1st Trimester – The Mom Experts

Screening and Tests during Pregnancy

The Mom Experts — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 20:51:37 +0000

Prenatal screening tests are medical tests conducted to evaluate the overall health of the foetus and to assess the progress of pregnancy. Detection and identification of genetic abnormalities and birth defects are also done during the prenatal tests.

In This Article –

Importance Of Prenatal Screening Tests

All pregnant women need to get their prenatal screening tests every trimester until the birth to gauge the health of the baby and the mother. Some woman who are under high-risk pregnancy, are advised to get a few non-routine tests done to prevent any complications that might not have been picked under routine tests. Post screening, the Ob-gyn runs a few diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of any abnormality or defect that may have been present in the baby. Screening tests only assess the potential risk that may be present in the baby, whereas, diagnostic tests confirm the abnormalities. Thereby further course of action can be advised by the Ob-gyn.

High Risk Factors for Prenatal Screening

Age>35 years
Teenage Pregnancy
History of Genetic Abnormalities
History of Birth Defects
History of Recurrent Miscarriage
Mother suffers from Hypertension, Diabetes, Seizures, STDs, Malignancies
Previous history of multiple pregnancies, previous baby with genetic/ birth defects

Prenatal Tests Done In 1st Trimester

Biochemical tests:

Measurement of β-hCG and PAPP-A (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein- A) is done in 1^st trimester. Normally, β-hCG values are high and PAPP -A values are low. Time of test is during11^th– 14^th week of pregnancy.

Ultrasound measurement of nuchal translucency (NT):

NT measures the size of the clear space in the tissue at the back of the baby’s neck in between skin and soft tissue. NT≥3mm is abnormal. It is done to check genetic abnormalities in the baby like Down’s syndrome, cardiac abnormalities and other chromosomal defects. Following the result of the tests, if the baby is in high risk, then diagnostic tests are done. Time of test is between 11^th and 14^th week of gestation

Blood tests:

To detect the presence of infections that may be transmitted from the mother to the foetus like Rubella, Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis-B and to check the Haemoglobin levels for preventing anaemia. Measurement of Rh protein status in the maternal blood is also done as its presence in the baby and absence in the mother may lead to Haemolytic disease of new-born, which is fatal.

Non-invasive prenatal testing from maternal blood/plasma:

Foetal DNA (mainly cff-DNA) is detected in maternal plasma/ whole blood and is assessed for genetic abnormalities like trisomy 13, 18, 21 etc. A woman tested positive should be referred to genetic counselling and offered invasive prenatal diagnostic tests for confirmation. Time of tests is around 10^th week of gestation

Early Ultrasound scan:

Ultrasound scan is done during early gestational period to confirm pregnancy, rule out abnormal pregnancies like molar pregnancy/ ectopic pregnancy. Dating scan is done early-on to assess the estimated date of delivery (EDD). Thus, the Ob-gyn can schedule subsequent check-ups accordingly. Foetal heart rate (FHR) is also monitored using the ultrasound scan which is usually around 120- 160 bpm. Time of test is Once at the beginning of pregnancy, another between 18^th – 20^th (in 2^nd trimester) week of gestation

Transvaginal scan:

This scan assesses the vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries along with the placenta, thus checks the abnormalities in any of these structures. Foetal heart rate can also be monitored. Time of test is between 6^th and 10^th week of gestation

Abdominal scan:

This scan assesses the abdominal organs and monitors growth and development of baby. Time of test is between 6^th and 7^th week of gestation

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS):

It is an invasive diagnostic test done to diagnose genetic disorders. A sample of chorionic villi tissue is collected under ultrasound guidance to confirm genetic defects. Time of test is between 10^th and 13^th week of gestation

Urine analysis A few urine tests are run during prenatal visits for detecting gestational diabetes in pregnant women, infections and preeclampsia. Tests for STDs (HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia) are done during early prenatal visits to diagnose and prevent their transmission to the baby
Pap smear to detect cervical cancer may be done during early prenatal visit.
Regular Blood pressure recordings are taken to diagnose hypertension and preeclampsia.

Prenatal Tests Done In 2nd Trimester

Triple test and Quadruple tests (Multiple marker tests):

They detect biochemical analytes like MSAFP (maternal serum α-feto protein), hCG and uE3 in the former test and dimeric inhibin-A. They are mainly done to detect trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), neural tube defects and Spina bifida in the baby. Time of test is during 15^th and 22^nd week of gestation

Amniocentesis:

It is an invasive procedure done under ultrasonography guidance to obtain amniotic fluid which is subjected for cytogenetic studies. Done to detect genetic defects like trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) Time of test is around 15^th – 20^th week

Ultrasound scan:

As mentioned earlier, multiple ultrasound scans are done throughout the period of gestation for assessing the growth and development of baby.

Glucose challenge test:

It is a screening test done to measure the risk of a pregnant woman to have gestational diabetes. A solution containing 75g of glucose with water is given to the pregnant woman who was previously fasting for 8hours. Following intake, the Glucose levels are measured every hour for 3 hours. Time of test is around 24^th – 28^th week of gestation

Foetal doppler ultrasound:

It is an instrument that measures the flow of blood via the blood vessels of the foetus and gives an audio and visual representation of the same. Time of test is around 22^nd– 24^th and 30^th to 34^th week of gestation

Fetoscopy:

An instrument called fetoscope is introduced into the uterus for imaging the baby for any defects and collection of any sample for cytogenetic studies.Time of test is during 18^th week of gestation

Cordocentesis:

An invasive procedure that detects genetic defects in baby along with detection of foetal anaemia, Rh disease, infections, bleeding disorders and foetal blood-gas/ acid-base status. Time of test is beyond 18^th week of gestation

Prenatal Tests Done In 3rd Trimester

Growth scan:

It is a foetal ultrasound scan that is done in the last trimester to assess the growth and development of the baby. The position and amniotic fluid levels are analysed. This test can be done multiple times, the first between 28^th and 32^nd week of gestation

Electronic Foetal heart monitoring:

Foetal heart rate is monitored during pregnancy and labour to assess the wellbeing of the baby.

Group-B streptococcus screening:

GBS screening is done by taking vaginal swabs and cultured later on. GBS infection cause mental retardation, hearing loss, and lungs infections and is very fatal for the baby. Time of test is around 35^th – 37^th week of gestation

screening and diagnostic tests are done for the early detection and treatment of certain abnormalities and prevent complications during labour. Strictly following advice from the Ob-gyn and attending all the scheduled appointments is important to prevent any unforeseen complications for the mother and baby during labour.

References

https://www.babycenter.in/a557403/first-trimester-scans
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/screening-tests/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC59263/
https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/your-ultimate-guide-to-tests-during-pregnancy/
Pictures courtesy: https://www.freepik.com/

Home Remedies for Illness in Pregnant Woman

The Mom Experts — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 08:47:18 +0000

Pregnant and down with a flu? Are Backache and headache taking a toll on your pregnancy? Down with cold and cough while pregnant and want to know how to get rid of it? Here are some homemade remedies that one could try to get rid of the illness safely at home without taking medications.

In This Article –

It is always advised that any illness or disease need to be reported to the Ob-gyn prior to using any medications. As the ingredient may affect the baby and always remember that it is not just about curing the illness but also preventing the baby from contracting it, without affecting the growth and development.

Headache

In the early stages of pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, pregnant woman experiences moderate to severe headaches. Headaches during later stage of pregnancy may also indicate high blood pressure and need immediate intervention by the Ob-gyn.
It is always helpful to maintain a chart or diary on what triggers these headaches during pregnancy. Some women develop headaches due to stress; some develop it when not taken food adequately and others due to weather changes. Thus, identifying these triggers help solve the problem.
Nibbling onto snacks whenever hungry like fruits or nuts; reducing caffeine and replacing them with fruit teas and caffeine free herbal teas( ajwain chai, tulsi chai etc); staying hydrated always and sipping onto coconut water, sweet lemon juice and buttermilk(chaas, lassi) to quench thirst during summers and warming soups and teas during winters also help in combating weather changes.
Cutting down on stress and practicing regular yoga including breathing exercises also have a drastic change on curing headaches. Using cold/warm compresses on the area of headache, head massage and cold shower and aromatherapy also eases the headache to great extent and helps in elevating the mood.

Backache

Backache is a common complaint among pregnant women experience. The most effective way to cure it is by changing the posture while sitting and sleeping. Working women who have sedentary jobs and sit for long hours should try to take frequent breaks and walk for few minutes before resuming work. Those who stand for long hours should also take breaks in between and sit for some time.

Wearing a supporting maternity bra with wide straps and larger cups also reduce the strain on the shoulders and ribs and hence ease back ache. Propping up pillows while sleeping and sitting supporting the back also helps in easing backache. Exercising regularly during pregnancy and doing yoga also helps in relieving backache.

Fever

Fever which is accompanied by other symptoms like rashes or any salmon-coloured spot needs to be immediately reported to the Ob-gyn
Slight raise in body temperature can be cured by adequate rest and plenty of fluid consumption. Not all drugs are safe during pregnancy; hence home remedies are mostly advised in pregnant women. Paracetamol is the most commonly prescribed drug for fever as it is safe during pregnancy.
Warm soups provide relief from fever; warm herbal teas with tulsi or ginger can also be taken. Mustard oil and garlic that are usually used in everyday cooking are effective in reducing fever. Lemon and honey are also quite effective in alleviating the agent causing fever and improving immunity.

Cough and Cold during Pregnancy

Having cold and cough at any time of the pregnancy, when not accompanied by any red flag signs, is usually normal and may not require professional intervention. Having a running nose or a stuffy nose with cough is quite a nuisance to the mother, but seems to not cause any damage to the growing baby.

Home remedies like steam inhalation, salt water nasal spray and vapour rubs can also provide relief from stuffy and running nose. Lozenges and cough syrups are quite helpful, but require the Ob-gyn to prescribe it as not all drugs are safe. An infusion of ginger, honey and lemon mixed in water acts as an excellent relief provider against cough and irritated throat. Herbal tea’s containing ginger and tulasi also helps in providing relief from cough.

Seasonal Flu

Drinking plenty of fluids along with adequate rest brings down the body temperature. Consume Herbal teas with ginger and tulsi, lemon-honey-ginger concoction and having balanced and wholesome foods rich in vitamin c. Warm broths and rasams also provide warmth and relief from sore throat that accompanies flu. Turmeric milk is also a miraculous concoction that gets rid of the offending agent and helps to cure the flu. Salt water gargling and steam inhalation also relieves sore throat and runny nose.

Pregnancy Diet

The Mom Experts — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 08:10:21 +0000

Hey there moms to be! First of all, congratulations, you are going to be a mom soon. We know how excited as well as nervous this can make you. You are going to give birth to another beautiful human being. Well, the first rule of pregnancy that you need to follow is- “Bye-bye street food!” You cannot compromise on the nutrition and the portions. No dieting, no more food skips, there isn’t a very rigid diet that you need to follow, but there are certain food items that you can include in your routine so that your little champ receives all the right vitamins and minerals for healthy growth.

When creating a healthy eating plan, focus on whole foods that provide you with more of the nutrients you need than when you’re not pregnant, such as:

vitamins and minerals
high protein content
fats and complex carbohydrates that are good for you
hydration and fibre

Fun Facts To Know About Pregnancy Diet

During pregnancy, a woman’s calorie consumption increases only by a few hundred calories each day. So contrary to popular opinion, you do not have to eat for two!
If the mother is carrying only one child, the typical weight gain varies greatly depending on the mother’s pre-pregnancy weight and other circumstances. A pregnant woman who is underweight is advised to gain more weight than an overweight woman who is recommended to put on less.
When a woman is expecting, her body absorbs iron more rapidly, and her blood volume rises, so she needs to take more iron to ensure that both she and her baby get enough oxygen.

Eat Well Pregnancy Guide

As previously said, the mother’s diet should be varied, balanced, and nutritious, and it should include:

1. Fruits & Vegetables

At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables should be consumed each day. Eat rainbow of colours, preferably of fresh local produce. Fruits and vegetables are rich in fibre and help avoid constipation, which is typical during pregnancy. If you’re going to buy canned fruit or veggies, choose ones that are in water or fruit juice and don’t have any added sugar or salt.

Get your 5-A-Day with these helpful hints!

Breakfast should include fruit, such as sliced bananas, apples, mangoes, berries or any seasonal fruit sprinkled on cereal.
Cook a variety of veggies, then puree them in a food processor before adding to tomato-based sauces or stews.
Serve a salad with your lunch or dinner.
Eat at least three servings of vegetables during your lunch and dinner.
A piece of fresh fruit, a handful of dried fruit, raw veggie sticks with hummus for dipping, vegetable upma, vegetable uttapam, stir-fried veggies are all excellent options for a snack.

2. Folic Acid

Folic acid, often known as folate when found in foods, is a B vitamin (vitamin B9) that helps prevent neural tube abnormalities – birth disorders affecting the baby’s brain and spinal cord.

According to a 2019 paper published in the journal Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine, pregnant women who took a 400-microgram folic acid supplementation reduced the incidence of neural tube abnormalities in their newborns by 50%.

Leafy greens, millets, chickpeas, walnuts, legumes, beans, citrus fruits, dry fruits, bread and pasta are all excellent sources of folic acid.

3. Carbohydrate-dense foods with a high starch content

Potatoes, rice, pasta, and bread are examples of starchy carbohydrate-rich foods. Carbohydrates constitute an important part of a healthy pregnancy diet since they are high in energy.

4. Calcium

It is vital to consume a sufficient amount of calcium regularly. Calcium is abundant in dairy foods such as cheese, milk, and curd. Calcium-fortified soymilk and other plant milk and juices, calcium-set tofu, soybeans, bok choy, broccoli, collards, Chinese cabbage, okra, mustard greens, beans, kale, and soybean nuts should all be considered if the mother is vegan.

5. Zinc

Zinc is an important trace mineral. It is essential for natural development and development, cellular integrity, and a variety of biological processes such as nucleic acid metabolism and protein synthesis.

Zinc is essential for fetal growth since all of these methods are involved in growth and cell division. Chicken, turkey, ham, shrimp, crab, oysters, meat, fish (low in mercury), dairy products, beans, peanut butter, almonds, sunflower seeds, ginger, onions, bran, wheat germ, rice, pasta, cereals, eggs, lentils, and tofu are some of the richest sources of zinc.

Pregnancy and Iron

Iron is a significant component of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the primary protein in red blood cells and the oxygen-carrying pigment; it transports oxygen throughout the body.

During pregnancy, the mother’s blood volume nearly doubles, necessitating an increase in iron to produce enough haemoglobin to accommodate all that extra blood.

Most women begin their pregnancies with insufficient iron stores to fulfil their bodies’ rising demands, especially during the third or fourth month. If the mother’s iron levels are depleted, she may become anaemic and is at a higher risk of:

Premature birth.
The baby is underweight.
Stillbirth.
Death of a newborn.
During the pregnancy, the mother may experience fatigue, irritability, and sadness.

If the mother becomes anaemic later in the pregnancy, she is more likely to lose a lot of blood when she delivers. The following foods are high in iron:

Meats like beef, chicken and fish, eggs, dry beans, and fortified cereals
Iron in meat products, known as heme, is more easily absorbed than iron in vegetables.
Dried beans, dark green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, and orange juice are examples of foods high in folic acid. That should be consumed to cope up with anaemia.
Food rich in vitamin C, especially the one belonging to the citrus family
Green peas, chicken, clams, oysters, spinach, lean meat, all kinds of liver cooked well ( except for fish), beef, tofu, lentils, nuts, unrefined sugar such as molasses (in a limited amount).

Essential Fats

A pregnant woman’s fat intake should not exceed 30% of her total calories. According to research, a high-fat diet may genetically prepare a baby for future diabetes.
There are also dangers to pregnancy associated with a high-fat diet; therefore, a balance is required, with monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids (often known as “good fats”) being the key fat choices. The reason being the blood flow to the placenta from the mother may reduce due to excess intake of fats.
A high-fat diet can also cause problems during pregnancy, so a balance is necessary, with monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids (commonly known as “good fats”) being the best alternatives.

Fibre

Fibre is abundant in whole grain foods, including wholemeal bread, wild rice, whole grain pasta, pulses like beans and lentils, fruit, and vegetables.
Constipation is more common in women during pregnancy, and eating plenty of fibre can help to reduce that risk. According to studies, haemorrhoids, which become more common as the fetus grows, can be reduced by consuming a high-fibre diet throughout pregnancy.

Weight Gain Facts to Note During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, weight gain tends to ebb and flow during the nine months. It’s difficult to tell where pregnancy weight goes, she says, because a scale can’t tell whether the extra pounds are due to a woman’s body fat, baby weight, or fluid growth.
Don’t worry about the number on the scale; focus on the fact that the baby is growing well during routine prenatal appointments.
The total calorie intake required per day during pregnancy is determined by a woman’s height, weight before pregnancy, and daily activity level. Underweight women require more calories during pregnancy, while overweight and obese women require fewer.
Weight Gain Rate in Pregnancy: Women who are underweight or have a normal weight gain about 1 pound per week on average throughout their second and third trimesters of pregnancy, while women who are overweight or obese gain roughly half a pound (225 g) every week.

Myth About Eating For Two

When people say a pregnant woman should “eat for two,” they don’t mean she should eat twice as much or ingest twice as many calories.
During the first trimester, a woman does not eat for two weeks. During the first three months of pregnancy, women’s calorie requirements are essentially the same as they were before becoming pregnant.
During the second trimester, pregnant women should increase their calorie consumption by 200 calories. During the third trimester, when the baby is growing rapidly, they should raise their calorie intake by 300 calories.
That’s all for today, folks. Let us know your opinions about pregnancy and die, and weight changes in the comments section below!

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

The Mom Experts — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 07:54:45 +0000

Confused whether the symptoms are of pregnancy or just PMS. You can confirm your good news by pregnancy tests and ultrasound, but there are a lot of early symptoms that you can look for.

The symptoms of pregnancy can be very different from woman to woman. Each symptom has its own time to appear. Your pregnancy week one starts from the first day of your last period.

Here is everything you need to know about the early symptoms of pregnancy.

(1) Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding is one of the very first pregnancy symptoms. Up to 25-30% of women experience this during their first trimester.
After fertilization, the embryo travels to the uterus from fallopian tube and implants into the lining. Sometimes it causes a little bleeding. You can experience this between 6-12 days after conception.
At the very first the fertilized egg creates a fluid-filled group of cells (Blastocyte), that further develops into the baby’s organs.
You don’t have to worry about this bleeding as it doesn’t cause any harm to your baby. The color of your spotting may be red, pink, or brown.
During implantation bleeding the flow of blood is not as heavy as the menstrual period. You will notice this only when you wipe.
Tips: – During this very first stage of pregnancy avoid heavy work, heavy exercises, lifting heavyweight, or drinking alcohol, as all these can harm your embryo.

(2) Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are commonly known as morning sickness. It is a very common sign of early pregnancy. Approximately 75% of pregnant women experience this.
It occurs because of high hCG.Generally, morning sickness doesn’t cause any harm to you or your baby.
Extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum. This can be harmful. (For more details read our article on Morning Sickness).
Tips: – Drink ginger, lemon, peppermint tea.
Drink more water to avoid dehydration.
If you are having HG (Hyperemesis Gravidarum), see a doctor.

(3) Increased Basal Body Temperature

You will notice a rise in your basal body temperature even before you missed your period. You can measure your body basal temperature in the morning before leaving the bed.

There are 3 ways to measure your BBT- Vaginally, Orally, or rectally.

Tips: –

- Drink more water to control body temperature.
- Avoid heavy exercises.
- Avoid hot places.

(4) Breast Enlargement and Soreness

Your breasts may feel swollen, sore, and sensitive during early pregnancy. It happens because of hormonal changes in the body.
Estrogen promotes the secretion of prolactin and helps to grow breast duct cells. Prolactinstimulates milk production and progesterone supports the formation and growth of milk glands.
These changes occur generally 4-6 weeks of conception. The areola (area of the nipple) also becomes darker.
Tips: – Wear a supportive maternity bra.
Use breast pads to reduce friction.
Using a hot towel also can be helpful.

(5) Food Aversion

During the first trimester both Estrogen and hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) rises. This rise in hormones and the development of strong taste and smell in pregnancy causes food aversion.
Food aversion means unliking certain food items. This happens at the same time as morning sickness. So this can also increase the experience of nausea and vomiting.
Tips:
Avoid food items that you are feeling not to eat.
Try to eat alternative healthy food options to get all the nutrition.

(6) Frequent Urination

Excessive urination is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy.
As weeks pass the frequency of urination also increases. It happens because of the pregnancy hormone hCG. This hormone increases the blood flow to your kidney and pelvic area which leads to frequent urination.

(7) Bloating and Constipation

Bloating and constipation are very common and one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. The main reason for bloating is excess of the Progesterone hormone that relaxes the body muscles and slow down digestion.
Another reason for bloating and constipation is your growing uterus that puts pressure on your abdominal cavity and stomach.

Tips:

To get relief from bloating and constipation maintain a well-balanced diet.
Keep yourself hydrated.
Use Saunf, Ajwain after every meal to improve digestion.

(8) Missed Period

A missed period is a classic early sign of pregnancy. If you had unprotected sex during your ovulation days and missed your period, probably your good news is waiting for you.
After implantation of the embryo, your body starts producing hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). It is a protein-based hormone and helps the body to maintain a healthy pregnancy. It also helps in the production of progesterone and allows ovaries to stop realizing mature eggs.

Tips:

If you have a missed period it is advisable to visit a doctor.
Use a pregnancy test kit to confirm your good news.

(9) Mood Swings

Your pregnancy is a roller coaster ride of hormones. Also, morning sickness and fatigue are very common signs of pregnancy. This all together affects the mood of pregnant women, that converts into mood swings.

Tips:

Read good books, listen to your favorite music. This will help you to boost your mood.
Make sure to get enough sleep.
Always listen to what your body says. As a pregnant woman, you may experience all of these symptoms or maybe one or two. A healthy pregnancy means a healthy mom and baby, other pregnancy symptoms may vary from woman to woman.