A guide to your first pregnancy

First things first: Schedule a check-up

Ingrid Groenewald, a private midwife from Cannon Rocks in the Eastern Cape, says even after the urine test you did at home confirms a pregnancy, you should have another test done at a doctor’s office or a clinic to make sure. It’s a simple blood test that also roughly estimates how far along your pregnancy is.

“Once confirmed, your private doctor or gynaecologist, or a nurse or midwife at the clinic, will schedule further tests. This includes a physical examination and further blood tests to check if you have any illnesses that might require treatment. They’ll also schedule an ultrasound to confirm the gestational age of your baby.”

Other blood tests in private practice may include blood grouping, a full blood count, screening for rubella, and screening for Down's syndrome in the first trimester (between 11 to 13 weeks). A newer blood test can also check for common chromosomal conditions from 10 weeks' gestational age, says Ingrid.

Dr Tom Mokaya, a gynaecologist from Johannesburg, says your healthcare practitioner, whether a doctor or midwife, will then create an antenatal follow-up plan to schedule any further doctors’ visits or tests that need to be done, depending on your health history and risk profile. In normal cases, these visits will usually be every four weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy, and every two weeks thereafter, says Ingrid.

Though you might be itching to spread the good news at this point, Dr Mokaya says you should consider waiting a few more weeks. “Most miscarriages occur in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, so some women prefer to wait until after that time to announce their pregnancy.”

What symptoms should you expect when you're pregnant?

Though the symptoms of pregnancy differ for everyone, here’s what you can expect:

- Nausea. This is the one part of pregnancy that is actually portrayed pretty accurately in movies (but no, your baby will not emerge perfectly free from bodily fluids). Around half of women experience morning nausea and vomiting, or heartburn and indigestion. To help alleviate it, eat small meals several times a day rather than three big meals, avoid fatty foods, and don’t lie down directly after eating, says dr Mokaya.

- Fatigue. Your body has a lot of adjusting to do to care for your growing baby, and that will make you tired. If you have absolutely no energy, you should tell your doctor so you can rule out low iron levels as the cause, says dr Mokaya.

- Swollen legs and veins. Your enlarging uterus needs a lot of blood, which reduces blood flow elsewhere and causes swollen lower limbs and veins. Your body might also retain water, adding to the problem. Regularly elevate your legs to relieve it, says dr Mokaya.

- Bleeding gums. Conversely, more blood can flow to your gums, making them softer and prone to bleeding. It should go away after your pregnancy and you can continue with your normal dental check-ups while pregnant.

- Skin changes. Changing hormone levels might make your skin darker or cause pigmentation when you’re exposed to the sun. Make sure to always wear sunscreen.

- Constipation. Your overtaxed digestive system can slow things down, so be sure to get enough water and fibre.

- Backache. The weight of your growing baby can put strain on your back. Good posture can help reduce this pain.

These normal changes might be worrisome during a first pregnancy, but shouldn’t concern you unless they’re seriously hampering your daily life, says Dr Mokaya. “If, however, you have severe headaches, visual disturbances, excessive weight gain or any other unusual symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.”

What to buy

Good nutrition is essential during pregnancy, says Ingrid, but unfortunately it’s near-impossible to achieve with today’s nutritionally-depleted soil and our tendency to take the convenience route. “For this reason, supplements are a good way to get all the important nutrients your body needs during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and breastfeeding.”

You might also want to invest in a good-quality bed and pillows, as sleeping problems are quite common during pregnancy, says Ingrid. A relaxing bath before bed and sticking to a sleep/wake routine may help.

Click here to book a Pregnancy and Mother Wellness consultation at your nearest Clicks Clinic

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com