Pregnancy is the beginning of an incredible journey that takes a woman to motherhood. Pregnancy occurs as a result of the fertilization of sperm with an ovum and is also known as conception. It is a wonder that happens inside every woman, taking up the genetic characteristics of both the parents and that of the ancestors. However, being pregnant can be physically challenging, but one should be prepared to enjoy this miracle.
Diagnosis Of Pregnancy
Once conceived, every woman shows certain symptoms which differ among each woman and from one gestation to another. The symptoms can be diagnosed through medical tests like:
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) tests – This is most commonly used method for diagnosing pregnancy in the earlier stages. This test uses urine or blood to confirm the presence of HCG hormone, which appears in the blood and urine of a pregnant woman after conception.
- Viewing the fetus – It is now possible to view the fetus during the sixth week of pregnancy with the help of a transvaginal echography. This is the most popularly used method to diagnose early pregnancy and for identifying any kind of fetal abnormalities. It is also possible to view the fetus from the eighth week of pregnancy through the abdomen of the pregnant mother.
- Presence of fetal heartbeat – During the first trimester, somewhere in 10-12 weeks the fetus’ heartbeat can be identified with the help of a sonar device. This identification helps to confirm pregnancy. The fetal heartbeat is usually between 120 and 160 beats per minute which is much higher than the mother’s heartbeat.
- Identification of fetal movements – During the second trimester, doctors can feel the fetal movements by placing their hands on the pregnant mother’s womb. This also helps to diagnose and confirm pregnancy.
Simple Treatment For Pregnancy Symptoms
The following are the early signs of pregnancy symptoms that disappear over a period of time with or without the use of any medication.
- Nausea and vomiting can be minimized by eating more often and having smaller portions of the main meal; avoiding fried, fat-rich, and foul smelling food; avoiding drinking fluids in between the meals and so on.
- Heartburn can be improved by changing the pattern of diet, avoiding the intake of coffee, tea, fried foods, alcohol, tobacco, pepper, and the like.
- Weaknesses and collapses can be prevented by having food at smaller intervals and by lying down on the left side. Also, calm and deep breathing can help to reduce this symptom.
- Hemorrhoids can be prevented by eating fiber-rich food and by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Shortness of breath can be minimized by taking rest and by lying down on the left side.
- Back pain can be eased by exercising regularly, by maintaining a correct posture, by avoiding high heeled sandals, and keeping a check on body weight.
- Bleeding gums can be prevented by brushing the teeth with soft toothbrush, by massaging the gums and using dental floss.
- Swelling or edema can be eased by avoiding standing or sitting for longer time; regular walking; lying on the left side and lying with legs slightly elevated.
- Cramps can be eased by massaging and applying heat to the cramped muscles.
- Stretch marks can be minimized by massaging with creams or oils.