Pain Under Your Ribs When Baby Moves
Some women complain of pain under their
ribs and in their lower abdomen when baby moves. This type of pain
isn’t an unusual problem, but it may cause enough discomfort to concern
you.
Baby’s movement has increased to a point
where you probably feel it every day, and movements are getting
stronger and harder. At the same time, your uterus is getting larger
and putting more pressure on all your organs. It presses on the small
bowel, bladder and rectum.
If the pressure
really is pain, don’t ignore it. You need to discuss it with your
healthcare provider. In most cases, it isn’t a serious problem.
Discovering a Breast Lump
Discovering a breast lump is
significant, during pregnancy or any other time. It’s important for you
to learn at an early age how to do a breast exam and to perform this on
a regular basis (usually after every menstrual period). Nine out of 10
breast lumps are found by women examining themselves.
Your healthcare provider will probably
perform breast exams at regular intervals, usually when you have your
annual Pap smear. If you have an exam every year and are lump-free, it
helps assure you no lumps are present before you begin pregnancy.
Finding a breast lump may be harder
during pregnancy because of changes in your breasts. It may be more
difficult to feel a lump. Growing breasts during pregnancy and nursing
tends to hide lumps or masses in the tissue of the breast.
Continue to examine your breasts during pregnancy every 4 or 5 weeks. The first day of every month is a good time to do it.
If you find a lump, you may need a
mammogram or ultrasound exam. Because a mammogram is a breast X-ray,
your pregnancy must be protected during the procedure, usually by
shielding your abdomen with a lead apron. Pregnancy has not been shown
to accelerate the course or growth of a breast lump.
Treatment during Pregnancy.
Often a breast lump can be drained or aspirated. Fluid removed from the
cyst is sent to the lab to see if it contains any abnormal cells. If a
lump or cyst can’t be drained by needle, a biopsy may be necessary. If
fluid is clear, it’s a good sign. Fluid is studied under a microscope
in the laboratory.
If examination of a lump signals breast
cancer, treatment may begin during pregnancy. Complications during
pregnancy include risks to the fetus related to chemotherapy, radiation
or medication. If a lump is cancerous, the need for radiation therapy
and chemotherapy must be considered, along with the needs of the pregnancy.
Medicine has made great strides in treating cancer in pregnant women. Today, many women are able to receive cancer treatment and to carry their baby to full term without harm to the baby. If you have questions, ask your healthcare provider.
Childbirth-Education Classes
It may be time to sign up for
childbirth-education classes. Even though it’s just the beginning of
the third trimester, it’s a good idea to sign up now so you can finish
classes before you get to the end of pregnancy. And it will give you
time to practice what you learn. You won’t be just beginning your
classes when you deliver!
Sometimes instructors in childbirth-education classes promote the belief there is an ideal
way to give birth (vaginally). This sets many women up to believe they
have failed if they end up having a Cesarean delivery. The goal in
labor and delivery is a healthy mom and a healthy baby. If various
procedures are used to deliver your baby safely—even if you didn’t
intend to employ them—rejoice that they are available to help ensure
the safe delivery of your baby. If you have concerns, talk to your
healthcare provider about them.
During pregnancy, you have probably been
learning what’s going to happen at delivery by talking with your
healthcare provider and by asking questions.
By meeting in class on a regular basis,
usually once a week for 4 to 6 weeks, you can learn about many things
that concern you and your partner. Classes often cover a wide range of subjects, including the areas that are listed below.
• What are the different childbirth methods?
• What is “natural childbirth”?
• What is a Cesarean delivery?
• What pain-relief methods are available?
• What do you need to know (and practice) for the childbirth method you choose?
• Will you need an episiotomy?
• Will you need an enema?
• When is a fetal monitor necessary?
• What’s going to happen when you reach the hospital?
• Is an epidural or some other type of anesthesia right for you?
These are important questions. Discuss
them with your healthcare provider, if you don’t get answers in your
childbirth-education classes.
Classes are usually held for small groups
of pregnant women and their partners or labor coaches. This is a great
way to learn. You can interact with other couples and ask questions.
You’ll learn other women are concerned about many of the same things
you are. It’s good to know you aren’t the only one thinking about what
lies ahead.
Prenatal classes are not only for
first-time pregnant women. If you have a new partner, if it’s been a
few years since you’ve had a baby, if you have questions or if you
would like a review of what lies ahead, a prenatal class can help you.
Childbirth classes that deal with vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC)
may also be available. Ask at the office for information about various
classes available in your area.
Classes may help reduce any worry or
address concerns you and your partner may have. And they can help you
enjoy the birth of your baby even more.
Childbirth classes are offered in various
settings. Most hospitals that deliver babies offer classes, often
taught by labor-and-delivery nurses or by a midwife. Various classes
may have different degrees of involvement. This means the time
commitment or depth of the subject covered is different for each type
of class that may be available.
Classes are meant to
inform you and your partner or labor coach about pregnancy, what
happens at the hospital and what happens during labor and delivery.
Some couples find classes are a good way to get a partner more involved
and to help make him feel more comfortable. This may give him the
opportunity to take a more active part at the time of labor and
delivery.
Tip for Week 17
Childbirth-education classes are not just for couples.
Classes may be offered for single
mothers or for pregnant women whose partners cannot come to classes.
Ask at the office about classes for you.
If you have problems getting to
a prenatal class because of cost or time or because you’re on bed rest,
it may be possible to take classes at home. Some instructors will come
to your home for private sessions. Or you might use some videos. Check
your local library or video store.
