Q: Hello Dr. Please, my girlfriend is about 11 weeks pregnant now but she always complains of tiredness. All the time, she’s vomiting especially if she smells anything with slight or strong odour. Sometimes after meals she vomits. Can this still be the part of early symptoms of pregnancy?

Secondly at what week can we do our pregnancy scan to be able to ascertain the actual age of the pregnancy? What type of foods should she be taking? Kindly recommend. Thanks for your good work. May the love of the lord continue to be with you.
A: Hello sir, Congratulations! I can sense the feeling of excitement in you, knowing your child is on the way. I am also happy that you are taking on the responsibility of taking care of her (in fact both of them). I do pray she has a stress-free pregnancy and a safe delivery.

The symptoms she has been experiencing are normal especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. A normal pregnancy lasts between 38-42weeks, with an average of 39weeks. Medically, this period is divided into 3 phases depending on the growth and development of the child, as well as changes in the mother. These phases are known as trimesters, when we divide the whole duration of pregnancy, that is 39 weeks by 3, we have 13; so each trimester is 13 weeks long.

In the first trimester, the woman feels so ill (especially if it’s her first pregnancy). She feels tired, vomits a lot, has a loss of appetite (although in some, the appetite increases), food, as well as other smells become offensive (especially the food she prepares herself). She may develop some unusual desires for food like wanting to eat only snacks, only drinks, or just fruits (which she ordinarily wouldn’t request for). She looks pale, starts storing fluid in the body and may have symptoms of malaria, respiratory infection, or urinary infection, in addition.

It’s important that she books in a health care facility as early as possible, so that she can be monitored and any deviation from the normal first trimester symptoms, would be identified early and managed appropriately. As I have mentioned, malaria, and other infections are quite common too, and have symptoms similar to the early pregnancy symptoms, so it may be rather difficult to differentiate, except by someone who is experienced and trained. It is worth mentioning, that these conditions, may lead to pregnancy loss if not managed appropriately. If you notice any worsening of symptoms, fever, bleeding from the vagina, abdominal pains, or excessive vomiting, please present in hospital, as soon as possible, as these may be indicators of more sinister problems.

Dating pregnancy is best done with the use of the last menstrual period. That is the first day of the woman’s last normal menstrual flow. However, if she is not sure of her dates, then a scan can be used. To date pregnancy, a first trimester scan gives the most appropriate approximation. The earlier it is, the more accurate it is likely to be, so I would advise you have your scan now, since she’s still in her first trimester.

Dietary recommendations for pregnant women emphasize the need for increased calorie intake, to meet the demands of both mother and child. This will include a balanced diet, rich in all the various classes of food viz-a-viz proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins, and also lots of water. Special focus should be on fruits and vegetables, as these not only boost the immune system, and protects the mother and baby from falling ill, they are also important in the development of the child’s brain and nervous system. Women, who were consistent in taking fruits during pregnancy, were noticed to have babies with smother skin, fine hair and stronger bones. The emphasis should be on quality and not quantity, so you don’t end up with obesity, having a big baby and all the complications that come with that.

Most importantly, do book for you antenatal clinic as soon as you can, as the clinic not only provides care for the mother and child, but a lot of health education takes place. Besides, it’s an avenue for social interaction, where you get to meet ‘biggy belles’ like you; learn from them, share your experiences and maybe make a friend for life 🙂 you never know!

****This post was contributed by a guest doctor blogger.
Have a great night, beautiful people 😀