The gestation period, in addition to being a unique experience, involves some physical and emotional changes that must be known to be treated in the best possible way. The Navarra Association of Midwives has published a guide of advice for motherhood and fatherhood.
The pregnancy:
The pregnancy process involves a series of manifestations that completely transform the body of the future mother. It is important that, in this process of changes, the pregnant woman adopts healthy guidelines and habits to be able to face the changes that await her with the best possible state of health.
The most frequent changes that a pregnant woman can experience are:
-Weight gain of between 9 and 12 kg. It is important to follow a varied and balanced diet, rich in vegetables, legumes and fruits, and exercise regularly.
-Appearance of spots and stretch marks on the skin. To avoid this, prone areas must be continually hydrated, and sudden weight gains must be prevented.
-Increase in the size and sensitivity of the breasts. It is advisable to moisturize the areas and use cotton bras without underwires.
-Sweat and vaginal discharge can increase, so it is important to maintain continuous hygiene; It is common to take a daily shower, hydrate frequently, and not use products that contain alcohol.
-Tendency to bleeding and inflammation of the gums. Therefore, you have to take great care of your teeth and clean them using soft brushes.
-Nausea and vomiting are common during the first trimester of pregnancy. They are a product of hormonal change, although they can increase with stress. Vomiting does not pose any problem for the nutrition of the mother and baby, except when all the food is vomited. In general, it is advisable to eat small amounts of food throughout the day, and observe your food to see if it causes nausea.
-Tendency towards constipation. To avoid this, you must follow a diet rich in fiber and drink plenty of fluids.
-Urinary incontinence. It is ideal to strengthen the pelvic floor through exercises.
-Appearance of edema and varicose veins, due to blood stagnating in the lower part of the body. Avoiding tight clothing, long periods of standing or sitting, and excess salt can help prevent these marks from appearing. Other preventions may be: performing exercises that promote circulation, elevating the lower extremities, and resting on the left side.
-Increased need to rest. Eight hours of sleep at night and one hour of rest after eating are advisable.
-Quit tobacco if you smoke, and avoid alcohol and all types of drugs.
-Emotional changes that can affect sexual life. It is important to share them with your partner and keep in mind that sexual relations do not harm the baby.
Childbirth:
The most anticipated moment usually occurs between weeks 37 and 42. There are three phases in childbirth:
-Dilation period: contractions serve to soften the cervix and, thus, it dilates.
-Expulsive period: increase in contractions and desire to push. It culminates with the birth of the baby.
-Delivery period: expulsion of the placenta.
The puerperium:
It is the process in which a woman’s body begins to recover after childbirth. It lasts about 6 weeks.
Right after delivery, it is essential to monitor the contraction of the uterus, bleeding, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, so that no setbacks appear. Also, the mother should move her legs and urinate as soon as possible. In the following days, the uterus continues to contract and expel lochia (blood from the uterus), something normal that should not worry the mother.
Regarding breastfeeding, breast milk contains all the nutritional properties for the correct development of the child. It is favorable for the baby to begin breastfeeding on his own, spontaneously. Keep in mind that breastfeeding does not have to hurt. If so, it is possible that the baby does not maintain the correct posture and does not attach correctly.