Archive for October, 2011

The Parvo Virus B19 which produces the Fifth disease is a general infection experienced by 50% of adults either during childhood or adolescence according to The National Center for Infectious Diseases. The person becomes immune to further harm from the disease of parvovirus B19 later.

As this virus attacks most of the people a pregnant woman is immune to this disease and does not harm the unborn child. But sometimes the woman may feel excessively tired and have a running nose with mucus. This disease does not result in mental retardation or any other brain disorders nor does it have any birth defects in the baby. So it is of of no harm both to the pregnant mother and the baby.

Research says that 5% of pregnant woman can suffer abortions by their second trimester due to this parvovirus B19 disease. The miscarriage results due to the acute anemia in the unborn child.

If the mother to be has already been infected earlier with this parvovirus B19 disease she should inform her health provider about it. Blood tests taken during pregnancy can reveal the condition of the disease. Ther blood test taken shows the following results.

When the mother to be is already immune to this virus and does not suffer from any other infection then there is no need to worry about the condition.

In case the pregnant woman has had this B19 virus recently then she needs regular observation. There are no exact tests that done but ultrasound test and further blood tests are done to check about the condition of the unborn baby.

There is no vaccine for this parvovirus B19 so a pregnant woman must be careful and protect herself from this disease. As the mother is not immune to this infection she should endure it as there is no medication to control it. But the doctor should keep a regular check on the anemic condition of the baby for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

The moment you have a doubt that you are pregnant the first and foremost job is to get it affirmed. Take an appointment with you doctor and get a pregnancy test done. If you are lucky you will get the appointment fixed the same day or else you may have to wait for a week or two. Being impatient will not help so keep cool as at times the doctor will call up after someday to affirm your pregnancy,.

Your first appointment with you gynecologist/OB/Midwife will be soon after you meet their secretary. Confide all you medical history to the doctor, what are the ailments that run in the family anal other details. Take all the papers related to it to show it to the doctor. Cooperate with the doctor in all the tests before he/she gives you the good news. The doctor may give you another appointment date to get the other tests done thoroughly. If you have conceived for the first time you will have many doubts arising in you mind regarding pregnancy and delivery. There are many good books available in the market which can guide you in the subject. You can also refer to books in your local library too.

The doctor prescribes prenatal vitamins which is good for you and your baby. In case of any aversion to it consult your doctor who will change the dosage. Some doctors refer an ultrasound test around 10-12 weeks. This shows the proper formation of the baby and how well it is developing. But some refer for ultrasound test only in your 20th week. And this depends on your doctor. The next test done is the blood sugar. An orange juice drink for the patient verifies whether the patients has or have a chance of acquiring gestational diabetes through a blood test which is taken after two to three hours after the drink.

The next appointments and check up will be after every fourth week for regular checkups. After you complete 36 weeks the check ups are done once in every two weeks. And later every week till the baby is born. Start preparing for your trimesters happily and enjoy motherhood till you hold the bundle of joy in your hands.

Although there are some factors that are common in pregnancy for every woman each and every pregnancy is not identical. The moment you doubt the signs to be of pregnancy you can go for a home based test which are available at the local store. Although this home based tests are correct it is always better to take an appointment with your doctor and take all the clinical tests to get the pregnancy confirmed.

The main pregnancy signs experienced by most of the woman are morning sickness, aversion to smell and food, fatigue, and also mood swings. To maintain a healthy pregnancy the mother to be should refrain from drinking and smoking. She should take a balanced diet which should include plenty of fruits and vegetables and also milk in abundance. This will ensure good health both for the mother and the baby.

The next step on affirming your pregnancy is to shop for maternity clothes. Most of the women wear large shirts and elastic pants for their comfort but proper clothing is available in all stores which has a maternity section. Pregnancy shopping includes buying nursery items like baby clothes, blankets, toys, bassinet and rocking chair. In case you plan to change a room into a nursery then it is time you start to work on it. It is also very important for the pregnant woman to keep away from strong odors and harmful things during work for her safety and also for the baby.

The pregnant woman must face the natural changes during trimesters bravely. The mental and physical changes, frequent urination, mood swings are some of the changes that takes place during pregnancy. The woman may wish to shed the extra pounds after delivery but ample rest is important before starting any exercise. The attending physician can advise the necessary exercise taking into account the health of the mother.

The above mentioned piece of writing is just guidelines and information and not a medical prescription. So when a woman suspects pregnancy go for a home based test immediately and then for a professional consultation for further clinical tests to confirm and have a healthy and safe pregnancy.