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 just occurs during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). Gestational diabetes is treated by watching what you eat, exercising, checking blood sugar levels, and possibly taking insulin shots to keep blood sugar levels within a safe range. Women with 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:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge or fluid leaking from your vagina.
- Belly, pelvic, or back (flank) pain. This pain may come and go regularly.
- Preterm labor, which happens when contractions begin before the 37th week of pregnancy.
- Infection. Symptoms may include:
- Fever.
- Nausea and vomiting or diarrhea.
- Urinary problems, such as a urinary tract infection or not being able to urinate.
- Open skin sores or blisters and itching.
- Changes in your blood pressure that may mean you have preeclampsia. This problem may cause:
- Abnormal swelling, especially in your face, hands, or feet.
- A new or different headache.
- Vision problems.
- Pain in the upper right belly.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- 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.
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 this problem after delivery.
Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when you need to 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. |
| Managing morning sickness | |
Emergencies
Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
- Any of the following during your pregnancy:
- Signs of shock
- Severe dehydration
- Fainting (syncope) or loss of consciousness
- Severe vaginal bleeding
- Seizures. Note: For information about how to help a seizure victim, see protecting a victim from harm during a seizure.
- Severe abdominal pain
- A sudden, severe headache ("the worst headache I've ever had")
- During your last trimester:
- Fluid gushes or leaks from your vagina (the amniotic sac has ruptured) and either of the following happen:
- You know or think the umbilical cord is bulging into your vagina (cord prolapse).
- You know or think your baby's foot is bulging into your vagina (footling breech).
- Note: Call for help and immediately get down on your knees, bend forward, and put your head on the floor so your buttocks are higher than your head. This decreases pressure on the cord until help arrives. Cord prolapse can cut off your baby's blood supply.
Check Your Symptoms
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
| Note: |
|
Do you have vaginal bleeding?
See significance of significance of vaginal bleeding if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Are you in your first trimester and you have mild, moderate, to severe vaginal bleeding?
Are you in your first trimester and you have vaginal bleeding with other symptoms?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Are you in your first trimester and you have a minimal amount of vaginal bleeding (spotting)?
Do you have bleeding after sexual intercourse?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Do you think you have passed tissue?
See significance of tissue passed through your vagina if you need information to help you answer the question below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Have you passed any tissue through your vagina? Note: If you are able to collect the tissue, do so and bring it with you when you see your doctor.
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
See significance of abnormal vaginal discharge or fluid leaking if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Do you have fluid leaking from your vagina?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have abnormal vaginal discharge, such as yellow, green, brown, or bad-smelling discharge?
Do you have abnormal vaginal discharge and itching or burning around your genital area?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Has your baby stopped moving or is moving less often than normal?
See significance of baby moving less if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Has your baby moved less than 10 times in the past 2 hours? For more information, see how to count your baby's movements.
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Do you have belly, pelvic, or back (flank) pain?
See significance of belly, pelvic, or back (flank) pain if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have pain in the upper right side of your belly (upper right quadrant)?
Do you have moderate belly pain?
Do you have moderate to severe back (flank) pain?
Do you have moderate to severe pelvic pain?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have mild pelvic pain?
Do you have mild back (flank) pain without other signs of a kidney infection?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Do you have an injury to your belly?
See significance of an injury to your belly if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
| Note: |
If you have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can help you find resources in your area. Call the hotline toll-free: 1-800-799-7233. |
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Did you fall on your belly?
Do you have an injury from physical or sexual abuse?
Has someone been physically violent towards you? Physical violence may include shoving, hitting, slapping, kicking, or choking.
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Do you have pain when you breathe?
See significance of pain with breathing if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Are you coughing up blood or sputum mixed with blood?
Do you have pain deep in your leg or calf that is not from a leg injury?
Do you have pain and you have had a pulmonary embolus or a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) in the past?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
See significance of swelling in the face, hands, or feet if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have vision problems, such as decreased or blurred vision or flashes of light?
Do you have a severe headache?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have a moderate headache?
Have you had a weight gain of 2 lb (1 kg) or more over a 24-hour period but do not have any other symptoms?
Do you have new or increasing swelling in your face or hands?
Do you have swelling in your feet that is getting worse?
Do you have swelling in your feet even after lying down on your side for several hours?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Do you have a new or different headache?
See significance of new or different headache if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have a headache with other symptoms, such as blurred vision and belly pain?
Do you have a severe headache?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have a moderate headache?
Do you have a new or different headache?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Do you have a mild headache for 24 hours that is not relieved with home treatment?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
See significance of fever if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
| Note: |
If you need information on how to take a temperature, see the topic Body Temperature. |
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have a fever of 102° (39°) or higher?
Do you suspect you have a moderate to high fever, but you are not able to measure your temperature?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Do you have a fever of 100° (38°) to 102° (39°)?
Do you suspect you have a mild to moderate fever, but you are not able to measure your temperature?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Do you have any urinary problems?
See significance of urinary problems if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Are you not able to urinate?
Do you have symptoms of a kidney infection?
Do you have symptoms of a bladder infection?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Do you have nausea or vomiting?
See significance of nausea or vomiting if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Do you have more than a trace of blood in your vomit?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Are you vomiting more than 3 times a day?
Do you have vomiting with signs of mild to moderate dehydration and you are not able to drink fluids?
Has ongoing vomiting caused a weight loss of 0.5 lb (0.2 kg) or more in the last 48 hours?
Has ongoing nausea caused a weight loss of 2 lb (1 kg) in the last week?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Have you had vomiting with signs of mild dehydration for 72 hours, but you are able to drink fluids?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Do you have a change in your bowel habits?
See significance of a change in your bowel habits if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Have you had a bowel movement that is mostly blood, but you do not have signs of shock?
Do you have constipation with other symptoms, such as fever, shaking chills, or vomiting?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Did you have a bowel movement that is black and tarry or a bowel movement with blood in the stool, but you do not have signs of shock?
Have you noticed blood in the toilet water after having a bowel movement?
Do you have belly pain caused by constipation?
Do you have diarrhea but no other symptoms?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Have you had a small amount of bleeding or bleeding that comes and goes for longer than 1 week?
Have you had a small amount of bleeding in your stool more than once?
Do you have constipation without other symptoms that has not gotten better after 1 week of home treatment?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Are you having regular contractions anytime during your pregnancy?
See significance of regular contractions if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Are you 37 or more weeks pregnant and you are having regular contractions that are 5 to 6 minutes apart and last at least 45 seconds each for the past hour?
Are you less than 37 weeks pregnant and have had 4 or more contractions in one hour, after one hour of resting on your side and drinking fluids?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
See significance of heartburn if you need information to help you answer the question below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Do you have ongoing heartburn that does not get better with home treatment?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
Do you have open skin sores or blisters and itching?
See significance of open skin sores or blisters and itching if you need information to help you answer the question below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Have you had open skin sores or blisters and itching for longer than 24 hours?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.
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.
For more information, see:
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. 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.
Nonprescription medicine to help relieve discomfort or fever
Most women experience some mild discomfort when they are pregnant, such as a mild headache, backache, or a mild fever with cold symptoms. These minor symptoms generally do not cause problems or hurt your baby. It is safe to use acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or Panadol, during pregnancy to help relieve discomfort or mild fever.
- Acetaminophen dosage: The usual dose is 650 mg; recommended doses may range from 500 mg to 1,000 mg. You can take 650 mg every 4 hours or 1,000 mg every 6 hours in a 24-hour period. Do not take more than the maximum adult dose of 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period.
-
Be sure to follow these nonprescription medicine precautions.
- Use, but do not take more than 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) (ibuprofen, naproxen) until you have talked with your doctor.
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. Home treatment may help your symptoms.
- Do not lie down for 2 hours after eating.
- Do not eat certain foods that may make heartburn worse, including chocolate, onions, peppermint, citrus or tomato products, or spicy foods.
- Raise the head of your bed 6 in. (15 cm) to 8 in. (20 cm) with blocks.
- Use nonprescription antacids for heartburn symptoms. Do not use antacids that have sodium bicarbonate (such as baking soda) during pregnancy because they can cause fluid buildup. 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 and fruit juices.
- Try a stool softener, such as Colace.
- 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). Lay 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 or Panadol. Talk to your doctor if your discomfort does not get better with acetaminophen. Do not use more than the recommended dosage.
Fetal movement counting
Your baby probably moves and kicks more at certain times of the day. For example, when you are active, your baby may kick less than when you are resting quietly. At your prenatal visits, your doctor will ask you whether your baby is active. Studies show that a pregnant woman's awareness of her baby's movement is linked to how well the baby is doing.1
In the last trimester of your pregnancy, your doctor may ask you to keep track of your baby's movement every day. You can check your baby movements, while you are resting quietly, by counting the number of movements you feel over a 1-hour period. Ten or more movements (such as kicks, flutters, or rolls) in 1 hour are a good average, but do not worry if you do not feel 10 movements. Less movements may simply mean that your baby is sleeping. If you do not feel 10 movements in an hour, keep counting for a second hour. Call your doctor if you have less than 10 movements over a 2-hour period.1
Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment
Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.
- Abnormal or increased bleeding
- Weakness or lightheadedness
- Pain in your lower 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.
- 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 healthy 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.
Things to avoid when you are pregnant
- Alcohol
- Smoke or use tobacco
- Illegal drugs or misuse of medicines
- Hot tubs and saunas
- Things that cause toxoplasmosis. This includes raw meat, poultry, or seafood; unwashed fruits or vegetables; and cat feces or outdoor soil that cats commonly use.
- Fish that may have mercury. This includes shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, more than 7 oz (0.2 kg) of white albacore tuna per week, or fish caught in local waters that have not tested as safe.
- Hazardous chemicals, certain cosmetic products, or radiation
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:
- 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 medications have you taken or used? Did they help?
- Do you have any health risks?
Related Information
- Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older
- Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Fever, Age 4 and Older
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older
- Placenta Abruptio
- Placenta Previa
- Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy-Related Problems
- Preterm Labor
- Problems After Delivery of Your Baby
- Rectal Problems
- Stress Management
- Urinary Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older
- Urinary Tract Infections in Teens and Adults
- Vaginal Problems
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | August 7, 2006 |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.