Pregnancy

Pregnancy symptoms

During pregnancy, your body’s hormones change. This causes physical and emotional changes. This is normal. Knowing what to expect is important for your peace of mind and so you know when to get help for a problem. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Morning sickness or nausea. This can happen any time of the day or night.

• Tender, swollen breasts.

• Needing to pee often.

• Tiredness or fatigue.

• Dizziness.

• Indigestion or heartburn.

• Food cravings or turn-offs.

• Constipation.

• Emotional changes. This can range from anxiety to excitement to depression.

General care for a healthy pregnancy

Here are things you can do to help you have a healthy pregnancy:

• Rest when you feel tired. This is especially true in the later months of pregnancy.

• Drink more fluids. Your body needs more fluids than you may be used to. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of juice, milk, or water every day.

• Eat well-balanced meals. Eat at regular times to give your body enough protein. You can expect to gain about 30 pounds during the pregnancy. Don’t try to diet or lose weight while you are pregnant.

• Take a prenatal vitamin every day. This helps you meet the extra nutritional needs of pregnancy.

• Don’t take any other medicine during your pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. This includes prescription medicines and those you buy over the counter. Many medicines can harm a pregnancy.

• If you have nausea or vomiting, don’t eat greasy or fried foods. Eat several smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals.

• If you smoke, quit. The nicotine you breathe in goes right to the baby. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor.

• Stay away from alcohol, even in moderate amounts. Daily drinking will harm the baby and can cause permanent brain damage. There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.

• Don’t use drugs, especially cocaine, crack, and heroin. These will harm your pregnancy. Also don't use marijuana.

• If you were using drugs or taking prescribed medicine when you found out that you were pregnant, talk with your doctor about possible effects on your pregnancy.

• If you have medical problems that you need to take medicine for, talk with your doctor.

Follow-up care

Contact your doctor to arrange for prenatal care. Prenatal care is important. You can see your family doctor, a pregnancy specialist (obstetrician), a midwife, or a primary care doctor.

When to get medical advice

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• Vaginal bleeding.

• Pain in your belly (abdomen) or back that is moderate or severe.

• Lots of vomiting, or you can’t keep any fluids down for 6 hours.

• A burning feeling when you urinate.

• A headache, dizziness, or rapid weight gain.

• A fever.

• Vision changes or blurred vision.