The inactivated vaccine during pregnancy is generally considered safe and can be given at any trimester. It is highly recommended to pregnant women who are at high risk of contracting the virus and developing the flu or pneumonia. Passive immunization of the new-born can be a secondary benefit.

A characteristic finding of normal childbirth, which is necessary throughout its duration for its completion, are the “odes”. The term is used to denote the increased contractility of the uterus at relatively regular intervals, which occurs clinically as “contractions”. The contractions are involuntary and occur suddenly. You should go to the maternity hospital if the contractions occur about every 5 minutes for at least an hour (or in a sudden or continuous outflow from the vagina – rupture of the membranes, significant vaginal bleeding or if you notice a significant reduction of fetal movements). When labour begins, labour pains become more regular.

Very low intensity, irregular and painless uterine contractions are generally present during pregnancy. Immediately after the fourth month of pregnancy and as the time of onset of labour approaches, these contractions become slightly more intense and are felt through the abdominal walls. These contractions are referred to as the Braxton-Hicks sign or as preparatory, as they appear before the actual onset of labour. Although Braxton-Hicks contractions are not painful, some women complain that they are annoying. After the 28th week these contractions stabilize and usually stop while walking or exercising. Braxton-Hicks contractions can be mistaken for true childbirth. However, they do not increase in intensity or frequency and do not cause cervical dilation. They are most often noticed during the first pregnancy, about one to two weeks prior to labour.

It takes about 6 weeks for the uterus, cervix, vagina and tissues to return to their normal pre-pregnancy state. Remember that ovulation will occur before you see your first postpartum period, and this is why we strongly recommend talking to a healthcare professional or your Health Care Provider about the method of contraception you will use. Breastfeeding provides birth control, but you need to take extra precautions.

What if dental work is required? Visiting the healthcare provider during pregnancy is completely safe. What is important to avoid is x-rays. If you are asked to do so, contact your gynecologist and make sure that during the examination all necessary measures will be taken for the safety of you and your baby. If your healthcare provider requests a note from our office, we will be happy to provide it to you.

Although there are many reasons for abdominal pain during pregnancy, the most common cause is pain coming from the round ligaments of the uterus. The round ligament is a remnant of the gubernaculum extending from the uterine horns to the labia majora via the inguinal canal. As pregnancy progresses and the uterus grows, these ligaments enlarge and stretch, causing pain. This sensation is felt on both sides of the lower abdomen and sometimes on the back. The pain is sharp and probably more intense on the right side. Some movements can worsen the pain. This symptom has not been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This is normal and the treatments include resting and applying warm compresses or heating the area where you feel pain. Medications often do not relieve symptoms.

Is it a common symptom during pregnancy? The word sciatica refers to back pain caused by a sciatic nerve injury. This is a large nerve that extends from the lower back to the back of each limb. If for any reason the sciatic nerve is being hurt this causes pain in the lower back that extends to the hip, buttocks, and leg. In pregnancy, sciatica is a very common symptom that usually occurs late in pregnancy and disappears after childbirth. The most common symptom of sciatica is low back pain. Some women experience pain only at night. Usually, they are due to the weight of your abdomen pushing your waist muscles forward. Also, as your body prepares for childbirth, your ligaments soften more than usual. Several mechanical and hormonal changes during pregnancy contribute to this pain. Aggravating factors for feeling pain are a history of back pain, strenuous work and poor physical condition. Do not wear high heels, nor perfectly flat shoes, without proper support. Your posture is important and can help you. When standing, try to keep your stomach and buttocks tight. Try not to stand for too long. If you must, put one foot on a stool, with the knee bent, to avoid lower back pain. When standing on a hard floor, place a small non-slip mat under your feet to reduce pressure. Posture is important when you are sitting, but also when you are lying down. When sitting, try not to sink and use a pillow to support your waist. Learn to sit properly because the seat burdens your spine more than any other activity. Do not lift weights abruptly. Learn to relax. Many waist problems are aggravated by stress, and it is advisable to try some relaxation exercises when the pain occurs. At night, lie down with a pillow between your knees to maintain proper posture. Also, use your hands to lift and support your abdomen or place a pillow under it as you sleep on your side. This will relieve your back and help avoid pain. Alternatively use a cold pad for 15 ‘and then a hot water bottle for another 15’ or take a warm (but not too hot) bath. Medicines should only be used in emergencies.

Many women experience cramps during early pregnancy. However, if the cramps are persistent and especially if they are accompanied by bleeding or spotting, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Magnesium can often help reduce leg cramps.

If you have had a miscarriage, the risk of another miscarriage is 20% to 25% after one miscarriage, 25% after two miscarriages, and 30% after three miscarriages. This issue needs to be investigated. In addition to necessary hematological and hormonal testing, a vaginal ultrasound, screening for antiphospholipid syndrome and thrombophilia, karyotypic screening for both parents, and possibly hysteroscopy or laparoscopy may be required.

Traveling during pregnancy can be enjoyable and safe, especially during the first two trimesters, provided there are no complications, and you have consulted with a healthcare professional. Air travel is generally safe up to the 34th week of pregnancy.

The Apgar score is a test given to newborns shortly after birth to assess their condition and determine if extra medical care is needed. The test is usually administered twice: once at 1 minute after birth and again at 5 minutes after birth. It evaluates five criteria: pulse, respiratory rate, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and the color of the newborn (pale, cyanotic, or rosy). Scores range from 0 to 10, with 0 to 3 indicating severe difficulty, 4 to 6 indicating moderate difficulty, and 7 to 10 indicating that the newborn is adjusting well to life outside the womb. While the Apgar score is not a diagnostic tool for future neurological conditions, it helps assess the immediate health of the newborn.

There are several other signs and symptoms of pregnancy. The ones you mentioned are the two most common and obvious. Amenorrhea (when the period stops) is a reliable symptom in women of reproductive age. Nausea and vomiting occur in about 70% of pregnant women. These discomforts are very common in early pregnancy and usually last until the 12th week, sometimes a bit longer. The term “morning sickness” is used because some women report nausea that occurs only in the morning, though this is rare. Nausea and vomiting can persist throughout the day and may be worsened by emotional stress. Other signs or symptoms include frequent urination (usually up to the beginning of the second trimester), changes in the breasts (such as increased tenderness and darker color around the nipple area), swollen feet or hands, changes in appetite and aversion to certain foods, constipation, fatigue, and abdominal bloating (noticeable from the 16th-18th week of pregnancy). Under the influence of progesterone, there is also an increase in basal body temperature. Due to melanin deposition, you may notice chloasma on the cheeks, forehead, or nose and hyperpigmentation of the midline (these spots are known as “maternal chloasma”). Every pregnancy is unique, so symptoms can vary from one woman to another and from one pregnancy to the next. If you experience these symptoms but the pregnancy test is negative, please contact our office.

Normally, it is not possible to continue having a period while pregnant. However, symptoms of implantation can be mistaken for a period. Implantation occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus to begin fetal development. These symptoms appear about 6 to 12 days after conception and can be mistaken for an “early period.” This bleeding is usually much lighter than a normal period and may appear as small spots or brownish blood rather than bright red. Some women experience cramps during and a few days after implantation, which can resemble menstrual cramps. If you are unsure, take a pregnancy test or schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.

Women who do not show clinical symptoms and have a negative culture can safely give birth vaginally. Mothers diagnosed with herpes infection should have a cesarean section before the membranes rupture (“water break”) to avoid the fetus passing through the infected genital tract. In cases of active genital herpes infection, if vaginal delivery is not avoided or a cesarean section is delayed for more than 4 hours after the membranes rupture, precautionary measures should be taken for the newborn.

There are several types of anesthesia that can be used during childbirth. It is important to be informed of the options available to you in advance. After birth or a cesarean section, if you need pain relief, you can request it from the nursing staff.