Pregnancy Week By Week (Week 19)

Week 19 Fetus

Must-ask Questions this Week (Week 19)

What causes vaginal discharge to increase during pregnancy?

The hormonal changes plus the increased blood flow results in an increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy. This secretion continues to increase right up to delivery time. To keep yourself clean and comfortable despite the added wetness, use cotton underwear or at least cotton crotch underwear, avoid tight-fitting pants and steer clear of perfumes and deodorant soaps. If the discharge is particularly abundant you may want to use sanitary pads. Note: tampons should not be used due to the possibility of toxic shock syndrome.

What are the tell-tale signs of vaginal infection?

If your vaginal discharge becomes foul smelling, thick, yellow or greenish or if it causes itching or burning, then you have it. Treatment should be sought promptly because certain types of infection increase your chances of experiencing premature birth and because you don't want to pass on an infection such as yeast infection to your baby during birth.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a very common type of vaginal infection; in fact it is the most prevalent infection among women of reproductive age. Overgrowth of bad bacteria in the vagina is the cause. Symptoms include fishy odor that becomes particularly strong after intercourse of during your period.

Why are yeast infections very common during pregnancy? How can I tell if I have it?

This is because the conditions during pregnancy are ideal for developing this infection; there is extra storage of sugar in cell walls of vagina, the vaginal environment is less acidic and the immune system is less rigorous. If the vaginal discharge is thick, cheese-curd like white or yellowish which is accompanied by severe itching or a very red rash that is surrounded by red spots; or if you experience vulva pain and soreness whenever you urinate, you have probably got it. Your doctor can confirm your diagnosis with a vaginal swab.

Prevention of yeast infections?

You can make your vaginal area less hospitable to yeast infections by:

• Keeping your genital area as dry as possible

• Wiping from front to back when you use the washroom

• Ensuring that you are well lubricated when you have intercourse

• Avoiding overly tight jeans, synthetic underwear, panty hose, perfumed soaps and vaginal deodorants

You may also want to cut back on sugar and keeping your stress level under control. Studies indicate too much sugar and stress make you more susceptible to yeast infection.

Are yeast infections dangerous to the baby?

They are not dangerous to the developing baby but they can interfere with breastfeeding if baby acquires the yeast infection during the birth process and develops thrush. Thrush can lead to nipple soreness in the mother. It can also cause baby to develop yeast based diaper rash that can be very painful and extremely difficult to get rid of. With a sore perineum, labor is going to be even more painful. Fortunately there are all kinds of effective products to treat this infection. Check with your doctor on what is suitable for you.

What can I do when I get UTI?

UTI is very common during pregnancy. About 1 in 12 pregnant women can experience it during the course of their pregnancy. Increased bladder volume, decreased bladder tone, hormonal changes make it difficult for the lower urinary tract to fight off invading bacteria, and small amounts of urine remain in the bladder longer than they should all contribute to this problem and make you susceptible to UTI. If you are experiencing pain during urination, increased urge to pee, if you have detected blood in your urine, if your urine smells strong or if you experience a lot of pain in the bladder region, then you have UTI. Some women don't even realize they have this problem, which is one of the reasons why doctors routinely check for this infection during routine checkups. You can reduce your odds of developing this problem by drinking lots of fluids, urinating frequently, wiping from front to back after a visit to the washroom and urinating after intercourse.

Some Basic Pointers (Week 19)

Feeling Dizzy

Feeling dizzy is a fairly common concern often caused by low blood pressure (hypotension). It usually surfaces in the second trimester but may appear earlier. Hypotension is caused by two factors. It can be caused by the enlarging uterus putting pressure on your aorta and vena cava. This is termed supine hypotension and happens when you are lying down. You can prevent it by not sleeping or lying on your back. The second cause of hypotension is when you rise quickly from a sitting, kneeling or squatting position. This is called postural hypotension. Your blood pressure drops when you get up quickly as blood leaves your brain because of gravity. You can prevent this by rising slowly. If you are anemic you may feel dizzy, faint or tired or you may fatigue easily. Since your blood is checked routinely during your checkups, your doctor will inform you accordingly. Pregnancy also affects your blood sugar level; high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel dizzy or faint. Many doctors check blood sugar routinely of pregnant women, more so if they have a history of diabetes or dizzy spells. Problems can be avoided or improved by eating a balanced diet, not skipping meals and not going a long time without eating. Carry a piece of fruit or crackers with you for a good boost in blood sugar when the need arises.

Researchers have found that pregnant women who eat frequent small meals during the day may provide better nutrition to themselves and their baby versus those who eat three square meals per day. Though the calories are the same, there is a difference. Keeping the blood level constant through small frequent meals is better for fetal development than eating a large meal, then not eating for quite a while. Three larger meals means that nutrient levels rise and fall during the day, which isn't as beneficial for the baby. Eating smaller portions frequently can also help avoid some other discomforts such as heartburn, nausea and indigestion.

Warning Signs during Pregnancy

Many women are nervous because they are not confident about knowing if something is amiss with their pregnancy. Most women have few, if any, problems during pregnancy. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Vaginal bleeding

• Severe swelling of the face or fingers

• Severe abdominal pain

• Loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush, but sometimes a trickle or continuous wetness

• A big change in the baby's movements or a lack of movement

• High fever (more than 38.7C; 101.6F) or chills

• Severe vomiting or an inability to keep your food down or liquid down

• Blurring of vision

• Painful urination

• A headache that just won't go away or a severe headache

• An injury or accident such as a fall or automobile accident, that leaves you anxious about the well being of your baby

Don't be embarrassed to address issues with your doctor; he or she has probably heard it before. And they would rather know about the problem at the onset rather than later, to better deal with the issue.

Allergies during Pregnancy

Allergies sometimes worsen during pregnancy. Some allergy medications should not be taken during pregnancy; it is best to consult with your doctor. Many of these allergy medications are a combination of several medicines, some of which not safe for pregnant women. This advice also applies to nasal sprays. When it comes to medications, you would want to seek your doctor's advice. To help deal with allergies, try to avoid anything that triggers them. For example if dust bothers, you keep your windows shut and avoid outside activities or areas that are dust prone. Use a humidifier if you find the weather rather dry. Drink lots of fluids. For some women, their allergies improve during their pregnancies; certain things that used to be a bother before pregnancy are no longer a problem.

Your Nutrition (Week 19)

Herbal use in Pregnancy

In the past some of you may have used herbs and botanicals in the forms of teas, pills or powders to treat various ailments. Now that you are pregnant it is advisable to not treat yourself with herbal remedies without asking your doctor first. You may think herbal remedy is safe and therefore OK to use but it could be dangerous during pregnancy. For example, if you are constipated, you may decide to use senna as a laxative. However senna stimulates uterine muscles causing you to miscarry. Some herbs may irritate your bowels and baby's bowels too. So play it safe - be extremely careful with any substances your doctor has not specifically recommended for you. Always check with your physician before you decide on any step or action.

Pay attention to Calcium

It is very important to get enough calcium every day. You need 1200mg daily - 50%

more than your pre-pregnancy days.