1. List four healthy habits that a pregnant woman should adopt before and during pregnancy?
- A well balanced adequate nutrition as per the recommendations
- Proper exercise according to physical conditions
- Maintaining proper lifestyle and avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol etc
- Maintaining general hygiene and having adequate sleep
2. Why is prenatal care so important throughout pregnancy?
To detect any congenital disorders as well as detect and reduce any potential risks in fetus and the mother, pregnancy risks, or birth complications
3. About how long is each trimester of a pregnancy?
In average a normal full-term pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks (range from 37 to 42 weeks) which is divided into three trimesters. Each trimester lasts for three months or range between 12 to 14 weeks and accordingly called first, second and third trimester. This division helps to monitor the growth milestones of the fetus and the health of the mother and fetus.
4. What is chorionic villus sampling? Under what conditions is it sometimes recommended?
Chorionic villus sampling is a prenatal test done by sampling cells retrieved from the placenta which is the connecting point to the uterus. This is sampled because it contains the same genes as that of the fetus and is useful to detect any congenital or genetic disorders. This test is recommended mostly during 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy if anything is found positive during prenatal screening tests.
5. Describe three symptoms of preeclampsia? How is it treated?
<u>Preeclampsia</u>: High blood pressure during pregnancy
Symptoms:
- Swelling of ankles, feet, hands, and face due to edema
- Headache and vision problems
- Right upper quadrant or abdomen pain
Treatment: Thorough monitoring and anti-hypertensive medications. Mostly, delivery of the baby may reverse the conditions back and correct the blood pressure and other symptoms.
