Your First Pregnancy: What Should You Know?

The first pregnancy is a very special event in the life of any woman. At this time, future mothers are looking for information about things awaiting them during the next nine months. The lack of experience often leads to mistakes that can do harm to the unborn child. So, what should a pregnant first-time woman know?

The Specificities of the First Pregnancy

In the majority of cases, the future mom finds out about her new condition after a missed period. The pregnancy test shows the second line, and then the pregnant woman plunges into enthusiastic planning. Every minute is valuable while you’re expecting, this period provides you with a chance to take a new look at your life and reconsider your priorities. The most important is what’s happening inside of you – there is a brand new life. So, what will be happening to your body from the moment of conception till the very delivery?

Soon after a missed period, you’ll feel how your body is preparing for great changes. During the first 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, most women are suffering from morning sickness. Don’t be scared because of nausea and vomiting in the morning – thus your organism is getting used to the new state. At the same time, your breasts become bigger, and general weakness and sleepiness appear. All these changes are manifesting gradually, giving you a clue about your new and very pleasant status.

The growth of the fetus means that your belly will be growing as well. By the 4^th month of pregnancy, you’ll have noticed that your clothes are a bit too tight. Your first pregnancy is a good reason for buying a few new outfits. But it’s important to choose not only fashionable but also comfortable clothes which don’t put pressure on your pregnant belly. And don’t forget about low-heeled shoes that keep you steady. Over the course of pregnancy, there will be more and more load on your back muscles, so you don’t need to worsen the situation by wearing high heels.

During the first pregnancy, you’ll feel the baby’s movements in the 18^th–20^th week. At first, it will be light kicking, but the closer you’ll come to the delivery the more intense kicks will become. Slim women usually feel their babies’ movements a week or two earlier than future mothers with excess weight.

A lot of women admit to constant mood swings during their first pregnancy. This is the time when you can afford it – just be yourself and remember: quirks and pregnancy cravings are perfectly fine.

Pregnant for the First Time – What to do?

After a test has confirmed that you are pregnant, you should make an appointment with a gynecologist. The doctor will thoroughly examine you, measure blood pressure, and tell you which tests you should pass. It’s very important for the medical expert to know what’s happening to the female body – it’ll make it possible for the doctor to monitor your pregnancy correctly.

During the childbearing period, you should pay regular visits to your gynecologist. Before the 30^th week, you should attend a clinic twice a month, and then – every week. With any complaints (abdominal pain, unusual vaginal discharge, high blood pressure) you should consult a doctor immediately, even before your ordinary visit. In the case of an urgent situation (vaginal bleeding, severe pain), don’t wait to call an ambulance.

When should a woman pregnant for the first time go to the maternity hospital? There is no unequivocal answer to this question. If the future mom is well and her baby keeps actively moving, she can stay at home and wait for the first signs of labor. If the woman is suffering from serious chronic diseases, if her pregnancy is complicated or there is anything wrong with the baby, she has to go to the maternity hospital in advance to prepare for childbirth. Such expectant mothers are usually hospitalized at the term of 39-40 weeks.

Your First Pregnancy: Optimum Age

Read this if you are women who are trying to conceive often ask yourself a question what age is the best to give birth for the first time. Experts say that the optimum time for the first pregnancy is the age between 20 and 25. At this time the female body is fully formed and ready for childbearing and giving birth. Besides, young women of this age, as a rule, don’t have any chronic illnesses which can cause various complications during the course of pregnancy.

The first pregnancy after 30 isn’t always easy for the future mom. At this age, the ligaments are losing their elasticity, and the delivery is often complicated because of different anomalies. Such a pregnancy frequently takes its course against the background of preeclampsia and high blood pressure. But the first pregnancy after 30 has its benefits too. At this age, women approach the issue of parenting seriously and are ready to take all responsibility not only for themselves but also for the little human being who is soon coming into this world.

Sometimes a woman decides to get pregnant for the first time after forty. Contemporary medical science considers this age too late for the first pregnancy. After 40, the reproductive system of the female body isn’t working as effectively as before. It becomes difficult to carry and give birth to a baby without hormonal support.

Besides, after 35 the possibility of genetic defects in children increases. Postpartum recovery also takes more time and isn’t going as fine as for women in their twenties. The woman who has decided to get pregnant after 40 should carefully consider all the “pros” and “cons” and be prepared for the possible negative consequences of her decision.

The first pregnancy is an event that you won’t ever forget. Remember that the joy of taking your baby in your arms for the first time can’t be compared with any other pleasurable experience. This happy moment will outshine all the fears and worries and will become the best reward for long nine months of waiting.