Pregnancy is a beautiful journey of 9 months. There are a lot of changes that occur inside your body in these months. In this article we will explore every aspect of pregnancy and try to clarify every possible doubt regarding...
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey of 9 months. There are a lot of changes that occur inside your body in these months. In this article we will explore every aspect of pregnancy and try to clarify every possible doubt regarding pregnancy.
How pregnancy happens?
The average length of menstrual cycle is about 28 days. However, a normal menstrual cycle may be as short as 21 days or as long as 35 days. In every menstrual cycle, ovulation (release of egg/ovum from ovary) occurs about 14 days prior to the beginning of next menstrual period, regardless of the length of menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy happens when the ovum released from your ovary get fertilized by a sperm. Fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube (ampulla region) leading to formation of Zygote. Within 8-10 days, fertilized egg reaches the uterus and get implanted. If the implantation is successful, it results in pregnancy.
The growth period is classified as:
A) 0-14 days – Ovum
B) 14 days to 9 weeks – Embryo
C) 9th week till birth- Foetus
Trimesters of pregnancy?
The total duration of pregnancy is about 9 months or 280 days or 40 weeks from LMP/last menstrual period. The whole duration of pregnancy is divided into 3 trimesters of approximately 3 months each. It can be interpreted as:
1) First trimester - It includes the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. During this period the foetus grows rapidly. 1st trimester is very crucial period as there are high chances of miscarriage or congenital malformations due to maternal diseases like uncontrolled diabetes or due to drug toxicity.
USG scans plays a vital role specially in early pregnancy - Your obstetrician will order an Ultrasound scan in 1st trimester of pregnancy for the following purpose:
1) To confirm pregnancy
2) To evaluate gestational age of baby
3) To check fetal heart rate
4) To evaluate expected date of delivery (EDD)
5) To check for abnormal implantation such as ectopic pregnancy
6) Multiple pregnancy such as twins, triplets etc.
7) To know the type of gestation, chorionicity and amnionicity
8) To identify causes of abnormal bleeding in initial pregnancy
9) Abortions/Miscarriage
10) Follow up after miscarriage or MTP (Medical termination of pregnancy).
11) Anatomical examination of uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Apart from Obstetric ultrasound in the first 12 weeks, a special scan called Ultrasound NT NB is performed to screen for fetal abnormalities in the 1st trimester. It is an optional ultrasound and is usually done in high-risk cases or if any suspicion aroused during the 1st pregnancy ultrasound.
Ganesh diagnostic and imaging center is offering 50% discount on NTNB scan.
You can avail an Obstetric Ultrasound Scan at just
You can avail Ultrasound NT NB SCAN at just
To know details about Obstetric ultrasound or ultrasound in pregnancy. Click here!
2) Second trimester- It includes week 13th to week 27th of pregnancy. During this period your obstetrician will order an anomaly scan or level 2 ultrasound scan for you. Level 2 scan can identify congenital malformations and fetal growth abnormalities. It also detects placental pathologies, helps in planning the mode and time of delivery and evaluates if there is any need to terminate pregnancy.
Anomaly scan, Level 2 ultrasound is done to evaluate or rule out the following conditions:
A) Fetus findings
1) Aneuploidies such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
2) Anencephaly
3) Congenital heart defect
4) Omphalocele
5) Spina Bifida
6) Cleft lip
7) Renal agenesis
8) IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction).
9) Different Fetal parameters can also be evaluated such Fetal cardiac activity, gestational age of fetus, fetal weight, Fetal position etc.
B) Placental conditions
1) Placenta previa
2) Bilobed placenta
3) Placenta accreta
4) Placenta succenturiata
5) Battledore placenta
6) Vasa previa
7) Velamentous cord insertion
8) Two-vessel cord/Single umbilical artery etc.
C) Maternal conditions
1) Cervical insufficiency
2) Amniotic fluid volume
3) Multiple pregnancy
4) Uterine fibroids
5) Assessment of uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Ganesh diagnostic and imaging center is offering 50% discount on Level 2 ultrasound/anomaly scan.
You can avail Level 2 Ultrasound In Pregnancy at just
To know details about Level 2 ultrasound/Anomaly scan. Click here!
3) Third trimester- It includes week 28th to week 40 of pregnancy. Swellings in your feet, pelvic discomfort or Braxton-Hicks’s contractions are more pronounced during this trimester. If you feel less fetal movements or no movement at all then your obstetrician may order a special scan for foetal monitoring.
Ganesh diagnostic and imaging center is offering 50% discount on ultrasound scan for fetal monitoring such as:
Ultrasound Biophysical Profile
To know details about Ultrasound biophysical profile. Click here!
How do I know if I am pregnant?
There are many symptoms and sign that you may encounter during the initial phase of pregnancy which might indicate that you are pregnant such as:
1) Nausea and vomiting, also known as morning sickness
2) Missed periods
3) Breast tenderness
4) Increased frequency of urination
5) Headache
6) Implantation bleeding or spotting
7) Heartburn
8) Increased hunger
9) Fatigue
10) Mood swings etc.
However, to confirm pregnancy you can go for a pregnancy test.
Ganesh diagnostic and imaging center (GDIC) is offering 50% discount on Urine pregnancy test (UPT).
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How can I check if I am pregnant or not?
Pregnancy can be detected by Urine pregnancy test (UPT) which checks for the level of HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine. HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta. HCG level can be evaluated in urine as well as blood. However, due to convenience in checking urine HCG through UPT kits even at home, it is more commonly used.
Once you tested positive for UPT, you should fix an appointment with your obstetrician. Your obstetrician will order an obstetric ultrasound scan to confirm pregnancy and evaluate your EDD (expected delivery date).
Ganesh diagnostic and imaging center (GDIC) is now offering 50% discount on all types of ultrasound scan.
You can avail an Obstetric Ultrasound Scan at just
To book your appointment now. Click on the above given link!
Types of ultrasounds in pregnancy?
There are many types of Ultrasounds in pregnancy. Your obstetrician will order these scans according to the trimester of your pregnancy as well as the test purpose. It is very important that you choose the right diagnostic center for pregnancy scans as it is not only related to you but also to the life growing inside your womb. Ganesh diagnostic and imaging center is considered the best diagnostic center in Delhi when it comes to any diagnostic test.
We are having the facility of different types of ultrasound in Pregnancy including:
1) Obstetrical Ultrasound
2) TVS ultrasound
3) Obstetrical Color Doppler ultrasound
4) Level-2 ultrasound in pregnancy
5) Fetal wellbeing ultrasound
6) Ultrasound NT NB scan
7) Ultrasound biophysical profile
8) Ultrasound scan for Twins etc.
To book your appointment now. Click here!
What Changes occur during pregnancy in my body?
There are many changes that occur in your body during the gestational period known as maternal adaptation to pregnancy. Almost every system in your body shows some alternations such as:
1) Physiological Changes in Cardiovascular system including:
a) Cardiac output
b) Left axis deviation as demonstrated by ECG
c) Resting pulse rate
d) Increase in cardiac silhouette as demonstrated by X-rays
e) Changes in heart sounds
f) Murmurs.
2) Haematological changes including-
a) Increase in total plasma protein including globulin
b) Increase in total haemoglobin mass
c) Increase in blood clotting factors such as Factor 7,8,9 and 10.
d) Increase in lipoproteins such as HDL, LDL, apolipoproteins
e) Increase in ESR
f) Increase in CRP
g) Increase in TIBC (Total iron binding capacity) and Serum transferrin.
h) Some haematological parameters decrease in pregnancy such as:
1) Haemoglobin concentration
2) Serum ferritin and serum iron
3) Albumin
4) Serum urea
5) Serum uric acid
6) Serum creatinine
7) Blood clotting factors such as factor 11 and 13
8) Platelet count
9) Serum sodium
10) Serum potassium
11) Serum Iodine
12) Serum calcium
13) Serum magnesium.
These haematological changes are physiological changes of pregnancy. However, pathological changes are not uncommon and can be detected with the help of haematological tests.
Ganesh diagnostic and imaging center (GDIC) is now offering 50% discount on all types of blood tests in pregnancy such as:
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Westergren Method
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Total Protein and Albumin Globulin Ratio Test
To book your appointment now. Click on the above given link!
3) Physiological Changes in Respiratory system includes:
a) Upward shift in diaphragm
b) Increase in antero-posterior diameter of chest
c) Increased oxygen exchange
d) Dyspnoea or difficulty in breathing
e) Changes in lung volumes:
1) Parameters that increase in pregnancy includes Tidal volume, minute ventilation, inspiratory capacity and minute oxygen uptake.
2) Parameters that decrease in pregnancy includes residual volume, functional residual capacity, total lung capacity and expiratory reserve volume.
4) Physiological Renal changes in pregnancy includes:
1) Increase in Kidney size and volume
2) Increase in glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
3) Decrease in serum urea, uric acid and creatinine values.
4) Mild proteinuria
5) Glucosuria
6) Activation of RAAS (renin angiotensin aldosterone system) axis and changes in total body water and electrolytes.
However, pathological alterations may occur in some pregnant women and can be identified with the help of blood or urine tests.
Ganesh diagnostic and imaging center (GDIC) is now offering 50% discount on all types of blood and urine tests in pregnancy such as:
Urine Examination Routine Urine R/E Automated
GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate)
Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio
Protein Creatinine Ratio, 24 Hour Urine
To book your appointment now. Click on the above given link!
How many ultrasound scans are required during pregnancy?
Most heathy women with normal foetal parameters, usually undergo at least two ultrasound scans during pregnancy. First ultrasound scan is performed as early as possible during pregnancy to accurately estimate the various fetal parameters such as:
1) Gestational age
2) Site of implantation
3) Fetal cardiac activity
4) EDD (Expected date of delivery).
The second ultrasound or Level 2 ultrasound is usually done in later trimesters of pregnancy to:
- Monitor Fetal growth and development
- Check the position of placenta
- Check amniotic fluid volume
- Check the position of umbilical cord
- Screen for foetal, umbilical cord or placental anomalies etc.
However, multiple ultrasound scans may be required during pregnancy depending upon various factors such as
1) Abnormal growth and development of foetus
2) H/o complications in previous pregnancy
3) Maternal diseases such as Diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney diseases, seizure disorder.
4) Gestational diseases such as-
5) Any specific condition identified during current pregnancy
6) History of recurrent abortions etc.
a) Pre-Eclampsia
b) Eclampsia
c) HELLP syndrome
d) Acute fatty liver of pregnancy etc.
How early can ectopic pregnancy be detected by ultrasound?
Ectopic pregnancy is defined as implantation of fertilised egg/zygote at an abnormal site such as fallopian tube, cervix, c-section scar or ovaries instead of the uterus.
Risk factors/causes of ectopic pregnancy includes:
1) Pelvic inflammatory diseases
2) H/O previous ectopic pregnancy
3) If Pregnancy occurs in presence of Intrauterine devices (IUD)
4) Tubal sterilization/ligation
5) Infertility
6) Genital tract infections
7) Smoking
8) Salpingitis isthmica nodosa
9) Prior h/o intrauterine procedures such as Dilatation and curettage (D & C ).
10) Multiple sex partners
11) Poor genital hygiene
12) Maternal age <18 years or more than >35 years
13) Assisted reproductive technology(ART)etc.
Symptoms and signs of ectopic pregnancy
1) Vaginal bleeding
2) Dull or sharp abdominal cramps
3) Nausea and vomiting
4) Tenderness in Adnexa
5) Adnexal mass
6) Cervical tenderness
7) Backache etc.
Complications of ectopic pregnancy
1) Rupture at ectopic site
2) Shock
3) Heavy bleeding
4) Recurrent ectopic pregnancy
5) Miscarriage etc.
Differential diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
1) Acute appendicitis
2) torsion of ovaries
3) Miscarriage
4) Cysts in ovaries etc.
Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy can be diagnosed by
1) Beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels in blood
2) Pelvic ultrasound
3) Transvaginal ultrasound- can detect early ectopic pregnancy as compared to pelvic ultrasound.
Ganesh diagnostic and imaging center (GDIC) is now offering 50% discount on all types of ultrasound scan.
Beta (HCG) Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
For more details, Click here!
