Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 16 Apr 2023
The health of the mother and the unborn child both depend on a healthy pregnancy. During this time, your body goes through a lot of changes, so it's important to know how to live a healthy life and take care of yourself and your baby. The fertility experts at A4 have put together a detailed week-by-week guide to help you manage your pregnancy and make sure it goes well.
Your chances of having twins go up if your mother's side of the family has had twins before. If someone in your family has twins, you may have a higher chance of getting the gene that makes it more likely for you to release more than one egg when you ovulate.
This period marks the beginning of your baby's development. Morning sickness and fatigue may occur, so it's vital to get enough rest and eat small, frequent meals. Continue taking prenatal vitamins and focus on consuming iron-rich foods. Light exercise, such as walking or yoga, can help maintain physical and emotional well-being.
By now, your baby's organs have started to form, and you may experience heightened emotions. Ensure that you're getting enough sleep and maintain open communication with your partner or support system. A well-balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, is essential. Continue with light exercise routines, as recommended by your healthcare provider.
The second trimester often brings a boost in energy levels and a decrease in morning sickness. It's a great time to do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which can help with labour and healing after giving birth. Maintain a healthy diet and stay active, but avoid high-impact exercises and contact sports.
During this period, you'll likely have an anatomy scan to check your baby's development. You may experience some back pain, so invest in a supportive pillow and practice good posture. Continue to focus on nutrition and stay active with low-impact exercises such as swimming, prenatal yoga, or walking.
As your baby continues to grow, you may feel their movements more distinctly. It's essential to monitor your baby's kicks and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. Drink more water, eat well, and keep doing Kegel movements and other light physical activities.
During the third trimester, you may experience swelling in your feet and ankles. Elevate your legs when possible and avoid standing for long periods. Use deep breathing routines or meditation, for example, to help deal with stress and get ready for labour.
As your due date approaches, prepare for your baby's arrival by attending prenatal classes and creating a birth plan. Continue to eat healthily, stay active, and practice relaxation techniques. Ensure that your hospital bag is packed and ready to go.
In these final weeks, you may experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which help prepare your body for labor. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider and continue practicing relaxation techniques. Monitor your baby's movements and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
As you approach your due date, your baby will likely move into the head-down position, preparing for birth. Stay in close contact with your doctor and follow their recommendations for when to head to the hospital or birthing centre. Continue practising relaxation techniques to help you remain calm and focused during labour. Ensure that your support system is in place and that your birth plan is available.
After your baby is born, you should put yourself first and give yourself time to heal physically and mentally. Keep a healthy diet to help your body heal and, if you're breastfeeding, to help your body make milk. Use deep breathing routines or meditation, for example, to help deal with stress and get ready for labour.
Stay hydrated and get as much rest as possible, seeking help from your support system for tasks like cooking and cleaning.
Schedule a postpartum checkup with your doctor to see how you're doing and to talk about any worries you may have. Continue doing Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor, and if your doctor says it's okay, start doing gentle exercises again.
Maintaining a healthy pregnancy lifecycle is crucial for the well-being of both you and your baby. By following these week-by-week tips, you can ensure that you're providing the best possible care for yourself and your growing baby. Remember to consult your doctor with any concerns or questions during your pregnancy journey. At A4 Fertility Centre, we're here to support you every step of the way, ensuring a healthy and happy pregnancy experience.
