Pregnancy is a time of happiness and anticipation. It is also a time when you need to take utmost care of yourself to ensure right development of the fetus and good health to you.

For most women, being pregnant or not has a feeling of dubiousness. Seeing your caregiver and getting some diagnostic tests is the only way to verify pregnancy. However, you can look for some signs and symptoms. These include-

• Missed period/period with less bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting - "morning sickness"
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Backaches
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Darkening of nipple and tender breasts

Most of these symptoms can be discomforting. A few common solutions to most include taking short but frequent meals, eating a fiber rich diet, sleeping for 9-10 hours daily and drinking plenty of water.

Confirmation of pregnancy should lead you to certain tests to ensure your baby’s development is appropriate. These include-

• Pap smear for cervical cancer or infections
• Rh incompatibility test
• Blood tests to detect infections like rubella, hepatitis B and HIV
• Urine tests for diabetes
• Genetic screening test if you are over age 35

Right diet during pregnancy is crucial. Remember, food you eat also feeds your baby and is vital for her appropriate development. Your daily diet should include Grain products (6–11 servings), Protein foods (3-4 servings), Milk and milk products (3-4 servings). In addition, take pregnancy supplements including folic acid, iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin D. Avoid alcohol and caffeine and quit smoking.

Apart from right diet, exercising during pregnancy has various advantages. Exercise for at least 15-20 min, 2-3 times a week. You may walk, swim, jog or do stretches.

Sometimes potential complications may arise during pregnancy and be a matter of concern. See your doctor in case of-

• Bleeding or unusual discharge from your vaginal
• Reduction or total loss of baby’s movements
• Sharp pain in the pelvis
• If you accidentally hit your abdomen or fall
• Premature contractions