20 Important Things To Know When You Are Pregnant For The First Time

Liya had never been more joyful than when she heard her ten-week-old child’s first heartbeat. The wellbeing expert, who checked her through the fetal screen, guaranteed her that the infant is solid.


What’s more, the following couple of months of Liya’s life were simply loaded up with making arrangements for the infant, sustaining herself and the infant in the belly. It was the loveliest time of a pregnant mother’s life. There might be a couple of obstacles as well. Be that as it may, aren’t there obstacles all over?

MomJunction causes you explore through the miracles and encounters which lie ahead in pregnancy. There is a ton you have to know, particularly on the off chance that you are first time pregnant. Obviously, you have to talk about a significant number things with your specialist too. In this way, prepare for the great voyage ahead.

1. Signs that you are pregnant:

Once you miss your period, you may have some symptoms such as nausea, mild back pain, mood swings, tender or swollen breasts, and cravings for some particular food (1). Many times, false symptoms lead to confusion. Understand that there are some solid signs which indicate that you are pregnant. One way to confirm your pregnancy is to conduct a home-based urine test using the kits available in the market. You could also get a pregnancy test done by a doctor.

Being sure that you are pregnant is vital. If the home pregnancy tests show vague results, you should go to the ob-gyn to confirm your pregnancy.

2. Visits to doctor for prenatal care are important:

Many couples visit a doctor even before planning a baby just to make sure that their first time pregnancy is healthy and devoid of complications. Once you confirm your pregnancy, it is important to visit your doctor regularly. Choose the best gynecologist and never skip monthly check-ups.  This helps in gauging both the mother’s and the baby’s health. Moreover, it is also necessary to curb any developmental disorders at an earlier stage itself

3. Understanding the family medical history:

This is one of the most crucial things to remember during pregnancy. Once you conceive, it is a good idea to discuss your mother’s, grandmother’s, or aunts’ pregnancies. It helps you learn about any genetic disorders or birth abnormalities in the family line. Information like this will prepare you for any potential problems and take preventive actions if required

With every antenatal appointment, your doctor will inform you of the vaccination shots you will have to take next. Be it a regular tetanus or flu shot, take the shots without fail. Vaccinations will prevent you from falling sick. Remember, some illnesses in newly pregnant mothers can seriously impair the physical and mental health of the fetus. So, stay safe, stay sure.

There is a myth that vaccinating pregnant mothers can cause a health risk to the baby. There is, however, no evidence to prove this. Live attenuated virus and live bacterial vaccines are not suggested during pregnancy. The benefits of vaccinating pregnant women outride the potential risk

5. Finding your gestational age:

Pregnancy is divided into three stages, each consisting of three months, called trimesters. With each passing stage, physiological changes occur in your body in the form of hormonal changes, blood pressure, breathing, and metabolism. One should monitor such changes from the beginning of pregnancy to understand the other stages and your progress through them. It is also necessary to know your delivery due date, which is mostly determined from the date of your last menstrual cycle. A normal delivery can happen anywhere between 37 and 40 weeks

6. Bleeding can occur during pregnancy:

Typically the first sign of pregnancy is considered to be missed periods. However, some women bleed in the initial stages of pregnancy, creating confusion if it menstrual bleeding.

This kind of bleeding occurs when the egg travels down the fallopian tube and into the uterus, where it implants into the uterine lining (implantation bleeding or spotting). The best way to recognize it is from its color. It is often in brown or pink color in contrast to the usual red color of the menstrual blood. Though it is not a disturbing factor, it is good to consult a doctor.

7. How much weight gain is normal?

Most women are worried about weight gain during their pregnancy for the first time and are eager to lose it at the earliest post-pregnancy. Your weight gain depends on your BMI (body mass index) before pregnancy. If you are overweight when you conceive, then you are advised to put on fewer calories than someone who is of normal weight. The basic idea is that the fetus should get necessary nutrients to grow and have a healthy development. So eating the right meal and understanding the needs of the baby are a priority

 8. What to eat and what not to eat:

Along with the regular dose of vitamin and health supplements, you should have a nutritious, wholesome, and balanced diet. Doctors, usually, provide a proper diet chart as per your unique needs. Take small and frequent meals.

Also, you need to stay away from alcohol and caffeine products as they can increase the chances of premature delivery, congenital disabilities, and underweight in babies