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This hormone is produced during pregnancy only in event of a pregnancy.HCG prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries and stimulates the production of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.            The HCG level in your plasma and urine in also increase dramatically during the first trimester, but production diminishes once the placenta is mature enough. Unfortunately, HCG contributes to the nausea and vomiting that you often experience during pregnancy. 

HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN (HPL) 

This hormone is produced by the placenta and ensures proper foetal development. HPL also stimulates the milk glands in the breasts in anticipation of breastfeeding. 

ESTROGEN 

This hormone causes the tenderness and enlarged feeling you experience in your breasts during the early part of pregnancy. Estrogen also prepares the uterus and breasts.You might heard of this hormone before. 

OXYTOCIN

Oxytocin is responsible for the reproductive behaviour in both men and women, and apparently triggers ’caring’ behaviour. It is also the hormone that allows contractions of the womb during pregnancy and labour.

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The rate of miscarrying during pregnancy is significantly greater for older women than younger ones. Studies show an estimated risk of miscarriage at 12 to 15 percent for women in their 20s and this increases to about 25 percent by the time the woman is 40.

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WHILE UNCOMPLICATED pregnancies and healthy bouncy babies are still possible for those women who conceive much later in life, there is certainly a higher risk of complications for this group of women as compared to their younger counterparts.

CAESAREAN

The risk of a first-time mother over 40 needing a Caesarean can be as high as 47 percent, as compared to a 14 percent possibility for a first-time mum in her 20s.

CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES

One of the greatest risks of being an older mum is that of chromosome abnormalities, such as Down’s Syndrome. The risk of the baby being born with this abnormality increases with the age of the mother.

Down’s Syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality that can cause mental retardation and heart defects.

In Singapore, it has been estimated hat 66 percent of Down’s Syndrome cases occurred in babies of women who were 35 years and older, 43 percent of the cases happened to babies of the oldest 6.5 percent of mothers (i.e. those aged 38 and above).

DIABETES AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Both the above conditions are more common in women in their 40s than in younger women. Both the conditions can complicate a pregnancy and increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, pre-term delivery, placental problems, stillbirth, or birth defects in the child.

Even if you don’t have any of the two pre-existing conditions, being older and pregnant does make you more likely to develop gestational diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

DIFFICULT LABOUR

First-time mothers over 35 years are more likely than women in their 20s to have difficulties in labour.

LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

Some studies suggest that women who delay childbearing until 35 years or older are at an increased risk of delivering a baby with low birth weight (less than 2.5kg) or premature born at less than 37 full weeks

of pregnancy). These risks rise modestly but progressively with a woman’s age, even if she doesn’t have any age-related chronic health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Next post: The benefits of late pregnancy and how to help yourself.

What’s it good for?

Helps in the breakdown and use of protein.

Sources: eggs, meat, nuts, bananas and avocados.

VITAMIN B9 (FOLIC ACID)

What’s it good for?

1. Aids in development of baby’s major organs tissues and the central nervous system. Taking sufficient amounts of folic acid can halve the risk of spina bifida, anencephaly and related birth defects.
2. Prevents a premature birth, low birth weight and miscarriage.

Sources: multivitamin supplements, fortified bread and grain products (like cereal), chicken liver, legumes, spinach, fruits and fruit juices. Take at least 600 micrograms daily Supplements are more easily absorbed than that found in foods.

Works best when combined with Vitamins C and B12.

VITAMIN B2 (Riboflavin)

What’s it good for?

1. Releases energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates.
2. A deficiency can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia.
3. Required for utilisation of folic acid.
4. Helps the immune system.
5. Necessary for the maintenance of good vision, skin, hair and nails.

Sources: liver, milk, egg whites, almonds whole grains, wild rice, mushrooms, soybeans, milk and spinach.

CALCIUM

What’s it good for?

1. Vital for heart, muscle, nerve function, blood clotting and enzyme activity.
2. Prevents lead from being released from the bones.
3. For baby’s bone and teeth development.

Sources: milk, cheese, dark green leafy vegetables, dried peas, beans, sardines. Take about 1000 to 1200mg daily. Without Vitamin D, the body absorbs less than 10 percent of calcium. Salt, caffeine and liquor are linked to calcium depletion and poor calcium absorption.

ZINC

What’s it good for?

1. Prevents premature delivery.
2. Helps muscles contract, a deficiency can prolong labour.
3. Prevents miscarriages and growth retardation in the baby

Sources: meat, seafood, whole grains, dried beans and peas. Take about 15mg daily

CARBOHYDRATES

What’s it good for?

1. Provides energy.
2. Starch can ease morning sickness.

Sources: bread, sugar, cereals, pasta, rice, potatoes.

IF YOU ARE SHORT and of small build, then the weight increase should be less than your bigger peers. On the other hand, taller and larger women can afford to put on 18 kg or slightly more. Women who gain more than what is required tend to have larger than normal babies and this increases their risk of Caesarean delivery. Other concerns include diffculty in losing the extra pounds post-pregnancy, diabetes and high blood pressure.

WHEN SHOULD MOST OF THE WEIGHT GAIN OCCUR?

Mainly in the second and third trimesters. In the first trimester, you will only need an extra 100 calories a day.

QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY

More important then the quantity of food you consume during pregnancy is the quality of it.

IRON

What’s it good for?

1. To produce haemoglobin in borh mother’s and baby’s red blood cells, which makes oxygen being carried in the blood causes tiredness.
2. Prevents anaemis.
3. Helps baby gain sufficient weight and prevents premature delivery.

Sources: lean red meat, fich, dried beans and peas, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. Supplements may be required for anaimic women.

VITAMIN C

What’s it good for”

1. Helps improve iron absoption.
2. Increases folic acid absorption.
3. Reduces pre-eclampsia risk.
4. maintains a good healthy immune system.

Sources: Oranges, lemons, limes, broccoli, capsicums, tomatoes, spinach and other dark leafy greens. Vitamins C is easily destroyed so cook such foods lightly.

PROTEINS

What’s it good for?

Essential for the development of the baby.

Sources: Fish, lean meat, peas, nuts, milk, yoghurt, cheese, eggs and beans. Proteins are made up of amino acids; animal proteins contain all the essential amino acids. Works together with Vitamin B6.

Contrary to movies, not all expectant women suffer from “moming sickness” and the nausea can strike anytime during the day, especially if you’re tired and hungry. There’s good news - moming sickness usually ceases by the third month and you can ease it by eating several small meals during the day, avoiding oily and fatty foods and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration - especially if you’re vomiting frequently If you can’t keep any food or drink down for more than 24 hours, consult your gynaecologist.

OEDEMA

This form of swelling, is normal during pregnancy and is due to fluid accumulation. Most women notice the swelling especially in the legs and ankles; to ease the problems:

• Elevate your legs
• Avoid standing for long periods
• Wear comfortable, roomy shoes
• Remember to rotate your ankles regularly
• Avoid wearing rings if you fingers are swollen

Watch out for signs of pre-eclampsia, like sudden swelling in your face or hands, a weight gain of more than 2kg a week, dizziness, persistent heartburn, visual problems or continuous headaches.

VAGINAL DISCHARGE

This slight increase is normal and is usually dear and whitish. You may notice a slightly thicker discharge or a more watery one closer to the delivery. It’s time to start making appointments with your doctor if you notice vaginal itching, burning, odour, an unusual discharge, pain, exposure to a sexually-tranmitted disease, or have recently been keated with antibiotics.

VARICOSE VEINS

The bane of most expectant women, these swollen veins appear most often in the legs but can also appear near the vulva and vagina. Just like leg cramps, they’re caused by the pressure from the uterus on your veins and often develop if you stand or sit for long periods of time. Use the same methods for easing eg cramps if you suffer from varicose veins.

OTHER DISCOMFORTS DUE TO THE UTERUS

There are other problem that are enlarging uterus can cause:

• More frequent urination: the uterus presses on your bladder.
• Indigestion or heartburn or constipation: your stomach is squashed
• Shooting pains in the legs because the uterus pressess on nerves in the lower back.
• Additional strain on the back and spineBreathlessness: the uterus presses upwards on the diaphragm

Try eating more fibre. The bulk helps keep the food flowing and improves digestion; you could also drink more water to ease the constipation. When your back and legs ache and you get more breathless, the easy solutions is to simply slow down.

BREAST CHANGES

Breast changes usually the most common physical changes to happen during your pregnancy. And it causes discomfort. It doesn’t sound pretty, but some women start leaking milk as early as week 12 to 14. Get breast pads for nursing mums to avoid embarrassing spots on your clothes and you may want to buy a larger size bra for slight enlargements.

DIZZINESS

This can be a result of changes in your circulation or conditions like hypertension, diabetes and thyroid disorders during your pregnancy process. Put your feet up and drink lots of fluids. In fact, your enlarged uterus may also be pressing onmajor blood vessels, so refrain from lying on your back but sit up slightly. Watch out for any other symptoms, like blurred vision, fainting, severe headaches or a sudden weight gain of more than 2kg a week.

EYESIGHT

Water retention may cause the cornea to thicken, affecting your vision or the comfort of your contact lenses. Try lubricating drops or if it the problem gets too severe, contact lens may want to consider switching to glasses.

HEADACHES

This problem is common in early pregnancy and in fact, may be related to changes in circulation and hormone level. Easier said than done, drinking plenty of fluids and relaxing may just be the key to minimise headaches. However, if your headaches persist and you also suffer nausea,

fever, visual change, or you have a history of high blood pressure, migraine, sinus infection, or a chronic disease, do consult your doctor.

LEG CRAMPS

These are usually related to circulatory changes, pressure on the nerves in your legs due to the pelvis pressing on your lower back and even a low calcium level. Most mums-to-be complain about cramps in their second or third trimesters. These suggestions may help:

• Walk around
• Raise your legs on a pillow or the arm of your sofa
• Avoid high-heeled shoes and tootight clothes
• Increase your calcium intake

Resist the urge to massage your legs if there are red or painful spots. Consult your doctor if there is discoloration, swelling or an increase in pain.

Now, hopefully you have understand some of major pregnancy discomfort and this will help you get through with them. Remember, you are not alone.