Are you working on your first child? If so, then you might not be prepared for some of the challenges that you can face both before and during pregnancy. Here are some of the key concerns that you need to be prepared for and the steps that you could take to avoid issues.
Trouble Conceiving
First, you might have trouble conceiving. This is quite common and rates of fertility are actually falling, according to the latest statistics. The good news is that there are always options that you can explore here. For instance, you might want to explore egg donation. This is something worth thinking about if your own eggs are not viable for a medical reason. It will mean that you can continue to share your dream of having a child with your partner. There are lots of different paths to explore here, depending on your situation.
Pain
You might think that giving birth is going to bring the worst pain and you’d be right. But it’s also worth noting that you likely will experience pain throughout the pregnancy. You can take paracetamol throughout your pregnancy, unless you are advised not to by your doctor. It’s important to note that severe, sharp pain is not normal and may mean that there is an underlying issue which requires medical attention. For instance, shoulder pain during a pregnancy may be a sign of an ectopic. These are not particularly common but can be life-threatening so it is important to get them checked out.
Late Miscarriage/Early Birth
Late miscarriages and early births are far more common than most people realise. If you have had a miscarriage before, you are more at risk of this occurring which means that you should be on a special watch by your doctor. Be aware that there are usually underlying causes for a late miscarriage or early birth so it is worth getting the recommended checks if you ever do experience this.
Weight Loss
Finally, you should make sure that you are prepared for the possibility of weight loss. You might think that you are always going to put on weight during your pregnancy. That’s understandable because it’s certainly the message the media blasts us with. “You’re eating for two” they say, but actually, that’s not always the case. Indeed, many women only put on weight for their baby which means that a pregnancy can cause them to lose weight, particularly if they aren’t healthy. Don’t forget, morning sickness will mean you don’t always keep meals down so it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that women do lose rather than gain. It’s nothing to worry about usually, but if you are concerned, make sure that you consult your doctor.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key challenges that you might face before and during your pregnancy. By preparing yourself for some of the difficulties, you can make sure that there are no nasty surprises further down the road on this journey.
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