What if I am pregnant?

When a woman suspects that she is pregnant, she should visit a doctor to confirm her condition as soon as possible; after that, she should change her lifestyle, if that's necessary (stop smoking, taking drugs, adjusting nutrition...). Laboratory blood tests can verify pregnancy as soon as 6 or 7 days after conception, while urine test may detect pregnancy as early as 10 days after conception. The blood and urine test both measure the level human Chorionic gonadotropin or HCG, which is a hormone produced only in a woman’s body when she has placental tissue growing there. The placenta is the tissue within the uterus or womb through which the mother provides nourishment to the fetus.

The importance of prenatal care

One of the most important things that woman can do for herself and her baby is to seek proper prenatal care. Prenatal care consists of regular appointments starting early and continuing throughout the pregnancy. Laboratory testing for potential problems with the developing baby or herself and monitoring for problems such as abnormal changes in blood pressure, blood chemistry, urine chemistry, and weight are very important. 

Getting plenty of exercise and eating properly, giving up bad habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or using street drugs or medications is something that doctor should definitely recommend. 

It is also essential for a woman to alert her doctor immediately if anything unusual occurs during her pregnancy, such as: 

• if the baby’s movement significantly reduce or stop, 
• if she experiences vaginal bleeding or cramping, develops swelling of her hands and face, or persistent headaches, 
• if she leaks amniotic fluid from her vagina, or 
• if she develops pain in the abdomen. 

Improved technology and more accurate prenatal tests now make it possible to spot complications earlier. This also helps to get appropriate action in time to save the fetus and mother. A woman’s habits greatly influence the health of her unborn child, so when pregnant, a woman should avoid few things. Alcohol is the first thing because consuming alcohol while pregnant can cause birth defects and other problems. In fact, consistent alcohol use during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a permanent and lifelong condition. Cigarettes, medications, narcotics, caffeine, and contact with cat feces are also things pregnant women should avoid.