The period from the 5th to the 8th month of pregnancy, that is, from the first palpable movements of the baby until about 12 weeks after, is the time of greatest well-being of a pregnant woman. The body has overcome the changes that occasionally cause disturbances during the first months of pregnancy, and the constriction of the abdominal viscera during these months is not so great as to cause the woman to suffer significantly.
Complications during pregnancy
The period from the 5th to the 8th month of pregnancy, i.e. from the first palpable movements of the baby to about 12 weeks after, is the time of greatest well-being of a pregnant woman. With a healthy lifestyle with sufficient hours of rest, especially enough sleep, she feels fresh and capable, and she can enjoy the joy of the coming child unclouded. With the onset of the last third of pregnancy, however, the woman requires special medical supervision, since during these last weeks disorders of the vital organ systems may occur due to great stresses on the maternal organism. With timely examination, which takes place free of charge in the pregnancy consultation at the gynecologist, and then initiated medical treatment, all more serious consequences, which can lead up to poisoning symptoms (toxicoses), can be avoided. The most frequent pregnancy poisonings occur in case of disturbances of kidney function and thus of water balance. The water taken in with food is no longer sufficiently processed by the kidneys and eventually accumulates in the body tissues. Initially, these water accumulations can be seen on the swollen legs, later also on the hands and face, and finally on the entire body surface, which appears glassy. But of course, a responsible mother does not let it get that far, but asks the doctor for advice at the first signs. At the latest in the second half of pregnancy, if it has not happened earlier despite all urgent advice, the expectant mother must visit the pregnancy consultation center at the gynecologist and have herself examined. If any of the described disorders are present, the doctor will initiate appropriate treatment.
Diet and relaxation during pregnancy
Physical rest and diet are important in this regard. Low-protein diet, low-salt, in some cases saltless food to reduce thirst and water retention in the body and to protect the kidney activity are important measures in this regard. Not infrequently, hospital treatment is required in such cases. During the whole period of pregnancy the young mother should already limit the cooking salt a little bit in order to have it easier in the last period. Highly flatulent foods, such as cabbage and legumes, also take up unnecessary space in the increasingly narrow abdominal cavity and lead to feelings of oppression due to the pressure on the diaphragm. The doctor often finds no sympathy from women when he advises against the use of an abdominal bandage during pregnancy. A strong intact abdominal musculature will recover much faster and more sustainably with some gymnastic exercises in the postpartum period if no pregnancy belt was worn. At the same time, fit-for-purpose pregnancy gymnastics combats the tendency to unconsciousness, varicose veins, calf cramps and back pain, and is the most important measure for maintaining a good figure.
Sex and sexual intercourse at the end of pregnancy
Is sexual intercourse allowed into the last period of pregnancy? The doctor often has to give an answer to this question. In most cases, the coming baby is expected by parents with joyful impatience. All plans, dreams and hopes of both partners have the same content, the same direction. Certainly, one wishes to find the most viable traits of the other in the dispositions of his child. With such manifold close commonality of thought, the need also for outward loving union is understandably especially strong. And yet the physician must demand that because of the danger of infection with all kinds of pathogens in the woman’s birth canals and because of possible harm to the child in the case of strong physical sexual intercourse, the sexual act should be refrained from 6 to 8 weeks before the calculated date of birth, in the case of complaints, of course, sooner.
Diabetes and heart defects during pregnancy
So what about the exacerbation of existing conditions by pregnancy, such as diabetes? In most cases, the conditions are known before pregnancy or have been identified in the consultation center for pregnant women at an early visit, and the patients remain under constant surveillance. If there are any changes in the findings, they are then immediately referred for specialist treatment. We know that in the case of heart defects, especially in the second half of pregnancy, dangerous disorders can occur, so that hospitalization or bed rest may be necessary. Pregnant women with heart disease absolutely need specialized medical care even in the first months. With careful care, even a woman with heart disease can become a mother today. Pregnant women with metabolic diseases such as diabetes may find admissions in special clinics specially equipped for this purpose, where appropriate treatment can be given.
