Young Wrexham

Pregnancy

If you think you are pregnant, it is best to find out for sure.

Home pregnancy tests are available from pharmacies and sometimes supermarkets. They are very accurate but even so, the most accurate way of finding out if you are pregnant is to have a free pregnancy test at your GP, family planning clinic or young person’s clinic.

Being pregnant can be both exciting and scary, depending on whether it is planned or unplanned. It’s not unusual to feel confused by a mixture of emotions as your body will be going through a lot of changes.

The signs you are pregnant can include:

• Feeling tired
• Swollen or tender breasts
• Missing a period
• A shorter, lighter period than usual
• Appetite changes and going off some foods
• Nausea or vomiting (known as ‘morning sickness´ but it can happen at any time of day)
• Feeling bloated
• Period-like cramps
• Frequent urinating
• Mood changes

If your pregnancy results are positive, talk to your partner or your family, as well your GP, for advice and support and what to do next. If you don’t feel able to speak to your partner or family, make sure you do talk to someone. It is a huge life changing decision and you will need support while you make sense of what is happening.

Antenatal care

During your pregnancy, you’ll be given several tests and scans to check on the baby:

• Your first antenatal check-up will be between eight and twelve weeks and you might be offered an ultrasound scan to see your baby for the first time
• You are legally entitled to paid time off work to attend antenatal check-ups
• You will then have a series of scans throughout your pregnancy
• Talk to your GP about when and where your antenatal care will take place
• Don’t forget – if you’re worried about anything, talk to your doctor or midwife

Pregnancy sickness

Pregnancy sickness or ‘morning sickness´ can happen at any time of day and is believed to be caused by the pregnancy hormones.

It is usually more common in early pregnancy and will get better over time. However an unlucky few experience it throughout their pregnancy. It is not harmful to the baby.

There are ways to help:

• Eat small snacks throughout the day rather than heavy meals
• Don’t let your stomach stay empty
• Eat a couple of dry crackers when you wake up in the morning or during the night to prevent sickness
• Fruit and savoury foods cause less nausea
• Try eating ginger, which is known for reducing sickness in pregnancy. You can have ginger tea or ginger biscuits
• Go with your food cravings (within reason)

If your sickness is becoming extreme or affecting your health in any way, consult your GP.

Stretch marks

Stretch marks can occur after about six months on your stomach, thighs and breasts as your body changes with the baby.

• They will be red at first and then will fade to a silvery grey colour over time
• Regularly moisturising your skin can help it to stay supple and elastic and reduce the development of stretch marks

Stages of pregnancy (or trimesters)

A normal pregnancy usually lasts from 37-42 weeks (nine months) and is measured from the first day of the last period.

First trimester

• At six weeks, all the major organs are forming and the heart begins to beat. The embryo is just over 1cm long
• At 12 weeks, the embryo has become a foetus and has arms, legs, fingers, toes and a face. It will be about 76mm long

Second trimester

• By 20 weeks, the bones are hard and the mother may feel kicks or even hiccups
• The foetus can also hear sounds like voices
• By 24 weeks, the eyes are open. A baby born at this stage could survive but it may need help from doctors and could suffer major health problems

Third trimester

• The foetus continues growing and putting on weight. The lungs will still be developing
• At 36 weeks, the baby will usually settle into a head-down position, ready to be born