Pregnancy-Related Problems
Pregnancy-Related ProblemsSkip to the navigationTopic OverviewMost 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: - Miscarriage. Symptoms may include:
- Premature birth. Symptoms may include:
- Infection. Symptoms may include:
- Changes in your blood pressure that may mean you
have
preeclampsia. This problem may cause:
- Depression. If you are tearful, sad,
anxious, or have big mood swings, talk to your doctor. If you are depressed
during your pregnancy, you may have a hard time bonding with your baby after
delivery. Depression can be treated so that you and your baby will be able to bond.
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. Check Your SymptomsAre you pregnant? Review health risks that may make any symptom more serious. This topic covers problems directly related to pregnancy as well as symptoms that may be more serious for pregnant women. How old are you? Less than 12 years Less than 12 years 12 years or older 12 years or older 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 This means more than just mild contractions that you can talk through or that are irregular or may even stop for a while. Yes Symptoms of preterm labor No Symptoms of preterm labor Are you having any vaginal bleeding? Moderate Moderate bleeding 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 Moderate Moderate 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? 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? 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) 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. 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? Did you take your temperature? 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? 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 Symptoms of kidney infection No Symptoms of kidney infection Yes Symptoms of bladder infection No Symptoms of bladder 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 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? 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 TreatmentYou 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.
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 NowBased 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 TodayBased 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.
Call 911 NowBased 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.
Call 911 NowBased 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. « Back C 2.1.0.0
R 11.4.0.0 Start Over Home TreatmentPregnancy 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 sicknessFor 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 problemsSleep 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 feverYou 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 hemorrhoidsConstipation 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 discomfortMany 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 symptomsAny 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 countingAfter 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 treatmentCall 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.
PreventionIt 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. - Have a healthy pregnancy. Eat well,
exercise regularly, get plenty of rest, avoid hot weather temperatures, and do
not do activities that could lead to a fall or belly injury.
- Pay attention to your nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy. Be sure to
get the right amounts of
folic acid, iron, and
calcium. Try for slow, gradual weight
gain.
- Limit your use of caffeine.
- Eat a nutritious diet. Get enough
protein,
vitamin B12,
vitamin D, and zinc. These nutrients are vital to your
baby's growth, development, and weight gain.
- Exercise safely during pregnancy. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise on most, if
not all, days of the week.
- Do pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises to
prevent urine control problems (incontinence) after childbirth.
- Discuss immunizations with your doctor.
Things to avoid when you are pregnant- Alcohol and illegal drugs
- Smoking or using tobacco
- Misuse of medicines
- Hot tubs and saunas
- Uncooked food and other poisons. This
includes raw (unpasteurized) milk and cheeses made with raw milk; raw meat, poultry, or seafood; unwashed fruits or vegetables; and cat
feces or outdoor soil that cats commonly use.
- Unusual cravings, such as pica, when a woman craves things that are not food.
- Fish that are high in mercury. This includes shark, swordfish, king mackerel,
marlin, orange roughy, bigeye tuna, and tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico. Avoid eating more than 4 oz (0.1 kg) a week of white (albacore) tuna.
Canned light tuna is low in mercury and a better option. And avoid eating more than 4 oz (0.1 kg) a week of fish caught in local waters that have not tested as safe.
- Hazardous chemicals, certain cosmetic products, or radiation
Preparing For Your AppointmentTo 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?
CreditsByHealthwise 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 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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