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Early Signs and Symptoms of PregnancyNatural Ways to Enhance Male Fertility Increasing Fertility with Natural Medicine and Acupuncture Detoxify
before pregnancy to Herbs & Vitamins for pregnancy To Much Soy? - adverse estrogenic effects Herbs to Avoid during pregnancy
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Early Pregnancy SymptomsBy the US Dept of Health & Human Services Use your browsers "back" button to navigate this early pregnancy symptoms menu. The symptoms of early pregnancy can include:
Missed periodThe absence of the menstrual period (amenorrhoea) is often the first sign of possible pregnancy. However, some women experience light bleeding around the time of expected menstruation. Apart from pregnancy, amenorrhoea can be caused by other factors including:
Morning sicknessAround half to two thirds of all pregnant women experience some degree of morning sickness, especially in the first few months. The symptoms include nausea and vomiting. For most women, morning sickness begins around the fourth week of pregnancy and resolves by the 12th week. Apart from pregnancy, nausea and vomiting can be caused by other factors including:
Breast changesDuring pregnancy, the breasts become fuller, swollen and tender. Many women report that the sensations are similar to those experienced in the few days prior to menstruation. Other breast changes related to early pregnancy include a darkening of the skin around the nipple (areola) and more prominent veins across both breasts. Apart from pregnancy, breast changes can be caused by other factors including:
FatigueMany newly pregnant women report feelings of overwhelming tiredness. This is thought to be caused by the massive increase in the sex hormone progesterone. In most cases, energy levels rise by about the fourth month of pregnancy when the placenta is working properly. Apart from pregnancy, fatigue can be caused by other factors including:
Frequent urinationPregnancy prompts increased levels of body fluids and greater kidney efficiency. The swelling uterus also presses against the bladder. Most women start experiencing more frequent urination within the first few weeks of conception. Apart from pregnancy, frequent urination can be caused by other factors including:
Mood changesSome newly pregnant women experience mood changes that are similar to those typically felt in the days leading up to menstruation, such as irritability or weepiness. Other pregnant women experience feelings of elation. It is thought that the pregnancy hormones influence the brain chemicals and cause the mood changes. Apart from pregnancy, mood changes can be caused by other factors including:
Food cravingsAround eight out of 10 pregnant women experience cravings for at least one particular food. Between 50 and 80 per cent also experience aversions to particular foods they previously enjoyed. According to some theories, a craving indicates a deficiency in the diet. Most nutritionists recommend that cravings be accommodated, as long as they don't dominate and replace more important foods. Apart from pregnancy, food cravings can be caused by other factors including:
Testing for pregnancyThere are pregnancy home test kits available from chemists that offer reliable and accurate readings, if performed strictly to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, a kit comprises special paper that is sensitive to the presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG in your urine. False-negative results can occur if the test is taken before the levels of hCG have built to detectible levels in the urine, or if you have had a lot to drink and the urine is diluted. Blood tests can be accurate within one week or so of conception. Be guided by your doctor or family planning professional. [Top]Where to get help
Things to remember
Related Prenancy Articles:National Institute of Health covers pregnancy news, anatomy, symptoms, and a variaty of topic realted to Pregnancy Topics. Important infomation concerning nutritional needs of women going through pregnancy. [Top] Herbs Contraindicated in PregnancyBy Dr. Donald Mattison, March of Dimes Foundation. More information about the safe use of herbs and vitamins during pregnancy. * Aloe * Autumn crocus * Black Cohosh root * Buckthorn bark * Buckthorn berry * Cascara Sagrada bark * Chaste Tree fruit * Cinchona bark * Cinnamon bark * Coltsfoot leaf * Comfrey herb and leaf * Comfrey root * Echinacea Purpurea herb (injectable) * Angelica root, Gentian root, and Fennel seed*FC * Anise oil, Fennel oil, and Caraway oil*FC * Anise oil, Fennel oil, Licorice root, and Thyme*FC * Anise seed, Fennel seed and Caraway seed*FC * Anise seed, Ivy leaf, Fennel seed and Licorice root*FC * Anise seed, Marshmallow root, Eucalyptus oil, and Licorice root (above 100 mg glycyrrhizin)*FC * Anise seed, Marshmallow root, Iceland Moss, and Licorice root (above 100 mg glycyrrhizin)*FC * Caraway oil and Fennel oil*FC * Caraway oil, Fennel oil, and Chamomile flower*FC * Caraway seed and Fennel seed*FC * Caraway seed, Fennel seed, and Chamomile flower*FC * Ivy leaf, Licorice root, and Thyme (above 100 mg glycyrrhizin)*FC * Licorice root, Peppermint leaf and German Chamomile flower*FC * Licorice root, Primrose root, Marshmallow root, and Anise seed*FC * Marshmallow root, Fennel seed, Iceland Moss, and Thyme*FC * Marshmallow root, Primrose root, Licorice root, and Thyme oil (above 100 mg glycyrrhizin)*FC * Peppermint leaf and Fennel seed*FC * Peppermint leaf, Caraway seed, and Fennel seed*FC * Peppermint leaf, Caraway seed, Fennel seed, and Chamomile flower*FC * Peppermint leaf, Fennel seed and Chamomile flower*FC * Peppermint oil and Fennel oil*FC * Peppermint oil, Caraway oil, and Fennel oil*FC * Peppermint oil, Caraway oil, Fennel oil, and Chamomile flower*FC * Peppermint oil, Fennel oil, and Chamomile flower*FC * Senna leaf, Peppermint oil, and Caraway oil*FC * Fennel oil * Fennel seed * Indian snakeroot * Juniper berry * Kava Kava * Licorice root * Mayapple root and resin * Parsley herb and root * Petasites root * Rhubarb root * Sage leaf * Senna leaf * Uva Ursi leafHerbs Contraindicated in Lactation* Aloe * Buckthorn bark * Buckthorn berry * Cascara Sagrada bark * Coltsfoot leaf * Senna leaf, Peppermint oil, and Caraway oil*FC * Kava Kava * Petasites root * Indian snakeroot * Rhubarb root * Senna leaf * Uva Ursi *F.C. = Fixed Combinations |
First Trimester - Pregnancy SignsBy the National Women's Health Orginzation
Changes in Your BodyDuring the first 3 months of pregnancy, or the first trimester, your body is undergoing many changes. As your body adjusts to the growing baby, you may have nausea, fatigue, backaches, mood swings, and stress. Just remember that these things are normal during pregnancy, as your body changes. Most of these discomforts will go away as your pregnancy progresses. And some women might not have any discomforts! If you have been pregnant before, you might feel differently with this pregnancy. Just as each woman is different, so is each pregnancy. And, as your body changes, you might need to make changes to your normal, everyday routine. Here are some of the most common changes or symptoms you might experience in your first trimester: TirednessDuring your pregnancy, you might feel tired even when you've had a lot of sleep at night. Many women find they're exhausted in the first trimester. Don't worry, this is normal! This is your body's way of telling you that you need more rest. After all, your body is working very hard to develop a whole new life. Tiredness will pass over time and be replaced with a feeling of well being and more energy. When you are tired, get some rest. Try to get eight hours of sleep every night, and a nap during the day if you can. If you feel stressed, try to find a way to relax. You might want to start sleeping on your left side, if you find it more comfortable. This will relieve pressure on major blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. If you have high blood pressure during pregnancy, it is even more important to be on your left side when you are lying down. Nausea and VomitingUsually called "morning sickness," nausea and vomiting are common during early pregnancy. For many women, though, it isn't limited to just the morning. Although it can seem like it will last forever, nausea and vomiting usually go away after the first trimester. Try some of these tips to help your nausea:
If you are vomiting a lot, you might want to call your health care provider to make sure you don't get dehydrated (lose too much fluid in your body). When the nausea and vomiting begins to go away, try to resume a healthy eating plan, and take your prenatal vitamins. Frequency of UrinationRunning to the bathroom all the time? Frequent urination is common during pregnancy. Early in pregnancy, the growing uterus presses on your bladder. If you notice pain, burning, pus or blood in your urine see your health care provider right away. You might have a urinary tract infection that needs treatment. ConstipationAs your uterus begins to expand, you might notice you're constipated. To prevent constipation, try to eat fresh or dried fruit, raw vegetables, and whole grain cereals or breads everyday. Also, try to drink eight to ten glasses of water everyday. Some of these servings can be substituted with fruit or vegetable juice. Try to avoid caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, colas, and some other sodas), since caffeine makes your body lose fluid and won't help with constipation. DizzinessDizziness, feeling lightheaded, and even fainting can occur at any stage of pregnancy, since there now is extra blood going down towards your uterus and legs. You can help relieve these symptoms by lying down on your left side. Or to help prevent them, try moving around more instead of sitting or standing in one position for a long time. Varicose Veins and HemorrhoidsDuring pregnancy, pressure on the large veins behind the uterus causes the blood to slow in its return to the heart. This can lead to varicose veins in the legs and hemorrhoids (varicose veins in the vagina or around the anus). Varicose veins look like swollen veins raised above the surface of the skin. They can be twisted or bulging, and are dark purple or blue in color. They are found most often on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg, anywhere from the groin to the ankle. You can try to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy by:
Click here for more information on varicose veins. Leg CrampsAt different times during your pregnancy, you might have cramps in your legs or feet. This is due to a change in the way your body processes, or metabolizes, calcium. One way to prevent these cramps is to make sure to get enough calcium through nonfat or lowfat milk, and calcium-rich foods. You also get some calcium in your prenatal vitamin, but you might need to take a calcium supplement if you don't get enough through your diet. Talk with your health care provider first about taking calcium supplements. You can relieve leg and foot cramps by gently stretching the muscle. If you have a sudden leg cramp, flex your foot towards your body. If you point your foot to stretch your leg, the cramp could worsen. Wrapping a warm heating pad or warm, moist towel around the muscle also can help the muscle to relax. Nosebleeds, Nasal Stuffiness, Bleeding GumsThese little discomforts are the result of hormonal effects on the tissues of your throat, mouth, and nose. They usually are not serious, and you might not even notice them. When you blow your nose, you might see a small amount of blood in the tissue. Blow gently, and stop a nosebleed by just squeezing your nose between your thumb and finger for a few minutes. See your health care provider, though, if you have nosebleeds that do not stop in a few minutes or happen often. Any nasal stuffiness that you have during pregnancy should not be extreme and can be helped by drinking extra water, or with using a cool mist humidifier in your bedroom. Talk with your health care provider before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines for colds or nasal stuffiness. You can help bleeding gums by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily. Changes in Your BabyBy the end of this trimester, your baby is about three inches long and weighs about half an ounce. The eyes move closer together into their positions, and the ears also are in position. The liver is making bile, and the kidneys are secreting urine into the bladder. Even though you can't feel your baby move yet, your baby will move inside you in response to pushing on your abdomen. Prenatal CareVisits and TestsDuring these special months of pregnancy, especially the early ones, visiting your health care provider is very important. Your provider will schedule you for regular check-ups throughout the next nine months to keep your baby healthy and avoid problems with delivery. Become a partner with your health care provider to manage your care. Keep all of your appointments - every one is important! Pregnancy typically lasts 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period. The first trimester lasts 12 weeks, the second from 13 to the end of 27 weeks, and the third from 28 to 40 weeks. Your health care provider will refer to your pregnancy by the age of the fetus in weeks. During the first prenatal visit, your health care provider will discuss important parts of your health history that may have some impact on your pregnancy. These include diseases, operations, and other pregnancies. There also will be questions about your family's health history. You will have a complete physical exam, lab tests, and a Pap test. From now on, your blood pressure, urine, and weight will be checked at every visit. For special genetic or medical reasons, you may need other lab tests, like blood or urine tests, cultures for infections, or ultrasound exams. Your health care provider will discuss them with you during your visits. Your health care provider also will figure out your expected delivery date and answer questions about any concerns you might have. Caring For YourselfSmoking, Alcohol, and DrugsBy taking good care of yourself during pregnancy, you're also nurturing the new life inside of you. Quit smoking if you smoke, since smoking during pregnancy passes nicotine and cancer-causing drugs to the fetus. Smoke also keeps your baby from getting needed nourishment while in your uterus, and raises the risk of fetal death and premature birth (a low-birth weight baby born too early). Quit drinking if you drink alcohol. The amount of alcohol needed to cause problems in your baby is not known. But, drinking every day, drinking large amounts of alcohol once in a while but not all the time, or drinking with when you are out with friends or at a party, all have been shown to have harmful effects. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any medications or drugs, since some can be harmful to your baby's development. Only take drugs or medicines prescribed or approved by your health care provider. You should never take illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, speed (amphetamines), barbiturates, LSD, and others. Talk with your health care provider right away if you need help with quitting smoking or drinking, or a drug habit. You can also get help with alcohol and drugs by talking with a member of your faith community, a counselor, or a trusted friend. WorkMany women continue working through pregnancy. Staying active might help you stay healthier. If you have a question about the safety of your particular job, talk with your health care provider. Nutrition and Weight GainWhat you eat isn't only important for your own health anymore, but for the current and future health of your baby. Healthy foods are the building blocks for your growing baby since pregnancy is a complex time of developing new tissues and organs. Throughout pregnancy, try to make most of your food choices healthy ones. Eating junk food during pregnancy leads to too much weight gain without meeting your increased need for nutrients. Folic acid: Folic acid is the most vital nutrient pregnant women need. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects (defects of the spine, brain, or their coverings) and other birth defects like cleft lip and congenital heart disease. By making sure you consume at least .4 milligrams (mg) of folic acid every day before getting pregnant and during the first three months of pregnancy, you can help reduce the risk of these defects. Folic acid is found in dark-green leafy vegetables (like spinach or kale), beans and citrus fruits, and in fortified cereals and bread. But to make sure you consume enough folic acid, it is best to take a daily vitamin that contains it. At your first prenatal visit, your health care provider will talk with you about taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid and iron. Click here for more information on folic acid. Iron: Iron is needed to fuel hemoglobin (a type of protein in red blood cells that helps take oxygen to body tissues for energy and growth) production for you and your baby. Iron also helps build bones and teeth. A shortage of iron can cause a condition called anemia. Most women do not have symptoms of anemia, but some might have extreme fatigue. Your health care provider can check for signs of anemia through the routine blood tests that are taken in different stages of your pregnancy. If you have anemia, your health care provider will give you iron supplements to take once or twice a day. You can help prevent anemia by eating more iron-rich foods like potatoes, raisins, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, whole-grain breads and iron-fortified cereals. Key Food Groups: Always remember that you are eating to nourish your baby, and choose a variety of foods from the daily Food Guide Pyramid. Also, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should have at least three servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese to meet their calcium needs. They should also eat more breads and cereals, fruits, vegetables, and meat and meat alternatives - up to a total of 2,200 or 2,800 calories. Try to have three meals every day, or six smaller meals if you have problems with nausea or heartburn.
Water: Water plays a key role in your diet during pregnancy. It carries the nutrients from the foods you eat to your baby, and also helps prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling, and urinary tract or bladder infections. Most importantly, drinking enough water, especially in your last trimester, prevents you from becoming dehydrated which can then lead you to have contractions and premature, or early labor. Pregnant women should drink at least six to eight ounce glasses of water per day, and another glass for each hour of activity. You can drink juices for fluid, but they also have a lot of calories and can cause you to gain extra weight. Coffee, soft drinks, and teas that have caffeine actually reduce the amount of fluid in your body, so they cannot count towards the total amount of fluid you need. Click here for more information on pregnancy and nutrition Weight gain: Weight gain during your pregnancy depends on your height and how much you weighed before you became pregnant. All weight gain during pregnancy should be gradual, with most of the weight gained in the last trimester. During the first trimester, it is normal to gain only a small amount of weight, about one pound per month. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): if you were underweight before becoming pregnant, you should gain between 28 and 40 pounds; if you were overweight, between 15 and 25 pounds. Recent research shows that women who gain more than the recommended amount during pregnancy and who fail to lose this weight within six months after giving birth are at much higher risk of being obese nearly 10 years later. Check with your health care provider to find out how much weight gain during pregnancy is healthy for you. ExerciseIf you have no medical problems with your pregnancy, regular physical activity (30 minutes per day, most days of the week), can help you have a more comfortable pregnancy and labor. It also helps to lower your risk for having pregnancy problems like high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. And you will have an easier time getting back into a healthy body shape and weight after the birth. Normal, low-impact activities, like walking and swimming, that don't involve a lot of bouncing, stretching your muscles to their greatest extent, or deeply bending your joints, are good for you. Because your connective tissues stretch much more easily during pregnancy, high impact or high resistance exercises that involve a lot of bouncing and extreme muscle stretching can increase your risk of joint injury. If you haven't exercised regularly before becoming pregnant, you can still begin an exercise program. Just start slowly and progress gradually. Talk with your health care provider first about what types of exercise or activities are best for you. One type of exercise that can help your muscles prepare for delivery, help support your uterus during pregnancy, and help you to control your urine are pelvic floor exercises (also called Kegel exercises). Pelvic muscles are the same ones you use to stop and start your flow of urine. You can do this exercise standing, sitting, or lying down. To do this exercise: tighten the pelvic floor muscles for five seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times. You can also talk with your health care provider about how to do this exercise. BathingBoth baths and showers are fine to take during pregnancy, but very hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas can be harmful to the fetus, or cause you to faint. You also might want to avoid taking frequent bubble baths or baths with perfumed products that might irritate your vaginal area, and increase your risk of a urinary tract infection or yeast infection. Do not use douches, even vinegar-based douches, without first talking with your health care provider. Although vaginal discharge tends to be heavier during pregnancy, you should see your health care provider if you have vaginal itching, burning or a heavy discharge. You could have a urinary tract infection, yeast infection, viral or bacterial infection that needs treatment. Caring for Your Mouth and TeethA pregnant woman's teeth and gums need special care. We know that pregnant women with gum disease problems are much more likely to have premature babies with low-birth weight. This may result from the transfer of bacterial microbes in the mother's mouth to the baby during the third trimester of pregnancy. The microbes can reach the baby through the placenta (a temporary organ joining the mother and fetus which supplies the fetus with blood and nutrients), through the amniotic fluid (fluid around the fetus), and through the layer of tissues in the mother's stomach. Every expectant mother should have a complete oral exam prior to or very early in pregnancy. All needed dental work should be managed early, because having urgent treatment during pregnancy, while possible, can present risks. Interventions can be started to control risks for gum inflammation and disease. This also is the best time to change habits that may affect the health of teeth and gums, and the health of the baby. Remember to tell your dentist that you are pregnant! Brush with a soft toothbrush and floss gently at least twice a day. Click here for more information on oral health for women. Sexual RelationsIt is fine to have sexual intercourse throughout your pregnancy unless your health care provider tells you not to. Some women who have had miscarriages have to avoid sexual intercourse during the first three months. You should contact your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms during sexual intercourse:
The following resources also can help you with the first trimester of your pregnancy:
This page last updated: June 2003 |
Share your thoughts about pregnancy? Can cognitive deterioration associated with Down syndrome be reduced?By Center for Natural Health Research, Down Syndrome-Epilepsy Foundation This paper suggests that essential nutrients such as folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc, as well as alpha-lipoic acid and carnosine may partially prevent cognative impairment. Continue Omega-3 fatty acids in infant development: visual, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes"Diets low in omega-3 fatty acids result in lowered DHA levels in cerebral cortex and retina that is associated with abnormalities in retinal function and slower development of visual acuity." - Videocast lecture by Martha Neuringer, Oregon Health Sciences University Having A Healthy PregnancyNot all birth defects can be prevented, but a woman can take some actions that increase her chance of having a healthy baby. Many birth defects happen very early in pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Remember that about half of all pregnancies are unplanned. Pregnancy health advice
[Top] Pregnancy Tips (A-Z)A
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