In general, it is usually safe for pregnant women to briefly and moderately inhale the scent of moxa (Artemisia argyi) occasionally. Moxa contains volatile oils, flavonoids, and other components; its distinctive aroma has certain antibacterial and insect-repellent properties. In a well-ventilated environment, a mild scent of moxa may help pregnant women feel relaxed and ease emotional stress.

However, due to the sensitivity of pregnant women's bodies, prolonged or excessive exposure to strong moxa scent may pose risks. When the scent is too intense, it could irritate the respiratory tract, causing discomfort such as coughing or difficulty breathing. Some pregnant women might be allergic to the scent, experiencing symptoms like skin itching, rashes, or even asthma attacks. Additionally, according to traditional Chinese medicine, moxa has functions of warming meridians, promoting circulation, and relieving pain caused by cold. If a pregnant woman inhales large amounts of moxa scent, especially in combination with smoke, during early pregnancy, it may stimulate uterine activity and increase the risk of threatened miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women should be cautious when exposed to moxa scent. If any discomfort occurs after exposure, they should immediately move away from the scent and seek medical attention promptly.

Meanwhile, pregnant women should maintain good indoor ventilation during pregnancy and avoid exposure to harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and pesticides to ensure maternal and fetal health.

Patients with diabetes can become pregnant, but it must be done under close monitoring and scientific management; otherwise, it may have adverse effects on the fetus.

If a woman has diabetes before pregnancy or develops gestational diabetes during pregnancy, poor blood glucose control may increase the risk of fetal malformations in early pregnancy. In the second and third trimesters, it may lead to excessive fetal growth, resulting in macrosomia, which increases the likelihood of difficult labor and cesarean delivery. It may also cause intrauterine growth restriction, fetal distress, and even intrauterine fetal death. In addition, the risk of complications for the mother, such as preeclampsia, polyhydramnios, and infections, will also increase.

However, if patients with diabetes can maintain their blood glucose within the target range before conception, keeping glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) below 6.5%, and strictly follow medical advice during pregnancy—including appropriate use of insulin or pregnancy-safe antidiabetic medications, regular blood glucose monitoring, healthy dietary habits, and moderate exercise—they can significantly reduce these adverse effects and ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Therefore, women with diabetes should consult a physician before pregnancy to develop an appropriate plan and closely cooperate with medical treatment during pregnancy to achieve a safe pregnancy outcome.

In theory, patients with hepatitis C can become pregnant, but there is a risk of mother-to-child transmission. Prior to pregnancy, it is recommended that patients undergo antiviral treatment, as hepatitis C can now be cured with treatment typically lasting three or six months. Becoming pregnant after clearing the virus through treatment is the best choice for the health of both mother and child.

During pregnancy, the burden on a woman's liver naturally increases. If a patient with hepatitis C has abnormal liver function, her condition may worsen during pregnancy, increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and miscarriage. Additionally, during delivery, the fetus may come into contact with the mother's blood, amniotic fluid, and other bodily fluids, which could lead to hepatitis C infection. However, with advances in medicine, if patients with hepatitis C receive standardized treatment with direct-acting antiviral drugs before or during pregnancy, clearing the virus from their bodies and achieving a cure before conception, the risk of mother-to-child transmission can be significantly reduced. Even if infection is detected during pregnancy, timely treatment can effectively reduce viral transmission and protect the health of both mother and child.

Therefore, before planning a pregnancy, hepatitis C patients should undergo a comprehensive evaluation of liver function, viral load, and other indicators at a hospital, and make decisions regarding pregnancy and develop a treatment plan under the guidance of a qualified physician.

The time when the abdomen begins to enlarge after pregnancy varies from person to person, mainly influenced by factors such as the mother's body type, the number of fetuses, and whether it is a multiple pregnancy. Generally, for women with a normal body type carrying a single fetus, the uterus begins to extend beyond the pelvis and gradually expands into the abdominal cavity around 3 to 4 months of pregnancy. At this stage, the abdomen starts to show slight bulging, although it may not be very noticeable externally.

By 5 to 6 months of pregnancy, the fetus grows more rapidly, the uterus significantly enlarges, and the abdominal protrusion becomes more apparent, making the pregnancy visibly evident. For women who are slim, the abdomen may start showing earlier—possibly around 3 months into the pregnancy. Conversely, for women with a heavier build, the outward appearance of a larger abdomen may be delayed due to increased abdominal fat, becoming more noticeable at around 4 to 5 months of pregnancy. In multiple pregnancies, as the uterus requires more space, abdominal enlargement occurs earlier and is more pronounced; the belly may begin expanding as early as 2 to 3 months into the pregnancy, and the growth rate afterward is also faster. Additionally, the degree of abdominal muscle laxity also affects the appearance of the belly. For multiparous women (those who have given birth before), the abdominal muscles tend to be more relaxed, so the belly tends to enlarge earlier and more noticeably.

Whether ejaculation inside the body is permissible after conception depends on the specific condition of the pregnant woman. For most healthy pregnant women, sexual activity during pregnancy, including ejaculation, is safe. The components in semen do not harm the fetus, as the amniotic sac and closed cervix protect the fetus from any possible infection or direct contact.

However, if a pregnant woman has a history of preterm labor, placenta previa, premature rupture of membranes, cervical insufficiency, or experiences abnormal symptoms during pregnancy such as vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain, ejaculation inside the body is not recommended. In these situations, sexual activity and the introduction of semen may stimulate uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth, or triggering infections that threaten the health of both mother and baby. Additionally, during the final weeks before the expected delivery date, caution is advised, as semen and sexual stimulation may induce contractions, potentially leading to premature labor.

For concerns regarding sexual activity and ejaculation during pregnancy, it is recommended that pregnant women consult fully with their doctors to make safe decisions based on their individual conditions. At the same time, attention should also be paid to health practices such as rest, diet, and exercise to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.

Typically, about 6 to 10 days after implantation of the fertilized egg—roughly 7 to 14 days after the first day of the expected menstrual period—pregnancy can be initially determined by detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood.

Blood hCG testing is more sensitive and can be performed approximately 8 to 10 days after sexual intercourse. By quantitatively measuring hCG concentration in the blood, pregnancy can be detected as early as one week after conception. In contrast, when using a home pregnancy test strip or urine test stick, a more accurate result is usually obtained only after a delay of 3 to 7 days in the menstrual period, because the hCG concentration in urine rises relatively slowly, and testing too early may lead to a false-negative result.

In addition, the timing of testing is also related to the woman's menstrual cycle. Women with regular menstrual cycles can test according to the timing mentioned above; however, women with irregular menstrual cycles may have uncertain ovulation and conception times. They should wait patiently, using methods such as basal body temperature tracking and observing physical changes to assist in judgment. If necessary, they should extend the testing interval and perform multiple tests to confirm the result.

The timing of pregnancy symptoms varies from person to person and is mainly influenced by hormonal changes and individual physical conditions. Generally, most pregnant women begin experiencing noticeable symptoms around 5 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. At this time, the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the body rises rapidly, which can trigger common early pregnancy reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and reduced appetite. Other symptoms may include breast tenderness, darkening of the areola, increased fatigue, and excessive sleepiness.

However, there are individual differences in when symptoms appear. Some pregnant women have more sensitive constitutions and may perceive symptoms even with slight hormonal changes. As early as around 4 weeks of pregnancy—before a missed period—they may experience mild discomfort, such as increased sensitivity to smells or slight abdominal fullness. Conversely, some women may not feel obvious symptoms until 7 to 8 weeks into the pregnancy, or even experience minimal symptoms throughout their entire pregnancy, due to either a stronger physiological adaptation to hormonal changes or inaccuracies in calculating gestational age caused by irregular menstrual cycles.

If severe discomfort occurs, such as intense vomiting, abdominal pain, or vaginal bleeding, prompt medical attention is advised.

In the early stages of pregnancy, the body experiences various reactions, mainly involving physiological and psychological aspects.

Physiologically, a typical sign is the cessation of menstruation. If a woman of childbearing age has a regular menstrual cycle and her period is delayed by more than a week after sexual intercourse, pregnancy should be considered. Due to significant hormonal changes in the body, many pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting, known as morning sickness, which is particularly noticeable in the morning or when exposed to irritating odors. The breasts may become tender and swollen, the areola darkens, and Montgomery's tubercles become more prominent, all preparing the body for future breastfeeding. As the uterus gradually enlarges, even while still within the pelvis, it compresses the bladder, causing frequent urination. At the same time, the pregnant woman's metabolism accelerates and energy consumption increases, making her prone to fatigue and sleepiness.

Psychologically, influenced by hormonal fluctuations and the transition to a new role, pregnant women often experience significant emotional changes. They may suddenly feel anxious, sensitive, or excited about the anticipation of new life—all considered normal phenomena. However, if severe discomfort occurs, such as intense vomiting preventing food intake, abdominal pain, or vaginal bleeding, prompt medical attention is necessary to rule out abnormalities.

The first three months of pregnancy are a critical stage for fetal organ differentiation and development. At this time, the pregnant woman's diet should focus on precise nutritional supplementation and gastrointestinal adaptation.

Due to the occurrence of morning sickness in many pregnant women, foods should be light and easily digestible, such as millet porridge and yam paste. These kinds of food can reduce the burden on the digestive system while providing necessary energy. Protein intake is essential, and high-quality protein sources such as eggs, tofu, and low-fat milk are recommended. Tofu is rich in soy protein, and eggs contain amino acids similar to those in the human body, making them both excellent choices. Additionally, folic acid supplementation is crucial; eating more dark green vegetables like spinach and canola greens, as well as citrus fruits, can help prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. If necessary, folic acid supplements may be taken under medical guidance.

In addition, nuts are ideal foods during the first trimester. Cashews and pistachios, for example, contain unsaturated fatty acids and various minerals that benefit fetal brain development. However, spicy, greasy, and irritating foods should be avoided to prevent worsening morning sickness. Lychees, longan, hawthorn, and other foods that may stimulate uterine contractions should also be consumed sparingly. A well-balanced diet will lay a solid foundation for early fetal development.

After becoming pregnant, scientific and balanced nutrition is important for the health of the pregnant woman and the development of the fetus. The diet during pregnancy should follow the principle of nutritional balance, with increased intake of foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Protein is the foundation for fetal growth and development. Lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy products are all excellent sources of high-quality protein. For example, drinking a glass of milk daily, eating one egg, and consuming fish in moderation can meet the body's needs. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and dietary fiber; for example, oranges and strawberries are high in vitamin C, which helps to enhance immunity. Green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli provide vitamin K and folic acid, which can help prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. Whole grains such as oats and brown rice contain abundant B vitamins and dietary fiber, which can help relieve constipation during pregnancy. In addition, nuts such as walnuts and almonds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for the fetal brain and vision development.

It is important to note that pregnant women should avoid eating foods that may contain parasites or bacteria, such as raw fish and undercooked meat. They should also reduce the intake of foods high in sugar, salt, and fat, maintain a reasonable weight gain, and prevent complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension.