Maternity Care: Signs, Phases and Tests

 

Giving birth is an exciting event, but choosing a name, buying clothes, and planning a baby shower is the dream of every couple. Pregnancy is a difficult time for all women as it is not only physically demanding but mentally as well. For the healthy development of newborns, mothers need proper care, good medical care, and effective nutrition. The best midwifery care considers the needs of the childbearing woman and her family as well as evidence-based medicine. To receive this quality personalized care, you need to know what you need and communicate those needs clearly to your caregiver. For this, you need to consult the best maternity hospital in Chennai.

Maternity Health and Maternity Care

Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Each stage is a positive experience and should help a woman and her baby reach their full potential for health and well-being. Every pregnancy and birth is unique. Addressing inequalities affecting health, especially sexual and reproductive health, rights and gender are essential to ensure respectful access to quality maternity care for all pregnant women.

Phases of Pregnancy

·         Conception and implantation

·         First trimester (1-12 weeks)

·         Second trimester (13-27 weeks)

·         Third trimester (28-40 weeks)

·         Fourth trimester and post-birth

Most Common and Early Signs of Pregnancy

·         Missing or Irregular periods - If you are likely to give birth and your expected menstrual cycle has not started for more than a week, you may be pregnant.

·         Tender and swollen breasts

·         Nausea with or without vomiting

·         Increased urination

·         Fatigue

Pregnancy Test

A pregnancy test can determine whether you are pregnant by examining urine (pee) or blood sample for certain hormones. This hormone is called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). High HCG levels are a sign of pregnancy. HCG rises sharply in the first 10 weeks after the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus.

Urine tests for pregnancy

Urine tests for pregnancy can be most accurate when taken a week or two after your period is late. You can do a urine HCG test at a doctor's office or do it yourself with a home test kit. If you follow the instructions carefully, the home pregnancy test is about 97-99 correct. You'll get results in minutes.

Blood tests for pregnancy

A pregnancy blood test can be done at your healthcare provider's office or in the lab. These tests can detect very small amounts of HCG in her, so they can accurately tell if she is pregnant before her period is due. But HCG blood is not commonly done and time-taking (mostly 1 day). HCG urine test is accurate and affordable.

Maaya Specialty Hospitals – best maternity hospital in Chennai

Dr. Inthu M is a topmost gynecologist in Chennai and a laparoscopic surgeon and obstetrician in Chennai. She is posted at Maaya Specialty Hospitals; the best maternity hospital in Chennai is a leading lady gynecologist and laparoscopic gynic surgeon in Chennai and has gained years experience in performing normal delivery in the last several years and making her available to serve women who are experiencing gynic and reproductive issues.