HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

NAUSEA AND VOMITING “Morning sickness” is the common term for feeling nauseous (sick to your stomach) and/or vomiting during

SHORTNESS OF BREATH You may feel like it’s hard to breathe during the last month or two of pregnancy. This happens when your uterus gets large enough to press on your diaphragm (breathing muscle).

HAVING A HEALTHY

pregnancy. It can happen any time of the day and last anywhere from a few minutes to the whole day. Morning sickness usually starts after the first month and goes away around 16 weeks of pregnancy. But some people will experience morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancy. • Eat small, frequent meals • Drink liquids during the day but not with meals • Eat crackers or dry toast • Get out of bed slowly • Eat cold, bland foods (nothing greasy or spicy) • Don’t lie down immediately after eating What can help

PREGNANCY

If you experience shortness of breath: • Try sleeping on your side instead of your back • Use pillows between your legs and behind your back • Prop yourself up at night instead of lying flat • Sleep in a recliner with pillows around you • Slow down when climbing stairs

SKIN CHANGES Rising hormone levels during pregnancy can cause changes to your skin color. These changes usually go completely

• Try ginger, lemonade, and mint tea • Switch to chewable prenatal vitamins

away or mostly fade after the baby is born and your hormone levels stabilize. Your skin may look flushed, like you’re blushing. Other common skin changes include blotchy brown markings on your face, a dark line down the middle of your belly, or acne. Staying out of the sun may help.

PREECLAMPSIA Preeclampsia is a type of high blood pressure that can develop in the second half of pregnancy. If your symptoms are severe and you develop this condition early in your pregnancy, it may increase the risk of health complications for you and your baby.

SWELLING It’s normal for your feet and legs to swell toward the end of pregnancy, especially in hot weather. This happens when your

SCAN + PLAY

added pregnancy weight slows the circulation rate of fluids to your heart, especially from your feet. At the same time, changing hormone levels can cause your body to hold onto water. But if you notice excessive leg swelling or swelling in your face and hands, call your health care provider right away. It could be a sign of a blood pressure problem. Tips to reduce swelling • Rest with your feet and legs elevated • Wear supportive tights or maternity pantyhose • Avoid standing for long periods • Lie on your side when sleeping or resting • Try regular exercise, such as walking or swimming • Drink lots of water and avoid salty foods

Potential health complications can include placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the womb), liver damage, kidney damage, bleeding problems, and seizures. Any of these problems can be life-threatening for you and your baby. Preeclampsia can also occur after your baby is born even if you did not have symptoms during pregnancy.

WARNING

If you have ANY OF THESE SIGNS or something just doesn’t feel right, call your provider right away: • Sudden weight gain and swelling of your hands and face

• Dull or severe throbbing headaches • Vision changes (flashing lights, auras, light sensitivity, etc.) • Sudden onset of nausea or vomiting • Upper abdominal or shoulder pain • Shortness of breath, confusion, or anxiety • Lower urine output than usual

WARNING

Excessive swelling could be a sign of preeclampsia during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Preeclampsia requires immediate medical attention.

Chapter 2: Having a Healthy Pregnancy

27