Pregnancy

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A full-term pregnancy requires about 40 weeks for a baby to properly develop within the mother's womb.

All pregnancies have some risk involved. Several conditions, however, can make pregnancy high risk:

• chronic diseases, such as diabetes and those affecting the heart, lung or kidney
• high-blood pressure
• alcohol and drug addiction
• presence of a sexually transmitted disease, such as syphilis
• HIV
• blood incompatibility
• other systemic disease
• pregnancy after the age of 35 or before 18
• problems with previous deliveries
• untreated Rh disease from previous pregnancy
• obesity
• the presence of more than one fetus

The earliest signs of pregnancy include a missed menstrual period; swollen, tender breasts; nausea; sleepiness or fatigue; urinary frequency; and increased vaginal discharge.

Other changes that may occur later in a pregnancy are an enlarged abdomen, pigment changes, stretch marks, gastrointestinal discomfort, leaking breasts, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and swollen ankles, hands and feet.

Good prenatal care includes proper diet and exercise and is important for both the mother's and baby's well-being. Limiting weight gain is important, and prenatal vitamins and minerals are usually prescribed. Pregnant women should limit caffeine and should not consume alcohol or smoke. They must not clean cat litter boxes because of the risk of toxoplasmosis. Childbirth preparation classes are recommended.

A pregnant woman should contact her physician if she notices any of the following symptoms:

• severe, persistent abdominal pain or headache
• vaginal bleeding
• dimness or blurring of vision
• sudden puffiness or swelling of the face
• absence of fetal movement for 24 hours (after the fifth month of pregnancy)
• clear fluid leaking from the vagina
• cramps, contractions, or pelvic pressure
• fever of 100.4 F or more or chills

• The most effective means for women to prevent pregnancy is abstaining from intercourse, having their ovaries removed or getting their fallopian tubes tied.
• Oral contraceptives, injected implants, or intrauterine devices are highly effective, although they also carry a risk of side effects.
• Diaphragms, cervical caps, contraceptive sponges or condoms are the least likely to cause side effects, but they are not as effective as other contraceptive methods.