One of the major highlights of a woman’s life is when she is pregnant. Depending on the situation, she might either be happy or sad, as the case may be. This period of a woman’s life is very delicate and so much attention should be given to it. What do you mean when you say a woman is pregnant or has conceived?
Conception occurs when the male reproductive cell (sperm) fertilizes the female reproductive cell (ovum). This process occurs in the fallopian tube and the product called a zygote is moved to the uterus.
We want to focus on what a woman should do when her pregnancy is overdue, but before we discuss that, let me give you an insight of what pregnancy is all about and other important factors surrounding this period.
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF PREGNANCY
No matter what you know about a woman, her character and behavior, all of these will change within this short but delicate period of her life. Reaction to pregnancy differs in every woman. Most times this happens during a woman’s first pregnancy. Here are some possible but not compulsory side effects of pregnancy because not all women experience the same symbols:
- Morning sickness
- Fatigue
- Strange appetite
- Irritability
- Massive mood swings
- Dissatisfaction with her physique
SYMPTOMS OF PREGNANCY
There is always this huge feeling of anxiety, depression and extreme elation that goes with this period. There are quite a number of usual symptoms of pregnancy, and they are as follows;
- Break in regular menstrual cycle
- Tender and bigger breast.
- Darker areola or nipples.
- Vaginal spotting.
These are the very obvious symptoms that almost every woman notices in her body during the early stage of pregnancy.
PROPER PREGNANCY DIET
Pregnancy is a period that teaches every woman to be responsible and pay more attention to herself with particular reference to diet. The baby being formed in flesh and blood during pregnancy is as much part of the woman herself; this, therefore, requires extra nutritional consumption.
There is always an obvious change in body structure during pregnancy, therefore nutritious necessities are expanded, to foster the rapid growth of the fetus and to supplement the demands of the developing body.
The diet of every woman has a major role in affecting the physical and mental development of the unborn baby. Every woman needs a reasonable consumption of protein, calcium, vitamins B12, B6, vitamin D iron, zinc and folic acid to enhance the growth of the baby during pregnancy, extra calories are not really necessary in the early stage of pregnancy.
The kind of food necessary during pregnancy period are fresh, light, wholesome high fiber in form of porridge, diary, red vegetable like carrot and tomatoes, fruits like apple and orange, walnuts, almonds and raisins, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, brown rice, jaggery, lotus stem, etc. and lots of water.
PREGNANCY PRECAUTIONS
Pregnancy period is calculated to be between weeks 37 to 42 of the pregnancy. Medical professionals calculate delivery date to be 40 weeks from the day of copulation. There are not so many babies that are born during the estimated time of delivery.
Any baby born before 37 weeks is referred to as a premature baby and any baby born after 43 weeks is considered post-mature. There are several complications that follow pregnancy, and they include; pre-eclampsia, oligohydramnios, premature labor and birth, gestational diabetes, placenta Previa, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, genital infections, cramps, hemorrhoids, hyper and hypotension, heartburn, moodiness, gum disease, swollen ankles, feet and fingers, nausea, vomiting, constipation, urinary tract infections.
WHAT DO I DO WHEN MY PREGNANCY IS OVERDUE?
The delivery period has been estimated to be 40 weeks after conception. If your pregnancy is over 43 weeks, don’t panic. There are guidelines you can follow to still ensure a smooth delivery. 95% of pregnancies don’t start spontaneous labor on the due date.
It is impossible to get a natural birth if you set an exact delivery date. The best way to go about it is to get your due date and call it a guess date, and then you give people a month range from your guess date.
What Can I Do To Induce Labor Naturally When Overdue for Delivery?
- When a woman is overdue for delivery, and she wants to induce natural labor, she has to stop doing hard labor, such as errands, cooking, domestic chores, and any other activity that can be considered exhaustive. At this point what she needs most is rest and relaxation.
- Mind games can also go a long way in speeding up delivery. Talk to yourself about how happy you are about the baby. You can also talk to the baby. Tell yourself you’re ready. Labor can start just because your head feels you’re ready for it.
- Acupuncture and acupressure is great if you have experts around you.
- Stimulation of the areola and clitoral region; this releases oxytocin the chemical responsible for the surge initiation.
- Having orgasms. This also aids with the secretion of oxytocin.
- Consumption of a hot and peppery meal.
- Use either an enema or castor oil to cleanse the bowel. You can also take a half tablespoon every 30 minutes for three doses daily.
- Walk slowly and gently.
- Drink lots of water daily so your body will be properly hydrated.
There are so many other things a woman can do to initiate labor naturally when she is overdue for delivery. Although, labor can be initiated artificially by cervical sweep, membrane rupture, gel application to the cervix to ripen it, or Active Management of Labor (AML), also known as surgical birth due to “failure to progress.”
All of these are prone to risk, so it’s advised to make good research before carrying out any of these. Do your best to let it come naturally. The most important key is relaxation. Pregnancy is a beautiful thing and delivery is the peak of it all.
