Common Pregnancy Concerns

Can I do this while I’m pregnant? YES you can!

Shower
Bathe up to 36 weeks. Do not go in hot tubs or Jacuzzis.
Have dental work (make sure that your dentist knows that you are pregnant)
Swim. Do not go in rough water, body surf, scuba diving. No diving, jumping or belly flops. Lap swimming is excellent exercise during pregnancy.
Have intercourse unless you have had problems, such as placenta previa, or if it causes pain, bleeding or contractions.
Exercise regularly: walking is usually best. If you have been exercising regularly (i.e. running, aerobics, etc.) you may continue on a modified basis for pregnancy. (See exercise guidelines)
Travel: up to 35 weeks. Try to empty your bladder every one to two hours and get up to stretch and move around. It is a good idea to let your provider known if you are going out of town. Travel from 35 weeks and beyond is not advised as insurances may deny out of the area deliveries.
Paint: make sure that the room is well ventilated.
Have your hair colored, permed, straightened, etc. Consult with your stylist as the effect on your hair may be different.

Warning Signs During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you may experience many different symptoms and body changes. While many are common and routine, knowing the ones that are not common is just as important. Warning signs during pregnancy are the changes in the normal standards that let the pregnant woman know to call her doctor. These warnings should not be ignored.

Some of the most frequent warning signs in pregnancy include:

Fever
Significant weight gain in one week (greater than two pounds)
Severe headaches, especially combined with visual changes
Decreased fetal movement
Abdominal pain
Bleeding
Cramping – A certain amount of cramping in pregnancy is normal, especially the first twelve weeks. Unless you have bleeding or fluid leakage along with the cramping, there is usually no need to be alarmed. If you do start cramping, drink several large glasses of water and lie on your left side. If the cramping does not subside in one hour, call the office.
Pain and redness in calves
Shortness of breath at rest

If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your physician’s office or answering service.

Additional Pregnancy Concerns

Breast Tenderness

Wear a good support bra. The tenderness will decrease as your pregnancy progresses.

Swelling

A certain amount of swelling is normal during pregnancy. It happens most often in the feet and legs and usually appears in the last few months. It may happen more often in the warmer weather. Because swelling in the hands and face may mean there is another problem, let your physician or nurse practitioner know.

Put your legs up whenever possible.
Rest, preferably on your left side, as much as possible.
Increase your intake of water (8 to 10 glasses a day)
Reduce your amount of salt.
Never take medication such as diuretics (fluid pills for the swelling) - unless prescribed by your physician or nurse practitioner.
Wear support hose.

Vaginal Discharge

Increased vaginal discharge is normal in pregnancy. If it becomes itchy or foul smelling, please let your physician or nurse practitioner know.

Cramping

A certain amount of cramping in pregnancy is normal, especially the first twelve weeks. Unless you have bleeding or fluid leakage along with the cramping, there is usually no need to be alarmed. If you do start cramping, drink several large glasses of water and lie on your left side. If the cramping does not subside in one hour, call the office.

Exposure to Sun (Sunbathing/Use of a Tanning Booth)

Sunbathing or use of tanning booth increases the risk for skin cancer - especially MELANOMA. If you must tan, be sure to use sunscreens that provide high protection against both UVA and UVB. Also, you should be aware that pregnant women are more likely to burn than non-pregnant women. Remember to use a suntan lotion with sunscreen preparation of SPF 30 or more. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Leg Cramps

Leg cramps are fairly common during pregnancy because of the added fluids and weight on your body. To relieve pain during a cramp, stretch your leg and flex your foot, pointing or pulling your toes upward. Massaging the area is helpful, as is applying heat or a cold pack that will help relax the muscle. To prevent cramps, stretch before and after you exercise and before going to bed. Be sure to eat a healthy and balanced diet that is rich in potassium and calcium, the minerals that are most frequently deficient when leg cramping occurs. Ask your doctor if you should take a vitamin or mineral supplement to ensure that you are getting enough in your diet. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water each day and sleep on you side with a pillow between your knees to keep nerves from being pinched.

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, causes coughing fits so bad that it is hard to breathe. Each year in the U.S., hundreds of babies are hospitalized for whooping cough. Babies are too young to get the shot, but you should get a pertussis booster shot (Tdap) with every pregnancy to protect you and your baby. Ask your doctor for a Tdap shot. You can receive the vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Please contact your health care provider with any questions about your pregnancy, especially if you have a concern regarding your health or the health of your child.