It’s important for pregnant women to be well-informed about what to expect during progressive nine months of pregnancy, writes Shreya Sanghani

After the initial joy of finding out that they are pregnant, most women are confronted with questions and anxieties about the next nine months experience, and are often overwhelmed with the unexpected bodily changes. Therefore, it’s important to be well-informed about what to expect during the progressive nine months of pregnancy. Equipped with credible information and guidance from qualified medical practitioners, women can better cope with pregnancy and ensure birth of healthy infants.

MONTH 1. Your gynecologist should examine you thoroughly and prepare a comprehensive medical history including previous pregnancies, abortions or miscarriages. She will also check for conditions such as anemia, STDs, immunity to rubella, etc. This will enable her to predict any possible pregnancy risks.

You should be prepared to provide urine samples and have your blood pressure checked regularly. This is required to determine Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH). PIH tests will be conducted regularly, as risk increases through the progression of pregnancy.

During this period you might also experience morning sickness including vomiting and nausea.

MONTH 2. By the second month, you will have gone through most diagnostic tests such as blood and urine tests, physical examination, etc. Blood pressure monitoring should continue. At the end of month two, your doctor will be able to check fetal heartbeat using ultrasonography.

Morning sickness may continue until the fourth-fifth month.

MONTH 3. By this time the foetus is growing rapidly, so the height of the uterus should be checked to gauge fetal development. This will be accompanied by routine blood pressure tests. Also expect your first ultrasound.

MONTH 4. Another ultrasound is a possibility this month. Your body weight will be checked, and your belly examined to monitor fetal growth. The baby’s heartbeat can be monitored using the stethoscope by the fourth/fifth month.

MONTH 5. Gynecologists examine the foetus’ position and size to check against abnormal development. She will also conduct urine and blood tests. Your morning sickness will probably be gone by month five, and you will experience fetal movement. This is an exciting time since earlier discomforts will wane to a large extent. A detailed ultrasound should be done to check for congenital diseases and ascertain proper functioning of organs of the fetus.

MONTH 6. By this time, the uterus should be in the belly button region. If not, additional tests should be conducted as it could mean that the predicted due date is wrong and/or it could signal a multiple pregnancy (twins). In addition, a glucose screening test should be done to check for gestational diabetes.

MONTH 7. You should change monthly doctor appointments to fortnightly. The size and shape of the uterus, fetal heartbeat, urine, blood, blood pressure and heartbeat need to be checked regularly. Your weight will also be monitored and the doctor will check for swollen ankles or feet, along with other problems such as headaches, PIH, etc.

MONTH 8. Continue to visit the doctor fortnightly. Discuss all delivery possibilities including natural and C-sections with her. Discuss symptoms such as vaginal discomfort, indigestion, heartburn freely with your doctor.

MONTH 9. It is preferable to have weekly check-ups during this last stage of pregnancy. It will enable the doctor to monitor progress closely and adequately prepare you for the delivery. Ultrasonography test will be conducted. If the foetus is too big or is in danger of infection, inducing labour or conducting a C-section may well be recommended.

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