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Pregnancy

"I-sarang"" will help create a society where children bring happiness

First Trimester of Pregnancy(Weeks 3~13)

X-rays during pregnancy

Exposure to radiation during pregnancy is known to increase the greatest risk to the fetus during the 8th and 15th weeks of pregnancy, as well as the frequency of mental retardation at the 16th to 25th weeks of pregnancy. However, these effects are closely related to the dose of radiation. Exposure to a radiation dose of less than 5 rad does not appear to increase fetal malformations. The typical radiation dose from a chest X-ray is around 0.01-0.05 mrad, which is very low. Taking one or two chest X-rays while wearing abdominal protection does not have any harmful effects on the fetus.

Effects of electromagnetic fields on pregnancy

Electromagnetic fields(EMFs) are a combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are emitted from home appliances, high-voltage lines, and daily-use magnets. There are no definitive study results yet, but there are only speculations about whether electromagnetic fields may have any effect on pregnancy.

Traveling during pregnancy

While travel during pregnancy is not restricted, it is recommended to avoid traveling long-distance, as symptoms related to miscarriage may occur and labor pains may occur at any time during late pregnancy. In addition, traveling abroad can expose you to various infectious diseases. If you experience any abnormal symptoms associated with pregnancy while abroad several issues may occur, such as difficulty in finding medical care or communication issues due to language barriers. Therefore, even pregnant women without any problems are advised to consult with their doctor in advance, especially before traveling abroad.

Traffic accidents during pregnancy

The seat belt is a life belt for the fetus as well. The seat belt is an absolute necessity and is not harmful to the fetus. If a traffic accident occurs, a strong impact to the abdomen can cause premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, and preterm placental abruption, so you should immediately visit an OBGYN to continuously check for labor pains and fetal heart sounds. In addition, your health is just as important, so it is recommended that you visit a hospital and undergo the necessary examinations related to traffic accidents.

Managing stress is crucial.

Emotional management during pregnancy is essential. Miscarriages are common in early pregnancy, and sometimes extreme stress can cause miscarriage or preterm birth. Therefore, managing your stress is of utmost importance. During this period, you may have severe stress due to morning sickness. Changing your attitude or surroundings can help. Instead of staying at home, it's better to switching up your environment, such as going to the movies, looking at art, or going for a light walk, to help lighten your mood. As morning sickness is affected by psychological factors, it may be helpful to find hobbies that stimulate the five senses.

Adequate rest and daily life

Rest is essential during early pregnancy, as that is when you can easily get tired and feel weak. Rather than lying down all day, moving your body a moderate amount can lighten your mood and help improve digestion, which in turn can help reduce morning sickness. If it doesn't put a strain on your body, you can go about your daily life as usual without any problems. However, it is advisable to avoid carrying heavy loads, such as food, up and down the stairs, walking for long periods of time, or riding a bicycle or bus that makes your body shake. You should also avoid direct smoking, as well as second-hand smoke.

The miscarriage rate is high during this time.

Approximately 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriages, of which 70% occur within the first 11 weeks of pregnancy. The most common cause of miscarriage is unavoidable circumstances, such as a fetal chromosomal abnormality or malformation, which prevents further growth and results in miscarriage. Your daily activities do not increase the risk of miscarriage. Even if there is a risk of miscarriage, absolute bed rest is generally not recommended.

Exposure to heat during early pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage or neural tube defects.

There is no need to restrict bathing during pregnancy. However, some reports have shown that exposure to hot baths(over 38∘C) during the first trimester of pregnancy increase the risk of miscarriage or neural tube defects. Caution is required, as falling or slipping may occur frequently due to loss of balance in late pregnancy.

Additional References