Is it okay to do vaginal ultrasound during pregnancy?

It is inevitable to do B-ultrasound after pregnancy, but many people will hesitate between B-ultrasound or vaginal ultrasound. You don't need to hold your urine when doing vaginal ultrasound during pregnancy, but there are certain risks. B-ultrasound is particularly safe, but you need to hold your urine, and it is not as clear as vaginal ultrasound, but the basics can be checked, so which one to do depends on the specific situation.

1. Stopping of menstruation

This is the most common sign of pregnancy that most people notice. As long as a woman is of childbearing age and has normal menstruation, she may be pregnant if she has sexual intercourse for more than two weeks after the normal menstrual period. This is the earliest signal of pregnancy. The longer the delay, the greater the possibility of pregnancy. . However, women's reproductive function is very sensitive. Missing menstruation does not necessarily mean pregnancy. There are many reasons for missed menstruation, such as poor ovarian function, abnormal hormone secretion, busy work, stressful exams, etc. If you are under great mental stress or there are changes in the surrounding environment, it will cause late menstruation. Women who normally have irregular menstruation do not need to be particularly nervous if their period is late, but it is more difficult to use the presence of menstruation as a criterion for pregnancy. Therefore, it is best to get a doctor's diagnosis, which is the safest.

For women who have a normal married life, if their menstruation is late, the first thing they should consider is whether they are pregnant. However, in addition to the absence of menstruation, it is also important to observe changes in their own physiology. Especially when you are pregnant without knowing it, you may mistake bleeding for menstruation. In the early stages of pregnancy, there will be symptoms of menstrual bleeding that are similar to menstruation, but not menstrual bleeding. Some women will also experience bleeding from the lower body due to the implantation of the fertilized egg. Although menstrual bleeding is light in color and in small amounts, it can sometimes be a precursor to miscarriage, so it is best to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

2. Breast changes

Breast development, nipple enlargement, obvious veins under the skin of the breast, darkening of the nipple and areola, obvious protrusion of the nipple, small nodules around the nipple, and even tingling, swelling and itching of the breast may occur, and a small amount of milk may be squeezed out occasionally. These are all phenomena caused by pregnancy. Affected by progesterone, the breasts begin to enlarge and become more sensitive 4 to 6 weeks after pregnancy, and their total weight can increase to about 800 grams. The combined effects of increased weight and progesterone stretch the ligaments and fibrous tissue of the breasts, causing the breasts to tend to sag. Choose a special bra for protection. As the blood volume increases, some pregnant women may develop blue blood vein patterns on their breasts, which usually disappear naturally after delivery.

3. Pregnancy reaction

After menopause, pregnant women will gradually feel some abnormal phenomena. This is because the vomiting center is temporarily unable to adapt to the increased estrogen, or it may be related to mental factors, resulting in early pregnancy reactions. The earliest reaction is fear of cold, followed by gradual fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, regurgitation, loss of appetite, picky eating, preference for sour food, fear of greasy smells, and increased saliva secretion. Waking up early may even cause vomiting, and in severe cases, there may also be symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and listlessness. The symptoms of early pregnancy vary from person to person. Almost all pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy will often feel nausea and vomiting, which can appear as early as 5 weeks of pregnancy. There are also many people who have no early pregnancy symptoms at all. For most people, it will last for 3 months, and usually after 3 months, the early pregnancy reaction will stop automatically. Unless you have severe nausea and vomiting, you don't need to see a doctor. Otherwise, these are normal phenomena in early pregnancy. Appetite and eating habits often change during early pregnancy. For example, there is a decrease in interest in cigarettes, alcohol, tea and fried foods, and a preference for salty, sour, icy foods and fruits, or even a picky eater. The reasons for the above phenomena are not clear.

4. Skin changes

Some women may experience brown pigmentation on their face and midline of the abdomen after pregnancy. They may also develop skin pigmentation or stretch marks on the abdominal wall, which are especially noticeable in the later stages of pregnancy. Some people will develop freckles or acne on their faces when they are pregnant, their skin condition will be worse than usual, and it will be difficult to put on makeup. Irregular parallel cracks 5-6cm long and about 0.5cm wide can be seen on the skin of the abdominal wall and thighs of pregnant women. These cracks are purple or light red in color, and gradually turn into silver-white after delivery and last for a long time. It is generally believed that it occurs due to the involvement of increased adrenal cortical hormones. Some women have smoother and more delicate skin after pregnancy, but 30% of pregnant women may still develop brown pregnancy spots on their faces or necks. Some pregnant women will have darker spots on their faces. Generally, the symptoms disappear on their own a few months after delivery or weaning. Eating more foods rich in vitamin A can alleviate symptoms. However, sun exposure aggravates symptoms, so pregnant women should pay special attention to sun protection. In addition, excessive stretching of the skin can easily leave stretch marks. The prevention method is to insist on using professional massage cream throughout pregnancy to increase skin elasticity. This is a change caused by hormones and is a very natural phenomenon for pregnant women. There is no need to worry too much.

5. Vaginal mucosal discoloration

In the early stages of pregnancy, the vaginal mucosa may appear darker in color due to congestion. This will be determined by your doctor.

6. Getting tired easily

It is easy to feel tired in the early stages of pregnancy. Some people feel lazy and listless all day long. They often want to sleep and seem to never get enough sleep.

7. Kidneys and urinary system

Because the bladder is compressed by the growing uterus, frequent urination often occurs. Most women experience frequent urination in the third month of pregnancy. They often feel the urge to urinate again not long after going to the toilet. Some people wonder if this is caused by cystitis. If urination is not accompanied by pain or a feeling of residual urine, it is not cystitis, but simply because the uterus gradually enlarges after pregnancy, compressing the bladder, causing the bladder capacity to decrease, leading to frequent urination.

Due to physiological changes during pregnancy, renal blood flow increases in pregnant women. In the early stages, the enlarged uterus squeezes the bladder and causes more frequent miscarriages. In late pregnancy, as the fetal head descends into the pelvis, it will squeeze the bladder, causing the same result. Due to the increase in renal blood flow and renal filtration rate, glucose filtration increases. When the renal tubular reabsorption of glucose cannot increase accordingly, diabetes mellitus may occur. About 15% of pregnant women have diabetes mellitus and increased amino acid filtration, but no proteinuria. Due to the increase in the above excretions, material conditions are provided for bacterial growth, so pregnant women are prone to urinary tract infections.

8. Changes in basal body temperature

When some of the above symptoms occur, you can measure your basal body temperature every day. The basal body temperature is the high and low temperature changes caused by the secretion of progesterone in the body. By measuring the basal body temperature, you can know whether you are pregnant. The basal body temperature of pregnant women is often higher.

Some of the symptoms listed above are just some symptoms that occur in early pregnancy. If you suspect you may be pregnant, you should go to the obstetrics and gynecology department of the hospital for further examination.

9. Hair

After pregnancy, the secretion of estrogen increases, and the production of testosterone and adrenal cortex hormone increases during pregnancy, which can cause the hair, mainly pubic hair and axillary hair, to increase in number and become thicker, with less curl, and occasionally less hair on the front of the head. The hair growth rate increases by 20%, and the hair becomes thicker. At the same time, the secretion of estrogen stimulates the secretion of androgen, promoting the growth of body hair. Don't worry, the excess hair will fall off on its own within 6 months after delivery.

10. Eyes

As the body's circulation slows down after pregnancy, expectant mothers' eyes are prone to edema and congestion. Pregnant women must ensure adequate sleep and not drink too much water before going to bed. This symptom will naturally disappear after delivery. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can cause the retina to thicken, which can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. It usually takes 6 months after delivery to return to normal. It is recommended to use frame glasses during this period, or consult a doctor to choose appropriate eye drops to increase lubrication.

11. Spine

After pregnancy, the over-stretched abdominal muscles lose their supporting function for the lumbar spine, and the increased weight of the uterus also puts more pressure on the lumbar spine. In addition, the ligaments between the vertebrae become loose under the action of progesterone and the stability of the spine deteriorates. Therefore, the curvature of the lumbar spine becomes larger, and pregnant women often feel back pain. By the same token, the increased weight of the breasts puts more pressure on the cervical spine, increasing the curvature of the cervical spine. Pregnant women also often experience neck pain. Discomfort symptoms usually disappear within 2 weeks after delivery, and appropriate exercise can help the spine restore its normal physiological curvature.

12. Abdomen

After pregnancy, the two bundles of rectus abdominis muscles that were originally connected in parallel in the abdomen gradually separate and stretch to both sides of the body to accommodate the growing uterus. At 3 months of pregnancy, 66% of pregnant women experience this rectus abdominis separation. This separation will not cause pain, but in some women the subabdominal tissue may push outward from the belly button. After delivery, it takes 6 weeks for the rectus abdominis muscle to regain its elasticity and slowly shrink. Appropriate exercise can help it shrink.

13. Hips

The hips of expectant mothers become wider and thicker, mainly due to the influence of progesterone. On the one hand, fat is easily accumulated, and on the other hand, the stability of the sacroiliac joint and pubic symphysis on the pelvis becomes worse. Coupled with the pressure of the fetus, the gap of the pubic symphysis becomes wider. In addition to affecting the appearance, the above changes can also easily cause expectant mothers to feel pain near the groin or pelvic pain when doing twisting exercises such as turning, or going upstairs, getting into bed, getting out of a car, or even walking.

14. Hands

Under the influence of progesterone, water accumulation between cells increases, which can easily lead to edema of the upper limbs, especially the hands; the uterus compresses the main veins, the discharge of excess fluid is blocked, and it also leads to edema throughout the body. Edema is most obvious in the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. Frequent hand massage can help reduce swelling. The swelling usually subsides within 5 days after delivery. If the swelling is severe, it is best to consult a doctor.

15. Legs

The relaxing effect of progesterone on the blood vessel walls causes the venous valves to close insufficiently, affecting the return of blood to the heart, and is most likely to form unsightly varicose veins in the legs. In addition, varicose veins may occur in the head and cause headaches, and in the rectum and cause hemorrhoids. The way to prevent it is to drink plenty of water, and especially avoid maintaining the same posture for a long time. For example, do not sleep on your back, do not cross your legs when sitting, do not spend too much time in the toilet, etc. In addition, it is best to elevate your calves when sitting down.

16. Oral cavity

The gums are congested, edematous and proliferate, and the gums are prone to bleeding when brushing teeth in the morning. In the past, it was believed that loose teeth were caused by calcium deficiency. Now it is known that the calcium in teeth is static and is not affected by fluctuations in blood calcium. Pregnant women often have increased saliva, which changes the pH value of saliva, and pantothenic acid can easily cause tooth decay during pregnancy.

17. Gastrointestinal

During pregnancy, as the uterus enlarges, the stomach is lifted up, the intestines are pushed upward or to the sides of the abdominal cavity, and the cecum and appendix shift outward and upward, up to the level of the iliac crest. Once intestinal and appendicitis occur, abdominal pain is difficult to distinguish from uterine contractions, which can easily delay diagnosis. Due to the influence of a large amount of hormones, the tension of gastrointestinal smooth muscles decreases, peristalsis decreases and weakens, gastric emptying time is prolonged, and the upper abdominal bloating is easy to feel, so pregnant women should avoid eating too much.

Pregnant women have reduced intestinal motility, but the absorption function of the small intestine does not change. As the body's demand for iron and calcium increases, absorption actually increases. When feces stays in the large intestine for a long time, the water is gradually absorbed, making the feces dry and causing constipation. Constipation, combined with the compression of the enlarged uterus on the rectum and the dilating effect of sex hormones on the smooth muscles of the blood vessel walls, can often cause hemorrhoids or aggravate existing hemorrhoids.

18. Weight Gain

The mother's weight gain during pregnancy can reach about 12 kg. Generally, there is no obvious weight gain before the 13th week of pregnancy. After the 13th week of pregnancy, the average weight gain is 350g per week until full term. However, the weekly weight gain is within 500g. If it is excessive, pay attention to whether there is hidden edema.