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Physicians treating - pregnancy
James Green, MD, JD John Gay, MD Jonathan Thomas, MD
Breton F. Barrier, MD James H. Kerns, MD, MHA Susan E. Winkelmann, MD
Mary Beth Benton, MD Mistie Mills, MD, MHA  
 
Your pregnancy ...  
Pregnancy is an experience without comparison that only a mother who has felt life growing within her can fully comprehend.The first time you feel your baby move, you will sense that there is a higher power. Such a miracle could be the result of nothing less.

For most, pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks or 280 days. This time frame is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period. The due date is a guide but certainly not a definite, rarely does labor actually begin on that date.

During the last month of pregnancy you may begin to experience a little more discomfort due to the position and movements of the baby. Sitting and rising can be more difficult. Sleeping may be more uncomfortable. There is more pressure on the bladder and strain on the back. Anxiety may be a little high too especially as the end of the ninth month approaches.		  
  Labor and Delivery
 

One of the earlier signs the time is near, is the expulsion of the mucus plug, which signifies that the cervix is getting itself ready for delivery and beginning to dilate. It will appear as a discharge that usually has a pinkish color and a somewhat thick consistency.

The next sign of impending labor is the breaking of the water, where the sac of amniotic fluid tears. This could be a slight gush of fluid or a small trickle. When contractions start, they will feel like cramps that occur at regular intervals. The contractions will continue to increase in intensity and frequency. By the time they’ve reached five minutes apart, you should be on your way to the hospital. Once you arrive at the hospital you will be examined to see how far your cervix has dilated and preparations for delivery will begin.

Natural childbirth usually foregoes pain medication, preferring to use no drugs or very little if any at all, focusing more on relaxation and breathing techniques.
 

Many women request that an epidural anesthetic be administered. An epidural blocks pain in a particular area of the body. Local anesthetic such as a spinal block can also be administered to relieve pain.
  Determining Your Baby’s Gender
 

Some say that carrying a baby low means that it is a boy and that carrying high means it is a girl - not true. Most women carry differently depending on their fitness level as well as the size and position of the baby. You may carry differently during each pregnancy, even if your children are all the same gender.

Another myth is that if the heart rate is 140 or above, the baby is a girl and anything below 140 indicates a boy. The truth is that most babies’ heart rates range between 120 and 160, and can change from one week to the next.

The best way to determine the gender of your baby is to have an ultrasound, although ultrasound is not always accurate either. It depends on the baby’s position and whether or not there is a clear and well-developed view of the baby’s genitalia.

  
  Sharing the News with Your Other Children
 

Don’t be surprised if your other children are not as excited about your pregnancy as you are. Some find it very exciting, while others might find it a little bit scary.

The time you now spend with the newborn may appear as though you don't love them anymore. Sit down and explain to them that you have plenty of love to go around. Also, be honest about the fact that you won’t have as much free time, especially for the first weeks after baby comes home, because babies require a lot of care. Plan some time that revolves around them.

Also, tell your children you would love to have their help taking care of their new little brother or sister. Many children will be more accepting if they feel included. Let your children know that they should always come to you with questions or concerns.

As long as your children don’t feel left out or neglected, they will begin to accept the idea of having a new sibling. After a while, they too may start to feel the excitement. Just give them time to adjust and reassure them from time to time.

  
   
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