Ayon's Queries .........

 

Ayon, a 22 years old young lady is now dreaming on her soon becoming  couple with her would-be young handsome life partner. She also dreams to be mother of  a cute baby daughter . But she had a fear of but curious about pregnancy periods.

 

She saw some among her relatives becoming mother silently and some of them had to suffer a lot. Now she is observing her elder sister who is expecting her first child. There are so many anxiousness, expectations, dreams, advise of doctors and so on -- all are centering her which creates lots of queries in Ayon's mind about pregnancy.

 

Let us try to satisfy Ayon's  queries. 

 

Most Often Asked Questions on Pregnancy

 

1.  What should I do to prepare myself if I want to get pregnant this

      year ?

 

You should be healthy, Make sure you are not anemic and take folic acid supplements,  which help prevent or minimize fetal defects, If  you have been smoking,  quit now Restrict alcohol consumption.  Read up about pregnancy and  be mentally prepared  for the  changes to come.

 

2.  What factors and conditions  could make it difficult for me to 

     get pregnant? 

 

There are many factors. Sometimes, the man doesn't have sufficient semen, the sperms  may be of poor quality or the sperm  motility may not be good. In women the reasons for not  being able to conceive may not be good. In women, the reasons for not being able to conceive  may be due to any of these factors: Irregular cycles irregular ovulation or  anovulatory cycles, where there is  no ovulation at all ; inadequacies of the  uterus grows outside the  uterus, around the ovaries and tubes, could prevent pregnancy.

If  the girl is married at say, 22 - 24, and the sexual relations are  normal. She  can afford to  wait for  a couple of years before getting investigation  done. But  if she marries at 31, it  is better that she  investigates the  inability to  conceive earlier so  that problems like fibroid , endometriosis , etc, can be detected and treated in  good time .

 

3.  When is the best time to have a baby?

 

The ideal time is around 23 to 27 years of  age, or even a little later. After that , you may have problems like endometriosis and  fibroids. It's  definitely not impossible to have babies in your 30s and even later, but then , you will require more care. 

 

4.  How can I calculate the due date of delivery?

 

To calculate the due date of delivery just add seven days to the first day of your last period and count back three months ( or forward nine months). The usual gestation period is 280 days after the first day of your last period.

 

5.  Can I have sex in this period ? 

 

No restrictions, unless you are told otherwise. Must  check with your doctor if you bleed after sex or have contractions.  You may need to experiment with alternate positions. 

 

6.  Can I keep working?

 

On the whole yes. If you work with toxic chemicals or do physical labor you might want to request reassignment for a while. Studies have established that computer  screens do not pose any hazard to pregnant women.

 

7.  How can I make this pregnancy easier on myself?

 

If you take  adequate care, rest, proper food and avoid anemia by taking  supplements, your pregnancy  will  be easy, If you are working, make sure you get an hour of rest when you get back home, before you embark  on other  activities. Moderation  is the key. Keep yourself  informed on what could lead to complications and  take preventive measures accordingly .   

 

8.  What should I immediately change in my lifestyle?

 

There is no need for any immediate changes. But do try and live within your physical limits. Do not tire out yourself by packing in too many activities in a day's schedule. 

 

9.  I am recently married and want to  avoid  getting pregnant for 

     at least a year. What should I do ? Do I consult a gynecologist ?

 

It is advisable that  you consult a gynecologist for  guidance. Contraceptive pills are  suitable for most patients but it is better to  have your blood pressure and  secondary sex characteristics checked by a doctor , who  will then  prescribe the pill  most suitable  for you. If you have no time to visit a doctor, remember this you cannot  start taking pill in the middle of the cycle. Start  on the first day  of your menstrual  period and continue taking it  as indicated. In  the following month and thereafter , begin  the pill from the fifth day of your period. But do consult your doctor as soon as you can.

 

10.  Can I travel while pregnant? 

 

Most airlines will not  permit  pregnant women ( around 34-35 weeks) to fly.

There is anecdotal evidence that the reduced cabin pressure can induce labor. If you are traveling to  exotic lands,  avoid raw or  uncooked foods and  be careful with  the water. Pregnant women  can not take most medications. If you are going by car, wear your seat belt and  take frequent rest breaks .  

 

 

more in next issues.....