Pregnancy: Common Concerns

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Common Concerns

Pregnancy has an impact on most aspects of a woman's daily life.

Normal physical changes and symptoms

Although they can range from mild to severe, the following conditions are normal during pregnancy. For more information and tips on how to manage these problems, see:

• Fatigue.
• Morning sickness.
• Sleep problems.
• Breast changes.
• Heartburn (a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD).
• Nosebleeds and bleeding gums.
• Hemorrhoids and constipation.
• Varicose veins.
• Hair changes.
• Stretch marks, itchiness, and other skin changes.
• Leg cramps.
• Back pain and sciatica.
• Pelvic ache and hip pain.
• Hand pain, numbness, or weakness (carpal tunnel syndrome).

Managing morning sickness.

Lifestyle issues

Pregnancy makes it necessary to make changes in your daily activities and relationships.

• Nutrition and weight gain may require more attention than usual, and dieting is never a healthy practice during pregnancy.
• Sex causes no problems during an uncomplicated pregnancy, and sexual interest often changes during different phases of a pregnancy. If you are concerned about exposure to a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sex or use a condom.
• Changes in the relationship with your partner are inevitable, as your focus shifts to your own and your future child's well-being.
• Emotional changes are normal throughout pregnancy.
• Handling pregnancy and parenting can be a challenge. Rest whenever you can. Preparing your other child or children ahead of time helps your family adjust to the demands of a newborn.
• Exercise helps your body best handle labor, delivery, and recovery. Moderate activity such as brisk walking is ideal during pregnancy.
• Working or going to school, if it isn't too physically demanding, is usually fine during pregnancy. Scale back if you're becoming too worn down as your pregnancy progresses. Talk to your doctor or nurse-midwife if you are at risk for preterm labor.
• Travel is usually a safe choice until later pregnancy. Talk to your health professional if you have any concerns. During your third trimester, it's best to stay within a few hours of a hospital, in case of sudden changes that need medical attention.
• Wearing a seat belt is vital to protect yourself and your baby during pregnancy.
• Massage during pregnancy is safe when it is done by a specially trained massage therapist.

Health concerns

• Vaginal bleeding may or may not be a sign of trouble—report any bleeding to your health professional right away.
• Medication use (including herbal remedies) during pregnancy should always be approved by your health professional, to prevent fetal harm.
• Urinary tract infection is common during pregnancy and must be treated with antibiotics to prevent a dangerous infection or preterm labor.
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) that causes symptoms is usually treated with oral antibiotics.
• RhoGAM (Rh immune globulin) treatment is necessary if you have Rh-negative blood and your partner is Rh-positive, to prevent Rh sensitization.

The emotional experience of pregnancy is different for every woman. Mixed feelings and uncertainty—even if your pregnancy was planned—are not unusual. Because of the increasing hormones and the fatigue of early pregnancy, mood swings can be worse than before pregnancy. Many women worry that problems that affect the baby will develop during the pregnancy. These feelings are normal.

If you have health concerns or a separate health problem that needs special care, be sure to discuss this with your health professional.

• Pregnancy over age 35 poses some risks, but most older women have healthy pregnancies.
• Flu vaccine is safe and recommended for all pregnant women just before flu season.
• Depression during pregnancy requires treatment to reduce risks to you and your baby, before and after pregnancy.

  Should I take antidepressants during pregnancy?

• Managing asthma during pregnancy is important for making sure you and your baby are getting enough oxygen. Most, but not all, asthma medications are safe to use during pregnancy.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during pregnancy requires early detection and treatment to prevent newborn infection.
• Cancer treatment during pregnancy is delayed whenever possible to prevent harm to the baby. However, chemotherapy is sometimes used, when necessary.

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Last updated:	November 30, 2006
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman