Pregnancy-Related Problems

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Topic Overview

Most women are healthy during pregnancy and do not have serious health concerns. You may have minor physical symptoms throughout your pregnancy that are considered normal pregnancy changes. It is important for you to be aware of symptoms that may mean you have a more serious problem. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have during your pregnancy so that your health problems can be checked quickly.

Many minor problems of pregnancy can be managed at home. Home treatment measures are usually all that is needed to relieve mild morning sickness or discomfort from heartburn or constipation. There are also home treatment measures for sleep problems, hip pain, hemorrhoids, or fatigue. If you develop a problem and your doctor has given you specific instructions to follow during your pregnancy, be sure to follow those instructions.

If you have a family history of diabetes, you may develop a type of diabetes that only occurs during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). Gestational diabetes is treated by watching what you eat, exercising, checking blood sugar levels, and possibly taking oral medicines or insulin shots to keep blood sugar levels within a target range. Women who have gestational diabetes are likely to have babies that weigh more than normal. If the mother's blood sugar is not controlled, this could cause serious problems for the baby before and during delivery.

You may also have other common problems, like a cold or the flu, while you are pregnant that are not caused by your pregnancy. You can use home treatment measures for these illnesses as well, but make sure to talk to your doctor if your symptoms become more serious, such as coughing up blood or not being able to drink enough fluids (dehydrated).

While most problems that occur during pregnancy are minor, you may develop more serious symptoms that you need to talk to your doctor about. Your symptoms may be related to:

Make a plan with your doctor about where to go for care if you have problems while pregnant and cannot reach your doctor. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may want you to go to an emergency department or a maternity center.

During the days and weeks after delivery (postpartum period), you can expect that your body will change as it returns to its nonpregnant condition. As with pregnancy changes, postpartum changes are different for every woman. Some problems, such as high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, or diabetes, may continue after delivery. You may need to follow up with your doctor about these problems after delivery.

Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.

Health Tools

Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.

Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition.

Check Your Symptoms

Are you pregnant?
This topic covers problems directly related to pregnancy as well as symptoms that may be more serious for pregnant women.
Yes
Pregnancy
No
Pregnancy
How old are you?
Less than 12 years
Less than 12 years
12 years or older
12 years or older
Are you male or female?
Male
Male
Female
Female
Do you have symptoms of shock?
Yes
Symptoms of shock
No
Symptoms of shock
How many weeks pregnant are you?
Less than 20 weeks
Less than 20 weeks pregnant
20 weeks to 23 weeks
20 weeks to 23 weeks pregnant
24 weeks to 37 weeks
24 weeks to 37 weeks pregnant
More than 37 weeks
More than 37 weeks pregnant
Is the umbilical cord or the baby's foot bulging into your vagina?
If this is happening, you will have other symptoms too. Fluid may be leaking from your vagina because the amniotic sac has broken, or you may be having contractions or other signs of labor.
Yes
Umbilical cord or baby's foot bulging into vagina
No
Umbilical cord or baby's foot bulging into vagina
Is your baby moving less than usual?
"Moving less" means moving or kicking fewer than 10 times in 2 hours. Some babies do this at certain times of the day.
Yes
Decreased movement of baby
No
Decreased movement of baby
Do you have any signs that you are in labor?
This means more than just mild contractions that you can talk through or that are irregular or may even stop for a while.
Yes
Signs of labor
No
Signs of labor
Do you have any symptoms of preterm (early) labor?
Yes
Symptoms of preterm labor
No
Symptoms of preterm labor
Are you having any vaginal bleeding?
Yes
Vaginal bleeding
No
Vaginal bleeding
Is the bleeding severe, moderate, mild, or minimal?
Severe
Severe bleeding
Moderate
Moderate bleeding
Mild
Mild bleeding
Minimal
Minimal bleeding
Have you had a seizure?
Yes
Seizure
No
Seizure
Are you having trouble breathing (more than a stuffy nose)?
Yes
Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose
No
Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose
Would you describe the problem as severe, moderate, or mild?
Severe
Severe difficulty breathing
Moderate
Moderate difficulty breathing
Mild
Mild difficulty breathing
Are you nauseated or vomiting, or do you have diarrhea?
Nauseated means you feel sick to your stomach, like you are going to vomit.
Yes
Nausea or vomiting or diarrhea
No
Nausea or vomiting or diarrhea
Do you think you may be dehydrated?
Yes
May be dehydrated
No
May be dehydrated
Are the symptoms severe, moderate, or mild?
Severe
Severe dehydration
Moderate
Moderate dehydration
Mild
Mild dehydration
Are you having trouble drinking enough to replace the fluids you've lost?
Little sips of fluid usually are not enough. You need to be able to take in and keep down plenty of fluids.
Yes
Unable to maintain fluid intake
No
Able to maintain fluid intake
Is there more than a trace of blood in your vomit?
Yes
More than a trace of blood in vomit
No
More than a trace of blood in vomit
Are you vomiting more than 3 times a day?
Yes
Vomiting more than 3 times a day
No
Vomiting more than 3 times a day
Have you lost at least 0.5 lb (0.2 kg) in the past 48 hours (2 days) or at least 2 lbs 9oz (1 kg) in the past week?
Yes
Weight loss
No
Weight loss
Do you have a new headache that is different than the types of headaches you are used to?
Yes
New or different headache
No
New or different headache
Do you have a severe headache that started suddenly and is the worst headache of your life?
This probably would not be like any headache you have had before.
Yes
Sudden, severe headache
No
Sudden, severe headache
How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?
8 to 10: Severe pain
Severe pain
5 to 7: Moderate pain
Moderate pain
1 to 4: Mild pain
Mild pain
Are you having new vision problems, such as blurred or decreased vision or flashes of light?
Yes
Vision problems
No
Vision problems
Do you have pain in your belly, pelvic area, or back?
Yes
Belly, pelvic, or back pain
No
Belly, pelvic, or back pain
How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?
8 to 10: Severe pain
Severe pain
5 to 7: Moderate pain
Moderate pain
1 to 4: Mild pain
Mild pain
Do you have belly pain (not labor)?
Yes
Belly pain (not labor)
No
Belly pain (not labor)
Do you have pain in the upper right side of your belly?
It may help to think about four areas of the belly: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left.
Yes
Pain in upper right belly
No
Pain in upper right belly
Do you have pain and swelling in one calf or pain when you breathe?
These can be warning signs of a blood clot moving from the leg to the lung (called a pulmonary embolism).
Yes
Pain and swelling in one calf or pain with breathing
No
Pain and swelling in one calf or pain with breathing
Is fluid other than blood leaking from your vagina?
Yes
Fluid leaking from vagina
No
Fluid leaking from vagina
Have you passed any tissue through your vagina?
Collect the tissue if you can, and bring it with you when you see your doctor.
Yes
Passed tissue into vagina
No
Passed tissue into vagina
In the past week, have you had an injury, such as a blow to the belly or a hard fall?
Yes
Past week had a blow to the belly or a hard fall
No
Past week had a blow to the belly or a hard fall
Do you think that the injury may have been caused by abuse?
Yes
Injury may have been caused by abuse
No
Injury may have been caused by abuse
Did the injury involve a direct blow to your belly?
Examples of this type of injury are a fall in which you landed hard on your belly or a car accident that caused a forceful hit to your belly.
Yes
Direct blow to belly
No
Direct blow to belly
Did the injury happen within the past 24 hours?
Yes
Injury within past 24 hours
No
Injury within past 24 hours
Do you have any new vaginal bleeding, belly pain, or pelvic pain that may be related to the injury?
Yes
New vaginal bleeding, belly pain or pelvic pain
No
New vaginal bleeding, belly pain or pelvic pain
Do you think you may have a fever?
Yes
Possible fever
No
Possible fever
Did you take your temperature?
Yes
Temperature taken
No
Temperature taken
How high is the fever? The answer may depend on how you took the temperature.
High: 104°F (40°C) or higher, oral
High fever: 104°F (40°C) or higher, oral
Moderate: 100.4°F (38°C) to 103.9°F (39.9°C), oral
Moderate fever: 100.4°F (38°C) to 103.9°F (39.9°C), oral
Mild: 100.3°F (37.9°C) or lower, oral
Mild fever: 100.3°F (37.9°C) or lower, oral
How high do you think the fever is?
High
Feels fever is high
Moderate
Feels fever is moderate
Mild or low
Feels fever is mild
How long have you had a fever?
Less than 2 days (48 hours)
Fever for less than 2 days
At least 2 days but less than 1 week
Fever for at least 2 days but less than 1 week
1 week or more
Fever for 1 week or more
Do you have a health problem or take medicine that weakens your immune system?
Yes
Disease or medicine that causes immune system problems
No
Disease or medicine that causes immune system problems
Do you have shaking chills or very heavy sweating?
Shaking chills are a severe, intense form of shivering. Heavy sweating means that sweat is pouring off you or soaking through your clothes.
Yes
Shaking chills or heavy sweating
No
Shaking chills or heavy sweating
Do you have problems with urination?
Yes
Problems with urination
No
Problems with urination
Are you able to urinate at all?
Yes
Able to urinate
No
Unable to urinate
Do you have symptoms of a kidney infection?
Yes
Symptoms of kidney infection
No
Symptoms of kidney infection
Do you have symptoms of a bladder infection?
Yes
Symptoms of bladder infection
No
Symptoms of bladder infection
Do you have symptoms of a vaginal infection?
Yes
Symptoms of a vaginal infection
No
Symptoms of a vaginal infection
Do you have swelling in the face, hands, or feet?
Yes
Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
No
Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
Do you have ongoing swelling?
Yes
Ongoing swelling
No
Ongoing swelling
Do you have any other symptoms you're concerned about?
These could include things like skin problems or digestive issues.
Yes
Concern about other symptoms
No
Concern about other symptoms
Are you having problems with constipation or heartburn?
Yes
Problems with constipation or heartburn
No
Problems with constipation or heartburn
Has home treatment helped?
Yes
Home treatment helped
No
Home treatment has not helped

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

  • Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
  • Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
  • Medicines you take. Certain medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
  • Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
  • Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

  • Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
  • Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.
HomeTreatment
RelatedInformation

Temperature varies a little depending on how you measure it. For adults and children age 12 and older, these are the ranges for high, moderate, and mild, according to how you took the temperature.

Oral (by mouth) temperature

  • High: 104°F (40°C) and higher
  • Moderate: 100.4°F (38°C) to 103.9°F (39.9°C)
  • Mild: 100.3°F (37.9°C) and lower

A forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature.

Ear or rectal temperature

  • High: 105°F (40.6°C) and higher
  • Moderate: 101.4°F (38.6°C) to 104.9°F (40.5°C)
  • Mild: 101.3°F (38.5°C) and lower

Armpit (axillary) temperature

  • High: 103°F (39.5°C) and higher
  • Moderate: 99.4°F (37.4°C) to 102.9°F (39.4°C)
  • Mild: 99.3°F (37.3°C) and lower

Pain in adults and older children

  • Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and can't do anything else except focus on the pain.
  • Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's there.
  • Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Symptoms of difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe. For example:

  • You may feel a little out of breath but still be able to talk (mild difficulty breathing), or you may be so out of breath that you cannot talk at all (severe difficulty breathing).
  • It may be getting hard to breathe with activity (mild difficulty breathing), or you may have to work very hard to breathe even when you’re at rest (severe difficulty breathing).

Severe trouble breathing means:

  • You cannot talk at all.
  • You have to work very hard to breathe.
  • You feel like you can't get enough air.
  • You do not feel alert or cannot think clearly.

Moderate trouble breathing means:

  • It's hard to talk in full sentences.
  • It's hard to breathe with activity.

Mild trouble breathing means:

  • You feel a little out of breath but can still talk.
  • It's becoming hard to breathe with activity.

Symptoms of preterm labor may include:

  • Mild or menstrual-like cramps, with or without diarrhea.
  • A feeling of pressure in your pelvis or lower belly.
  • A steady, dull ache in your lower back, pelvis, lower belly, or thighs.
  • Changes in your vaginal discharge.
  • Regular contractions for an hour. This means about 6 or more in 1 hour, even after you have had a glass of water and are resting.

Severe vaginal bleeding means that you are soaking 1 or 2 pads or tampons in 1 or 2 hours, unless that is normal for you. For most women, passing clots of blood from the vagina and soaking through their usual pads or tampons every hour for 2 or more hours is not normal and is considered severe. If you are pregnant: You may have a gush of blood or pass a clot, but if the bleeding stops, it is not considered severe.

Moderate bleeding means that you are soaking more than 1 pad or tampon in 3 hours.

Mild bleeding means that you are soaking less than 1 pad or tampon in more than 3 hours.

Minimal vaginal bleeding means "spotting" or a few drops of blood.

If you're not sure if a fever is high, moderate, or mild, think about these issues:

With a high fever:

  • You feel very hot.
  • It is likely one of the highest fevers you've ever had. High fevers are not that common, especially in adults.

With a moderate fever:

  • You feel warm or hot.
  • You know you have a fever.

With a mild fever:

  • You may feel a little warm.
  • You think you might have a fever, but you're not sure.

Symptoms of a kidney infection may include:

  • Pain in the flank, which is felt just below the rib cage and above the waist on one or both sides of the back.
  • Fever or chills.
  • Pain or burning when you urinate.
  • A frequent urge to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
  • Belly pain.

Symptoms of a bladder infection may include:

  • Pain or burning when you urinate.
  • A frequent urge to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
  • Blood in the urine.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

  • Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
  • Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
  • Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
  • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
  • Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
  • Medicines taken after organ transplant.
  • Not having a spleen.

During pregnancy, swelling that may be a sign of a more serious problem may include:

  • Weight gain of 2 lb (0.9 kg) or more during a 24-hour period.
  • New and increasing swelling, especially in your face, hands, or feet.
  • Swelling in your feet that does not improve even after you lie on your side for several hours.

You can get dehydrated when you lose a lot of fluids because of problems like vomiting or fever.

Symptoms of dehydration can range from mild to severe. For example:

  • You may feel tired and edgy (mild dehydration), or you may feel weak, not alert, and not able to think clearly (severe dehydration).
  • You may pass less urine than usual (mild dehydration), or you may not be passing urine at all (severe dehydration).

Severe dehydration means:

  • Your mouth and eyes may be extremely dry.
  • You may pass little or no urine for 12 or more hours.
  • You may not feel alert or be able to think clearly.
  • You may be too weak or dizzy to stand.
  • You may pass out.

Moderate dehydration means:

  • You may be a lot more thirsty than usual.
  • Your mouth and eyes may be drier than usual.
  • You may pass little or no urine for 8 or more hours.
  • You may feel dizzy when you stand or sit up.

Mild dehydration means:

  • You may be more thirsty than usual.
  • You may pass less urine than usual.

Signs that you are in labor include:

  • Regular contractions for at least 1 hour. This means about 4 or more contractions in 20 minutes, or about 8 or more in a single hour.
  • A sudden release of fluid from the vagina.

"Bloody show" is blood-tinged mucus that will pass out of the vagina as the cervix begins to open (dilate) and thin (efface). On its own, however, this is not a definite sign that you are in labor.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may quickly occur after a sudden illness or injury.

Symptoms of shock (most of which will be present) include:

  • Passing out (losing consciousness).
  • Feeling very dizzy or lightheaded, like you may pass out.
  • Feeling very weak or having trouble standing.
  • Not feeling alert or able to think clearly. You may be confused, restless, fearful, or unable to respond to questions.

Symptoms of a vaginal infection may include:

  • Vaginal itching.
  • Vaginal discharge that is not normal for you.
  • Red, irritated skin in the vaginal area.
  • Pain when you urinate.
  • Pain or bleeding when you have sex.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

  • Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
  • If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour.
  • You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
    • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
    • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

  • Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
  • If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today.
  • If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
  • If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.
HomeTreatment
RelatedInformation

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call911or other emergency services now.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

  • Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
  • If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
  • If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.
HomeTreatment
RelatedInformation

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call911or other emergency services now.

Get down on your knees, bend forward, and put your head on the floor so your buttocks are higher than your head. Stay in this position until help arrives.

Home Treatment

Pregnancy affects almost every part of a woman's daily life. If you develop problems and your doctor has given you specific instructions to follow during your pregnancy, be sure to follow those instructions.

During your pregnancy, you may have questions about many of the following common concerns:

Morning sickness

For many women, the hardest part of early pregnancy is morning sickness. You may be able to use home treatment to help your nausea or vomiting.

  • If nausea is worse when you first wake up, eat a small snack (such as crackers) before you get out of bed. Rest a few minutes after eating the snack, then get out of bed slowly.
  • Eat regularly. Do not skip meals or go for long periods without eating. An empty stomach can make nausea worse. Eat several small meals every day instead of three large meals.
  • Drink enough fluids every day. Do not become dehydrated. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade, may help if you have ongoing vomiting. Ginger tea may help your nausea as well.
  • Eat more protein, such as dairy products.
  • Do not eat foods high in fat.
  • Do not take iron supplements, which can make nausea worse.
  • Try to stay away from smells that trigger morning sickness. Citrus juice, milk, coffee, and caffeinated tea may make nausea worse.
  • Get lots of rest. Morning sickness may be worse when you are tired.
Pregnancy: Dealing With Morning Sickness.

Feeling tired (fatigue)

Most women have some fatigue during pregnancy, especially during the first and third trimesters. During the first trimester, your body makes higher levels of the hormone progesterone, which may make you feel more tired. You may feel more energy during most of your second trimester. Later in pregnancy, your growing baby and loss of sleep because you cannot find a comfortable position can lower your energy level.

To help with fatigue during pregnancy:

  • Eat regularly. Do not skip meals or go for long periods without eating. Choose healthy foods.
  • Exercise regularly. Get outside, take walks, or keep your blood moving with your favorite workout. If you do not have your usual energy, do not overdo it.
  • Try to take rest breaks often during the day.
  • Do only as much as you need to, and do not take on extra activities or responsibilities.

Sleep problems

Sleep problems are common during pregnancy. These tips may help you get a good night's sleep.

  • Keep a regular sleep schedule.
  • Keep your naps as short as possible.
  • Use your bed only for sleep.
  • Limit your caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate.
  • Try relaxation methods, such as meditation or guided imagery. For more information, see the topic Stress Management.
  • Limit what you drink after 6 p.m. so you do not have to get up to the bathroom during the night.
  • Use extra pillows to raise your head or to help you find a comfortable position.

Using medicine to help relieve discomfort or fever

You may also have other common problems, like a cold, mild headache, backache, mild fever, or the flu, while you are pregnant that are not caused by your pregnancy. These minor symptoms generally do not cause problems or hurt your baby. In general, doctors say it is usually safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever and pain.

Be sure to follow these nonprescription medicine precautions.

  • Use, but do not exceed, the maximum recommended doses.
  • Carefully read and follow all labels on the medicine bottle and box.
  • Do not use other nonprescription medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), until you have talked with your doctor.

Check with your doctor before you take any other types of medicines.

Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Most pregnant women have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), especially heartburn, at some time during pregnancy. These symptoms are common but do not usually cause problems or hurt your baby. Most of the time symptoms of heartburn get better once the baby is born.

You can make changes to your lifestyle to help relieve your symptoms of GERD. Here are some things to try:

  • Change your eating habits.
    • It's best to eat several small meals instead of two or three large meals.
    • After you eat, wait 2 to 3 hours before you lie down. Late-night snacks aren't a good idea.
    • Chocolate and mint can make GERD worse. They relax the valve between the esophagus and the stomach.
    • Spicy foods, foods that have a lot of acid (like tomatoes and oranges), and coffee can make GERD symptoms worse in some people. If your symptoms are worse after you eat a certain food, you may want to stop eating that food to see if your symptoms get better.
  • Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
  • If you have GERD symptoms at night, raise the head of your bed 6 in. (15 cm) to 8 in. (20 cm) by putting the frame on blocks or placing a foam wedge under the head of your mattress. (Adding extra pillows does not work.)
  • Try over-the-counter antacids for heartburn symptoms.
    • Be careful when you take over-the-counter antacid medicines. Many of these medicines have aspirin in them. While you are pregnant, do not take aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin unless your doctor says it is okay.
    • During pregnancy, do not use antacids that have sodium bicarbonate (such as baking soda), because they can cause fluid buildup. Do not use antacids that have magnesium trisilicate, because they may not be safe for your baby. It is okay to use antacids that have calcium carbonate (such as Tums).

Constipation and hemorrhoids

Constipation and hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy. To prevent or ease these symptoms:

  • Eat a high-fiber diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
  • Talk to your doctor about trying a stool softener.
  • Do not strain (push hard) during a bowel movement.
  • Get more exercise every day.

Back, pelvic, and hip discomfort

Many women have back, pelvic, or hip discomfort during pregnancy. As the size and weight of your belly increases, strain is placed on your back. Pelvic and hip discomfort is a normal sign that your pelvic area is getting ready for childbirth. To help with your discomfort, follow these tips:

  • Try not to stand for long periods of time.
  • Stand with a straight back. Do not stand with your belly forward and your shoulders back.
  • Rest one foot on a small box, brick, or stool when standing.
  • Try heat, such as a hot water bottle or a heating pad set on low, to painful areas when resting. Do not fall asleep with a heating pad in place. Place a cloth between your skin and the heating pad.
  • Sit with a back support or pillow against your lower back. If you must sit for a long time, get up and move around every hour.
  • Wear a prenatal belt or girdle around your hips but under your belly to support your hips.
  • Sleep on a firm mattress (plywood under a mattress helps). Lie on your side, with a pillow between your knees.
  • Do not lift anything heavy. Lift with your legs by rising from a squat, keeping your waist and back straight.
  • Do not stretch to reach something on a high shelf or across a table.
  • Try acetaminophen, such as Tylenol. Talk to your doctor if your discomfort does not get better with acetaminophen. Do not use more than the recommended dosage.

Vaginal symptoms

Any pregnant woman with abnormal vaginal symptoms should talk with her doctor about her symptoms before considering using any home treatment measures or nonprescription medicines.

  • Avoid sex so that irritated vaginal tissues can heal.
  • Do not scratch the vaginal area. Relieve itching with cold-water compresses or cool baths. Warm baths may also relieve pain and itching.
  • Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing. Stay away from nylon and synthetics because they hold heat and moisture close to the skin, which makes it easier for an infection to start. You may want to remove pajama bottoms or underwear when you sleep.
  • Do not douche.

Fetal movement counting

After 18 to 20 weeks, you will notice that your baby moves and kicks more at certain times of the day. For example, when you are active, you may feel less kicking than when you are resting quietly. At your prenatal visits, your doctor may ask you whether the baby is active.

Kick counts. In the last trimester of your pregnancy, your doctor may ask you to keep track of the baby's movement every day. This is often called a "kick count." A common way to do a kick count is to see how much time it takes to feel 10 movements. Ten movements (such as kicks, flutters, or rolls) in 1 hour or less are considered normal. But do not panic if you do not feel 10 movements. Less activity may simply mean the baby is sleeping.

If an hour goes by and you have not recorded 10 movements, have something to eat or drink and count for another hour. If you do not record 10 movements in the 2-hour period, call your doctor right away.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:

  • Abnormal or increased bleeding.
  • Weakness or lightheadedness.
  • Pain in your belly.
  • Swelling in your face, hands, or feet.
  • A severe headache.
  • Vomiting that gets worse or continues even with home treatment measures.
  • Urinary problems.
  • Fever.
  • Heartburn that continues even with home treatment measures.
  • Symptoms that become more severe or occur more often.

Prevention

It is important to make healthy lifestyle choices to lower your chance for serious problems during pregnancy. Learn about healthy lifestyle choices before, during, and after your pregnancy.

Things to avoid when you are pregnant

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

  • When was your last menstrual period or what is your due date?
  • What are your main symptoms?
  • How long have you had your symptoms?
  • Have you had this problem before? If so, do you know what caused the problem at that time? How was it treated?
  • What activities make your symptoms better or worse?
  • Do you think that activities related to your job or hobbies caused your symptoms?
  • Do you do sports activities?
  • What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
  • What prescription or nonprescription medicines have you taken or used? Did they help?
  • Do you have any health risks?

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine

Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

Current as ofJune 8, 2017

Current as of: June 8, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine