Blood is fascinating. I want to make this post about something important in society. Like I said, blood is fascinating!
1. WHAT IS PERIOD?
A woman’s period, also known as menstruation, is a natural biological process that occurs as part of the menstrual cycle. A period is the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) that happens roughly every 28 days (though the cycle can range from 21 to 35 days for many women). It is part of the reproductive system's preparation for a potential pregnancy.
Key Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
Menstrual Phase (Day 1–5):
This is when bleeding occurs. The body expels the thickened uterine lining and unfertilized egg through the vagina. Blood flow can vary in volume and last between 2 to 7 days.
Follicular Phase (Day 1–13):
Overlaps with the menstrual phase initially.
The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), encouraging the growth of follicles in the ovaries. One follicle becomes dominant, and its egg matures. The uterine lining begins to thicken in preparation for a fertilized egg.
Ovulation Phase (Day 14):
Triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH). The mature egg is released from the ovary and travels into the fallopian tube. This is the most fertile period.
Luteal Phase (Day 15–28):
After ovulation, the empty follicle turns into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum disintegrates, progesterone levels drop, and the cycle restarts with menstruation.
Hormones Involved
~ Estrogen: Helps thicken the uterine lining.
~ Progesterone: Maintains the uterine lining during the luteal phase.
~ FSH and LH: Regulate the maturation and release of the egg.
Common Symptoms During a Period
~ Physical: Cramping (caused by uterine contractions), bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and headaches.
~ Emotional: Mood swings, irritability, or feelings of sadness, often linked to hormonal changes.
Why Does It Happen?
If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the body sheds the uterine lining to reset for the next cycle.
When to See a Doctor?
~ Periods are extremely painful or irregular.
~ Heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour.
~ Periods stop unexpectedly or don’t start by age 16.
~ Other concerns like unusual discharge, extreme mood changes, or signs of a hormonal imbalance.
2. WHAT IS PREGNANCY?
Pregnancy is the process during which a fertilized egg develops into a baby inside a woman's uterus. It typically lasts about 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period and is divided into three trimesters.
How Pregnancy Happens:
1. Ovulation: An egg is released from an ovary and travels down the fallopian tube.
2. Fertilization: If sperm meets and fertilizes the egg, it forms a zygote.
3. Implantation: The fertilized egg travels to the uterus and implants into the uterine lining, marking the beginning of pregnancy.
Early Signs of Pregnancy:
~ Missed period
~ Nausea or morning sickness
~ Fatigue
~ Tender, swollen breasts
~ Increased urination
~ Mood swings or heightened emotions
Stages of Pregnancy
1st Trimester (Weeks 1–12):
~ Development: The fertilized egg becomes an embryo. Major organs, the heart, brain, and spinal cord start forming.
~ Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea (morning sickness), breast tenderness, mood changes, and food cravings or aversions.
~ Key Tests: Blood and urine tests to confirm pregnancy; an early ultrasound to check development and estimate the due date.
2nd Trimester (Weeks 13–26):
~ Development: The embryo becomes a fetus. Organs mature, the heartbeat becomes detectable, and the fetus starts moving.
~ Symptoms: Increased energy, reduced nausea, visible baby bump, and fetal movements.
~ Key Tests: Anatomy ultrasound (to check the baby’s growth and organs) and possible screening for genetic conditions.
3rd Trimester (Weeks 27–40):
~ Development: Rapid growth; the fetus develops lungs, brain connections, and gains weight.
~ Symptoms: Back pain, swelling in feet and ankles, Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor), and frequent urination.
~ Preparation: The baby “drops” lower in the abdomen in preparation for birth.
How Does Birth Happen?
Birth occurs in three stages:
1. Labor: The cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Contractions intensify and become regular.
2. Delivery of the Baby: The baby is pushed out through the vagina. In some cases, a cesarean delivery (C-section) is performed.
3. Delivery of the Placenta: The placenta, which nourished the baby during pregnancy, is expelled.
Key Considerations During Pregnancy
1. Prenatal Care:
~ Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor the baby’s growth and the mother’s health.
~ Prenatal vitamins (especially folic acid) are crucial to prevent birth defects.
Healthy Lifestyle:
~ Balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains.
~ Staying hydrated and engaging in moderate exercise (with a doctor’s approval).
Avoid Harmful Substances:
~ No smoking, alcohol, or drugs.
~ Minimize caffeine and avoid certain foods like raw fish or unpasteurized dairy.
Mental Health:
Hormonal changes can impact mood, so emotional well-being is essential. Seek support if needed.
When to See a Doctor?
~ Vaginal bleeding or severe cramps
~ High fever
~ Sudden swelling or blurred vision
~ Decreased fetal movement after 28 weeks
~ Severe nausea and vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum)
3. WHAT IS LOCHIA?
The bleeding that occurs after pregnancy is known as lochia, a normal part of postpartum recovery. It is the body’s way of expelling blood, tissue, and other materials from the uterus as it heals and returns to its pre-pregnancy stat. In my faith (Islam), we call it Nifas.
Duration: Lochia typically lasts for about 4 to 6 weeks after delivery, though it can vary. The 40-day timeline aligns with traditional postpartum care in some cultures.
Cause: During pregnancy, the uterus thickens to support the growing baby. After birth, the uterus sheds its lining and heals the area where the placenta was attached.
Stages of Lochia
Lochia occurs in three distinct stages, which are characterized by changes in color and flow:
Lochia Rubra (Days 1–4):
~ Bright red bleeding with small clots.
~ Contains blood, tissue, and mucus.
~ Heaviest during this time, similar to a heavy period.
Lochia Serosa (Days 5–10):
~ Light pink or brownish discharge.
~ Flow becomes lighter as bleeding decreases.
~ Contains more mucus and white blood cells.