What Are the Common Signs of Healthy Pregnancy?

Being pregnant is one of the most beautiful and extraordinary journeys that a woman will experience in life. However, with the joy comes challenges to have a smooth pregnancy.

Women deal with physical, mental, and emotional changes where the body undergoes numerous changes to support the growing life inside. Therefore, it is crucial to be careful at every stage of the pregnancy, maintain a healthy diet, foster healthy communication with the partner and take all the necessary precautions.

In this blog, we will discuss the healthy signs of pregnancy, how monitoring can help in a healthy pregnancy while shedding some light on the warning signs to be aware of.

Physical Signs of a Healthy Pregnancy

Women’s bodies go through a complete transformation during pregnancy, it adapts to the demands of the gestation, giving all to support the growing baby. Some physical changes are necessary and are a sign of healthy pregnancy, these are:

Normal Weight Gain

Weight gain recommendations during pregnancy vary based on pre-pregnancy BMI (Body Mass Index). For women with a normal BMI, the recommended range is typically between 25-35 pounds. Underweight mothers may be advised to gain slightly more, while overweight mothers may be advised to maintain a stable weight.

Emphasising Steady and Gradual Weight Gain: If you are gaining weight gradually, it will support the baby’s development and reduce the risk of complications. However, rapid weight gain can lead to complications such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. To maintain a stable weight, it is recommended to eat a well-balanced diet with essential nutrients for you and baby’s growth and development.

Medical Guidance: Each pregnancy is different and depending on that weight gain recommendations will differ as per the medical history of the mother and health status. Your doctor will be able to guide you on appropriate weight gain as per your health requirements. Some conditions such as multiple pregnancies or pre-existing medical issues may require more tailored guidance from healthcare professionals.

Significance of Maintaining Stable Blood Pressure

A stable blood pressure is crucial for maintaining the overall cardiovascular health of the mother and the growth & development of the baby.

Signs of Normal Blood Pressure Levels During Pregnancy:

Systolic and Diastolic Values: The normal blood pressure during pregnancy typically ranges from 90/60 mmHg (systolic values) to 120/80 mmHg (Diastolic values). The systolic blood pressure represents the pressure in arteries when the heart beats, while the diastolic represents the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.

Regular Monitoring: Monitoring blood pressure regularly during the prenatal visits help you track the variations and detection of any abnormalities.

Hypertension: High blood pressure is the most common sign of hypertension. If you have hypertension during pregnancy, it may indicate preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. Some of the signs and symptoms include headaches, swelling in hands and face, blurred vision, or high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Keep a Check on the Fetal Movement

During pregnancy, pregnant women are advised to monitor the patterns of baby’s activity and movement. It’s crucial to know how active the baby is.

Let’s see what should be the normal frequency of fetal movement to keep in mind while monitoring.

Expected Frequency of Fetal Movements:

It is expected for a pregnant woman to feel the baby’s movement throughout the day. During 18-25 weeks, the baby’s movement becomes more frequent and noticeable. However, it has been observed that fetal activity is noticed especially in the evening and when the mother is resting.

Fetal movement as an indicator of baby’s well-being

Fetal movements indicate the development of the nervous system of the baby. The mother usually starts to feel the movement between 18-25 weeks.

The movements should be regular and consistent throughout as it is an active sign of a healthy baby. Any sudden changes in the movement or baby’s activity pattern may be a warning sign which needs to be addressed. Therefore, doctors advise you to monitor the kick counts, especially during the third trimester. Lack of movement or change in the strength of movement could signify that the baby is not getting enough nutrients or oxygen.

Emotional and Mental Well-being

Let’s delve into how emotional and mental health impacts pregnant mothers and the baby.

Impact of Stress on Pregnancy:

Physiological Effects: If the stress hormones, cortisol, gets elevated, it can affect the development of the fetus negatively. It increases the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth. Any kind of disruption in the immune system of the mother has an impact on the baby’s health.

Emotional Impact: Stress during the prenatal phase may lead to behavioural and emotional problems in children. Moreover, maternal stress can influence the baby's temperament and stress response later in life.

Tips for Managing Stress during Pregnancy:

Stress is imperative to have in pregnancy so how can you manage and have a smooth pregnancy? Here are some tips:

Regular Prenatal Care: Make sure you attend all your appointed pre-natal check-ups to keep a track on you and your baby’s health. Discuss what is stressing you and doubts you have with your doctors to receive appropriate guidance and support.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Incorporate a healthy lifestyle by doing moderate exercises after consulting with your gynaecologist. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet to support physical and mental well-being of you and your baby. Make sure you get adequate sleep to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Include mindful meditation or yoga to improve your emotional well-being. Deep breathing exercises help to calm down your nervous system.

Establishing a Support System: At times, you feel alone and need emotional support in your pregnancy journey, connect with friends, family, or join support groups to share experiences and receive emotional support.

Seeking Professional Help: If needed, you can always consult with a mental health professional if stress levels become challenging to manage. Cognitive-behavioural therapy may help reduce stress.

Monitoring baby’s well-being: Most of the time, mothers are worried about their baby’s well-being. Monitoring at home with a fetal doppler helps in giving a peace of mind to mothers. Keyar Echo is one such trusted device which mothers can use easily at home.

Positive Mood and Emotional Stability

Now that we know how emotional and mental well-being impacts mother and baby’s overall health, it is important to have emotional stability and a positive mindset.

Maternal Well-being: Emotional stability in mothers fosters a strong emotional bond between the mother and the baby. The positive emotions improve the physical health as well while reducing the stress levels during pregnancy.

Child Development: Babies have the ability to sense how the mother is feeling emotionally and they respond accordingly. It may affect their own emotional or neurological development.

Postpartum Depression Prevention: Postpartum phase is a challenging one where a mother is dealing with her own emotions and physical changes and taking care of a newborn. A positive mood and mindset can help manage the situation and lowers the risk of postpartum depression.

Regular Check-ups and Monitoring

To have a healthy pregnancy, you should be alert and aware about the things happening around you and inside you. Therefore, regular prenatal check ups and maternal & fetal monitoring is crucial.

Regular Prenatal Visits

Prenatal visits help monitor mother and baby and address if there are any potential complications. By monitoring, doctors can treat it at an early stage and contribute to a healthy pregnancy.

Typical Schedule of Prenatal Appointments:

What does the typical prenatal appointment schedule look like for each trimester?

First Trimester:

The initial visit between 6-8 weeks is to confirm the pregnancy, perform basic health check ups and discuss the medical history. After 12 weeks, there is first follow-up to conduct early screening tests and monitor fetal development.

Second Trimester:

In the second trimester, there are monthly visits from 16-28 weeks. The doctors will evaluate fetal growth, monitor overall health of mother and the baby while addressing any emergency concerns. Between 18-22 weeks, doctors perform a mid-pregnancy ultrasound to monitor fetal development and evaluate fetal anatomy.

Third Trimester:

Third trimester (28-36 weeks) requires frequent visits for checkups, i.e., bi-weekly visits where doctors monitor fetal position, assess maternal well-being, and discuss birth plans.

From 36 weeks until delivery, you will have weekly visits. The time is crucial as you are about to deliver so it’s important to keep monitoring the baby's position and prepare for labour.

Post-term (past due date):

If the baby is not delivered till the due date, it requires additional monitoring and interventions.

Monitoring Mother's Health:

Mother’s well-being is directly related to the fetal well-being. During pregnancy, expectant mother’s blood pressure, weight gain, blood tests and ultrasound scans need to be done to carefully monitor her and her baby’s condition.

Regular blood pressure check-ups: Monitor and manage blood pressure, especially in pre- existing conditions like preeclampsia.

Blood tests: Regular tests for infections, anaemia, and other potential complications need to be done.

Ultrasound scans: Screening for fetal growth, development, and detecting any anomalies.

Monitoring weight gain: To make sure, mother is going through a healthy weight gain and identify potential issues like gestational diabetes.

Monitoring Fetal Health:

Monitoring fetal health is crucial at every stage of pregnancy to ensure the normal growth and development of the baby.

Fetal heartbeat monitoring: Regular check-up the fetal heart rate to ensure proper development.

Ultrasound scans: Evaluate fetal growth, confirm proper organ development, and monitor amniotic fluid levels.

Non-stress tests (NST): Evaluate fetal well-being through monitoring the baby's heart rate in response to its movements.

Warning Signs to Monitor in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is crucial for expectant mothers to be vigilant about any warning signs that may indicate potential complications. One significant warning sign is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which can signal underlying issues requiring prompt medical attention.

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Abnormal vaginal bleeding may be due to various reasons, immediate medical attention is required to avoid mishappenings. Some of the reasons include:

Implantation Bleeding where light bleeding may occur during the early stages of pregnancy when the fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining.

Vaginal bleeding accompanied by cramping or abdominal pain could indicate a miscarriage.

When a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, it leads to abnormal bleeding and potential life-threatening complications. It is known as Ectopic Pregnancy.

The placenta may partially or completely cover the cervix, causing bleeding, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. It is a situation called Placenta Previa.

Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall can result in bleeding and pose a risk to both the mother and the baby.

Certain infections or STDs can cause bleeding during pregnancy and may require immediate medical attention.

Conditions such as cervical polyps or inflammation can contribute to abnormal bleeding.

Severe Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

If you experience severe abdominal pain during pregnancy, you may have to consult your doctor. It could be a warning sign. Here are the warning signs as per trimesters for you to keep a check.

Early Pregnancy (First Trimester):

In ectopic pregnancy, pregnant women can experience abdominal pain, especially on one side, accompanied by vaginal bleeding.

Severe cramping and abdominal pain with or without bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage.

Abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and an enlarged uterus is usually called Molar Pregnancy.

Later Pregnancy (Second and Third Trimesters):

If facing abdominal pain before 37 weeks along with contractions, it can be a sign of preterm labour.

If it becomes sudden, severe pain, accompanied by vaginal bleeding.

Uterine rupture is rare but a serious situation. The pregnant woman has intense abdominal pain and signs of shock can be a cause of uterine rupture.

General Concerns:

If there is persistent or severe abdominal pain, it should be attended immediately.

Fever and chills could be indicative of potential infection.

If there is a decreased Fetal Movement accompanied with abdominal pain, it may signal fetal distress.

Encouraging Medical Attention:

When to seek medical attention? During pregnancy, your family or your relatives will guide you and provide you tips or remedies to heal and manage pain. Some may work but you should not depend on the tips, seek medical attention if you find anything abnormal.

Check for severity of pain and duration: Intense or sharp pain lasting for more than a few minutes or occurring frequently without subsiding.

Check for risk Factors: The multiple pregnancies or previous pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, history of miscarriage can heighten risk factors. Further, chronic medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes can heighten risk of complications.

Importance of Timely Intervention: Early medical attention can prevent or minimise complications. With regular fetal monitoring, fetal well-being can be evaluated. It also help address any concerns for maternal health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy pregnancy involves regular check-ups, a balanced diet, moderate exercise, proper hydration, and managing stress. Recognizing warning signs is crucial, and seeking timely advice from healthcare professionals is essential for personalised care.

Pregnancy journey can be a tough one. Keep a close eye on your physical symptoms and trust your instincts. If there is anything you find abnormal, seek medical care immediately.

To monitor your baby at home, you can get a device called Keyar Echo to listen to your baby’s heartbeat. You can consult your doctor to use the device and get it from Janitri.

FAQs

a) What are some early signs of a healthy pregnancy?

Early signs of a healthy pregnancy include tender and slightly swollen breasts, mild fatigue, and morning sickness (nausea and vomiting). However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for confirmation.

b) Is spotting normal during pregnancy?

Light spotting, especially during the first trimester, can be normal and is often attributed to implantation bleeding. However, heavy bleeding or persistent spotting should be promptly addressed with a healthcare provider.

c) Is it common to experience increased urination during pregnancy?

Yes, increased frequency of urination is a common sign of a healthy pregnancy. It is often attributed to hormonal changes and the growing uterus putting pressure on the bladder. However, any pain or discomfort during urination should be reported to a healthcare provider.

d) How important is regular prenatal care for a healthy pregnancy?

Regular prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy. It allows healthcare providers to monitor the mother's and baby's health, identify potential issues early on, and provide necessary guidance and support. Home monitoring can be done with Keyar Echo, an easy and safe to use device.

e) Are there warning signs that may indicate an issue during pregnancy?

Yes, warning signs include severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, sudden swelling of the hands or face, persistent headaches, vision changes, and decreased fetal movement. Any of these symptoms should be promptly reported to a healthcare professional.