Pregnancy is an exciting journey that brings about a lot of changes to a woman’s body. As soon as a woman suspects she may be pregnant, one of the first steps is to confirm it. While taking a home pregnancy test is the most common method, many women also consult a gynaecologist to confirm the pregnancy.

Can a Gynaecologist Determine Pregnancy?

Yes, gynaecologists are medical professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat problems related to the female reproductive system. Apart from this, they are also skilled in identifying early signs of pregnancy and can confirm whether a woman is pregnant or not.

How is Pregnancy Confirmed by a Gynaecologist?

There are several methods used by a gynaecologist to confirm pregnancy, such as:

1. Pelvic Exam – The doctor will perform a pelvic exam to check the size and shape of the uterus and confirm if it has enlarged, which is a sign of pregnancy.

2. Blood Test – A blood test is conducted to check the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone, which is produced by the placenta after fertilised eggs implant in the uterus. Increased hCG levels in the blood indicate pregnancy.

3. Urine Test – A urine test is conducted to check the levels of hCG hormone in the urine.

4. Ultrasound – An ultrasound scan may be conducted to check the presence of a foetal sac and confirm the pregnancy.

Do’s and Don’ts during Pregnancy

To have a healthy pregnancy, it is essential to follow some do’s and don’ts. Some of them are:

Do’s:

1. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats.

2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids.

3. Get regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, yoga, or light weights.

4. Take prenatal vitamins and minerals as prescribed by your gynaecologist.

5. Get enough rest and sleep.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs.

2. Minimise or eliminate caffeine intake.

3. Avoid certain foods such as raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs, unpasteurised dairy products, and deli meats.

4. Do not take over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements without consulting your gynaecologist.

Foods and Vegetables to Eat during Pregnancy

Here are some of the foods and vegetables that are beneficial during pregnancy:

1. Leafy Greens – Spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in folate, which is vital for the growth and development of the foetus.

2. Legumes – Lentils, beans, peas, and chickpeas are excellent sources of protein, fibre, iron, and folate.

3. Fruits – Fruits such as berries, oranges, bananas, and avocados are rich in vitamins, fibre, and minerals.

4. Whole Grains – Brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal are rich in fibre, which helps to reduce constipation during pregnancy.

Lifestyle and Habits for a Healthy Pregnancy

Apart from following a healthy diet, it is essential to adopt other lifestyle habits to have a healthy pregnancy:

1. Attend all prenatal appointments with your gynaecologist.

2. Stay away from secondhand smoke and environmental toxins.

3. Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or prenatal yoga.

4. Practice good hygiene to avoid infections.

Treatment for Infertility

If a couple has been trying to conceive for more than a year without success, they may have infertility problems. Here are some of the common fertility treatments:

1. In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) – The process involves fertilising the eggs with sperm outside the body and then implanting the fertilised egg in the uterus.

2. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – The process involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation to increase the chances of fertilisation.

3. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) – The process involves injecting a single sperm into an egg and then placing the fertilised egg in the uterus.

4. Surrogacy – The process involves another woman carrying the foetus and giving birth to a child for the couple.

Wrap Up

Consulting a gynaecologist is essential to confirm pregnancy and ensure a healthy journey. Follow the recommended do’s and don’ts, eat a balanced diet, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits for a successful pregnancy. In case of infertility problems, there are various fertility treatments available, and it is essential to consult a specialist.

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