Comprehensive OB Services

Even early in your pregnancy you could experience shortness of breath. During the third trimester, this symptom can get much worse. Try sleeping while propped up on pillows, and call the office if the problem becomes severe.

Try to drink lots of fluids, exercise, eat fruit and raw vegetables, bran and whole-grain bread. You can also take mild laxatives or stool softeners such as Surfak® or Colace®. Many prescription prenatals already contain a low dose of these medicines.

If hemorrhoids become a problem, treat with Dermoplast® spray, Tucks® pads, or Preparation H®. You can also soak in a warm bath and drink plenty of liquids. Avoid constipation, which will make hemorrhoids worse.

Fainting and dizziness are common during pregnancy, often due to episodes of low blood pressure. The best way to prevent these is to move your legs and feet frequently, avoid sitting or standing in one place for an extended period of time, and stay well hydrated.

Even water can cause heartburn in pregnancy! Fried, greasy and fatty foods, fizzy drinks, citrus juice, and fruit can make it worse. Try to eat several hours before going to bed. It might also help for you to sleep with your head, or the head of the bed, propped up. Avoid large meals by eating 5-6 small meals each day. Refer to the pregnancy medications list for products that you can take for relief. There are also prescription medicines available, so let me know if you need something more.

As your uterus grows, you may experience sharp pains around your lower abdomen or groin. They are painful, but there is no need to be concerned. They are not a sign that something is wrong with you or your baby. If it happens, relax and be still. Activity will usually make it worse.

Swelling of your feet and ankles is possible. The swelling is not harmful, but you can help control it by avoiding salty foods and drinking more water. If there is sudden swelling of your face and hands, or if headaches or blurred vision occur with the swelling, contact the office immediately.

Nausea is certainly one of the most familiar symptoms of pregnancy. It will usually last through the first three months. Below are some ways you can deal with nausea.

Two natural substances work almost as well as prescription medication in clinical trials:

• Vitamin B6 — 75mg per day
• Ground ginger capsules — 250mg every 6 hours

You should also try:

• Unisom (1/2 tablet) plus Vitamin B6 — 25mg every 8 hours
• Wear acupressure wristbands 24 hours a day (available in drug stores).
• Avoid milk and water. Drink Gatorade, 7-Up, ginger ale or Sprite.
• Try chips, french fries, lemonade, sour candy and other salty or sour foods.
• Avoid cream-based foods.
• Eat smaller meals several times each day and avoid large meals.
• Prescription prenatal vitamins instead of over the counter.

Call the office if the above methods fail to give you relief, or if you are unable to keep any liquids down for 24 hours.

Headaches can be common during early pregnancy. Migraine headaches could be worse during pregnancy, but do not take your migraine medication. You can take Extra Strength Tylenol®. If that fails to offer relief, contact the office for a prescription. During your second or third trimester, if you experience a severe headache accompanied by sudden swelling, contact the office.

Backaches are the result of gaining weight, a rapidly changing center of gravity, and the body producing a hormone called relaxin, which causes the pelvic ligaments and cervix to relax during pregnancy and delivery. You can get some relief with exercise (especially yoga), good posture, shoes with adequate arch and heel support, and a heating pad on the low or medium setting. The nurse can also provide you with the names of massage therapists who specialize in back massage for pregnant women. Maternity support belts can also be extremely helpful for both back pain and pubic bone discomfort. They are available online – Amazon sells several for $15-$20.

You are most likely going to gain weight during pregnancy. The amount of weight gain is typically about 20-30 pounds for women with a normal BMI. Obese or overweight women should gain less, and underweight women should plan to gain more. Most women lose the initial 20-30 pounds during delivery and the postpartum period. Any extra weight gained becomes the “baby weight” that we often struggle to lose. To decrease the possibility of stretch marks, it is best to keep your weight under control.

Nosebleeds and gum bleeds are another common occurrence during pregnancy. They are merely another sign of the changes that you will go through during pregnancy, and are not a cause for concern.