Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women experience major physical changes that increase their nutrient and energy requirements. By eating well, the pregnant woman, in addition to improving her health, contributes to the growth, development of the baby, as well as the smooth progress of her pregnancy.

It is normal to eat a little more than usual, especially from the 2nd trimester (15 weeks and more).

Eat regularly (3 meals a day and snacks if necessary), in order to avoid energy losses.

Vary your diet by including lots of vegetables and fruits, whole grains.

Cook meat, poultry and fish well to avoid the risk of contamination.

Regularly eat calcium-rich foods that are needed to build bones and teeth, such as dairy products, soy beverages and canned fish. Foods containing vitamin D help to absorb calcium; these are milk, fortified soy beverages and oily fish.

Regularly eat iron-rich foods that are necessary for the growth of the baby and placenta, such as red meats, poultry, legumes and nuts.

Pregnancy in humans lasts about 40 weeks, or just over 9 months, from the last menstrual period to the birth of the child.

Signs of pregnancy: Am I pregnant?

The first signs of pregnancy are:

the absence of one or more cycles of menstruation.

Breasts harder, bigger or more painful to the touch. Nipples more bulging, darker. The Montgomery tubers (small glands on the areola) are larger or larger.

Nausea or vomiting (usually appear after a few weeks of pregnancy)

As pregnancy progresses, other symptoms may appear:

Internally:

Headaches

Excess saliva, especially when it comes to a first pregnancy.

A metallic taste in the mouth.

Heartburn or gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Sensitivity to the gums.

Frequent urges to urinate. The enlarged uterus presses on the bladder.

Brownish bleeding. By the time the egg attaches to the uterine wall (nesting), small bleeding may occur. If the bleeding is very red and accompanied by clots, contact your doctor

Vaginal discharge, white, painless and odorless that can be abundant.

Constipation Sometimes present from the beginning of pregnancy, constipation is usually more uncomfortable in the second half of pregnancy, when the uterus compresses the organs.

Abdominal pain that is reminiscent of menstrual cramps.

Vaginitis (fungal infection).

Nasal congestion.

Numbness or pain in the hands, especially during the 3rd trimester and during the night.

Hemorrhoids.

Weight loss in early pregnancy.

Back pain, especially during the last months of pregnancy.