It's important to listen to your body sensations
On 16 September, the School of Motherhood reopened its doors to expectant and new parents. Theoretical and practical sessions of the programme "Promoting a Healthy Start in Life", funded by the Kėdainiai District Municipality, started. On that day, visitors gathered for a lecture/discussion on "Nine months of waiting". During the lecture, midwife Viktorija Kvedaravičienė provided relevant information on what to know about the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, talked about the most common bodily and emotional changes, discussed the basic nutritional recommendations during pregnancy, the importance of taking vitamins and supplements, sports opportunities for the expectant mother and when it is not recommended to do sports.
The lecturer stressed that pregnancy is a special period in a woman's life, lasting about 9 months or 40 weeks. Each month brings new changes for both the mother and the growing baby. The first three months are the most important stages of organ formation. In the second trimester, most women feel a burst of energy and begin to feel the baby's movements. The third trimester is the preparation for childbirth and the baby's entry into the world.
Expectant mothers' needs change naturally, and they experience sensations they have never experienced before. It is important to listen to them, because your body is probably your best advisor, said V. Kvedaravičienė.
The beginning of the waiting period should be a time of rest, so try to avoid stress and heavy physical work. Pay attention to the products you spray or apply on your skin - natural and organic products are recommended. Avoid products with antibacterial properties, as they interfere with the body's natural defences. Consult your doctor about the use of medicines and food supplements, as each individual case has different needs, the lecturer stressed.
In the second trimester, your arms and legs may start to swell, and you may experience back pain due to weight gain and changing posture. Stretch marks may appear as the abdominal skin expands rapidly. Severe hormonal changes can cause intense hair and nail growth. Nails may become uneven, very hard or soft.
The last few months are very important for your baby. With each passing day, he is getting stronger and getting ready to meet the world. He is now a little person with his own facial features and character. The structures are developing in the lungs that will later allow the child to breathe freely. The bone marrow, which is the main organ of blood production, is beginning to function. Your baby can already distinguish between familiar sounds, for example, between the voices of parents and other sounds. Slow down in the last month, your midwife recommended. Do only light work, take your time, and try not to overstretch or overtired. Go to the maternity hospital at the onset of any signs of labour, such as leakage of amniotic fluid, regular labour activity, or weakening of fetal movements.
At the end of the meeting, the lecturer presented the basic tools that are recommended to take to the maternity home for the mother, the accompanying person and the baby. She advised that the necessary items needed in the maternity ward should be packed separately from the items used in the ward for convenience.
Danutė Šilkaitienė, the head of the Maternity School, saw off the expectant mothers with gifts - publications "Pregnancy Calendar", "Smooth Pregnancy", "Till I Come into the World", "Healthy Eating Tips for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women".
