Dealing with pregnancy, especially for the first time, can be an exciting period. It is also filled with lots of biological changes for the expecting mother.
Most women have many questions during this period. They want to know what is good for the health of their baby and the best ways to prepare for the new member of the family.
Let us look at some of the most common questions women dealing with pregnancy often ask.
The most effective way to determine if you are pregnant is a pregnancy test. However, there are also certain physical symptoms that are usually a good sign a woman is pregnant, especially if she is exhibiting more than one of these symptoms. These include:
Firstly, it is important to remember that the due date is only an estimate. It is typically 280 days from the mother's last menstrual period or about 40 weeks after her last ovulation cycle.
Generally, it is okay to have sex during all stages of pregnancy. Fears that the baby will be hurt are unfounded. The baby is well protected by the mucus plug, the uterus and the amniotic sac. However, there are a few scenarios that a gynecologist will advise patients to avoid sexual intercourse.
For example, your doctor may tell you to avoid sex if you are dealing with vaginal bleeding, a placenta previa or if the baby has a high risk of being born prematurely.
Expect to spend some time with the gynecologist during your first visit. Here is what goes on during a prenatal checkup:
Getting all the essential nutrients and vitamins the baby needs is extremely important. The baby's development puts much strain on your body. Additional minerals and vitamins help deal with this. Vitamins, such as iron, calcium and folic acid, are vital during pregnancy.
You should talk to your health care provider about which prenatal vitamins to take since each patient has unique needs.
It is not uncommon for pregnant women to have frequent heartburn. This is caused by some of the changes that take place during pregnancy like increased progesterone and an expanding uterus.
Progesterone relaxes muscles like the stomach valve, and this allows acids to make their way into the esophagus.
The heartburn can be alleviated by eating smaller meals, taking antacids and keeping the head and chest elevated when possible.
Each pregnancy is different. Your first child may have been a walk in the park, while your second is quite the struggle. It is normal to have questions.
Talk to one of our gynecologists today to get help managing your pregnancy.
Request an appointment here: https://eckhardtobgyn.com or call Donald Eckhardt Jr., M.D. , Kari Eckhardt W.H.N.P., C.N.M. at (346) 201-4716 for an appointment in our Tomball office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Uterine fibroids are a common but treatable condition. When detected early, OB-GYNs can manage them effectively before they cause more serious issues, such as prolonged discomfort or infertility. Learning about the earliest signs of fibroids and being able to recognize them makes this early detection and prompt treatment possible.Fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are…
Pap smears are routine screenings that check for abnormal cells in the cervix, which may indicate cervical cancer or other conditions. Getting these screenings helps detect these conditions early when they are easier to treat. Patients need to understand their results and when further screening is needed.Also known as a pap test, a pap smear…
Visiting the gynecologist annually can lead to better health outcomes. The most common example is effective treatment made possible by the early detection of diseases, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and breast cancer. A gynecologist can also discuss and provide birth control options, menstruation and menopause management, and other services. Before heading into your…
Pelvic pain can affect patients of all genders and sexes. Thankfully, an OB-GYN can identify and treat the cause to relieve symptoms. For chronic conditions, these healthcare providers can assist in managing pelvic pain to minimize its impact on the patient’s life.The pelvis is the lower part of the abdomen, the region below one’s belly…
Uterine fibroids are a common but treatable condition. When detected early, OB-GYNs can manage them effectively before they cause more serious issues, such as prolonged discomfort or infertility. Learning about the earliest signs of fibroids and being able to recognize them makes this early detection and prompt treatment possible.Fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are…
Pap smears are routine screenings that check for abnormal cells in the cervix, which may indicate cervical cancer or other conditions. Getting these screenings helps detect these conditions early when they are easier to treat. Patients need to understand their results and when further screening is needed.Also known as a pap test, a pap smear…