To be more calm during pregnancy, every pregnant woman needs to know the signs of a healthy pregnancy. This is because the various changes that occur during pregnancy often make pregnant women doubt whether the complaints they experience are normal or not.
Signs of a healthy pregnancy can generally be known through a pregnancy examination by a doctor. However, there are also signs of a healthy pregnancy that are subjective and can only be felt by pregnant women themselves.
Some of these signs or symptoms of pregnancy can make pregnant women worry, because they often interfere with daily activities. Even though it's normal, pregnant women still have to be aware of any changes that occur during pregnancy.
Various Signs of a Healthy Pregnancy
The following are signs of a healthy pregnancy that pregnant women need to know:
1. Nausea and vomiting
Morning sickness or nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, usually felt in the first trimester of pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting are not only felt in the morning, but can also be felt during the day or at night. These symptoms will disappear when entering the second trimester.
Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes. However, pregnant women need not worry if they do not experience nausea and vomiting. Many pregnant women do not experience these symptoms, but the pregnancy remains healthy.
The condition that pregnant women should be wary of is when vomiting does not go away after 9 weeks of pregnancy or vomiting too often. This condition is called hyperemesis gravidarium and can cause dehydration. If you experience this condition, pregnant women need treatment in a hospital.
2. Sensitive to food and smells
Many pregnant women feel their sense of smell becomes more sensitive in early pregnancy. Sensitivity to odors can trigger nausea and vomiting and reduce appetite.
The cause of this condition is still unclear, but it is thought to be related to hormonal changes and morning sickness. One way to deal with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is to avoid strong or pungent smells.
3. Frequent urination
During pregnancy, the frequency of urination will be more frequent. This condition is caused by increased blood volume during pregnancy, so the kidneys have to work extra and will produce more urine.
In addition, the pressure on the bladder also increases as the size of the fetus grows. This also causes pregnant women to urinate frequently.
4. Breast pain
Breast changes are a sign of a healthy pregnancy and can occur as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. These changes usually begin with breasts that feel enlarged, sensitive, and slightly painful.
This condition is caused by an increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone and will usually disappear when the body has adapted to the hormones of pregnancy.
The effect of the surge in hormones also makes the mammary glands grow more and blood flow in this area increases. At 11 weeks pregnant, the areola turns darker. This change aims to prepare the breasts to produce milk during breastfeeding.
5. Tired easily
Fatigue is a sign of a healthy pregnancy that pregnant women often complain about. In early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone will increase, causing drowsiness. This condition can be overcome with adequate rest and sleep.
However, be aware that fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms, such as paleness, frequent headaches, chest pain, palpitations, and cold feet. This can be a sign of anemia in pregnant women.
To increase stamina during pregnancy, pregnant women can do sports for pregnant women, such as pregnancy exercise. However, first consult a doctor before starting, especially if pregnant women are not used to exercising before.
6. Abdominal contractions
Feeling the kick of the fetus is a sign that the baby is growing and developing normally. Fetal movements can actually begin to be felt early in pregnancy. Near the end of the second trimester of pregnancy, fetal movements are getting stronger and more frequent.
Generally, the fetus is most active between 9 pm and 1 am. In addition, the fetus will also respond to sound and touch through movement.
Fetal movement will be seen in the ultrasound examination of pregnancy. If the intensity of fetal movement decreases, pregnant women can do tricks to lure the fetus to move or see a doctor to find out the cause.
7. Emotional changes (mood swings)
Emotional changes experienced by pregnant women are generally triggered by various factors, including hormonal changes, fatigue, and stress. These factors can affect chemicals in the brain. As a result, pregnant women can feel a shift in emotions, ranging from happiness, nervousness, or even depression.
If mood swings experienced until it interferes with daily activities or lasts more than two weeks, consult a doctor or psychologist. Emotional disorders that are left untreated can affect the health of the fetus and increase the risk of premature birth and postpartum depression.
During pregnancy, the body will adjust to the presence of the fetus in the womb. These changes aim to support fetal growth and development and the smooth delivery process. Therefore, pregnant women must be prepared for all the changes that occur, both in terms of emotions, body shape, and lifestyle.
The signs of a healthy pregnancy experienced by every pregnant woman can be different. If pregnant women do not experience any of the signs above, it does not mean that the pregnancy that is being lived is not healthy.
Well, to determine whether the pregnancy signs that are pregnant are healthy or not, check the condition of the womb regularly to the doctor. Thus, pregnant women can be calmer in undergoing pregnancy and anticipate the possibility of abnormalities in pregnancy early.