Overview of Prenatal Care Health Article

Pregnancy is one of the most incredible adventures a woman can experience. During pregnancy your body will go through dramatic changes. You may feel thrilled, sexy, energetic, empowered, terrified, and overwhelmed. All of these are natural reactions. Discovering that you are pregnant can be one of the most momentous occasions in your life. In the following articles, you will learn about the physical and emotional changes that normally occur during pregnancy, the development of the fetus, what to expect during office visits and tests, common concerns and tips, experience of the pregnant father, and the warning signs and symptoms that may suggest problems.

Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters:

• 1st trimester          0-12 weeks
• 2nd trimester        13-26 weeks
• 3rd trimester         27-42 weeks

You will learn how to choose the right care during pregnancy, how your provider will calculate your due date, what screening tests you should expect during your first prenatal visit, and things you can do to ensure that the fetus gets the best possible start (eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding smoking, alcohol, and other drugs). On this HealthMap, go to Pregnancy Tests, Figuring Your Due Date, Getting The Right Prenatal Care, and Your First Prenatal Visit

For more information on the events and challenges of the three trimesters of pregnancy, go to:

• The First Trimester
• The Second Trimester
• The Third Trimester

Important Medical Terminology for the Pregnant Woman

         LMP= first day of your last menstrual period

         DOC= date of conception (day that the egg meets the sperm)

         EDC = estimated date of confinement-the "due date"

         Term pregnancy = a pregnancy that has lasted between 37 and 42 weeks

         Term delivery = delivery occurring between 37 and 42 weeks

         Post-term pregnancy/delivery = pregnancy/delivery after 42 weeks

         Preterm pregnancy/delivery = pregnancy/delivery before 37 weeks

         Low birth weight = birthweight of less than 2,500 grams or 5.5 pounds

         Very low birth weight = birthweight of less than 1,500 grams or 3.3 pounds

         Primigravida = a woman who is pregnant for the first time

         Gravida = a pregnant woman

         Nulligravida = a woman who has never been pregnant

         Multigravida = a woman who has been pregnant more than once

         Primipara = a woman who has delivered one baby

         Multipara = a woman who has delivered two or more babies

         Spontaneous abortion = miscarriage

         Therapeutic abortion = an abortion performed for medical reasons

         Ectopic pregnancy = pregnancy outside of the uterus (fallopian tubes, abdominal cavity)