A: Nausea and vomiting can occur all too frequently during pregnancy, especially during the first 12 weeks. This condition is better known as “morning sickness” or “Hyperemesis,” and usually subsides by the third month of pregnancy. Feelings of nausea can be lessened by avoiding fatty/greasy foods and eating small meals throughout the day. Instead of three large meals, it may be helpful to eat smaller, more frequent meals. If possible try to drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration.

A: Over the next few months, your body will sense many subtle changes. For some women, these changes cause dizziness that increase as pregnancy progresses. To prevent dizziness, get up slowly from a lying or sitting position. Shift your weight from one leg to another if standing for longer periods of time. If possible, when resting or sleeping, try to avoid lying flat on your back.

A: It is common to have vaginal bleeding or spotting during your pregnancy. This is most likely to occur during the first three months. This does not mean that you are having a miscarriage. In fact, approximately 30 percent of women experience some bleeding during pregnancy without any complications. However, it is important to contact us if you have any bleeding as we may want to examine you or perform an ultrasound.

A: Headaches occur frequently during pregnancy. If you have had a history of headaches or “migraines” before pregnancy, your headaches may become frequent. Tylenol may be helpful in treating headaches. If you find that the headaches are becoming worse and the Tylenol has no effect, it’s time to give us a call.

A: Colds and flu affect as many pregnant women as non-pregnant, and are especially prevalent in the winter months. If other family members have flu-like symptoms, chances are likely that you may develop the same illness. For relief of symptoms, many over-the-counter remedies are available such as Tylenol for fever, joint and muscle aches; Sudafed for runny nose and nasal congestion; Robitussin DM or regular cough syrup only for coughs. Always remember to keep up your fluid intake, especially if you have a fever. In the event of a high fever, or should your symptoms persist, please call us.

A: A modified program of light exercise is actually encouraged during your pregnancy. The key is simply not to over do it. This is not a time to push yourself to the limits of exhaustion. If you monitor your heart rate, do not exceed a rate of 140 beats per minute.

A: Feeling the need for frequent urination is common during pregnancy; such feelings may even increase as your pregnancy progresses. If the feeling of frequent urination is associated with burning, back pain, fevers, chills, nausea, or vomiting, call us. These may be symptoms of a urinary track infection.

A: Pressure from the enlarging uterus and stretching of muscles and joints may cause common backache pain experienced by any women during pregnancy. Useful measures to ease simple backache discomfort include sleeping on a firm mattress, placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on your back, or gentle back exercises such as stretching. If backache is associated with fever, chills, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or the backache is worsening; it’s time to give us a call.

A: Fluid retention (known as Edema) causes swelling of the face, hands, legs and feet. Swelling of any area is uncomfortable, especially during the summer months. To reduce swelling, try resting on your left side for 3-4 hours in the afternoon. This improves circulation to vital organs and may help alleviate some of the swelling. Call us should you develop severe headaches, blurry vision, abdominal pains, or vomiting in addition to the swelling.

A: Having intercourse during pregnancy is not harmful to your baby. However, it may become more uncomfortable during pregnancy and, as a result; you may feel a decrease in the desire to have intercourse with your sexual partner.

A: Heartburn is a common complaint during pregnancy. Unfortunately, heartburn may increase as pregnancy advances because there is less room for the stomach to expand. To relieve heartburn, try sleeping with your head elevated on two pillows. Avoid eating a heavy meal just prior to bedtime and stay away from greasy/fatty foods. It is all right to use readily available antacids such as Tums, Mylanta, or Maalox. Use no more than 3 times per day after meals and at bedtime if needed.