• The first trimester can lead to insomnia during pregnancy 
• You can expect improved sleeping during the second trimester of pregnancy
• Sleep problems during pregnancy are highly common

Hormonal changes in pregnancy affect various aspects of your body including your mood, metabolism and sleep cycle. The increase in progesterone levels leads to increased urination, heartburn and nasal congestion leading to disruptive sleep. Simultaneously, estrogen hormone can cause swelling in the feet or legs, nasal congestion and cause breathing difficulties during sleep (sleep apnea). 

However, the overall pattern of the sleep cycle changes dramatically throughout the pregnancy.

Also Read: Morning Sickness – Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment

Here is how your sleep cycle during pregnancy changes as your pregnancy progress.

1st trimester – Longer periods of sleeping, frequent daytime napping, poor quality sleep

2nd trimester (what to expect in 2nd trimester of pregnancy) – better sleep efficiency, better quality sleep

3rd trimester – increased nighttime awakenings, more frequent naps during the day

Here are the most common sleep problems and disorders that occur during pregnancy:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD)

The best sleeping position during pregnancy is sleeping on your side with legs slightly curved. This position is considered the best because it improves the flow of blood to the heart, kidneys and uterus. It also improves the delivery of oxygen and other necessary nutrients to the baby.

You can support your body in this position by using several pillows. As your pregnancy progresses, you should avoid sleeping on your back as it can put a large amount of pressure on your back.

Also Read: Prenatal Screenings & Tests

You can maintain healthy and peaceful sleep during pregnancy by practising safe hygiene habits. These include:

• Keeping the bedroom dark and cool
• Sticking to a consistent bedtime
• Indulging in a calming activity prior to bed
• Avoiding caffeine and spicy foods that may disrupt sleep
• Exercising regularly
• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day

Read More: Placenta Previa – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

• Pregnancy care starts before you actually become pregnant
• Pre pregnancy health focuses on improving your chances of conceiving and preventing pregnancy complications 
• Preconception care largely includes a healthy and active lifestyle

Pre pregnancy health is your health before you become pregnant. It is an essential step in helping you prepare for a healthy conception. Planning for a pregnancy includes incorporating a healthy lifestyle, keeping a check on your symptoms and consulting your healthcare provider for an early checkup.

A planned pregnancy reduces your chances of pregnancy and birthing complications such as miscarriage and neural tube defects. Your obstetrician can help you tailor-make a specialised plan according to your lifestyle and health goals.

If you are trying for a plan, you should plan a preconception visit to your obstetrician. A pre pregnancy health check can help you identify your existing health concerns. Your healthcare provider can offer personalised ways to help manage and treat your medical condition if any.

If you are already receiving treatment for a medical problem, your doctor can alter your medication in order to treat your condition as well as boost your conception. A health checkup before planning conception can also help you to identify unhealthy motherhood lifestyle behaviour and patterns.

Your doctor will thoroughly discuss your overall health followed by a physical examination. He/she may also order certain tests and scans to gain a better understanding. Common tests performed during preconception visits include Pap smears, cervical screening, dental checks and screenings for sexually transmitted infections.

During your preconception visit, your doctor may also check if your vaccinations are complete and up-to-date for a healthy pregnancy.

Also Read: Pregnancy Pains & Discomfort

Folic acid or folate (role of folic acid during pregnancy) is a B vitamin essential for the growth and development of a baby. It majorly helps in the prevention of neural tube defects (health defects of the brain and spine).

If you are planning to conceive, you should start taking 400-800 micrograms (0.4-0.8 mg) of folic acid every day. It is recommended that women start taking folic acid supplementation at least 1 month before pregnancy for healthy outcomes.

Smoking and alcohol consumption before or during pregnancy can increase your chances of health problems and defects. It is essential that you avoid smoking and drinking while trying to conceive. Alcohol intake and smoking before or during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage (12 types of miscarriage & what they mean) and other health problems.

Being underweight or overweight can raise your chances of developing health problems during pregnancy. Obesity can lead to complications including gestational diabetes and heart diseases. It is important to make necessary lifestyle changes and attain as well as maintain a healthy weight before pregnancy.

Your personal and family history is important for the health of your child. Understanding your comprehensive medical history can help you take necessary precautions. If you are planning to get pregnant, you should seek genetic counselling from your healthcare provider (obstetrics & gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital). Genetic counselling includes detailed discussions, health checks and certain tests and screenings. These investigations allow you to become aware of your genetic conditions and understand your child’s risk for developing the same.

Genetic counsellors offer a variety of treatment alternatives personalised to your need to help prevent the development of a certain disorder.

Stress can interfere with the process of conception. You should aim to reduce your stress levels and maintain a healthy peace of mind while trying to conceive. Healthy eating, regular exercises, yoga and meditation are some mechanisms you can use to deal with stress.

Every month, your ovary releases a mature egg which travels down to the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized with sperm. This process is known as ovulation.

Your chances of conception are highest 5 days before or on the day of ovulation (symptoms & calendar). This period is known as your ‘fertile window’. It is, thus, beneficial to keep a track of your menstrual and ovulatory cycles. Keeping a note of your ovulation allows you to plan your pregnancy on the days when you are most fertile, increasing your chances of conception.

Also Read: Morning Sickness – Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment

Your partner’s health before you try for a baby is equally important. You should involve your partner in the pregnancy and birthing plan. Your partner can support you in multiple ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Your partner should:

• Quit smoking
• Get screened for sexually transmitted infections (most common STDs for women & men)
• Avoid alcohol to improve their sexual health
• Make healthier lifestyle choices
• Discuss his personal and family history

Read More: Important Prenatal Screening & Test

• Your nutritional requirements during pregnancy increase by double
• Your growing fetus receives all of its nutrition from you
• It is, sometimes, not possible to meet your everyday nutritional needs from food alone

Prenatal vitamins are certain supplements made specifically for pregnant women. These supplements allow expecting women to consume all the necessary nutrients required by their bodies during pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins during pregnancy help in filling any nutritional gaps. You can start taking prenatal vitamins and minerals before conception. 

Folic acid is the most important vitamin during pregnancy. It is a type of B vitamin that lowers your baby’s risk of developing brain and spine deformities.

Also Read: Pregnancy Pains & Discomfort – Types & Relief Tips

Your ideal prenatal vitamins and supplements should include the following nutrients:

• 400 micrograms of folic acid (role of folic acid during pregnancy)
• 400 IU of vitamin D (vitamin D foods & it’s benefits)
• 200 to 300 milligrams (mg) of calcium (hypocalcemia- calcium deficiency disease)
• 70 mg of vitamin C
• 6 mcg of vitamin B12 (top vitamin b12 rich foods)
• 10 mg of vitamin E
• 15 mg of zinc
• 17 mg of iron
• 150 micrograms of iodine

Some other nutrients that may support your health during pregnancy include:

• Omega-3 fatty acid (benefits of using fish oil)
• Choline

Some prenatal vitamins can cause mild side effects such as nausea and constipation. You should consult your obstetrician to deal with these side effects or try the following:

• Consider chewable prenatal vitamins
• Eat a high-fibre diet (high fibre foods you should eat)
• Drink plenty of water
• Exercise routinely upon your doctor’s recommendation

Read More: Morning Sickness – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

• Pregnancy and childbirth can be exhausting events
• During your recovery period, vaginal bleeding is a common and natural event
• It usually subsides within a few days on its own

Postpartum bleeding is also known as postpartum hemorrhage (know about common postpartum complications). Postpartum bleeding or lochia is the discharge of blood and mucus right after delivery.

Vaginal bleeding after childbirth is a normal part of recovery. It is experienced by almost all women despite the type of delivery – C-section or vaginal birth.

Postpartum bleeding symptoms are usually heavier than the menstrual cycle. It is also more long lasting than your usual menstrual cycle. Lochia also consists of mucus and tissue from the uterus. This blood is usually dark red coloured.

Vaginal bleeding after delivery usually lasts for up to 10 days. After 10 days, the postpartum bleeding begins to subside and changes into a lighter colour or spotting (spotting before menstruation & when to seek doctor’s help).

However, postpartum bleeding is different in every person.

Postpartum bleeding or lochia is not a difficult phenomena to manage. Here is how you can take care of yourself during lochia (postpartum bleeding):

• Use and change sanitary pads frequently
• Rest as much as possible
• Avoid using tampons as they can introduce bacteria into your urinary tract (top home remedies for urinary tract infection)
• Carefully choose your clothing as you may experience some amount of spotting

• Hypnobirthing involves a variety of elements to help decrease your levels of anxiety and fear
• It aims at offering comprehensive relaxation and comfort to the expecting mother 
• You can begin hypnobirthing at any time of gestation, preferably between 20-30 weeks

Hypnobirthing is a specialised technique that uses deep breathing, self-hypnosis, visualisation and other comfort measures. Hypnobirthing is aimed at reducing the levels of fear, anxiety and stress in pregnant women (tips for good mental health) and preparing them for a healthy labour and delivery.

Hypnobirthing techniques help a pregnant woman to become prepared mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

According to antenatal experts (antenatal care), hypnobirthing offers a wide range of benefits for the mother and her baby. Common benefits of hypnobirthing include:

• A shortened span of labour – Hypnobirthing reduces the time period of early stages of labour
• Lesser need for clinical intervention – This technique encourages women to have normal delivery in a safe and healthy manner
• Pain management – Hypnobirthing is considered a natural labour pain management technique
• More control – Hypnobirthing allows pregnant women to gain more control of their bodies and childbirth
• Healthy outcomes – Research has shown that women who opt for hypnobirthing have better pregnancy outcomes and healthier babies
• Increased comfort and relief – Hypnobirthing elevates your relaxation levels and provides heightened levels of comfort and relief during labour
• Enhanced postpartum experience – Hypnobirthing decreases your chances of experiencing postpartum depression (risk factors & treatment) or postpartum stress

There are several elements to hypnobirthing. Common techniques include:

• Guided visualisation
• Self-hypnosis
• Controlled and deep patterned breathing
• Focus on positive words
• Meditation
• Nutrition and body toning

Read More: Placenta Previa – Symptoms, Causes & treatment

• There are several common discomforts during pregnancy like backache, fatigue and sleep problems
• Every woman experiences these discomforts in unique ways 
• You can effectively manage these discomforts and have a healthy pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes a variety of changes that can cause you high levels of discomfort. Some common discomforts include:

Constipation(home remedies for constipation)

As your pregnancy progresses, you can expect to feel increased pressure on your rectum and intestines. This pressure can interfere with the process of digestion and bowel movements often leading to constipation.

Headaches

Headaches (types, causes & treatment) are highly common especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. These aches are usually triggered by hormonal changes.

Dizziness during pregnancy

Dizziness (how to manage fatigue & dizziness during hot weather) is another common discomfort experienced by pregnant woman. It can be caused by low blood pressure (major cause of low blood pressure during pregnancy), low blood sugar levels, low levels of iron in the blood and dehydration.

Bleeding gums

Your dental health gets largely affected during your pregnancy. Most women experience bleeding gums as a result of increased blood flow.

Yeast infections during pregnancy (vaginal yeast infection in summer – treatment & prevention)

Hormonal changes in pregnancy can induce yeast infections. Most women also experience an increased amount of vaginal discharge raising the odds of infections.

Pregnancy stretch marks

A vast majority of women undergo skin changes. One of the most common skin changes in pregnancy are stretch marks. These pink coloured marks are caused by sudden weight gain.

Back discomfort during pregnancy

Back pain during pregnancy (how to deal with back pain during pregnancy) is a common complaint among women. As your pregnancy progresses, you experience increased weight on your back causing a shift in the centre of your gravity.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness includes nausea and vomiting. It is among the early signs of pregnancy. Morning sickness can strike at any time of the day and usually subsides on its own.

Fatigue

Pregnancy hormones and increased changes in your body can make you feel very sleepy and tired.

Varicose veins

This discomfort is usually seen during the later stages or pregnancy. Varicose veins are swollen, purple-coloured veins that appear on your legs and around the vagina. This is caused as a result of increased pressure on the legs and pelvis.

Heartburn and indigestion

Each woman experiences a different type of food aversion or craving during pregnancy. Certain food items can act as triggers causing heartburn (heartburn causes, symptoms, & medications) and indigestion (food for upset stomach) in women.

Here is how you can manage the common discomforts during pregnancy:

• Eat a fibre-rich diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid foods that cause acidity
• Get plenty of sleep
• Take your prenatal vitamins

• Morning sickness can be experienced at any time during the day or night 
• It is most prominent during the first trimester of pregnancy 
• Morning sickness is an early sign of pregnancy and is experienced uniquely by each woman

Morning sickness is also known as nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is an early sign of pregnancy which is most prominent during the initial trimester. It gradually subsides as your pregnancy progresses towards the second and third trimester (what to expect in third trimester of pregnancy). 

In highly rare cases, morning sickness can progress into a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. In this condition, nausea and vomiting is so severe that it leads to extreme dehydration and even loss of pre-pregnancy body weight. 

Morning sickness symptoms are largely classified by nausea and vomiting. In an expecting woman, morning sickness symptoms can be triggered due to a variety of factors such as:

• Certain smells
• Spicy foods
• Increased heat

These symptoms can also occur without any triggers at all.

Also Read: Placenta Previa – Causes, Symptoms, Complications & Treatment

The exact reasons for morning sickness are not yet known. However, it is believed that hormonal changes can induce or trigger nausea and vomiting in expecting women.

Morning sickness can affect any pregnant woman. It is, however, more common in women who have:

• Nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, smells or other factors even before pregnancy
• History of morning sickness in a previous pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancies

Mild morning sickness is natural during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, if you have troublesome symptoms, you should seek clinical treatment.

Your obstetrician may recommend the following morning sickness treatment methods:

• Certain anti-nausea medications
• Use of electrolyte liquids
• Increased intake of fluids

You can control your morning sickness symptoms at home by doing the following:

• Eat high-protein, low-fat and easy to digest foods
• Snack throughout the day 
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid nausea triggers such as certain tastes or smells
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly after vomiting
• Add ginger to your diet
• Practice acupuncture and hypnosis techniques

Read More: Symptoms of Pregnancy after Sex

• Prenatal screenings include tests for an internal checkup during pregnancy 
• Prenatal testing allows your doctor to monitor the growth of your fetus 
• Some prenatal screenings are repeated several times throughout the pregnancy

Prenatal screenings and tests is an umbrella term for a wide variety of medical tests and scans done during pregnancy. 

Prenatal screening tests are done routinely during your prenatal visits and allow your healthcare provider to monitor your health as well as your baby’s growth and development. There are certain other tests that can help highlight the risk or probability of certain health conditions such as birth defects and chromosomal abnormalities.

Also Read: Placenta Previa – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications & Treatment

Majorly, there are two types of prenatal testing. These include:

Screenings: Prenatal screening tests help in the early detection and identification of certain birth defects and genetic disorders.

Diagnostics: Diagnostic tests are done if your fetus is at risk of certain health conditions, as suggested by screening tests. Diagnostic tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis of a condition.

Also Read: How to get periods immediately?

Prenatal screening tests done in the first trimester of pregnancy include:

• Carrier screening for genetic conditions
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
• Ultrasound
• Blood tests

Also Read: First Trimester Pregnancy – Everything you need to know

Common prenatal tests done during the second trimester of pregnancy are:

• Blood tests (quad marker screening test)
• Ultrasound
• Amniocentesis
• Glucose screening to check for gestational diabetes (how can gestational diabetes affect a baby)

Prenatal screenings and tests performed in the final trimester of pregnancy include:

• Test for group B strep
• Fetal monitoring

Read More: Symptoms of Pregnancy after sex

• The placenta responsible for delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your growing fetus
• Placenta previa is a pregnancy complications causing serious health concerns
• If placenta previa is not treated timely, you may require a C-section delivery

The placenta is a structure that connects to your baby through the umbilical cord. It provides oxygen and nutrition to your baby throughout the pregnancy. The placenta usually attaches to the top or side of the uterus.

Placenta previa is a pregnancy complication in which the placenta, partially or totally, covers the outlet of the uterus, that is, your cervix.

Placenta previa symptoms primarily include bright red vaginal bleeding during the second half of pregnancy. While most women do not experience any type of pain, others feel some contractions in the placenta previa.

Also Read: Tips to get period fast

There are three placenta previa types:

• Complete placenta previa
• Partial placenta previa
• Marginal placenta previa

Also Read: Symptoms of pregnancy after sex

Placenta previa causes are not yet known exactly. This condition can affect any pregnant woman. However, it is more common in certain women than in others.

Placenta previa risk factors include:

• History of pregnancy and delivery
• Scarring on the uterus from previous surgeries
• History of placenta previa is previous pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancies (what to expect during multiple births)
• Advanced age (older than 35 years)
• Smoking or tobacco consumption

Placenta previa is a complex and serious health condition. Upon detection, your obstetrician will provide a personalised plan to manage this condition.

If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems. Common placenta previa complications include:

• Severe vaginal bleeding
• Preterm delivery

Also Read: Breech Baby – Everything yo need to know about

Placenta previa is usually diagnosed during your routine prenatal visit or upon the display of symptoms such as vaginal bleeding. Your obstetrician will perform an ultrasound to help detect this condition and offer corrective treatment.

Placenta previa treatment protocol includes the management of vaginal bleeding (bleeding during pregnancy). Your healthcare provider will aim to manage the amount of bleeding based on the stage of pregnancy, your overall health, your baby’s health and the position of the placenta. 

Read More: Healthy Lifestyle Tips for pregnancy