Pregnancy Week 7 - When the Joy and Worries Begin

Dear Baby,

You are now the size of a soybean. Although you are still so tiny, your organs like your heart, kidneys and liver have started developing. At this stage you even have a tail, but I’m told that it will gradually disappear. Thank goodness. That had me worried there for a bit you know.

Three days ago, your papa took me to the doctor. She did a pregnancy test to confirm that I was expecting. She then proceeded to calculate the Estimated Delivery Date. I was told that I am in the first trimester of my pregnancy. The second trimester is from Weeks 14 to 28; the third, from Weeks 29 to 40. She did some routine tests and took a sample of my urine. I was weighed and my blood pressure was checked.

I am on an emotional roller coaster these days. One moment I’m ecstatic that you have come into our lives. The next moment I’m beset with all sorts of worries and doubts – will I be a good mother? Am I adequate to cope with this huge responsibility?

I know nobody is a perfect mother. I know that I will make mistakes but baby, I want you to know that I will do my best. And above all, both Nikhil and I are going to shower you with our love and affection.

Your loving mamma.

BABY NOTES

How do pregnancy tests work?

Once conception has taken place, the developing placenta begins to produce a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Pregnancy tests work by detecting this hormone in your urine or blood.

Home pregnancy tests are readily available and, when used correctly, are usually reliable from the first day of your missed period. Some tests can detect pregnancy earlier, but testing too soon can give you a false negative result because your hCG levels may not yet be high enough to detect.

If your test is negative but your period still does not arrive, repeat the test after a few days. If you continue to get negative results and your period has still not started, consult your doctor.

How should I choose my doctor and hospital for pregnancy and delivery?

Choosing the right doctor and hospital is an important part of your pregnancy care. Look for a qualified obstetrician or gynaecologist whom you trust, feel comfortable with and can talk to openly. Recommendations from your regular doctor, family or friends can be helpful, but it is important that you feel confident in your own choice.

You should also consider the hospital or maternity centre where your doctor practises. Ideally, it should be reasonably accessible from your home and have good maternity and emergency facilities for both mother and baby. Find out what facilities and specialist care are available should complications arise during pregnancy or delivery, including neonatal care for a baby who may need additional medical support.

Practical considerations matter too. Ask about appointment arrangements, whom to contact if you have an urgent concern outside normal hours, and what happens if your own doctor is unavailable when you go into labour.

Above all, choose a doctor and maternity facility where you feel safe, listened to and well cared for.

How is my Estimated Delivery Date calculated?

Your Estimated Delivery Date (EDD), or due date, is an estimate of when your baby is likely to be born. Pregnancy is usually calculated as lasting about 40 weeks, or 280 days, from the first day of your last menstrual period.

A traditional way of calculating your EDD is to add seven days to the first day of your last period and then subtract three months. This calculation assumes a menstrual cycle of about 28 days, with ovulation occurring around Day 14, so it may be less accurate if your cycles are irregular or considerably shorter or longer.

An ultrasound scan in early pregnancy can provide a more accurate estimate of how far along your pregnancy is. Your doctor may therefore adjust your EDD on the basis of the scan.

Remember that your due date is only an estimate – very few babies arrive on that exact day.

What routine tests are done during pregnancy?

At your first antenatal visit, your doctor will usually ask about your medical history and carry out some basic checks and tests. These commonly include measuring your blood pressure and weight, testing your urine, and taking blood samples.

Blood tests may be used to check your haemoglobin level for anaemia, your blood group and Rh type, and your blood glucose. Screening for certain infections, including HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, is also routinely offered in many countries, including India. Knowing your blood group and Rh status is particularly important because if you are Rh-negative and your baby is Rh-positive, you may need treatment during and after pregnancy to prevent complications.

Not all routine tests are carried out at the beginning of pregnancy. Some are offered at particular stages – for example, screening for gestational diabetes is usually done later in pregnancy.

The exact tests and the timing of them can vary depending on your health, medical history, pregnancy and the country in which you receive your care. Your doctor may recommend additional tests if you or your baby have particular risk factors or concerns.

Why am I so emotional during pregnancy?

Pregnancy can bring a surprising range of emotions. You may feel happy and excited one moment and anxious, tearful or irritable the next. Hormonal changes can affect your mood, but pregnancy is also a major physical and emotional adjustment, so it is perfectly natural to have mixed feelings from time to time.

You may find yourself worrying about your baby’s health, whether you will be a good mother, how you will cope with the responsibility of parenthood, changes to your body or how having a baby may affect your relationships and everyday life. Talking about these feelings with your partner, a family member, friend or someone else you trust can often help.

Occasional emotional ups and downs are common during pregnancy. However, if feelings of sadness, anxiety or distress are persistent, severe or begin to interfere with your everyday life, speak to your doctor or another healthcare professional. And if you have thoughts of harming yourself, seek medical help urgently.

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