One of the most significant events in a woman’s life is pregnancy. Being pregnant is an exciting time for a woman who wants to become a mother. However, there are some important decisions that she has to make to increase the chances of having a healthy baby.
Pregnancy may be detected in various ways. It can be detected through home pregnancy tests, clinical blood and urine tests, and tests which detect hormones generated by the newly-formed placenta. A pregnancy is broken into three stages or trimesters. The first trimester is from conception to the end of week 13. The second trimester is from week 14 to the end of week 26. And, the third trimester is from week 27 to the end of the pregnancy. At each of these stages, different changes in the body take place.
If you’re pregnant, taking care of your health is important to the well-being of your baby. Hence, it is necessary to consult a physician or OBGYN. You also have to attend regular prenatal medical checkups.
Besides having proper prenatal care, there are other steps that you can take to ensure your health and that of your baby. First, avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Second, avoid too much physical exertion. If you are working, you may continue working as long as you are comfortable with your job. You may also participate in moderate fitness and recreational activities; however, you have to avoid activities that may be harmful for you and the baby.