If this is your 2nd or 3rd {pregnancy}, you may feel baby move from 15 weeks. If this is your 1st, you might not feel the baby move until 22 weeks. Attendance at relaxation & parenting classes can be arranged. It is also a good idea to visit the local hospital (or wherever you expect to have your baby).
When the time comes, it's better to be familiar with the building, staff & most importantly, how to get there!!
Possible medical problems include:
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{kidney} infections, with high temperature, frequency, pain & sickness
If any of these appear, consult your physician. During 2nd trimester (16-28 weeks) pre-natal visits every month are normal. At 16 weeks you can expect:
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blood sample, to detect presence of {fetal} defects (iron capsules & {vitamin} supplements may be prescribed)
{ultrasound scan}
attention to size of baby to check growth
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During the 3rd trimester pre-natal visits are normally every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, & then weekly until birth.
Complications may still occur even in this late stage but many can be avoided. Remember to get plenty of rest & if you attend pre-natal classes you will be carefully monitored for:
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blood pressure & urine
presence of fluid in fingers & legs
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A 2nd {ultrasound scan} may be needed at 32 weeks. Some common problems during the 3rd trimester are:
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raised {blood pressure}
fluid collection in ankles
excessive weight gain
presence of {protein} in urine
painless vaginal bleeding
sudden acute abdominal pain
contractions of the {womb} between 36-40 weeks
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The 1st 3 symptoms indicate possibility of {toxemia} developing. If 2 of the 1st 3 symptoms are present you will probably be admitted to hospital for bed rest.
Ignoring these signs may lead to uncontrollable fits with serious results for mother & baby. Painless bleeding towards the end of pregnancy implies separation of low lying {placenta} & requires urgent intervention. Any sudden acute abdominal pain must be treated urgently. Towards the end of pregnancy rhythmic contractions of {womb} occur occasionally & can be confused with {labor}.
#contractions
Contractions push baby's head into the {pelvis} until it is !i! engaged !n! (when back of head & point of baby's jaw lies below pelvic brim). Conditions are then ready for baby to be born. When the head is low in the pelvis, it's normal for the lower abdomen to be very tender. As baby's head is pushed down, neck of the {womb} begins to stretch & dilate, allowing baby's head to pass through.
