If you are planning to have a baby, the most important thing is that you care very much, so you and baby are healthy in the future. Girls who receive adequate care and take the right decisions are very likely to have healthy babies.
Prenatal Care
If you discover that you are pregnant, consult a doctor as soon as possible to begin receiving prenatal care (care during the pregnancy). The sooner you begin receiving medical care, the greater the chance that you and your baby are in good health in the future.
If you can not afford to consult a doctor or pay for the consultation in a clinic for prenatal care, social service organizations exist that can help. Ask your parents, school counselor or another trusted adult to help you find resources in your community.
During the first consultation, the doctor will do a lot of questions, such as the date of your last period. This way, you can calculate how long have you been pregnant and when you expect your baby.
Doctors estimate that the duration of the pregnancy in weeks. The due date is estimated, but the majority of babies born between 38 and 42 weeks after the first day of the last menstruation of women, or between 36 and 38 weeks after conception (when the sperm fertilizes the egg). Only a small percentage of women who deliver at the estimated delivery date.
Pregnancy is divided into three phases or quarters. The first quarter runs from conception to end of week 13. The second is from week 14 to 26. The third, from week 27 until the end of pregnancy.
The doctor will examine you and perform a pelvic exam. The doctor may also order blood tests, urine tests to check for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs by its acronym in English), including HIV testing, a condition more common among teenagers. (Some STDs can cause serious problems for the health of newborns, it is important to get appropriate treatment to protect the baby.)
The doctor will explain what are the physical and emotional changes that are likely to experience during pregnancy. We also learn to recognize symptoms of problems (complications) during pregnancy. This is essential, because adolescents are more likely to cross certain complications such as anemia or hypertension, and give birth before the due date (premature labor).
Your doctor will ask you to start taking prenatal vitamins containing folic acid, calcium and iron distance. Your doctor may prescribe vitamins or can recommend a brand, you can buy without a prescription. These minerals and vitamins help to ensure a healthy baby and mother, and to prevent certain birth defects.
Ideally, you should consult your doctor once a month during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. Then you should visit every 2 weeks until week 36 and week thereafter until delivery. If you have a disease like diabetes, which requires careful monitoring during pregnancy, it is likely that your doctor wants to see you more often.
During the consultation, your doctor will check your weight, blood pressure and urine, in addition to measuring your belly to go save a baby grow. When baby's heartbeat can be heard with a special device, the doctor listens to whenever you visit. It is likely that your doctor will give links to other testing during pregnancy, such as ultrasound to ensure that the baby is in perfect condition.
Also part of antenatal care to take courses where women who are expecting a baby learn to live a healthy pregnancy and delivery, and what are the basic care for the newborn. It is likely that these courses are offered in hospitals, medical centers, schools and universities in your area.
If adults can be difficult to talk to your doctor about your own body is even more difficult for adolescents. The role of your doctor to help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby ... and it is likely that there is nothing that a pregnant woman did not say. Do not be afraid to ask questions about anything you need to know.
Always be honest when your doctor will ask questions, even if they are annoying. Many of the questions your doctor asks you to cover could affect the health of your baby. Think of your doctor as someone who is not only a resource but also a friend you can trust to talk about what happens to you.
What changes can you expect in your body
Pregnancy creates many physical changes. Here are some of the most common:
Breast growth
The increase in breast size is one of the first signs of pregnancy and the breasts may continue to grow throughout pregnancy. It is possible to increase several sizes of support during pregnancy.
skin changes
Be not surprised if people comment that your skin is "glowing" when you are pregnant: pregnancy produces an increased blood volume, which can make your cheeks a little rosier than usual. In addition, hormonal changes increase the secretion of sebaceous glands, so that your skin may appear shiny. For the same reason, acne is also common during pregnancy.
Among other changes that pregnancy hormones generated in the skin are yellowish or brownish spots that appear on the face, called melasma, and a dark stripe running from navel to pubic bone, who knows that linea nigra.
Also, moles or freckles that you had before pregnancy may increase in size and become darker. Even the areola, the area around the nipple becomes darker. Stretch marks may also occur (thin lines of pink or purple) in the abdomen, breasts or thighs.
Except for the darkening of the areola, which is generally stable, these changes in the skin disappears after childbirth.
Mood swings
It is very common to mood swings during pregnancy. Some girls may suffer from depression during pregnancy or after childbirth. If you have symptoms of depression such as sadness, changes in sleep habits, wants to hurt you or negative about yourself or your life, ask your doctor about starting treatment.
Pregnancy Discomforts
Pregnancy can cause some unpleasant side effects. Among these disorders, including:
* Nausea and vomiting, especially during the first months of pregnancy;
* Swelling of the legs;
* Varicose veins in the legs and the area around the vaginal orifice;
Hemorrhoids *;
* Heartburn and constipation;
* Back pain;
* Fatigue and
* Sleep problems.
If you have one or more of these side effects, do not forget that you are not alone. Ask your doctor for advice on how to address these common problems.
If you are pregnant and have bleeding or pain, contact your doctor immediately, even if you decided to terminate your pregnancy.
What you should avoid
If you smoke, drink alcohol or drugs during pregnancy, you and your baby are at risk of serious problems.
Alcohol
Currently, physicians do not consider it advisable to drink a drop of alcohol during pregnancy. If you drink alcoholic beverages can damage the developing fetus and the baby is at risk of birth defects and mental disorders.
Smoke
Smoking during pregnancy carries some risk: the birth of a fetal death (when a baby dies in the uterus), low birth weight (which increases the possibility that the baby has health problems), infants infants (Babies born before 37 weeks) and sudden death syndrome (SIDS for its initials in English). SIDS is the sudden death without apparent reason, a baby under one year.
Drugs
Illegal drugs such as cocaine or marijuana during pregnancy may cause abortions, premature births and other health problems. In addition, babies can be born with an addiction to certain drugs.
If you have trouble quitting smoking, drinking alcohol or drugs, ask your doctor to help you. Consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. This includes prescription drugs, supplements prepared herbal and vitamins.
Unprotected sex
Talk to your doctor about sex during pregnancy. If your doctor allows you to have sex during pregnancy, you should use a condom to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD in English). Because some STDs can cause blindness, pneumonia or meningitis of the newborn, it is important for you to protect yourself and your baby.
How to take care during pregnancy
Food
Many young people are concerned by the appearance of your body and the fear of gaining weight during pregnancy. But this is not the moment to cut calories or go on a diet because you are feeding two people. You and your baby will need certain nutrients for the baby to develop properly. If you eat a variety of healthy foods, drink enough water and you reduce the junk food, fat, help you and the baby are healthy and growing.
Doctors generally recommend adding about 300 calories per day diet, so as to provide the baby with adequate nutrition growth. Depending on the weight you had before becoming pregnant, you should have between 11 and 15 kilograms (25 to 35 pounds) during pregnancy, especially during the last 6 months. Your doctor will advise you on this depending on your particular situation.
Eat more fiber from -25 to 30 grams per day, and drinking enough water can help prevent common problems such as constipation. Fruits and vegetables and whole grain breads, cereals or whole wheat muffins are good sources of fiber.
It is necessary that you avoid certain foods and beverages during pregnancy, such as:
* Some types of fish such as swordfish, canned tuna and other fish that may be high in mercury (your doctor can help you decide which fish to eat);
* Foods containing raw eggs, such as foam or a salad type "Caesar";
* Raw meat, fish or lightly cooked;
* Processed meats such as sausages or cold cuts;
* Unpasteurized soft cheeses such as feta, brie, blue or goat, and
* Juice milk, or unpasteurized cider.
It is also desirable to limit the consumption of artificial sweeteners and caffeine and artificial sweeteners.
Exercise
Exercise during pregnancy is good for your health if you have no complications with pregnancy and choose appropriate activities. Doctors generally recommend low-impact activities like walking, swimming and yoga. In general, you should avoid contact sports and high impact aerobic activities that pose a higher risk of injury. It is also recommended not to do a job that involves heavy lifting for women during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you have questions about what kind of exercises are safe for you and your baby.
Sleep
It is important to take plenty of rest during pregnancy. During the first months of pregnancy, trying to get into the habit of sleeping on the side. As pregnancy progresses, lying on her side, knees bent, will be the most comfortable position. It will facilitate the functioning of the heart, since the baby's weight will not exert pressure on the vein that carries blood from the feet and legs to the heart.
Some doctors specifically recommend that pregnant girls must sleep on the left side. Because some major blood vessels are in the right side of the abdomen, lying on the left side helps keep the uterus puts pressure on them. Ask your doctor what your recommendation. In most cases, the trick is to lie on each side, reducing pressure on the back.
Throughout the pregnancy, but especially in the later stages, it is likely that you wake up frequently at night to go to the bathroom. While it is important to drink plenty of water during pregnancy, try to drink more during the day instead of night. Go to the bathroom before bedtime. As the pregnancy progresses, you may be difficult to find a comfortable position in bed. You can try placing pillows around and under the belly, back or legs to feel more at ease.
Stress can also disrupt sleep. Maybe you're concerned about the baby's health, birth, or how it will play the new role of mother. All these feelings are normal, but can produce insomnia. Tell your doctor if you have sleep problems during pregnancy.
Emotional Health
It's common for pregnant adolescents experience a variety of emotions such as fear, anger, guilt, confusion and sadness. Maybe you take some time to adjust to the fact that you're having a baby. This means a huge change and it is natural for pregnant teens to wonder if they are willing to assume the responsibilities involved in becoming mothers.
The feelings of a young often depend on the extent of support received by the baby's father, his family (and family of the child's father) and his friends. The situation of each youth is different. Depending on your situation, you may need to seek more support for people who are not part of your family. It is important to talk with people who can support you, guide you and help you share and sort your feelings. Your school counselor or nurse can help you find the resources available to help your community.
In some cases, early pregnancy and spontaneous abortions have lost the baby. This can be very sad and difficult to overcome for some, but for others it causes a feeling of relief. It is important to talk about these feelings and receiving support from friends and family, if it is not possible, go to counselors or teachers.
The school and the future
Some girls plan to raise the baby by themselves. Sometimes grandparents or other family members to help. Some young people choose to deliver her child for adoption. These difficult decisions require great courage and concern for the baby.
Young women who have completed their secondary education are more likely to get a good job and a life of success. Wherever possible, you should finish high school now instead of trying to return to school later. Ask your school counselor or trusted adult that you provide information on programs and classes offered in this community for pregnant teens.
Some communities have support groups specifically devoted to teen parents. In some schools, no childcare. Perhaps a member of your family or friend can hold the baby while you're at school.
You can learn more about what happens when the mom if you read books, attend lectures or consultation reliable sites on parenting. Your pediatrician, your parents, family members and other adults can guide you when you are pregnant and if you become a mother.
Source: Ezinearticles
Prenatal Care
If you discover that you are pregnant, consult a doctor as soon as possible to begin receiving prenatal care (care during the pregnancy). The sooner you begin receiving medical care, the greater the chance that you and your baby are in good health in the future.
If you can not afford to consult a doctor or pay for the consultation in a clinic for prenatal care, social service organizations exist that can help. Ask your parents, school counselor or another trusted adult to help you find resources in your community.
During the first consultation, the doctor will do a lot of questions, such as the date of your last period. This way, you can calculate how long have you been pregnant and when you expect your baby.
Doctors estimate that the duration of the pregnancy in weeks. The due date is estimated, but the majority of babies born between 38 and 42 weeks after the first day of the last menstruation of women, or between 36 and 38 weeks after conception (when the sperm fertilizes the egg). Only a small percentage of women who deliver at the estimated delivery date.
Pregnancy is divided into three phases or quarters. The first quarter runs from conception to end of week 13. The second is from week 14 to 26. The third, from week 27 until the end of pregnancy.
The doctor will examine you and perform a pelvic exam. The doctor may also order blood tests, urine tests to check for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs by its acronym in English), including HIV testing, a condition more common among teenagers. (Some STDs can cause serious problems for the health of newborns, it is important to get appropriate treatment to protect the baby.)
The doctor will explain what are the physical and emotional changes that are likely to experience during pregnancy. We also learn to recognize symptoms of problems (complications) during pregnancy. This is essential, because adolescents are more likely to cross certain complications such as anemia or hypertension, and give birth before the due date (premature labor).
Your doctor will ask you to start taking prenatal vitamins containing folic acid, calcium and iron distance. Your doctor may prescribe vitamins or can recommend a brand, you can buy without a prescription. These minerals and vitamins help to ensure a healthy baby and mother, and to prevent certain birth defects.
Ideally, you should consult your doctor once a month during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. Then you should visit every 2 weeks until week 36 and week thereafter until delivery. If you have a disease like diabetes, which requires careful monitoring during pregnancy, it is likely that your doctor wants to see you more often.
During the consultation, your doctor will check your weight, blood pressure and urine, in addition to measuring your belly to go save a baby grow. When baby's heartbeat can be heard with a special device, the doctor listens to whenever you visit. It is likely that your doctor will give links to other testing during pregnancy, such as ultrasound to ensure that the baby is in perfect condition.
Also part of antenatal care to take courses where women who are expecting a baby learn to live a healthy pregnancy and delivery, and what are the basic care for the newborn. It is likely that these courses are offered in hospitals, medical centers, schools and universities in your area.
If adults can be difficult to talk to your doctor about your own body is even more difficult for adolescents. The role of your doctor to help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby ... and it is likely that there is nothing that a pregnant woman did not say. Do not be afraid to ask questions about anything you need to know.
Always be honest when your doctor will ask questions, even if they are annoying. Many of the questions your doctor asks you to cover could affect the health of your baby. Think of your doctor as someone who is not only a resource but also a friend you can trust to talk about what happens to you.
What changes can you expect in your body
Pregnancy creates many physical changes. Here are some of the most common:
Breast growth
The increase in breast size is one of the first signs of pregnancy and the breasts may continue to grow throughout pregnancy. It is possible to increase several sizes of support during pregnancy.
skin changes
Be not surprised if people comment that your skin is "glowing" when you are pregnant: pregnancy produces an increased blood volume, which can make your cheeks a little rosier than usual. In addition, hormonal changes increase the secretion of sebaceous glands, so that your skin may appear shiny. For the same reason, acne is also common during pregnancy.
Among other changes that pregnancy hormones generated in the skin are yellowish or brownish spots that appear on the face, called melasma, and a dark stripe running from navel to pubic bone, who knows that linea nigra.
Also, moles or freckles that you had before pregnancy may increase in size and become darker. Even the areola, the area around the nipple becomes darker. Stretch marks may also occur (thin lines of pink or purple) in the abdomen, breasts or thighs.
Except for the darkening of the areola, which is generally stable, these changes in the skin disappears after childbirth.
Mood swings
It is very common to mood swings during pregnancy. Some girls may suffer from depression during pregnancy or after childbirth. If you have symptoms of depression such as sadness, changes in sleep habits, wants to hurt you or negative about yourself or your life, ask your doctor about starting treatment.
Pregnancy Discomforts
Pregnancy can cause some unpleasant side effects. Among these disorders, including:
* Nausea and vomiting, especially during the first months of pregnancy;
* Swelling of the legs;
* Varicose veins in the legs and the area around the vaginal orifice;
Hemorrhoids *;
* Heartburn and constipation;
* Back pain;
* Fatigue and
* Sleep problems.
If you have one or more of these side effects, do not forget that you are not alone. Ask your doctor for advice on how to address these common problems.
If you are pregnant and have bleeding or pain, contact your doctor immediately, even if you decided to terminate your pregnancy.
What you should avoid
If you smoke, drink alcohol or drugs during pregnancy, you and your baby are at risk of serious problems.
Alcohol
Currently, physicians do not consider it advisable to drink a drop of alcohol during pregnancy. If you drink alcoholic beverages can damage the developing fetus and the baby is at risk of birth defects and mental disorders.
Smoke
Smoking during pregnancy carries some risk: the birth of a fetal death (when a baby dies in the uterus), low birth weight (which increases the possibility that the baby has health problems), infants infants (Babies born before 37 weeks) and sudden death syndrome (SIDS for its initials in English). SIDS is the sudden death without apparent reason, a baby under one year.
Drugs
Illegal drugs such as cocaine or marijuana during pregnancy may cause abortions, premature births and other health problems. In addition, babies can be born with an addiction to certain drugs.
If you have trouble quitting smoking, drinking alcohol or drugs, ask your doctor to help you. Consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. This includes prescription drugs, supplements prepared herbal and vitamins.
Unprotected sex
Talk to your doctor about sex during pregnancy. If your doctor allows you to have sex during pregnancy, you should use a condom to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD in English). Because some STDs can cause blindness, pneumonia or meningitis of the newborn, it is important for you to protect yourself and your baby.
How to take care during pregnancy
Food
Many young people are concerned by the appearance of your body and the fear of gaining weight during pregnancy. But this is not the moment to cut calories or go on a diet because you are feeding two people. You and your baby will need certain nutrients for the baby to develop properly. If you eat a variety of healthy foods, drink enough water and you reduce the junk food, fat, help you and the baby are healthy and growing.
Doctors generally recommend adding about 300 calories per day diet, so as to provide the baby with adequate nutrition growth. Depending on the weight you had before becoming pregnant, you should have between 11 and 15 kilograms (25 to 35 pounds) during pregnancy, especially during the last 6 months. Your doctor will advise you on this depending on your particular situation.
Eat more fiber from -25 to 30 grams per day, and drinking enough water can help prevent common problems such as constipation. Fruits and vegetables and whole grain breads, cereals or whole wheat muffins are good sources of fiber.
It is necessary that you avoid certain foods and beverages during pregnancy, such as:
* Some types of fish such as swordfish, canned tuna and other fish that may be high in mercury (your doctor can help you decide which fish to eat);
* Foods containing raw eggs, such as foam or a salad type "Caesar";
* Raw meat, fish or lightly cooked;
* Processed meats such as sausages or cold cuts;
* Unpasteurized soft cheeses such as feta, brie, blue or goat, and
* Juice milk, or unpasteurized cider.
It is also desirable to limit the consumption of artificial sweeteners and caffeine and artificial sweeteners.
Exercise
Exercise during pregnancy is good for your health if you have no complications with pregnancy and choose appropriate activities. Doctors generally recommend low-impact activities like walking, swimming and yoga. In general, you should avoid contact sports and high impact aerobic activities that pose a higher risk of injury. It is also recommended not to do a job that involves heavy lifting for women during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you have questions about what kind of exercises are safe for you and your baby.
Sleep
It is important to take plenty of rest during pregnancy. During the first months of pregnancy, trying to get into the habit of sleeping on the side. As pregnancy progresses, lying on her side, knees bent, will be the most comfortable position. It will facilitate the functioning of the heart, since the baby's weight will not exert pressure on the vein that carries blood from the feet and legs to the heart.
Some doctors specifically recommend that pregnant girls must sleep on the left side. Because some major blood vessels are in the right side of the abdomen, lying on the left side helps keep the uterus puts pressure on them. Ask your doctor what your recommendation. In most cases, the trick is to lie on each side, reducing pressure on the back.
Throughout the pregnancy, but especially in the later stages, it is likely that you wake up frequently at night to go to the bathroom. While it is important to drink plenty of water during pregnancy, try to drink more during the day instead of night. Go to the bathroom before bedtime. As the pregnancy progresses, you may be difficult to find a comfortable position in bed. You can try placing pillows around and under the belly, back or legs to feel more at ease.
Stress can also disrupt sleep. Maybe you're concerned about the baby's health, birth, or how it will play the new role of mother. All these feelings are normal, but can produce insomnia. Tell your doctor if you have sleep problems during pregnancy.
Emotional Health
It's common for pregnant adolescents experience a variety of emotions such as fear, anger, guilt, confusion and sadness. Maybe you take some time to adjust to the fact that you're having a baby. This means a huge change and it is natural for pregnant teens to wonder if they are willing to assume the responsibilities involved in becoming mothers.
The feelings of a young often depend on the extent of support received by the baby's father, his family (and family of the child's father) and his friends. The situation of each youth is different. Depending on your situation, you may need to seek more support for people who are not part of your family. It is important to talk with people who can support you, guide you and help you share and sort your feelings. Your school counselor or nurse can help you find the resources available to help your community.
In some cases, early pregnancy and spontaneous abortions have lost the baby. This can be very sad and difficult to overcome for some, but for others it causes a feeling of relief. It is important to talk about these feelings and receiving support from friends and family, if it is not possible, go to counselors or teachers.
The school and the future
Some girls plan to raise the baby by themselves. Sometimes grandparents or other family members to help. Some young people choose to deliver her child for adoption. These difficult decisions require great courage and concern for the baby.
Young women who have completed their secondary education are more likely to get a good job and a life of success. Wherever possible, you should finish high school now instead of trying to return to school later. Ask your school counselor or trusted adult that you provide information on programs and classes offered in this community for pregnant teens.
Some communities have support groups specifically devoted to teen parents. In some schools, no childcare. Perhaps a member of your family or friend can hold the baby while you're at school.
You can learn more about what happens when the mom if you read books, attend lectures or consultation reliable sites on parenting. Your pediatrician, your parents, family members and other adults can guide you when you are pregnant and if you become a mother.
Source: Ezinearticles
