Many women experience shortness of breath when exerting themselves after the 28th week of pregnancy. It is mainly caused by a restriction of normal diaphragm movement and a constriction of the lungs as a result of the larger uterus forcing the abdominal organs up into the chest cavity. When the baby’s head drops into the pelvis in the last month of pregnancy, it generally reduces breathlessness.
PRENATAL CHECK-UPS
If you are pregnant, you should schedule regular prenatal check-ups so that the progress of your pregnancy may be closely monitored. In addition to a physical examination of your belly to determine the size of the uterus and the baby’s position, the following tests are performed:
- Weight: Regular weighing allows you and your doctor to ensure that you are gaining adequate weight but not too much. During pregnancy, most women should anticipate to gain 9-13 kg (20-28 lb). Little weight is normally gained and some may be lost during the first few weeks of pregnancy. After the 12th week, weight is normally gained at a rate of about.5 kg (1 lb) each week.
- Urine: Urine is routinely examined for the presence of sugar and protein, which may be indicators of diabetes.
- Blood pressure: At each prenatal appointment, blood pressure is measured. A sudden rise may be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
- Blood tests: Your blood is examined for anemia (low iron) at the start of pregnancy. Syphilis, your blood type (Rh), German measles immunity, syphilis, and possibly hepatitis virus. A blood test for specific congenital abnormalities in the unborn child may also be performed between 16 and 18 weeks. A blood test for diabetes is performed at 28 weeks.
- Amniocentesis: A sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is taken during this examination using a syringe. The fluid is examined to determine if the infant has any abnormalities, such as spina bifida or Down’s syndrome. Because it sometimes leads to miscarriage, the test is often only performed when there is a higher-than-average risk of such diseases.