What to Expect During Pregnancy

If you asked 100 women what pregnancy is, you would probably get 100 different answers. Generally, pregnancy is a nine-month course that is full of anticipations, emotions, and questions. Dr. Julie A Schurr is among the health care providers at Physicians for Women who collaborate with you and other team members in helping you throughout your pregnancy in a healthy and happy manner.

What is pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a term that defines the period when a fetus implants and develops in the uterus or womb. Normally pregnancy lasts for nine months, or forty weeks, from the first day of your last menstrual period. Pregnancy is divided into three segments, referred to as trimesters. In each trimester, ultrasounds and other lab tests are performed to ensure that you and the baby remain healthy.

For you to become pregnant, the ovary must release a mature ovum during ovulation. A single sperm is then used to fertilize the ovum following sexual intercourse or artificial insemination. The fertilized ovum travels through the oviduct into the uterus. The uterus or uterine lining is where the embryo implants and develops to term.

What are the symptoms of pregnancy?

Heartburn, headaches, back pain, morning sickness, bloating, weight loss or weight gain, acne, constipation, breast tenderness, lack of appetite, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, or trouble when sleeping are some of the major symptoms you might experience when you become pregnant.

These signs and symptoms usually vary from one woman to the next, and may not occur at all in others. A home pregnancy test is of great help if you suspect that you might be pregnant. If the results turn out to be positive, it is essential to visit a health care facility.

How often are you required to visit your obstetrician during pregnancy?

It would be best if you visited your physician regularly up to childbirth. It is crucial to take the appointments seriously so that you and your specialist can address some of the questions you might be having. Similarly, it gives the health care provider time to identify any complications or danger signs in your pregnancy and manage them appropriately without risking your health and that of your baby. If you had been visiting your physician before conceiving, you will need to increase the frequency of these visits as your pregnancy progresses.

Normally you are encouraged to visit your obstetrician frequently during the first and third trimester. It is essential to visit the facility once per month in your second trimester because you feel better during this time and generally have fewer health concerns. After your pregnancy reaches thirty-six weeks, you should begin making your visit every week to have your baby’s health monitored. Women who have a high-risk pregnancy or have complications during this period must make more frequent visits to the health facility.

If you plan to get pregnant or already have an existing pregnancy, call Physicians for Women today for more information. The excellent care providers will guide you on what to expect during pregnancy and how many visits to make, depending on which trimester your pregnancy lies. If you have taken a pregnancy test and the results are positive, do not hesitate to consult them for guidance through the coming months.