Normal Pregnancy and Normal Pregnancy Criteria

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a continuous chain process consisting of ovulation, migration of spermatozoa and ovum, conception and growth of the zygote, nidation (implantation) in the uterus, formation of the placenta and growth and development of the conception results until term. A normal pregnancy is certainly desired by every pregnant woman, the duration of a normal pregnancy is 280 days (40 weeks / 9 months 7 days) calculated from the first trimester, the first trimester starts from conception until the age of 3 months of pregnancy, the second trimester from the 4th month to the age of 6 months of pregnancy, the third trimester from the 7th month to the 9th month.

Normal Pregnancy Criteria

The following are some of the criteria for normal pregnancy that commonly occur and are often felt by pregnant women:

1. Experiencing morning sickness
   Morning sickness or nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is a normal sign of pregnancy experienced by many pregnant women. This condition is often accompanied by complaints of frequent spitting. This normal sign of pregnancy often appears in the first trimester of pregnancy, but not infrequently pregnant women still experience morning sickness until the end of the second trimester. To overcome this, pregnant women can consume warm ginger drinks, consume pregnancy vitamins containing vitamin B6, and eat small portions of food but often.
   Morning sickness is included in the normal signs of pregnancy if it is not too severe and does not make the pregnant woman weak due to lack of food and drink. However, pregnant women need to see a doctor immediately if the nausea and vomiting experienced are quite severe or last all day until the pregnant woman is weak due to dehydration. This condition could indicate hyperemesis gravidarum which must be treated immediately by a doctor so as not to interfere with the health of the pregnant woman and fetus.
2. There is light bleeding through the vagina
   Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is not always identical to miscarriage, light bleeding that pregnant women experience can be normal and a sign of a normal pregnancy. Blood spots that come out of the vagina in early pregnancy indicate that the fetus or embryo has attached to the uterine wall and is ready to grow. These blood spots are called implantation bleeding and are usually accompanied by light cramps that resemble menstrual symptoms. In addition to implantation bleeding, light bleeding from the vagina during pregnancy can also be caused by sexual intercourse during pregnancy or a transvaginal ultrasound examination.
   Normal light vaginal bleeding usually lasts for 1–2 days or just a few hours. However, pregnant women need to be alert and should immediately see a doctor if the vaginal bleeding does not stop within a few days, the blood that comes out is very heavy, or is accompanied by severe pain and fever. This type of bleeding is considered abnormal and could be a sign of a serious condition, such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or abnormalities in the placenta, such as placental abruption and placenta previa.
3. Breast changes
   One of the normal signs of pregnancy that almost every pregnant woman feels is breasts that become firm and dense, and sometimes feel painful when touched. Breast changes during pregnancy can be caused by increased levels of pregnancy hormones and blood flow to the breast tissue during pregnancy. These changes can also occur because the breasts begin to produce breast milk.
4. Normal and gradual weight gain
   Another important sign of normal pregnancy that occurs in pregnant women is gradual weight gain. Normal weight gain for pregnant women is 1–2 kg in the first trimester and continues to increase by around 0.5–1 kg in each subsequent week. During pregnancy, normal weight gain for pregnant women can reach 12–15 kg, while the recommended weight gain for pregnant women with twins ranges from 15–20 kg.
5. Fetal movement in the womb
   When the condition of the pregnant mother’s pregnancy is normal and healthy, usually the pregnant mother will start to feel fetal movement when the pregnancy enters the second trimester or precisely at 16-25 weeks of pregnancy. A fetus that moves periodically is a sign that the fetus is in good health.
   Pregnant women are advised to monitor fetal movements every day. If pregnant women feel that the fetus is not as active as usual, there are some tips and tricks that pregnant women can do to encourage the fetus to move again:

1. 1. Try making sounds.
      Pregnant women can talk to their baby or play music to see if there is a movement response from them.
   2. Rest.
   3. Touch or stroke the belly.
   4. Lie on your left side.
      This position can improve circulation and can trigger the fetus to be more active.
   5. Drink cold water or eat sweet foods.

If the fetus is less active and occurs repeatedly, or if the fetus has not moved for a very long time, consult a doctor immediately. This could possibly indicate that the fetus is experiencing stillbirth.

In addition to the signs and symptoms above, pregnant women may also experience other normal pregnancy signs, such as:

1. 1. Vaginal discharge.
   2. Mild headache.
   3. Mild cramps and swelling in the legs.
   4. Pregnancy glow.
   5. Frequent urination.
   6. Back pain.
   7. Fatigue.
   8. Breathing becomes heavier.

As long as these symptoms are mild and do not occur continuously or do not interfere with activities, pregnant women do not need to worry excessively because these could be signs and symptoms of a normal pregnancy.