Diagnosis and signs of the pregnancy

Women have XX and men have XY chromosomes. 

As your pregnancy advances, the uterus exerts an increased upward pressure on your diaphragm. As you near your due date you may find that you breathe less deeply, although more efficiently. You may have a tendency to hyperventilate. To avoid this, breathe more slowly and evenly.

The Pros

• Offers immediate relief.

• Decreases tension and offers good pain relief.

Foetal movement counts (after 28 weeks)
Be aware of your baby’s pattern of movements on a daily basis by counting four foetal movements in the hour after a meal every day.

As a mom, whether you have a child yet or not, you look into the lens of the future to envision memorable moment after memorable moment together. We want to do every bit we can to have those fantasies realised. Iron has had its benefits recognised for centuries, and to this day, nothing has changed.

Before exercising, during or before pregnancy, it is advisable to eat high fibre, high carbohydrate snacks, such as an apple, dried fruit, banana or whole wheat muffin, as your metabolic functions accelerate and your energy requirements increase.

Make sure you have everything you need for your baby's arrival with our checklist. Get organized and feel confident for the big day.

Ideally, you should assess your health and fitness. You may need to make some changes to your lifestyle

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a method of observing your baby, placenta and internal organs, using high frequency sound waves that are beamed into your abdomen and reflected onto a video screen. 

Exercise leads to improved circulation, which in turn can reduce the severity of varicosities (varicose veins).

Varicosities are when you develop swollen veins, that are often distinguished by repetitive twists, turns and bends. Building muscular strength may help women reduce the discomfort of varicose veins.

Instructor’s credentials, for example, midwife, physiotherapist.

Instructor’s specialised training in childbirth education.

Your nutritional status at the time of conception and in the crucial early weeks of pregnancy is significant for the successful outcome of the pregnancy. 

Your safety and that of your baby are of prime importance at all times. You may begin to exercise in early pregnancy and continue for as long as you feel comfortable. You should, however, try to take part in a specialised prenatal exercise class under the guidance of a qualified prenatal exercise instructor.

“I am pregnant – can I exercise?”

It is safe to exercise during pregnancy if you are healthy, have an uncomplicated pregnancy, exercise regularly and monitor your heart rate and body’s responses to exercise stress. 

“The goals of exercise during pregnancy and the post-partum period should be to maintain the highest level of fitness consistent with maximum safety.” (American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 1985)

Feeling healthy, stress-free and relaxed will only help the chance of you and your partner falling pregnant.

Take particular care of your back during and after pregnancy – protect it from strain and possible injury.

Joints and ligaments, particularly in the back and pubic regions, relax due to increased levels of the hormone relaxin, in preparation for opening the pelvis for birth. 

Discovering that you are pregnant brings about a variety of new feelings.

Many physical and emotional changes occur, especially in your relationship with your partner, your career and your lifestyle in general. Use the nine months of pregnancy for positive growth and be aware of the problems relating to increased stress and a breakdown in communication.
Regard this period of your life as one of great excitement, challenge and reward.

Physical environment

Your environment should be conducive to relaxation. Realistically, however, labour wards can be very active and noisy. You need to be flexible and adapt to your circumstances.

Pregnancy is usually diagnosed several weeks after conception. It is, therefore, advisable to avoid risk factors if you are planning to become pregnant.