Pregnancy (cont.)
In this Article
- Pregnancy facts*
- Introduction
- What is the first trimester (week 1-week 12)?
- What is the second trimester (week 13-week 28)?
- What is the third trimester (week 29-week 40)?
- How will my baby develop week by week?
- What are the changes that happen to a woman's body during her 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy?
- Body aches
- Breast changes
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue, sleep problems
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Hemorrhoids
- Itching
- Leg cramps
- Morning sickness
- Nasal problems
- Numb or tingling hands
- Stretch marks, skin changes
- Swelling
- Urinary frequency and leaking
- Varicose veins
- Stages of Pregnancy - Slideshow
- Pregnancy Myths and Facts FAQs
- Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
Leg cramps
During pregnancy, you might have:
At different times during your pregnancy, you might have sudden muscle spasms in your legs or feet. They usually occur at night. This is due to a change in the way your body processes calcium.
What might help:
- Gently stretch muscles.
- Get mild exercise.
- For sudden cramps, flex your foot forward.
- Eat calcium-rich foods.
- Ask your doctor about calcium supplements.
Morning sickness
In the first trimester hormone changes can cause nausea and vomiting. This is called "morning sickness," although it can occur at any time of day. Morning sickness usually tapers off by the second trimester.
What might help:
- Eat several small meals instead of three large meals to keep your stomach from being empty.
- Don't lie down after meals.
- Eat dry toast, saltines, or dry cereals before getting out of bed in the morning.
- Eat bland foods that are low in fat and easy to digest, such as cereal, rice, and bananas.
- Sip on water, weak tea, or clear soft drinks. Or eat ice chips.
- Avoid smells that upset your stomach.
Call the doctor if:
You have flu-like symptoms, which may signal a more serious condition.
You have severe, constant nausea and/or vomiting several times every day.
Next: Nasal problems
Patient Comments
Viewers share their comments
Pregnancy - Describe Your Experience
Question: Please describe usual or unusual experiences had with your pregnancy, food cravings, morning sickness, edema (etc.)
Pregnancy - Morning Sickness
Question: What remedies were effective in treating morning sickness during your pregnancy?
- •
- Submit »
Pregnancy - Heartburn and Indigestion
Question: What did you find helpful in treating heartburn and indigestion during your pregnancy?
- •
- Submit »
Pregnancy - Stretch Marks and Skin Changes
Question: What skin changes did you notice during your pregnancy, and how did you treat them?
- •
- Submit »
Pregnancy - Signs
Question: How did you find out you were pregnant?
http://www.medicinenet.com/pregnancy/article.htm
Parenting and Pregnancy
Get tips for baby and you.
Updated & New
