Eve Anderson https://www.everydayhealth.com 3m 794
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
Some pregnant women worry about the potential for health issues during pregnancy, but it’s an unfounded fear. Nevertheless, there are tests that every pregnant woman should take to make sure they’re healthy. Therefore, this article will discuss five self-exams every recently pregnant mother needs to know.
1. Breast Self-Exam
The first thing you should do is to check your breasts. You’ll need to look for any lumps that have appeared and feel for anything that seems uneven. Changes in your nipple, such as redness or flaking, are cause for concern. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to visit your doctor immediately.
Generally, you’ll want to perform a breast self-exam at least monthly. However, if you notice any of the changes mentioned above, have it checked out by your doctor today. When you’re pregnant, your breasts are susceptible. As a result, it makes it easier to find anything abnormal.
2. Cervical Self-Exam
After your body returns to its normal state, you can begin doing a cervical self-exam. To check if anything has changed, you must first feel the outside of your vagina and examine the area’s hygiene between the legs. Afterward, insert two fingers into your vagina and press forward until you feel something hard. If you don’t feel anything, feel around one centimeter in from the pudendal and pubic bone, and check for any changes.
If you notice any of these changes, it’s best to visit your doctor before your next monthly self-exam. The cervix is one of the most sensitive areas of a woman’s body. If something feels out of place or different, it may be a symptom of cancer.
3. Diastasis Recti Test
The rectus abdominis is a muscle found in the abdomen. It’s one of four muscles that the body can use to push or pull up against something. In addition, it supports the ribs and waist. The diastasis recti is one of the most common reasons for women needing to see their doctor.
Cancerous tumors can be passed from one breast to another by way of this muscle, which will lead to a noticeable gap between your two sides. It’s important to perform a self-exam periodically and understand how to check for diastasis recti.
4. Check Your Urine and Umbilical Cord
The next thing you should do is check your urine throughout the day. This is the best way to see how many white blood cells are in your urine if you have any infections. If you do, you’ll need to get treatment. However, there is no reason to worry if it only rises and falls without any other changes. Even though this is hardly a self-exam, it’s important to your health.
As a result, it’s best to check your urine every day during your pregnancy. It may be best to take extra care in examining any discharge on your clothing if you notice an odor or a change in color or smell. Make sure to examine the color and consistency of your urine when going to the bathroom.
You should also watch your belly button as this is where the umbilical cord is located. It should not be red or purple. The color should be consistent with the rest of your skin. If it’s red, your baby may be getting too much blood. If it’s purple, they’re not getting enough. If either of these symptoms occur, you’ll need to go see your doctor.
5. Vaginal Discharge and Itchiness
Vaginal discharge is a natural substance that your body produces. However, it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t cause any discomfort or change in color or odor. If it does so, you’ll need to visit your doctor for treatment. Your discharge may also change due to pregnancy. However, the changes will only be temporary.
Itchiness is also common. You’ll commonly see it on your underarms or groin. This is caused by extra blood flow during pregnancy; therefore, it’ll only change temporarily. However, if you notice any redness or bumps anywhere else on your body, this may be a sign of infection. If you do, have it checked out immediately. These bumps may be the result of a fungal infection or scabies, so you’ll want to be sure it doesn’t spread.
As a pregnant mother, it’s in your best interest to check your body for any changes regularly. You’ll be sure that everything is in order and there isn’t a cause for concern if you do. Some changes are normal; however, if you notice something different, have it checked out by your doctor immediately.
About the Author
Eve Anderson is a quirky, sharp, and meticulous copywriter with a bachelor’s in communications from Washington State University. She loves exploring antique stores, roaming redwood forests, and critiquing the absurdities of modern civilization.
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