Information » Family & Relationships » Being a Parent » Pregnancy
- Being pregnant can be both exciting and scary and it´s not unusual for you to feel both.
- Your emotions as well as your body will be going through a lot of changes.
- The signs you are pregnant can include:
- Feeling tired
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Missing a period
- A shorter, lighter period than usual
- Appetite changes and going off some foods
- Nausea or vomiting (known as ‘morning sickness´ but it can happen at any time of day)
- Feeling bloated
- Period-like cramps
- Frequent urinating
- Mood changes
- If you think you are pregnant, it is best to find out for sure. Home pregnancy tests are available from pharmacies. They are very accurate. You can also get a free pregnancy test at your GP, many family planning clinics or young person´s clinics
- If the results are positive, talk to your partner or your family, as well your GP, for advice and support and what to do next
Antenatal care
- During your pregnancy, you´ll be given several tests and scans to check on the baby
- Your first antenatal check-up will be between eight and twelve weeks and you might be offered an ultrasound scan to see your baby for the first time
- You are legally entitled to paid time off work to attend antenatal check-ups
- You will then have a series of scans throughout your pregnancy
- Talk to your GP about when and where your antenatal care will take place
- Don´t forget – if you´re worried about anything, talk to your doctor or midwife
Pregnancy sickness
- Pregnancy sickness or ‘morning sickness´ can happen at any time of day and is believed to be caused by the pregnancy hormones.
- It is usually more common in early pregnancy and will get better over time. However an unlucky few experience it throughout their pregnancy. It is not harmful to the baby.
- There are ways to help:
- Eat small snacks throughout the day rather than heavy meals
- Don´t let your stomach stay empty
- Eat a couple of dry crackers when you wake up in the morning or during the night to prevent sickness
- Fruit and savoury foods cause less nausea
- Try eating ginger, which is known for reducing sickness in pregnancy. You can have ginger tea or ginger biscuits
- Go with your food cravings (within reason)
- If your sickness is becoming extreme or affecting your health in any way, consult your GP
Stretch marks
- Stretch marks can occur after about six months on your stomach, thighs and breasts as your body changes with the baby
- They will be red at first, then fade to a silvery grey colour over time
Stages of pregnancy (or trimesters)
- A normal pregnancy usually lasts from 37-42 weeks (nine months) and is measured from the first day of the last period
First trimester
- At six weeks, all the major organs are forming and the heart begins to beat. The embryo is just over 1cm long
- At 12 weeks, the embryo has become a foetus and has arms, legs, fingers, toes and a face. It will be about 76mm long
Second trimester
- By 20 weeks, the bones are hard and the mother may feel kicks or even hiccups
- The foetus can also hear sounds like voices
- By 24 weeks, the eyes are open. A baby born at this stage could survive but it may need help from doctors and could suffer major health problems
Third trimester
- The foetus continues growing and putting on weight. The lungs will still be developing
- At 36 weeks, the baby will usually settle into a head-down position, ready to be born
