First trimester Content | Baby Billy

Genetic counseling

Why should I take the counseling?💡 A genetic counseling guides you through complex information about whether your little baby may have a birth defect or a genetic disorder. The counselor walks you through each technical information in detail and offers you the best advice so that you can make your decision wisely for you and your baby.As fertility wanes as you age, the odds of your baby having chromosomal abnormality also increase with your age. If you're over 35 or older on your due date, you may want to talk to your counselor. If you or one of the other family members have a genetic disorder, it can be passed down to the next generation and especially to your baby. Any history of infertility, stillbirth, miscarriages also greatly affects your baby's health condition. If you've had chemotherapy or have a medical condition, such as epilepsy or diabetes, the medications that you're taking can deteriorate your baby's growth. Birth defects are more feasible if you've been exposed to substances that are reported to cause birth defects. How is the counseling done?💉   A genetic counseling aims to provide information and emotional support. The counselor will ask you and your partner about your background, health histories as far back as possible, possibility of chronic diseases or inherited disorders. You may also need to find out the health histories of your parents, siblings and close relatives to accurately determine the possibility of disorder inheritance of your baby.TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:  Your exposureThe counselor will ask you if you've ever been exposed to dangerous substances before and during your pregnancy. Also you should bring a list of medications that you're taking for evaluation.Prenatal testsCarrier screening is done to determine if you or your partner carries the genetic mutation and possibly passes down to your baby. Screening tests help determine your risk for carrying a baby having birth defects, genetic disorders, or chromosomal abnormalities.Diagnostic tests indicate the range of genetic mutations or chromosomal conditions in your baby. You can choose to initially have screening tests done before making decisions about further testing. If your baby has a problem…Even if you're scared and against abortion, don't automatically reject going to a prenatal testing or a genetic counseling. Abortion is not the only solution. The counselor is there to offer you support and guidance and explain all options that you have. Full comprehension of your child's problem would enable you to be prepared both mentally and physically. Genetic counselors will ask you open-ended questions for you to think carefully about your decision, but they won't make any decisions or steer you in a particular direction. The decision is yours.What would having a child with a genetic condition mean to you? Are you aware of all the difficulties that may arise when raising your child? Would you feel guilty of your child's lifelong needs for special care? Will your child be resentful of you for the disabilities and different treatment from other people? Most importantly, are you ready to become a mom of a child with disabilities?  

Ultrasound During Pregnancy

Why should I take the test?💡An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your baby inside your tummy. All pregnant moms should receive at least one ultrasound to confirm your health and the health of the baby.If you have any spotting during pregnancy or carry multiples, ultrasounds during pregnancy are highly recommended to monitor the baby's growth. If you are at risk of preterm labor, the doctor will need to check for changes in the cervix, the position of the baby, and the necessity of cesarean surgery by ultrasound test.  How is the test done?💉Different kinds of ultrasound are available in each trimester of pregnancy. There are two main types of ultrasound which are transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasounds. Both types are painless and quickly done. Transvaginal ultrasound: A small, long transducer is wrapped in a sterile condom-like cover and inserted into the vagina. Then, your healthcare practitioner will move the transducer around your vaginal cavity and scan your uterus. The sound waves produced by the transducer bounce off of the baby's structures to create an image on a computer screen.Transabdominal ultrasound: After lying down, your practitioner applies gel on your tummy to help the sound waves move more easily. Then, the transducer is rubbed over your stomach to produce images of your baby on the computer screen. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: How to prepare for your first ultrasoundIf you are getting transabdominal ultrasound, you should arrive at your appointment with a full bladder because it will give you much better image quality. To time it right, some practitioners suggest emptying your bladder about 90 minutes before your exam, then drinking an 8 ounce beverage that you like.Eating something sweet before your exam is also considered a stimulus for your baby to actively move around. The sonographer can take better pictures and you might see some actual movements of your baby inside your tummy.  Risks of the procedureUltrasounds are noninvasive and very low-risk when performed by professional healthcare providers. Although they are relatively accurate at estimating the baby's size, they might exaggerate numbers if they are overused. Miscalculation of baby's weight occasionally leads to unnecessary C-sections or premature labor.

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy

Something coming out of your vagina early in pregnancy makes you worried? You are experiencing a whole lot more of symptoms. Expect the unexpected!Creamy white discharge during pregnancy⚪LeukorrheaA mild-smelling milky white discharge⚪, called leukorrhea, is perfectly normal to have before pregnancy when estrogen hormone is excreted. During pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen hormones signal the vagina to create more discharge.🤰⚪Signs of healthy leukorrheaThe discharge consists of secretions from the cervix, vagina, old cells, and normal vaginal bacteria. Healthy vaginal discharge often has a clear or milky white color.😃 The texture is thin to thick or mucus-like. Usually it's odorless or mild-smelling. More discharge will be secreted later when you reach labor.👶When vaginal discharge becomes a problem⚪Color changeIf the vaginal discharge turns green🟢, smells obnoxious🦨, causes pains or itching or seems abnormal, there could be an infection or another problem. Please visit doctors immediately for further checkup.⚪Inflamed vulvaYour white and odorless discharge causes pain with urination🚽 or intercourse. You feel sore, itchy and burning down there. Your vulva looks inflamed. All these signs might indicate you have yeast infection.😟⚪Fishy smell and gray dischargeIf you notice thin white or gray discharge with strong fishy odor which is more conspicuous after sex, you might be infected with bacterial vaginosis.🦠 Please visit doctors to get immediate treatment.👩‍⚕️⚪Yellow or green dischargeIf you observe a yellow or green and frothy discharge with an unpleasant smell👃, this may be a sign of trichomoniasis. Red, irritated vulva also becomes itchy and uncomfortable while urinating or during intercourse.😩   ⚪Constant leakage of liquidIf you're not 37 weeks yet and notice a large amount of watery fluid leakage, your water may have been broken or you're in preterm labor.🤰  Call doctors immediately as soon as possible.👩‍⚕️  

Urine tests

Why should I take the test?💡A urine test is used to assess bladder or kidney infections, diabetes, dehydration and preeclampsia by looking at markers that show up in your urine. It is expected during your first prenatal exam and periodically in future prenatal visits.  If you feel tired, lethargic, or constantly thirsty, you might need to consider taking the test. If you lose weight or have a consistent level of sugar detected, the urine test is necessary to detect any risks and protect both you and your little one.How is the test done?💉You will be given a specimen cup and an antiseptic wipe and sent to the bathroom to collect a clean, midstream urine sample. Wash your hands first, then separate your labia and clean your vulva from front to back with the wipe. After you start urinating for a few seconds into the toilet, you can slip the cup under the stream until you collect enough for the sample.Remember not to contaminate the sample and avoid touching the inside of the cup. Once you finish, close the lid of the cup and deliver it to medical assistants. They will check your urine by dipping a colored test stick in it and compare the result with the chart. A color change of the strip indicates a positive test result. TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: What is your urine tested for?The test looks for:Diabetes: If a high level of glucose/sugar is detected in your urine, it may indicate that you might have pre-existing type 2 diabetes. If tested later in the pregnancy, it may indicate gestational diabetes (which is also tested for with a glucose screening between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy)Preeclampsia: The level of protein in your urine early in the pregnancy will be compared to levels measured in later stages of the pregnancy. High levels of protein can be a sign of preeclampsia (characterized by sudden high blood pressure, severe swelling of the hands and face, and signs that some organs may not be working normally, including protein in the urine), or pregnancy - induced high blood pressure.A urinary tract infection (UTI): If red or white blood cells of bacteria are detected in the urine, it can be a sign of a UTI (a bacterial infection of the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, the urethra, or in more serious cases, the kidneys).Risks of the procedureThere are no risks of urine tests to you or your baby so keep calm and pee in your cup! Maybe a glass of water before coming to your appointment might help you keep things short and simple! Results of the testPositive for glucoseIt's normal for your sugar level in urine to be a bit high, especially after you eat a large meal or drink a really sweet beverage. However, if you have elevated levels at a few more prenatal visits in a row or an extremely high level at one visit, you may be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.Positive for protein  High levels of protein may suggest a possible urinary tract infection or kidney disease. You might be offered further tests by the hospital in order to make a preeclampsia diagnosis. Positive for urinary tract infections (UTI)UTIs occur when bacteria enter and grow in the urinary tract. Because of your growing uterus and an increase in hormones that relaxes your muscles in your uterus, the bladder is less likely to be completely empty when you urinate.Hence, the urine remnants support the development of bacteria. There is no need to worry since the infection can easily be treated through a course of antibiotics.Positive for ketonesHigh levels of ketones infer that your body is too acidic. It can be a potential indicator of diabetic ketoacidosis which is a severe complication of diabetes. 

Pregnancy symptoms that you should never ignore

You are probably familiar with pains, aches, and weird symptoms along the way. If you have any signs of potential problems, you should stay alert and call your doctors immediately.Early stage symptoms⚠️Bleeding or spottingVaginal spotting or bleeding🩸 can be considered a serious sign of potential miscarriage. It can also signal ectopic or molar pregnancy. If molar pregnancy is the case, you may pass small, fluid-filled sacs from your vagina while feeling severely nauseous and vomiting.🤮⚠️PainIf the crampy, persistent abdominal pain comes along with pelvic pressure or low back pain, non stop bleeding, all signs might indicate miscarriage.🤰 Pain anywhere in your abdomen or pelvis at the early stage can be linked with ectopic pregnancy.Pain in your shoulder can be a symptom of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. You should call an ambulance and doctors immediately if this is the case.👩‍⚕️🏥Some serious symptoms throughout pregnancy⚠️Painful or burning urinationYou can't help going to the bathroom🚽 and feeling the urge to go again minutes after you just finish. Painful or burning urination, little or no urination, cloudy and blood-colored urine, strong and unpleasant odor can be signs of urinary tract infection.😟 UTI can result in soreness in your back, sides, or lower abdomen. If the situation gets worse and spreads to the kidneys, you may experience back pain, fever and chills, and nausea and vomiting.🤮 ⚠️Strange vaginal dischargeUnhealthy vaginal discharge such as green substances🟢 having unpleasant odor, pain and itching signs accompanied, you may have yeast infection. If the discharge is thin white or gray with a strong fishy smell, you may have bacterial vaginosis.A common sexually transmitted disease called trichomoniasis is also a consequence of yellow🟡 or green vaginal discharge. Have a regular checkup with doctors to protect your health.👩‍⚕️ ⚠️FeverIf you experience chills or fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit🌡️, there is a high chance that you have infection in the kidneys, uterus, lungs or elsewhere. Other symptoms such as belly or back pain, nausea, diarrhea, trouble urinating, foul-smelling vagianl discharge will be used as indicators to address the disease more correctly.👩‍⚕️ ⚠️Severe nausea and vomitingSevere nausea and vomiting, also called hyperemesis gravidarum can be associated with weight loss, low birth weight, and dehydration. It starts in early pregnancy and continues throughout the process.🤕🤢⚠️Extreme tirednessPregnancy takes a toll on you, leaving you fatigued at times. If you feel suddenly extremely tired, it can be a sign of heart disease, anemia, diabetes or depression.😟   

Pica disorder during pregnancy

Pregnancy cravings are part of your pregnancy. It's normal for you to desire strange combinations of food in the middle of the night. However, if you crave nonfood items, you may have a disorder.Pica disorder⚠️What is pica disorder?Pica is used to describe an intense craving for nonfood items such as soil, chalk, dirt.🌭 Pica disorder is more prevalent among children but can occur sometimes to pregnant women.🤰⚠️Causes of pica disorderA clear reason is unknown🤔, however, pica has been linked with iron deficiency. Anemia, for example, which is often associated with cravings for ice, can be the underlying cause of pica.🩸 Low nutrients levels in other vitamins or minerals can result in these unusual cravings. Having mental health conditions may lead to pica as a coping mechanism.😟 Pica treatments⚠️Negative effects of picaDepending what you crave, pica might interfere with your body's ability to absorb other necessary nutrients and affect your baby with lethal and toxic substances.😟 Hence, the baby is prone to more serious problems such as growth restriction, learning disorders or behavior problems in the future.👶⚠️Pica treatments There are no tests for pica yet. Your unusual cravings can be a sign that your body is trying to replenish nutrients.😔 When you discuss your symptoms with your doctor, you will be given nutrient deficiencies treatment first to prevent further cravings if the healthcare provider detects any abnormalities in your diet. Sometimes, behavioral therapy or distractive techniques are prescribed if necessary.👩‍⚕️

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Why should I take the test?💡Chorionic villus sampling is a prenatal test that involves removing a sample of chorionic villi from the placenta to test for genetic problems. The chorionic villi are tiny projections of placenta tissue that enclose the same genetic material as the fetus.The test can provide valuable information on whether the baby has a chromosomal condition, such as Down's syndrome, or other genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis. The result can help you make important decisions about your management of pregnancy and delivery, and any necessary preparations or special care that your child might need.You might consider chorionic villus sampling if you have a positive result from a previous prenatal screening test or any complications in a previous pregnancy. If you start your pregnancy when you are over 35 years old or you have any family history of a specific genetic condition, it is highly recommended for you to conduct the test.  How is the test done?💉CVS is often done between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. Then, the doctor will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form before the procedure begins. There are two types of CVS procedures. In the transcervical procedure, a catheter is inserted through the cervix after the doctor opens your vagina with a speculum, then gentle suction will be used to collect the sample. In the transabdominal procedure, a needle is inserted through the abdomen and uterus, the tissue sample is withdrawn into a syringe, and the needle is removed. Since the transcervical procedure is done through the vagina, the doctor will be cautious if you have an active cervical or vaginal infection like herpes. Any vaginal bleeding or spotting in the previous two weeks or an inaccessible placenta due to tilted uterus or benign tumors are all alerts to take into consideration.TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:   Before the procedureGenerally, there is no special restriction or diet prior to CVS. If you are allergic to latex or sensitive to any medication such as anesthetic agents, you should notify your doctor immediately. Tell the doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders, or take anticoagulant medications, aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. Having a full bladder might be advantageous before the procedure. Depending on the position of the uterus and placenta, a full bladder can assist the doctor to better locate the uterus. You should check with your provider the necessity of a full bladder and the amount of fluid intake.After the procedureAfter the procedure, you might experience vaginal bleeding immediately. Although you can continue your day normally, you should avoid any strenuous exercises and sexual activities as they might advance the bleeding and hurt your vagina. If you experience fluid leaking from your vagina, heavy bleeding, a fever or uterine contractions, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. It might take up to a week to receive your result. There is a rare chance of a false positive test. Please remember that the test cannot indicate all types of birth defects, including spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Risks of the procedureChorionic villus sampling carries various risks such as leaking of amniotic fluid, miscarriage, infection, Rh sensitization, and preterm labor. The baby's blood can enter your bloodstream after such an invasive test. If you have Rh negative blood and you have not developed antibodies to Rh positive blood, you will be injected with a blood product called Rh immune globulin to prevent your body from producing Rh antibodies that can cross the placenta and damage the baby's red blood cells. Uterine infection rarely happens after the CVS. Your doctor may give you additional instructions after the procedure depending on your particular condition. Occasionally, the result of the test is unclear and you might need to do follow-up tests like amniocentesis. 

Appetite loss

Pregnancy is one of the special moments when you are applauded for gaining weight and eating your favorite food as much as you want. Gaining enough pregnancy weight is critical to provide nutrients and support your baby's needs. Loss of appetite during pregnancy🤢Nausea and vomitingLoss of appetite is one side effect of morning sickness and nausea.🤢 When morning sickness strikes and smell sensitivity triggers, you naturally walk away from strong scents, including the foods you once loved.🍲 Your appetite consequently becomes a bit shy when it comes to food. 🤢Mental health conditionsDue to various physical and biochemical changes, you are prone to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.😟 Depression during pregnancy is associated with decreased appetite for healthy food, increased intake of unhealthy food, leading to lower nutrients for the baby development.👶 Health disorders may go undiagnosed if you don't speak up because of embarrassment. If you're experiencing any symptoms, please consult with doctors and trusted health professionals.👩‍⚕️ 🤢Phobia of weight gainYou are afraid of gaining weight because you might adhere to a certain weight stigma or portray weight gain as a flaw.🙅‍♀️ You are worried that you're not able to return to your old body once you eat vociferously.😟 If you're experiencing this sense of anxiety, please consult with doctors or therapists. How to treat appetite loss during pregnancy🤢Eat small mealsIf your appetite loss is linked to nausea or vomiting, you can try to distribute meals into small portions but more frequent meals throughout the day. Little by little, you'll get used to the foods and increase your food intake.😋🍛🤢Food prioritizeTake your prenatal vitamins daily to ensure both you and your baby are getting enough nutrients. Drink plenty of water.🚰 You can try many kinds of foods that are simple to make, filling and easy on your stomach such as protein-rich snacks, bland veggies, fruits, or soup.🤤  

Hair and nail changes during pregnancy

Have you noticed that your hair is shinier and thicker recently? Your nails are softer and more brittle too. Your body is undergoing so many changes!Thicker hair during pregnancy👩Thicker hair phenomenonYour hair feels fuller when you're pregnant but you're not actually growing more hair.🧑‍🦱 The texture of hair can also be altered, your curly hair suddenly becoming straightened. 👩Causes of thicker and shinier hairWhen you're pregnant🤰, high levels of estrogen hormone prolong the growth phase of hair and slow down the process of losing hair. Your hair doesn't fall out that much anymore so you might feel your hair being thicker and stronger. The growth cycle goes back to its pattern after delivery.👩Facial and body hair growth👩Cause of facial and body hairAn increase in androgens hormones cause facial and body hair to grow faster.😃 Most of this unwanted hair will fall out after delivery three to six months.🤰👩Hair removal techniquesTo get rid of stray hair, you can safely tweeze, wax or shave. Avoid all chemicals⚕️🥼 such as bleaches or depilatories because they can be harmful for the baby.👶Permanent hair removal techniques such as laser and electrolysis can cause skin pigmentation and painful experiences.😟 Otherwise, if you can bear the discomfort, you can consult it with your medical provider.👩‍⚕️Nails growthThe changes are subtle so you might not be able to notice it.🙂 Depending on each person's health condition, your nails can be softer and more brittle or harder.💅 If you get all the nutrients that you need, your fingernails will return to normal after delivery three to six months. 

Your ultimate guide to the first trimester of pregnancy

Are you feeling the flood of pregnancy hormones and all of discomforts although your pregnancy belly has not been visible yet? All your pains are parts of an incredible and magical process.First trimesterThe first trimester lasts from week 1 to approximately week 13 of pregnancy.📅 You may experience symptoms such as morning sickness, tender breasts, mood swings, and weight gain. During implantation when the embryo attaches to the uterus, it is normal for you to have abdominal cramping and stomach pain.🤰First trimester checklist🤰Prenatal vitaminTake your prenatal vitamin immediately if you haven't done so.💊 Taking vitamins is very important at the early stage of pregnancy because it ensures that your baby is receiving enough vitamins and minerals needed.😃🤰Book your first prenatal testingYour obstetrician will review your medical history and perform a thorough physical exam to make sure that you are healthy to conceive.👩‍⚕️ Some exams can be urinalysis, blood work to detect hCG levels, Rh status, presence of possible infections.🏥 🤰Genetic testsYou may have a nuchal translucency screening to look for Down syndrome or congenital heart defects. A blood screening called noninvasive prenatal testing determines chromosomal abnormalities🧬 and further invasive tests if necessary.🤰Have a healthy dietIt's the perfect time to start eating a healthy diet🍲 and avoid unhealthy menu items. Have a pregnancy diet handy and stock your kitchen accordingly.🙂 🤰FitnessGentle exercises during pregnancy benefit both you and your baby.🤽‍♀️ Stay motivated and get a good 30-minute exercise most days of the week.