Pregnancy & Labour: 2012

May 23, 2012

Changes occur during 18th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

Ears move to their final position and they stand out from the head. In the coming weeks, baby will probably be able to hear. The bones of the middle ear and the nerve endings from the brain are developing so that baby will hear sounds such as mother's heartbeat and blood moving through the umbilical cord.
Baby's eyes are also developing. They're now facing forward rather than to the sides, and the retinas may be able to detect the beam of a flashlight if mother hold it to her abdomen.
Until now, baby's bones had been developing but were still soft. This week, they begin to harden, or ossify. Some of the first bones to ossify are those in the clavicles and the legs.

Woman's Body -

Not all the weight mother is gaining is her baby. In fact, most of the increase is because parts of her body, such as your breasts, are getting bigger and blood volume is increasing. Woman may feel moves of the fetus. It may feel like bubbles or wind but it's nothing to worry about mother don't feel anything yet. In this time, woman is probably beginning to prepare for life with baby.

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April 27, 2012

Changes occur during 17th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

At about 13 cm from crown to rump and weighing 4.9 ounces (140 grams), baby is still very tiny.
The placenta, which nourishes the fetus with nutrients and oxygen and removes wastes, is growing to accommodate baby. It now contains thousands of blood vessels that bring nutrients and oxygen from woman's body to baby's developing body.
Baby's kidneys have started producing urine, most of which travels through the placenta for mother's body to deal with.

Woman's Body -

Woman may notice that her breasts have changed considerably since her pregnancy began. Hormones are preparing breasts for milk production — more blood is flowing to the breasts, and the glands that produce milk are growing in preparation for breastfeeding. This can increase breast size and cause veins to become visible. Woman may be able to hear her baby's heart beating when examined. The second trimester is usually regarded as the best time in pregnancy for traveling and getting out.

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Changes occur during 16th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

Baby is sucking her thumb and all her joints and limbs can move.
Fine, downy hair called lanugo has started to grow on baby's body, but this will disappear before birth.
Her body is growing faster to catch up with the size of her head.
The baby now weighs about 3.9 ounces (110 grams) and measures about 4.7 inches (12 cm) in length from crown to rump.
Baby can hold his or her head erect, and the development of facial muscles allows for a variety of expressions, such as squinting and frowning.

Woman's Body -

Between weeks 16 and 18 of pregnancy, health care provider may offer woman a second trimester screening test (known as the multiple marker test or triple screen), which measures the levels of alpha- fetoprotein (AFP), a protein produced by the fetus, and the pregnancy hormones hCG and estriol in the mother's blood. The results of these tests can tell moms whether babies are at risk for (not whether they have) neural tube defects such as spina bifida or chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. An abnormal result does not necessarily mean that baby has a problem — but it may mean more testing is required. If woman have any emotional or physical worries, there'll be an opportunity to discuss them with doctor.

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April 24, 2012

Changes occur during 15th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

Baby’s skin has been continuously developing, and it is so thin. Hair growth continues on the eyebrows and the head. Baby's ears are almost in position now. Internally, baby's skeletal system continues to develop. Muscle development continues too, and baby is probably making lots of movements with his or her head, mouth, arms, wrists, hands, legs, and feet.

Woman's Body -

Woman's ‘bump’ is probably starting to show, and waist is disappearing. Her ordinary clothes are feeling a bit tight. Hopefully she is feeling less sick and breasts may be less tender.

Another thing she may be feeling Scatterbrained. Even the most organized women report that pregnancy somehow makes them forgetful, clumsy, and unable to concentrate. Try to keep the stress in life to a minimum and take 'mental lapses' in stride.

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April 20, 2012

Changes occur during 14th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

In this week, some fine hairs have developed on baby's face. This soft colorless hair is called lanugo, and it will eventually cover most of baby's body until it is shed just before delivery.
By now, baby's genitals have fully developed, though they may still be difficult to detect on an ultrasound examination.
In addition, baby starts to produce thyroid hormones because the thyroid gland has matured.
Baby now weighs about 1.6 ounces (45 grams) and is about 3.5 inches (9 cm) long from crown to rump.

Woman's Body -

At this stage of pregnancy, many women feel re-energized and have a strong sense of well-being. Healthy eating is very important, so be clued in about the best food choices.

Health care provider may discuss amniocentesis with woman.Amniocentesis is a test usually done between 15 and 18 weeks that can detect abnormalities in a fetus, such as Down syndrome. During this test, a very thin needle is inserted into the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby in the uterus and a sample of the fluid is taken and analyzed. Amniocentesis does carry a very slight risk of miscarriage.

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Changes occur during 13th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

As woman begin the second trimester of pregnancy, placenta has developed and is providing to baby with oxygen, nutrients, and waste disposal. The placenta also produces the hormones progesterone and estrogen, which help to maintain the pregnancy. Baby's eyelids have fused together to protect the eyes as they develop. Baby may also be able to put a thumb in his or her mouth this week, although the sucking muscles aren't completely developed yet.

Woman's Body -

Woman may start to develop a dark line from tummy button (navel) to pubic hair. This is called the ‘linea nigra’. It is caused by increased pigmentation in skin. It will fade after childbirth.

Nipple might go a darker colour too. This is also caused by increased skin pigmentation.

At first prenatal appointment, health care provider probably gave a prescription for prenatal vitamins. Taking these supplements, in addition to eating a healthy diet, ensures baby gets additional vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, zinc, iron, and calcium, which are necessary for growth and development.

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Changes occur during 12th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

Baby's brain continues to develop, and tiny and toe nails start form.
Vocal cords are formed this week, which is the last of woman's first trimester.
Baby's kidneys are functioning. After swallowing amniotic fluid, baby now be able to pass it out of the body as urine.
The intestines will make their way into the abdomen, since there is room for them now.

Woman's Body -

Increased blood volume and pregnancy hormones work together. The greater blood volume brings more blood to the blood vessels and hormones increase oil gland secretion, resulting in a flushed, plumper, smoother skin appearance. Sometimes, though, the increased oil gland secretion can cause temporary acne.
Woman's waist may be getting a bit thicker and some women begin to develop a small bump at this stage. Woman may also find emotions vary. These feelings are normal and should settle down.

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April 08, 2012

Changes occur during 11th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

From this week until week 20, baby will be growing rapidly — increasing in size from about 5 cm to about 20 cm from crown to rump.
To accommodate all this growth, the blood vessels in the placenta are increasing in both size and number to provide the baby with more nutrients.
Facial development continues as the ears move toward their final position on the sides of the head.
Baby's reproductive organs are developing rapidly, the external genitals of boys and girls appear somewhat similar until the end of week 11. They will be clearly differentiated by week 14.

Woman's Body -

Nourishing baby usually requires that woman gain weight. In most cases, the recommended weight gain is 25 to 35 pounds (11.33 to 15.87 kg) over the course of the pregnancy. If woman were overweight or underweight before pregnancy, health care provider may have different recommendations for weight gain. Health care provider may offer woman a "first trimester screening test". Procedures such as ultrasound scans and blood tests are about to become part of normal pregnancy routine.

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April 06, 2012

Changes occur during 10th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

In this week, all of baby's vital organs have been formed and are starting to work together.
External changes such as the separation of fingers and toes and the disappearance of the tail takes place, internal developments are taking place too.
Tooth buds form inside the mouth.
Congenital abnormalities are unlikely to develop after week 10. This also marks the end of the embryonic period. The embryo now has a distinctly human appearance and starting next week baby will officially be considered a fetus.

Woman's Body -

First prenatal visit, which often takes place around this time, is a milestone. At the doctor's office, woman will go through a series of tests, including having weight and blood pressure checked. Woman might also have an external abdominal examination to check the size and position of baby. During this first prenatal visit, health care provider will thoroughly examine her, including an internal examination and a breast exam.

Woman will probably be feeling hungrier than usual because body is busy growing a baby. Woman actually doesn’t need extra calories at this stage.

Woman may be finding that she is leaking urine when she laugh, cough or sneeze. This stress incontinence is completely normal and is caused by a combination of pressure on bladder and pelvic floor tissues being stretched. It is a good time to start pelvic floor exercises.

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Changes occur during 9th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

The tail at the bottom of baby's spinal cord has shrunk and almost disappeared by this week.
Baby's head has been growing. It's quite large compared with the rest of the body and it curves onto the chest.
By this week, baby measures about 0.6 to 0.7 inches (16 to 18 millimeters) from crown to rump and weighs around 0.1 ounces (3 grams).
The tip of the nose has developed and can be seen in profile, and flaps of skin over the eyes have begun to shape into eyelids, which will become more noticeable in the next few weeks.
The digestive system continues to develop. The anus is forming, and the intestines are growing longer. Internal reproductive features, such as testes and ovaries, start to form this week.

Woman's Body -

Woman doesn't look pregnant yet, but her waistline may be starting to thicken and breasts are probably getting larger. In preparation for first prenatal visit, take the time to familiarize herself with family's health history and to review medical records. Have woman had any chronic illnesses, allergies, or surgeries? Are woman currently taking any prescription medications? Do woman know of any genetic disorders that run in family? Has woman's menstrual cycle been regular, and have woman had any past pregnancies? What are exercise habits? These are the things health care provider will want to discuss with pregnant woman.

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April 04, 2012

Changes occur during 8th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

The fingers and toes are just beginning to form in this week, and the arms can even flex at the elbows and wrists. The eyes are becoming more obvious because they’ve begun to develop pigment (color) in the retina. The intestines are getting longer and there isn’t enough room for them in the baby’s abdomen, so they protrude into the umbilical cord until week 12. The beginnings of the buds that will develop into baby's genitals have made their appearance, although they've not yet developed enough to reveal whether baby is a boy or a girl.

Woman's Body -

Pregnancy symptoms such as missed period, nausea, extreme fatigue, or tight clothes due to the swelling of your uterus have probably prompted woman to wonder whether she is pregnant. Once woman have confirmation of her pregnancy, schedule her first prenatal visit. Woman may need to go to the toilet more because uterus has doubled in size and is putting pressure on bladder.
Pregnancy may be monitored by one of several health care professionals, including an obstetrician, nurse practitioner, midwife, or family doctor. Good prenatal care is extremely important for the health and safe delivery of baby, so be sure to make prenatal appointments a top priority.

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March 13, 2012

Changes occur during 7th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

Baby is constantly adapting to life inside the uterus. By this week, the umbilical cord has formed. It will be baby’s connection to woman throughout pregnancy, providing oxygen and nourishment for baby and disposing of baby's wastes. In addition, baby's digestive tract and lungs continue to form. The mouth, nostrils, ears, and eyes are some of the facial features that become more defined in this week.

Woman's Body -

Pregnancy causes many changes in cervix. By this week woman will have developed a mucous plug, which forms in the opening of the cervical canal and seals off the uterus for protection. (woman will lose this plug as cervix dilates in preparation for labour).

Getting in shape now will stand woman in good stead as pregnancy continues. Keeping active is important, so work up a daily exercise routine to strengthen muscles and reduce fatigue, but don't exhaust herself.

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March 10, 2012

Changes occur during 6th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

Baby’s brain and nervous system are developing at a rapid pace. Optic vesicles, which later form the eyes, begin to develop this week on the sides of the head. Baby's heart will begin to beat around this time, and it may even be detected on ultrasound examination. And the beginnings of the digestive and respiratory systems are forming. Small buds that will grow into baby's arms and legs also appear this week. Making a full- length measurement difficult, babies often are measured from the crown to rump rather than from head to toe. This week, baby only measures 2 to 5 millimeters from crown to rump. The embryo is starting to look like a little tadpole but the ‘tail bone’ will disappear and become the coccyx.

Woman's Body -

Common pregnancy complaints may hit in full force this week.

Woman may feel extreme fatigue as body adjusts to the demands of pregnancy.
Tender, aching breasts and nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) may leave her feeling less than great.
Morning sickness can occur at any hour or all day.
Nausea isn't the only thing that has she running to the toilet, though — hormonal changes and other factors, such as kidneys working extra hard to flush wastes out of her body, this may lead to urinate more frequently.

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Changes occur during 5th week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

Until now, the embryo has been a mass of cells, but by this point in pregnancy a distinct shape begins to form. The neural tube, which will eventually form into the spinal cord and brain, runs from the top to the bottom of the embryo. At this time, the placenta develops. It is through the placenta and its finger like projections, called chorionic villi, that an embryo receives nourishment from its mother. The heart and blood vessels are just beginning to form.

Woman's Body -

Woman may feel very tired. Her breasts may feel tender, as if woman is starting her period. This is because the tissue is being prepared to store milk. If woman haven’t already been taking folic acid supplements she should start taking them now.

Changes occur during 4th week of prenancy

Baby's Development -

Four weeks into pregnancy, baby (called an embryo) consists of two layers of cells, the epiblast and the hypoblast — that will eventually develop into all of baby's organs and body parts. Two other structures that develop at this time are the amnion and the yolk sac. The amnion, filled with amniotic fluid, will surround and protect the growing embryo. The yolk sac will produce blood and help to nourish the embryo until the placenta takes over that role.

Woman's Body -

This week baby continues to implant in uterus, burying itself deep within the endometrium. Once implanted, baby starts to produce a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which helps to maintain the lining of the uterus. It also sends a signal to the ovary to stop releasing an egg each month, which stops monthly periods of pregnant lady.

Changes occur during 3rd week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

Even though woman may not feel that she is pregnant. The fertilized egg goes through a process of cell division. About 30 hours after fertilization, it divides into two cells, then four cells, then eight, and continues to divide. It moves from the fallopian tube to the uterus. This group of cells is called a morula. The morula becomes hollow and fills with fluid — it is then known as a blastocyst. Near the end of this week, the blastocyst will attach itself to the endometrium (lining of the uterus). This is called implantation.

The implantation in the uterus produce an essential connection. The endometrium will provide the nutrients and will remove wastes. Over time, this implantation site will develop into the placenta.

Woman's Body -

Adequate intake of certain nutrients (such as folic acid, protein, calcium, and iron) is essential for nourishing baby.

A folic acid supplement is important because folic acid helps prevent defects of the neural tube (the structure that helps in development to the brain and spinal cord), which forms very early in pregnancy.
Intake of protein, which is used to create new tissue, should increase during pregnancy.
Calcium is necessary for the development of bones and teeth, so getting a good dose of dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and legumes.
Iron is essential during pregnancy for increase of baby's blood volume. Good sources of iron include red meat, legumes, eggs, and leafy green vegetables.

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March 04, 2012

Changes occur during 2nd week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

This may sound strange, but woman are still not pregnant. Under the influence of hormones, ovulation occurs and the egg bursts out of its follicle. If it meets a sperm, woman may become pregnant. Fertilization of egg by the sperm will only take place near the end of this week.

Woman's Body -

Woman's uterine lining is developing, which will nourish the baby, and body secretes follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates an egg to mature. At the end of this week, woman will be at the midpoint of her menstrual cycle and ovulation will occur (ovary will release an egg into the fallopian tube). At this time, woman is most likely to conceive. If woman has sexual intercourse without protection around the time, she can become pregnant.

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Changes occur during 1st week of pregnancy

Baby's Development -

This first week is actually menstrual period. Because expected date of delivery (EDD) is calculated from the first day of last period, this week counts as part of your 40-week pregnancy. By the end of the first week after conception, the fertilised egg has made its way along the fallopian tube and attached itself to the womb lining.

Woman's Body -

Woman is having a period, then she is not pregnant. But if she conceive during this menstrual cycle, the first day of her period will count as the first day of pregnancy. Before becoming pregnant, woman should -

Avoid alcohol, drugs, and tobacco products.
Talk to doctor about any prescription and nonprescription drugs.
You'll need to take special precautions with medications.
Maintain a diet that contains an adequate amount of vitamins, especially folic acid.

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February 29, 2012

What is Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as an embryo or fetus, in a woman's uterus. Childbirth usually occurs after approximately 40 weeks from the start of the last menstrual period (LMP).

Symptoms of pregnancy include the absence of menstrual periods, morning sickness, breast changes, tiredness, nausea, mood swings, or other symptoms. A pregnancy test measures the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone in the urine or blood.

By the end of 37 weeks, a baby is considered full term and its organs are ready to function on their own.

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February 28, 2012

Pregnancy related Terminology III

Linea nigra :-

It is the bluish pigmentation of the mid line of xiphisternum to the pubis. It disappear after the delivery.

Straie gravidarum :-

It is depressed linear marks on the abdomen during pregnancy.

Chloasma gravidarum :-

It is an extreme form of pigmentation around the cheek, forehead and around the eyes. Disappear after the delivery.

Pregnancy related Terminology II

Preterm labour :-

It is defined as one where the labour start before the 37 completed week, continuing from the 1st day of the last menstrual period.

Post term pregnancy :-

A pregnancy continuing behind two weeks of the expected date of delivery (>42 week) is called post term pregnancy.

Prolonged labour :-

When the combined duration of 1st and 2nd stage is more than arbitrary time limit of 18 hrs.

Uterine Contraction and Retraction

Uterine contraction :-

It is the temporary shortening of the uterus muscles for starting the labour process. In easy way, contraction is essential for starting the labour. It is very difficult or impossible to born baby without contraction in normal delivery.Because in this process, the uterus muscles becomes short and space in uterus becomes less, so pressure is increased in uterine cavity. This pressure push down the baby in lower portion of uterus and force the baby to delivery. It starts naturally but in some conditions or in emergency, contraction is induced manually for saving the baby or woman.

Uterine retraction :-

Retraction is a phenomenon of the uterus in labour in which the muscle fibers are permanently shortened. Unlike any other muscle of the body, the uterine muscles have this property to become shortened once and for all. It is the permanent shortening of the uterine muscle fibers for help in controlling the postpartum haemorrhage. In other way, retraction is very important process for stopping the bleeding. After delivery, bleeding starts by separating the placenta from uterine wall, it is called postpartum haemorrhage. It is dangerous to woman's health if not controlled, so naturally retraction process occur. In this process, the blood vessels are blocked and closed to it's uterine end.

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February 20, 2012

Pregnancy related Terminology

Hyperemesis gravidarum :-

It is excessive vomiting in the pregnancy. Mostly occur in first trimester of the pregnancy period.

Polyhydramnios :-

If the liquor amnii is excessive in amount about 2000 ml or above.

Oligohydramnios :-

If the liquor amnii is reduced about 200 ml.

APH (antepartum haemorrhage) :-

It is a bleeding from or into the genital tract before the birth of the baby, affect the BP and pulse rate of the woman.

PPH (postpartum haemorrhage) :-

It is the bleeding from or into the genital tract atleast 500 ml or more after the birth of the baby upto the end of puerperium.

MTP :-

It is medical termination of the pregnancy.

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