Some Basic
Pointers (Week 25)
Boy or Girl?
One of the most oft asked questions
you will be asked is, 'Are you expecting
a boy or a girl?' In fact you may
wonder yourself, if you have not bothered
to find out yet. Amniocentesis can
determine baby gender through chromosome
study. Ultrasounds can also be used
but the results aren't as accurate.
Another means to finding out is through
baby's heartbeat. Baby's normal heartbeat
ranges from 120-160 beats a minute.
Some people believe a fast heartbeat
is a girl and a slow one is a boy.
However there is no scientific basis
to this method or any of the more
popular old wives tales of predicting
gender. While it is fun to hazard
a guess, treat is lightly and focus
on the more important aspects to pregnancy.
Itching
This is common during pregnancy. No
bumps or lesions, just itchy skin
which can occur during any part of
pregnancy, but seems more common during
the last weeks. The condition poses
no danger to mother or baby. Since
your abdominal skin and muscles have
stretched, itchiness is a natural
consequence. Liberal application of
Vitamin E lotion may help since it
is good to keep skin lubricated. Avoid
scratching as this only worsens things.
Check with your doctor on cooling
lotions containing menthol or camphor.
No treatment is necessary.
Stress Effects
Stress has a very negative effect.
Research shows an increasing link
between stress and problems such as
preeclampsia, miscarriage and premature
labor. Major stress situations like
house move, loss of job, death in
the family are sure to take a toll
on your health. It is very important
to take good care of yourself; eat
well, rest adequately and do your
best to de-stress. Talk about it with
a friend or relative or join a support
group.
Falling and Injuries
Falling is a common cause for injury
during pregnancy. The uterus within
the abdomen inside the pelvis is protected
and cushioned by the amniotic fluid
and some protection is also provided
by the uterus and abdominal wall.
If you suffer a fall, contact your
doctor for the necessary checking
where you will be monitored and your
baby's heartbeat will be checked for
assurance that all is well. Any external
injuries sustained will receive treatment
as per normal. X-rays should be avoided
as much as possible. Depending on
how severe the fall and the injuries
are, an ultrasound may be required
to evaluate the situation. First things
first, your balance and your movements
are different now that you are getting
larger. Be careful especially on wet
surface like roads and pavements.
Stairway is another common accident
area; always use the handrails. Walk
in well-lit areas. Slow down in your
gait now that you take more time to
get around. Change in balance may
also cause you to trip and fall; vigilance
on your part pays. Look out for these
signs after a fall: bleeding, ruptured
membranes made obvious by a fast flow
of fluid from the vagina, severe abdominal
pain.
One of the most serious consequences
after a fall is placental abruption,
where the placenta detaches itself
from the uterus. The other serious
injury is a broken bone or an injury
that confines you to the bed for a
while. A broken bone may require X-ray
and surgery. Since treatment cannot
be delayed, make sure your doctor
is informed before any test or procedure
is carried out. Pelvis and abdomen
areas must be covered against any
X-rays; in fact the necessity of it
must be thoroughly weighed against
the risks involved with the baby.
Avoid general anesthesia (GA) if possible.
Keep pain medication to a minimum.
If GA is inevitable, the baby should
be closely monitored. Your surgeon
and doctor will work together using
their discretion to get both of you
on the track to recovery. |
