Pregnancy is a natural process which does not lead to a disturbance of health. In fact many women enjoy radiant health during pregnancy. However, the growing baby means extra strain on the expectant mother, and so she has to take special care of herself. The care of the expectant woman before confinement is known as ante-natal care.
The need to consult a doctor as soon as signs of pregnancy are detected has already been stressed. The doctor will examine the pregnant woman and lay down certain rules to suit her individual case. The following hints, however, will be found useful by all expectant women.
Exercise
Both fresh air and exercise are necessary for the well-being of the human body. Daily housework will give enough exercise, but be careful not to lift heavy articles of tire yourself. Walking is also a good form of exercise. Wear suitable footwear when you go out for a walk. The majority of Indian women wear chappals, which are ideal. High-heeled shoes must be avoided.
Rest
Adequate rest is necessary. Do not tire yourself. Avoid late nights. Have at least eight hours' sleep at night and an afternoon nap daily. Sleeplessness may be caused by indigestion. Avoid heavy meals at night. The last meal should be light and may be taken early in the evening.
Care of the nipples
The breasts and nipples need special care. Gentle massage and application of lanolin or butter or ghee to the nipples will keep them supple and soft. Wash of the little milk that appears in the nipples in the last two months of pregnancy. Inverted nipples need extra care, about which your doctor will advise you.
Diet
The diet of a pregnant mother should be rich in body building materials as the baby derives its nutrition from the mother.
Milk: Milk is a good source of calcium. Take at least 600 ml. (20 oz.)of milk daily.
Fluids: Take plenty of fluids - water, tea, coffee, orange juice etc. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Fresh fruits and vegetables: Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables should be taken to ensure a steady supply of vitamins and also for roughage. The latter helps in keeping the bowels regular.
Meat, fish and eggs: These provide proteins, which are necessary for body building. Protein-rich foods for vegetarians are: milk, Cheese, beans, nuts and dal.
Vitamins and minerals: Take multi-vitamin and iron preparations daily to prevent deficiency of vitamins. Your doctor will prescribe the necessary vitamin and iron pills.
Avoid highly spiced food, condiments, pickles and fried food. By trial and error you will soon learn what food cause indigestion. These must be avoided. The last meal of the day should be early and light.
Marital relations
It is advisable to avoid intercourse during the second and third months and after the seventh month of pregnancy.
Bathing
Bath in pleasantly warm water every day. If taken at night it may induce sleep. A daily bath keeps your skin active.
Clothes
Clothes should never be tight. Saris and petticoats must be tied loose. Choose light clothing. Wear a well fitting brassiere, which gives good support, without confining the breasts too tightly.
Common disorders of pregnancy
Most women will pass through pregnancy without any serious complications. A few minor discomforts are occasionally felt, but with care these can be relieved.
Constipation
In the prevention and cure of constipation proper exercise and diet are more important than drugs. A free bowel movement daily is important. By far the best time is before or soon after breakfast. An attempt must be made at that time daily, even if it is not always successful. One or two extra cups of tea at breakfast, fresh fruits, especially figs, green vegetables, oat meal porridge, a glass of warm or cold water on rising in the morning-these will help Castor oil should be avoided unless your doctor recommends it. It is best to avoid all drastic purgatives. Paraffin liquid may be taken occasionally.
Acidity or heartburn
Acidity or heartburn is due to excessive formation of acid juice in the stomach. A burning sensation is felt in the region of the stomach occasionally, followed by sour belching. Sip a tumblerful of water in which a teaspoon of soda bicarbonate has been added. It will give immediate relief. Occasionally this burning sensation is felt only when you are lying down flat in bed. In such a case prop yourself up with two or three pillows.
Morning sickness
The majority of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness during the early weeks of pregnancy. It may amount to nothing more than a feeling of nausea on getting up in the morning; on the other hand there may be vomiting. Always keep some biscuits, bread and butter next to your bed and eat a little before getting out of bed. This simple procedure may reduce the nausea considerably. In a few cases medical care may be necessary, if vomiting persists for a long time.
Swelling of feet and legs
Slight swelling is quite common in the last months of pregnancy. This is due to pressure of the baby and the growing womb on the veins which carry blood away from the feet and legs. At every opportunity, the pregnant woman must prop her legs up so that the blood can return easily from the legs. Avoid standing for long periods. Avoid tight fastening of clothes round the waist.
Shortness of breath
In the last weeks of pregnancy exertion may lead to considerable breathlessness because the enlarged womb hampers the working of one of the muscles of respiration called the 'diaphragm'. Avoid heavy exertion. Do light household jobs only. By all means take a daily walk but do everything much slower than before. Rest the moment you feel tired.
Cramps
Cramps may occur in the legs, especially in the back of the thighs or the calf muscles. This may be excruciatingly painful and may disturb sleep. It may be due either to pressure of the enlarged womb on the nerves of the leg or as a result of calcium deficiencies. Calcium lactate 1gm. (15 grains) thrice a day, orally, light message of the calf muscles and wearing of warm stockings will help. This is a harmless condition.
Itching of the skin
Itching very rarely affects the entire body. The part most often affected is the external genitalia. The itching is mostly due to a discharge from the vagina and until this is properly treated and cured, measures to relieve itching are generally useless. See doctor if it persists.
Frequency of passing urine
Frequent desire to pass urine is often present at two stages of pregnancy: in the first weeks and in the last two or three weeks. Pain when passing urine, however, is not common and may be due to infection of the bladder or the kidneys. Difficulty or inability to pass urine, therefore, suggests that something is wrong and you should see your doctor immediately.
Pain in the back
Pain is usually felt in the lower part of the back during the last weeks of pregnancy. This is as a result of stretching of ligaments which automatically takes place in order to widen the bony canal of the pelvis through which the baby will be born. A tablet or two of aspirin 300 to 600 mg. (5-10 grains) taken when pain is severe will give a fair amount of relief.
Warning signals
You must see your doctor at once if any one of the following warning signals is present:
- The slightest bleeding from the vagina
- Abdominal pain before the expected date of delivery.
- Swelling of feet and marked fall in the quantity of urine passed.
- Giddiness and fainting
- Excessive or poor weight gain
- Pain or burning while passing urine
- Chills and fever
- Severe and persistent nausea and vomiting.
- Continuing or severe headache
- Blurring of vision or spots before the eyes
- Sudden gush of water from the vagina before the baby is due
- If movements of the baby diminish.
Bleeding from the vagina is abnormal and is often the first sign of miscarriage. Go straight to bed and stay there till the doctor comes. Often such a simple procedure may save the baby.
Most pregnant women notice a slight whitish, sticky discharge in the vagina during pregnancy. But if you notice excessive discharge or if the discharge becomes yellow, greenish or frothy, see your doctor. If there is an infection, early treatment will cure it.
A vaginal douche must never be taken during pregnancy except on medical advice.