Experts Tell You Everything You Need To Know About Pregnancy

Many pregnant women have many questions about their pregnancy. You may have questions such as, “At what week do pregnancy symptoms start?” or “What are the signs of pregnancy?” and other questions.

Below, two OB/GYNs and a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist tell you everything you need to know about pregnancy.

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At What Week Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start?

“Pregnancy symptoms can start as early as 4 weeks, which is just when a woman has missed her period,” says Candice Wood, MD, OB/GYN and Founder of Woman Made Well in Phoenix, Arizona. “The human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)—a hormone made by your placenta—starts increasing at a rapid rate at that time, peaking around 9 to 10 weeks, and then decreases to a baseline level after 13 weeks,” she says. “Because of this, most symptoms start around 6 to 8 weeks and peak at 10 weeks.”

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What Are The Signs Of Pregnancy?

“While signs of pregnancy vary from person to person, some common early signs are missed periods, nausea (or "morning sickness"), breast tenderness, fatigue, increased urination, and food cravings or aversions,” says Michael Green, MD, OB/GYN, and Co-Founder of Winona in Lake Arrowhead, CA.

Other signs, according to Janet M. Choi, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and Chief Medical Officer for Progyny, are:

·???????mood swings

·???????nipple sensitivity

·???????gastrointestinal changes, including increased constipation

·???????changes in taste or smell, including a new distaste for specific foods

?As the pregnancy progresses, some individuals might feel a “heaviness” in the lower pelvis, along with a pulling or cramping sensation on one side of the pelvis.?

In the second trimester, around 18-20 weeks or so, “fluttering” in the lower abdominal area can be felt due to fetal movement, according to Dr. Choi.

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What Kind Of Breast Pain Indicates Pregnancy?

“Breast tenderness is often associated with pregnancy,” says Dr. Wood. “Women who have this symptom often have the same symptoms prior to or during their monthly cycles,” she says. “Their breasts often feel tender to touch. This typically passes after the first trimester,” she adds.

And according to Dr. Choi, “Nipple sensitivity and breast tissue fullness or tightness typically in both breasts and not normally associated with any “lump” growing can indicate pregnancy,” she says. “If you do notice a lump growing in one breast or the other, see your doctor immediately.”

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The 10 Most Important Things A Pregnant Woman Needs

I asked each of the experts to share their top 10 things a pregnant woman needs most.

According to Dr. Green, she needs:

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Regular Prenatal Care

It’s the most important thing a pregnant woman needs after a nutrient-rich and balanced diet. Prenatal care helps mothers and families monitor and track the health and development of their babies. Regular checkups with your doctor help safeguard your health and your baby's health. If you don’t go for prenatal checkups regularly, your doctor can miss opportunities to learn more about the baby's development and factors such as sex, physical traits, or potential health hazards.

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Prenatal Vitamins

Many women take prenatal vitamins under a doctor's counseling to protect their developing infant and themselves from any potential malnutrition.

Prenatal vitamins can benefit some women, as they're rich in folic acid and iron.

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A Nutrient-Rich Diet

A nutrient-rich diet guarantees that the mother and fetus will have all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need to function well and grow properly.

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Safe, Moderate Exercise

Safe, low-impact, moderate exercise helps keep the mom in physical shape, and it also regulates hormones. Certain activities and levels of strain are not recommended for pregnant women, and having a regular exercise routine can provide both emotional and physical catharsis that helps mothers regulate stress, hormones, and their bodies.

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Regular And Consistent Sleep

Regular and consistent sleep is vital to both a mother's and baby's health. A consistent sleep schedule helps regulate hormone levels, stress, and energy. Pregnant women need adequate sleep to help them replenish the energy they use to carry a baby inside them and for the baby's healthy development.

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Solid Emotional Support Network

Pregnant women often need and should rely on a solid emotional support network as they navigate their pregnancy and the changes that come with it. Pregnancy can be an extremely stressful and emotional time, even turbulent for some women and families, depending on various factors. Having friends, family, and other loved ones in your corner while you progress on your pregnancy journey is vital to maintaining and regulating your mental and emotional health.

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Read Educational Material On Pregnancy

Pregnant women should read educational material on pregnancy and childbirth to learn about childbirth and how to be better parents. Infants and children need many things that we aren't taught in schools. As much as you may believe you know everything you need to know about childrearing, there's always room to learn more and consequently give your child the best upbringing experience.

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Outlets To Help You Manage Stress

Mothers must have adequate outlets to help them manage stress.

“Whether that's exercise, a hobby, a book club, or gentle walks around the neighborhood, you need something to release stress and unclench the mind from other preoccupations,” says Dr. Green.

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According to Dr. Wood, what pregnant women need the most are:

·???????A good care provider whom they feel is competent and understands their pregnancy goals

·???????Fish Oil ( especially 3rd trimester/breastfeeding) or 12oz fish a week (no shark, tilefish, swordfish, mackerel)

·???????A Body Pillow

·???????Calcium 1000-1200mg/day

·???????Lots of water. Drink it until your urine is clear.

·???????Fiber (to avoid constipation). Examples are raspberries, prunes, ancient grains, and chia seeds

·???????Bath tube/swimming pool— it helps with swollen legs later in pregnancy and joint discomfort

·???????A postpartum plan

·???????A super supportive partner

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Dr. Choi thinks pregnant women need:

·???????Prenatal vitamins, specifically folic acid 400 micrograms to 800 micrograms a day to lower the risk of having a baby with a spinal cord/brain defect. Ideally, start taking it 1-2 months pre-pregnancy.

·???????A skilled care team including an experienced OB/GYN and/or midwife & maternity hospital.

·???????If indicated, appropriate mental health support: Some individuals with a known history of depression or anxiety will experience a healthier pregnancy course when co-managed with a mental health expert both during and post-pregnancy.

·???????Support system: Some expectant individuals find working with a birthing coach or doula helps with their pregnancy experience.

·???????Morning sickness remedies to help combat nausea.

·???????Sunscreen: Pregnancy causes increased skin sensitivity, making expecting moms more disposed to sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

·???????A water bottle to help you maintain adequate hydration.

·???????Child birthing classes and books to prepare for the pregnancy.

·???????Comfortable shoes: As babies grow, the weight gain disrupts your center of gravity, resulting in increased pressure on your feet.

·???????A body pillow for added support around your hips, back, and legs for pregnant women lying on their sides.

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What Women Need To Know About Pregnancy For The First Time

A woman who is pregnant for the first time may have anxieties and concerns about her pregnancy. “What should I do? What should I avoid? What do I need to know?” are some of the questions you may be asking yourself.

“The essential laundry list is prenatal care, a balanced diet, and hydration,” says Dr. Green. “Also, avoid harmful substances” He notes that you must expect emotional fluctuations because they are normal and sometimes to be expected while you’re pregnant.

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According to Dr. Wood, these are the things a woman who is going to have her first baby should know:

·???????Pregnancy always ends! You can do this!

·???????For every discomfort or struggle you have, take a second to realize how absolutely incredible your body is. You are making a human!

·???????How often, how much, and what you eat has a lot to do with your nausea symptoms. Make sure to pay attention to what feels good and what doesn’t. This may save you! Also, heartburn can be a big problem and it can be masked by your nausea when it is actually the cause.

·???????Staying hydrated is key—it helps decrease cramping, helps prevent urinary infection, and reduces constipation.

·???????You will have a ton of different symptoms during pregnancy. If a symptom continues or worsens, tell your doctor about it.

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And these are the things Dr. Choi wants you to know:

Vaginal spotting, especially in the first trimester, is not necessarily “normal,” but extremely common. Consult with your doctor if you observe bleeding, although vaginal spotting is rarely a cause for alarm.?

Make sure you know your blood type. “I encourage patients to put this information in their smartphone,” says Dr. Choi. “If you have a blood type that is RH negative (A negative or O negative), make sure to speak with your physician about the need for a crucial vaccine called Rhogam within a few days of vaginal bleeding.”

Expectant mothers should implement healthy lifestyle habits prior to, and during, pregnancy: Abstain from alcohol consumption, smoking, and recreational drug use, and follow a healthy Mediterranean diet

Make sure immunizations are up to date, especially as some vaccines such as chicken pox (VZV) or measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) prevent conception for at least a month post-vaccination.

If you have any underlying medical issues that may affect pregnancy, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, asthma, or lupus, work with specialists to ensure these medical conditions are treated in a manner that enables a safe pregnancy.

All doctors recommend taking folic acid beginning 1-3 months before conceiving to reduce the risk of having a pregnancy with a neural tube defect. The majority of prenatal vitamins supply you with the appropriate amount of folic acid (400 to 800 micrograms per day).?

Lastly, take time for yourself. While undoubtedly exciting, the parenting journey can be extraordinarily stressful. So try to regularly build time into your routine to care for yourself. Meditation, moderate exercise (if your doctor approves it), and spending time with family and friends can all help.

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