Am I pregnant?
The most frequent symptom is the absence of menstruation. Increased breast volume and breast tightness can also indicate pregnancy.
Confirmation of suspicions should be done through a pregnancy test, in the first days after the absence of menstruation.
After confirmation, it is important to schedule the first medical surveillance appointment, as soon as possible, namely to start taking the necessary supplements at this stage. Ask health professionals for advice on the decisions you make or any doubts that may arise related to this new life project.
When will my baby be born?
If there is no problem that anticipates delivery, the child is usually born around the fortieth (40th) week of gestation (this is the number of weeks counted to establish the probable date of delivery) or 9 months after fertilization.
What are the normal changes of pregnancy in my body?
In addition to the enlargement of the belly, there are other physical changes in the body of the mother-to-be:
- increased tiredness and/or drowsiness in early pregnancy
- nausea and vomiting, especially first thing in the morning
- Fuller breasts and more sensitive nipples
- greater pigmentation in the areola of the nipple and increased sensitivity of the nipple, and the eventual appearance of milk at the end of pregnancy is normal
- appearance of a dark line on the belly that disappears over the course of pregnancy
- dark spots on the face (chloasma)
- constipation (constipation)
- need to urinate more often (especially at the beginning and end of pregnancy)
- Appearance of varicose veins
- back pain (especially at the end of pregnancy)
It is natural to have psychological changes, especially in the first and last trimesters:
- Increased sensitivity
- insecurity
- anxiety
- worry
- Easy crying
How many appointments should I go to?
Generally, in a normal pregnancy, the minimum is six consultations. The first should be before 12 weeks (ideally at 8 weeks). After the evaluation, your doctor will decide if it is necessary to increase the frequency of appointments.
In these consultations, a physical and gynecological examination will be done and several analyses are requested and, usually, one ultrasound per trimester. Health education will also be carried out to promote healthy lifestyles and better knowledge about the evolution of pregnancy. A cytology test may be necessary to screen for cervical cancer and the vaccination status of the pregnant woman will be assessed. If there is a risk of complications (associated diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular problems, endocrine problems or infections, if you are a smoker or obese, if you have a history of repeated miscarriages, if you are under 16 or over 35), you will probably be referred for a hospital consultation.
You will be given a small book, the Pregnant Health Bulletin, which will be used to write down all the information related to your pregnancy. This book should always accompany you.
What are the warning signs during pregnancy?
You should immediately go to the maternity health or emergency department if you have:
- vaginal bleeding or loss of fluid from the vagina (even in small amounts)
- vaginal discharge with itching, burning, or unusual smell
- continuous abdominal/pelvic pain
- chills or fever (greater than 37.8º C)
- pain or burning when urinating or feeling that you cannot stop urinating or the presence of blood in the urine
- persistent vomiting
- severe or continuous headache
- vision disorders
- Rise in blood pressure
- Marked increase in weight in a short period of time
- sudden swelling of the feet, hands, or face
- decreased fetal movements
How to count fetal movements?
Your baby's movements are an excellent indicator of his or her health. Fetal movements begin to be noticeable in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy (usually between 18-21 weeks). Each baby has its own movement pattern and mothers have the ability to analyze it better than anyone.
Start counting your baby's movements when you get up (e.g. at 9:00 a.m.). When you record the 10 sets of moves, write down an "X" in your pregnancy book in the box corresponding to the time you completed the count. If 12 hours have passed and you have not reached 10 movements, tick below the red line the number of movements counted and go to the emergency department of the maternity ward or contact your doctor or nurse immediately.
How should I eat?
It is essential to have a correct diet. It must be diversified and of high quality, and an increase in the quantity of food is neither necessary nor advisable.
Recommended foods are:
- eggs
- Fatty fish
- white or red meats
- Peas
- bean
- grain
- broad beans
- Lentils
- milk
- cheese
- Yogurts
- vegetables
- fruit
- liquids (water, infusions, soup)
Foods that should be avoided:
- unpasteurised milk and dairy products, including cottage cheese and cottage cheese
- Poorly ripened cheeses
- Sausages and smoked meats
- shellfish
- Canned
- fish with a high concentration of mercury (swordfish, dogfish, swordfish, anglerfish, dyer)
- Undercooked meat, fish and eggs
- Pates
- Sweet food and drinks
- foods with excess salt or additives
- coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks
- Energy Drinks
Extra care should be taken with raw foods, as they can be carriers of microorganisms that lead to diseases, such as toxoplasmosis and salmonellosis, and should therefore be cooked simply or washed very well.
It is recommended to take a supplement of:
- folic acid in the 1st trimester of pregnancy
- Iron in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters
- iodine throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding
What is the most suitable outfit to wear?
Clothing should be practical, comfortable, preferably made of natural fibres (cotton and linen), as well as suitable for increasing the volume of the abdomen. In addition:
- Avoid wearing tight clothing
- Prefer wide-strapped bras for more support
- You can wear a pregnant girdle after the 5th month of pregnancy or according to the advice of a healthcare professional
- Wear comfortable, comfortable shoes without slippery soles or high heels
Can I exercise?
Yes, as long as it is in a moderate way and your pregnancy has no complications, such as diseases or other risk situations. Do not exceed 45 minutes of exercise and reduce the effort as the pregnancy progresses. If possible, seek advice from a health or sports professional. In principle, the walk is universally recommended. Pay attention to proper hydration with water and the use of appropriate footwear in order to reduce the impact of the exercises performed.
You should avoid contact sports, extreme sports and sudden movements.
There are some health centers and hospitals that offer exercise programs to pregnant women during pregnancy.
Can I have sex while I'm pregnant?
Yes, as long as it's comfortable for the couple.
There should only be a restriction if complications such as vaginal bleeding and the threat of preterm birth, for example, arise.
Sexually transmitted infections contracted during pregnancy, such as HIV/AIDS and syphilis, lead to serious complications for the pregnant woman and her baby. It is very important that both the pregnant woman and her partner behave responsibly in their own way.
How should I take care of my hygiene?
To take care of your hygiene, you should:
- shower regularly (avoid very hot water and finish with cooler water to reduce the appearance of varicose veins)
- Avoid hot waxing
- Use moisturising cream on the body, especially on the abdomen and breasts
- Avoid scented products or products with dyes
- brushing your teeth after each meal or at least twice a day
- prefer a medium-hard toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Avoid sugary foods, especially between meals
- going to a dentist appointment early in pregnancy or between the 4th and 6th month
The NHS makes available to pregnant women, free of charge, up to three dentist checks to be used up to 60 days after delivery. Ask your GP for them.
Are there any prohibitions on pregnancy?
Tobacco, alcohol and drugs are products that are highly harmful to the future baby and should therefore be banned during pregnancy.
Also during pregnancy, medications must be prescribed by the doctor to prevent taking medication that could be harmful to the mother and baby.
Is childbirth painful?
A healthy and normal birth is accompanied by pain.
However, there are several methods that relieve pain during childbirth:
- use of oral medications, injectables
- epidural
For the performance of an epidural, the pregnant woman will be asked for her written consent.
In addition to these, there are also other ways to relieve pain in a natural way:
- Use of Pilates Ball
- Massages
- ambulation
- hydrotherapy
- Aromatherapy
- Music therapy
- Relaxation Techniques
Childbirth preparation and parenting courses can be a good option for clarifying doubts and reducing anxiety. Inquire at your health centre or maternity hospital. The parturient, if she wishes, can be accompanied by her partner or someone she trusts.
The elaboration of a birth plan, with simple and feasible instructions, can be a valuable tool for health professionals, as it facilitates individualized care and the involvement of the companion in care. The birth plan must also include the procedures to be carried out in case of emergency/urgency related to the health of the woman and the baby to be born.
What are the signs that childbirth is approaching?
The time of delivery may be near when:
- Note the descent of the belly
- There is a discharge of the mucus plug (a few days before the onset of labor or just a few hours before it, there is an expulsion, through the vagina, of a gelatinous, pink or brownish mucus)
- There is rupture of the sac of waters (membranes) that manifests itself with the exit of clear and transparent amniotic fluid through the vagina
- regular uterine contractions (abdominal hardening associated with pain, which intensifies and becomes more and more frequent, until it becomes regular)
How does childbirth take place?
Normal childbirth consists of three stages: dilation, expulsion and discharge.
During dilation, the cervix (where the baby passes) begins to dilate until it reaches 10 cm. Contractions are becoming more and more regular and closer. During the contraction, the mother should inhale deeply through her nose and pour the air out through her mouth. When the contraction is over, you should inhale and exhale slowly and deeply, relaxing and recovering as much as possible.
On expulsion, the baby comes out naturally through the vagina. It may be necessary to help the baby out with forceps or suction cups, or to make a cut in the perineum between the vagina and anus (episiotomy). The pregnant woman should, in each contraction, inhale deeply and then not let the air out while pushing. When the contraction passes, you stop pushing and exhale, taking the opportunity to relax and recover until the next contraction.
In horseback riding, the placenta and the membranes that have surrounded the baby are expelled some time after birth.
In the event that a caesarean section is necessary, the doctor informs the reasons for this surgical intervention and asks for the pregnant woman's written consent.
What should I bring to the maternity ward?
For the mother:
- Open nightgown at the front
- dressing gown
- Slippers (shower and bedroom)
- Toiletries
- underwear, preferably disposable
- sanitary napkins
- Pregnancy Bulletin and Identification Documents
- Clothes for leaving the maternity ward
For the baby:
- Disposable/Reusable Diapers
- babygrows or shirt and pants sets with foot and cap
- cotton undershirt sets
- blanket
The use of a pacifier can impair the baby's initial adaptation to breastfeeding, so it should not be taken to the hospital.
You should check with the hospital/maternity hospital where you think the birth will take place, to find out what you need to take with you.
How long is the hospital stay?
Hospitalization ranges from 48 to 72 hours. The length of stay varies depending on the care that needs to be taken with the mother and/or the baby.
What is the Family Open Window program?
The Open Window to the Family program is a public and free project under the joint responsibility of the Directorate-General for Health. It aims to help parents with antenatal care and care after the baby is born.
How do I sign up for the Family Open Window program?
You can enroll in the Family Open Window program by filling in the form for this purpose and handing it in to the service where you are followed.
Parents who already have children or who, for some reason, did not have access to this brochure, can sign up through the program Family Open Window.
By subscribing you will receive periodically and free of charge, information adapted to the stage of growth of your future baby. You can also access the Guide for Pregnant Women.
Source: Directorate-General for Health - RISCAR (DGS/RISCAR)