Lifestyle Choices

Once you suspect that you may be pregnant because you have missed your period, testing can be done by your doctor with a urine or blood test or you can use a home pregnancy test kit available from most pharmacies. But please note that this should be done after your first missed period and even then you may occasionally still find that the test is negative. This will need to be followed up a few days later. Other early signs of pregnancy include breast tenderness, darkening of your nipples and areolae, and the formation of little bumps around your nipples that are called Montgomery’s tubercles. You will also probably feel nauseous and fatigued.

Once you have confirmed your pregnancy, you will be seen by your doctor or clinic sister regularly to ensure the best prenatal care. This includes:

• Frequent prenatal examinations to detect early problems. Prenatal visits are typically scheduled:

i. every four weeks during the first 32 weeks

ii. every two weeks from 32 to 36 weeks

iii. weekly from 36 weeks to delivery.

• Weight gain, blood pressure, height of your uterus and the foetal heartbeat are usually measured and recorded at each visit, and routine urine screening tests are performed.
• 4- Other investigations include:
• ultrasound scans to detect the foetal heart and the possibility of any problems
• routine screening for:
• urine infections
• blood group testing
• rubella (german measles) immunity
• sexually transmitted diseases
• genetic screening (if there is a family history or if you are older than 35 years)
• blood pressure abnormalities
• protein in urine.
• Throughout the three trimesters of your pregnancy, make sure to take excellent care of yourself. Eat a nourishing diet by following the SELF diet outlined in chapter 3.You do not need to eat for two!
• If you are exercising regularly at the time of conception, you may carry on with your regular schedule until near the end. But do not do anything that raises your body temperature excessively.
• If you are unfit, consider beginning gentle exercise classes. There are many designed specially for pregnant women. Or begin swimming or walking regularly.
• Try and fit in some extra rest, even if it is just elevating your legs at the end of a busy work day and doing some gentle breathing exercises.
• Continue to enjoy a satisfying sex life through your pregnancy. It is in no way harmful to your foetus. In fact, many women have a surge in libido while pregnant. The only time you need to be cautious is if you have had a threatened miscarriage or have sutures (stitches) in your cervix. Then be advised by your doctor.

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