Pregnancy Symptoms

Most women know their bodies well enough to recognize the initial signs of pregnancy. Although there are times when it is several months before some women recognize their body is changing and entertain the idea of being pregnant. Typically, however, there are enough physical symptoms besides a missing menstrual period to give you a clue that a baby may be on the way. Common symptoms early in pregnancy are feeling nauseated or queasy, having tender or swollen breasts, feeling bloated, urinating frequently, and feeling very tired.

Each woman is unique in how her body will react to pregnancy and the increased hormone levels. Some women are fortunate to have both a healthy pregnancy and few unpleasant symptoms. But the majority of women will experience some or many of the common pregnancy symptoms. On the positive side, these changes in your body indicate your body is being affected by the baby’s hormones and is at less risk for miscarriage.

During the first trimester, one of the most common symptoms women experience is “morning sickness,” which can occur anytime of day. Many women have increased nausea and vomiting in the morning hours, but some experience this throughout the day or at night when they are more tired. One thing you can do to reduce the chances of nausea or vomiting is to eat something small before getting out of bed. Soda crackers often are a good choice and combining them with some protein, such as cheese or peanut butter, also can help. Rise slowly out of bed and get plenty of rest throughout the day. Fatigue and stress can make your nausea worse. Regular exercise and fresh air will often make you feel better as well. Instead of eating three large meals a day, eat small, frequent, and dry meals. Sip fluids between snacks and meals and avoid drinking too much fluid at one time. Avoid the smells of foods that make you feel queasy.

Constipation and gas also are common pregnancy symptoms. Pregnancy hormones can slow down digestion and your growing baby will be taking up more of your abdominal space. Some ways to help manage constipation are drinking 2 to 3 quarts of fluid each day (water, juice, milk and soup all count), drinking a hot or warm beverage first thing in the morning, and eating a high-fiber diet. Regular exercise also will reduce constipation as it will speed up your digestion process. Do not take laxatives unless your doctor recommends it.

Toward the end of your pregnancy it is common to experience increased heartburn as your uterus is pressing up against your stomach. The main cause of heartburn are pregnancy hormones, which relax the muscle between your stomach and esophagus and cause stomach acids to leak into your esophagus. Keeping track of your diet is one of the best ways to minimize heartburn. Eat six small meals per day instead of three large ones. Don’t drink a lot of liquid with your meals, but drink more fluids between meals instead. Avoid carbonated beverages, citrus fruits and juices, and spicy or fatty foods. Eat slowly and chew your food well. Don’t eat or drink within a few hours of bedtime and don’t lie down right after meals. Propping your head up while you sleep also can help alleviate heartburn. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a medication to reduce heartburn as well.

You may experience many other changes in your body during pregnancy, but nausea, constipation and heartburn are some of the most frequent symptoms women experience. Remember that whatever your pregnancy symptoms may be, you only will have to live with them for 9 months. And once you are holding your precious baby you will forget about how uncomfortable it all was.

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