Pregnancy

Overview

Pregnancy is the period between conception and childbirth. For 37 to 42 weeks, a woman will carry an embryo, which takes about two months to grow into a fetus. The stages of pregnancy are divided into three trimesters: the first trimester is from the 1^st to 12^th week, the second trimester is from 13^th week to 27^th week, and the final trimester is between the 28^th and 42^nd week.

Types

Each pregnancy requires specialized medical attention. Common types of pregnancy include early pregnancy, teen pregnancy, first pregnancy, second pregnancy, late pregnancy, old age pregnancy, twin pregnancy, lupus pregnancy, tubal pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, and high risk pregnancy. Pregnancy can also be classified based on the woman's age: if she is pregnant after 35, after 40, and after 50.

Causes/Risk Factors

Risk factors vary from pregnancy to pregnancy and from mother to mother. The mother's pre-pregnancy health, life style, diet, nutrition and family heath history are all factors that determine whether her pregnancy puts herself or her baby at risk. If the mother smokes, drinks, or consumes a substantial amount of caffeine, her baby may be born with severe developmental, mental, and physical disabilities.

If the mother experiences high blood pressure, she puts the fetus in high stress, which can affect the fetus's heart rate and blood pressure. Premature birth is one possible outcome of high blood pressure.

Pregnancy among teens and older women can also be very risky. Back pain, constipation, edema, hemorrhoids, swelling of the pelvic girdle, varicose veins, heart burn and nausea are frequent complications that pregnant women experience.

Tests/Diagnosis

Pregnancy can be detected in a number of ways, with or without a medical diagnosis. In any case, a woman should seek care from a licensed healthcare professional as soon as possible. A woman may suspect that she is pregnant based on changes in her body. The biggest indicator is that a woman will miss her period. She might feel fatigued, nauseated, or bloated. She might also feel the need to urinate frequently.

A medical test will confirm diagnosis. A home pregnancy kit will test urine and can be used a few days after a missed period. A doctor may choose to perform a second urine test or blood test for additional confirmation. Blood tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which is only produced when the woman is pregnant. An ultrasound can determine the age of the fetus and detect the how long the woman has been pregnant.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary between women. Some women begin to experience symptoms a few weeks after conception. Other women may not experience symptoms for several months. Common symptoms include morning sickness, tiredness, frequent urination, changes in taste, cessation of menstrual periods, sore or tender breasts, weight gain, and sensitivity to smell.

Treatment

A woman should ensure that she receives high quality medical care throughout her pregnancy. A gynecologist will closely monitor the mother's health and fetal development. Regular ultrasounds, blood tests, and physical examinations are necessary. A mother might also need to consult a dietician for a specialized diet and exercise regimen. By seeking routine tests and medical care, a woman will reduce her risk of complications. For the most part, a woman will be able to deliver her baby safely, either vaginally or by means of a Caesarean section (C-section), where the doctor makes an incision into a woman's abdomen and uterus.

Treatment will vary from woman to woman, regardless of whether she experiences complications. If complications occur, the doctor will provide detailed instructions in order to preserve the health of the mother and fetus. For example, a woman with high blood pressure might be prescribed several weeks of bed rest.

Other complications require extensive treatment through medications, surgery, or a combination of both. For instance, there are two possible treatments for ectopic pregnancy, an abnormal condition that occurs when a woman becomes pregnant outside of the uterus where the fetus cannot survive. Chemical treatments dissolve the pregnancy without harming the other organs. If the woman's Fallopian tubes have burst, if the woman is bleeding internally, or if the woman is far along in her pregnancy, she will need surgery. Without surgical or chemical treatment, ectopic pregnancy can threaten a woman's life.