Pregnancy and Motherhood I

Pregnancy can be both fascinating and exhausting experience in a woman’s life. During these nine months she is anxious for the baby’s health and at the same time is bewildered by the various changes her body goes through.

She gets excited when she first gets to know that there is a tiny being growing up inside her. For the first three months she is expected to take precaution while performing various activities that might harm her pregnancy, but all this hassle seems unnecessary to her as she feels absolutely normal.

It is particularly tough for the mother when her body starts giving her mixed signals for the body functions she has known for years. She feels tired and drowsy through out the day, even after getting a good night’s sleep. She has no control over her bladder anymore. She gets hunger pangs every two hours or so even if she has been a disciplined eater all her life. She craves to eat something that she used to dislike and starts disliking something which she was very fond of. She might even crave for something which she hasn’t eaten in years. While some women sail through the first three months without any signs of nausea, others find it tough to stomach a meal or snack.

Pregnancy is a time in a woman’s life when she needs the support from her partner the most. She needs him to listen to what she is going through and show sympathy towards her. She wants him to be super-sensitive towards her needs and her mood swings. She also needs his physical support to make her feel loved and comfortable, and to look after her general well being.

The easiest phase of pregnancy is from the fourth month to the sixth month. By now the lady gets used to the idea of being pregnant and is geared up for various other changes her body will go through. It becomes increasingly difficult for her to sleep on her back because of breathlessness. She gets up frequently at night to empty her bladder and to catch a quick snack. She feels tired all the time. Even one extra activity during the day makes her very tired. She starts getting conscious of her increasing weight and bulging belly. The fear of developing stretch marks sets in and she doesn’t hesitate in trying out any skin cream or lotion that might help in minimising them.

It is somewhere in the beginning of the fifth month when she first feels her baby move. This is the most exciting time of pregnancy. The movement of a baby feels more like something fluttering and turning in her belly. By now most women have got an ultra sound scan of their abdomen done. It is fascinating to get a glimpse of the baby and to see its head, face, limbs and spine, and also to hear the baby’s heartbeat. It is also relieving to know that the baby is growing normally and is free from any kind of disability or disease.

It is a common belief that during pregnancy the mother should avoid watching anything violent, should listen to religious scriptures and hymns, and generally be at peace. At this time round the baby starts developing the ability to hear. It can hear its mother’s heartbeat and stomach. This is very comforting to the unborn child. It is a good idea to sing or talk to the baby lovingly. This helps the baby to grow healthier.

The third trimester or the last three months of pregnancy are the most difficult ones. Women experience muscle pain, high blood pressure, headaches and swelling of legs during this period. The burgeoning belly makes it impossible for her to sleep in one position for long. The growing discomfort makes her impatient to finally get it over and done with, but the thoughts of delivery make her nervous too.

It really helps to read as much as possible about pregnancy and labour as it helps a woman to prepare herself for the D-day. She knows what to expect when finally the day arrives and she starts getting the first pangs of labour pain. This avoids panic and reduces unnecessary tension. She knows how she would be treated during the time of delivery by her medical practitioner and the medical options available to her during the birthing process. She is also better prepared to bear the labour pain and help in the process of birthing.

It is said that no two pregnancies are same. Hence, for some pregnancy is a nightmare while for others it’s a smooth sail. Whatever it may be, the joy of finally holding your baby in your arms is incomparable to any other joy in life. It is a God’s gift to you to name, love and nurture.