packs of Maternity Pads ( I love Libra Goodnights)

1 pack of Nursing Pads (I love the pigeon brand)

Pen, Paper and a couple of good Magazines

Healthy snacks (you get super hungry when you are breastfeeding)

Casual clothing and an outfit to wear when leaving the hospital

Baby's Bag

Nappies (cloth or disposable, enough to last approximately 4-5 days)

Wipes

Toiletries (Cotton wool, shampoo, nappy rash cream - though these will most likely be unnecessary)

4-6 Singlets

3 All in one suits

Newborn Hat, Mittens and Bootees

Going home outfit and wrap