Pregnancy - The carrying of one or more offspring inside the womb of a woman In a
pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets.
Childbirth usually occurs about 38 weeks after conception; i.e., approximately 40
weeks from the last normal menstrual period (LNMP) in humans.
Medically -The term for the state of pregnancy is gravid, and a pregnant woman is
sometimes referred to as a gravida. The term "parity" (abbreviated as "para") is
used for the number of previous successful live births.
The woman who has never been pregnant is known as a "nulligravida".
The woman who is (or has been only) pregnant for the first time is known as a "primigravida".
The woman in subsequent pregnancies is known as a multigravida or "multiparous".
During a second pregnancy the woman would be described as "gravida 2, para 1" and
upon live delivery as "gravida 2, para 2".
An in-progress pregnancy, as well as abortions, miscarriages, or stillbirths account
for parity values being less than the gravida number.
A multiple birth will increase the parity value.
The woman who have never carried a pregnancy achieving more than 20 weeks of gestation
age are referred to as "nulliparous".
Embryo -The term embryo is used to describe the developing offspring during the
first 8 weeks following conception.
Foetus -The term foetus is used from about 2 months of development until birth.
Foodstuffs
Aim to eat a healthy diet the bulk which would include vegetables, some fruit, starch-based
foods, such as: cereals, potatoes, rice, and pasta and protein foods such as: meat,
fish, pulses, chicken, in moderation.
Most fish is a good source of protein and other nutrients. Aim to eat at least two
portions of fish per week, with at least one portion being oily fish. Oily fish are
rich in nutrients called omega-3 fatty acids. It is thought that omega-3 fatty acids
are important to aid brain development. However fish may contain a lot of mercury.
(A high level of mercury can damage the developing nervous system of an unborn baby).
When pregnant avoid:
Shark.
Marlin.
Swordfish.
Limit tuna.
Avoid eating for two or over-eating when you become pregnant. Too much weight gain
increases your risk of developing problems later in the pregnancy. Also, extra weight
is difficult to lose after the birth. Women who are overweight or obese have a greater
risk of pregnancy complications such as: pre-eclampsia, stillbirth and the need for
a caesarean section compared with women who are not overweight. The more obese you
are, the greater the risk.
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant foodstuffs and supplements with
a high level of vitamin A should be avoided.
such as:
Liver.
Liver products such as liver paté.
Cod liver oil supplements.
Vitamin tablets or supplements which contain vitamin A. Large amounts will cause
harm to an unborn child.
Caffeine -A lot of caffeine increases the risk of having a miscarriage and a baby
with low birth weight.
Alcohol - It is known that if you drink heavily you have an increased risk of miscarriage,
and it can cause serious harm to the baby's growth and brain development. A condition
called foetal alcohol syndrome develops in some babies born to mothers who drink
heavily. A baby with this syndrome can have severe physical and mental problems.
Smoking - Tobacco smoke contains poisonous chemicals which pass into the baby's blood
and can slow the baby's growth. The risk of having a miscarriage, premature birth,
or stillbirth are higher if you smoke. Babies born to mothers who smoked when pregnant
also have an increased risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) when they are older. Also, after the birth, children of smoking parents have
an increased risk of developing chest infections, asthma, glue ear and sudden infant
death syndrome (cot death).
Street (illicit) drugs - Their effects on pregnancy are not fully known. However,
there is an increasing amount of evidence to suggest that they are likely to pose
a risk of damage to the baby. A blood test for hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV
is advised if you take illicit drugs and plan to become pregnant, or are pregnant.
The effects of some prescribed drugs have been studied and it is considered that
some drugs may be safe in pregnancy? However, some drugs are not safe, and may be
harmful to a developing baby. In particular, if they are taken in the early weeks
of pregnancy.
Therefore, in the first instance always inform your health professional who does
or may prescribe you medication that you are pregnant, or intend to become pregnant.
However, the health of your child you are bearing, and your own health is your responsibility
not theirs. Be very careful, be aware, follow your instincts and cross check any
advice / information given to you.
Don't take drugs that you can buy over the counter (including herbal remedies) unless
they are known to be safe in pregnancy. The pharmacist should advise However, double
check the advice provided.
Medical conditions
Consult with your health professional if you have concerns about a medical condition
which may affect pregnancy, such as:
For some conditions, the medication or treatment may possibly affect the pregnancy
or the unborn child.
A condition may require special attention during the pregnancy. For example, diabetes.
If a hereditary condition runs in your family, you may benefit from genetic counselling.
Ideally, do this before you become pregnant. or, if the pregnancy is unplanned, as
soon as possible.
Screening tests
Pregnant women should have a screening test for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.
Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia are blood diseases. Some are carriers of the
genes for these diseases but do not actually have the disease itself. If two carriers
have a baby, then there is a risk that the baby will be born with the disease.
Checklist
Have a blood test to check if you are immune against rubella, and to screen for hepatitis
B, syphilis, and HIV.
Check if you have diabetes, surprisingly some unknowingly have the problem.
Eat a healthy diet. Include foods rich in iron, calcium, folic acid and some oily
fish.
Have strict food hygiene. In particular, wash your hands after handling raw meats,
pets, and before you prepare food.
Wear gloves when you are gardening.
Avoid too much vitamin A - don't eat liver or liver products, or take vitamin A supplements,
check vitamin D supplements for levels of vitamin A.
Don't eat undercooked meat or eggs, soft cheese, paté, shellfish, raw fish, or unpasteurised
milk. Fish which may contain a lot of mercury - shark, marlin, swordfish, or excess
tuna.
Avoid sheep, lambs, cat faeces, cat litters, and raw meat which may carry certain
infections.
Avoid caffeine in tea, coffee, cola, sports drink, energy drinks etc
Consider:
Immunisation against hepatitis B if you are at increased risk of getting this infection.
Immunisation against chickenpox if you are a healthcare worker and have not previously
had chickenpox. Therefore, are not immune.
“Definition of gravida". The Free Dictionary/Medical Dictionary. Farlex, Inc.
Robinson, Victor, Ph.C., M.D. (editor) (1939). "Primipara". The Modern Home Physician,
A New Encyclopedia of Medical Knowledge. WM. H. Wise & Company (New York)., page
596.
The American Heritage Medical Dictionary Copyright (definition of nulligravida).
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary Definition of nulligravida Merriam-Webster's
Medical Dictionary
"Nulliparous Definition". MedicineNet.com. MedicineNet, Inc.
"Embryo Definition". MedicineNet.com. MedicineNet, Inc.
"Fetus Definition". MedicineNet.com. MedicineNet, Inc.
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large prospective observational study. BMJ. 2008 Nov 3;337:a2332. doi: 10.1136/bmj.a2332.
abstract
Weng X, Odouli R, Li DK; Maternal caffeine consumption during pregnancy and the risk
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Epub 2008 Jan 25. abstract
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Langley K, Rice F, van den Bree MB, et al; Maternal smoking during pregnancy as an
environmental risk factor for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder behaviour.
A review. Minerva Pediatr. 2005 Dec;57(6):359-71. abstract
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