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So you're going to have a baby! Whether you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant, you will want to give your baby a healthy start.
You need to have regular visits with your healthcare provider. These prenatal care visits are very important for your baby and yourself.
Some things you might do when you are pregnant could hurt your baby, such as smoking or drinking. Some medicines can also be a problem, even ones that a doctor prescribed.
You will need to drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet. In early pregnancy, you may get morning sickness, or nausea. You may also be tired and need more rest.
Your body will change as your baby grows during the nine months of your pregnancy. Don't hesitate to call your health care provider if something is bothering or worrying you.
Symptoms of Pregnancy
For a woman having a regular monthly cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period, or sometimes women who are pregnant have a very light period, losing only a little blood. Other signs are:
- Feeling sick, not necessarily in the morning, but at any time.
- The breasts may become larger and tender. Veins may become prominent and nipples may darken and stand out.
- Increased frequency in passing urine.
- Tendency for constipation.
- Tiredness.
- An increased vaginal discharge without any associated complaint.
- A metallic taste in the mouth.
- Dislike for certain things like tea or coffee or fatty foods.
- Increased liking for certain things like spicy foods.
Pregnancy test can be carried out on urine samples, as early as from the first day of a missed period-that is, about fourteen days after the conception.
A positive test result is almost definitive of pregnancy. If the test is negative, it is less reliable. It can be repeated after a week, or a doctor can be consulted.
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
All pregnancies involve a certain degree of risk to both mother and baby. But, factors present before pregnancy or that develop during pregnancy can place the mother and baby at higher risk for problems.
Women with high-risk pregnancies may need care from specialists or a team of health care providers to help promote healthy pregnancy and birth.
Factors present before pregnancy that can increase risk may include:
- Young or old maternal age
- Being overweight or underweight
- Having had problems in previous pregnancies, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor or birth
- Pre-existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS
During pregnancy, problems may also develop even in a woman who was previously healthy. These may include (but are not limited to) gestational diabetes or preeclampsia/eclampsia.
Getting good prenatal care and seeing a health care provider regularly during pregnancy are important ways to promote a healthy pregnancy.
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