Routine Pregnancy 

Here’s what you may expect:

• Although the majority of women have no major medical problems during pregnancy, minor discomforts are common. Some of these problems are more common during the beginning of the pregnancy, and others develop as the pregnancy advances.
• During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, about half of all pregnant women experience morning sickness. For most women with morning sickness, the nausea, queasiness or vomiting occurs throughout the day, although it may be more severe in the morning. Women with morning sickness should drink plenty of liquids, and eat bland diets if experiencing nausea.
• Constipation is common during pregnancy. This is partly due to pressure from the enlarged uterus which impairs the ability of the bowel to empty completely Drinking plenty of fluids, exercising daily, even taking a brisk walk every day, and increasing intake of vegetables, grains and fruits, especially prunes, is helpful for relieving constipation.
• Heartburn occurs in about half of all pregnant women. This happens when the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus relaxes and allows stomach juices to flow upward, irritating the esophagus. Eating frequent, small meals, eating slowly, and avoiding spicy and greasy foods and caffeine may help relieve heartburn.
• Many women have backaches during pregnancy, especially when tired, or after bending, lifting or walking too much. Lower back pain can be relieved by resting on your side, with a pillow placed between the legs.
• Varicose veins occur in about 20 percent of pregnant women. This condition usually worsen in late pregnancy, due to decreased flow of blood from the leg veins to the pelvis, causing the veins in the legs to swell and cause discomfort. Foot exercises can help to return blood to the pelvic area. Wearing loose-fitting clothes and putting support hose on before getting up in the morning can also be helpful.
• Hemorrhoids can become worse during pregnancy, and often occur together with constipation. Eating an iron-rich diet, such as liver, eggs, dried fruit, whole grains, red meat, and green vegetables is also helpful.
• Many women experience sleeping problems during late pregnancy, partly due to their large body size and the frequent urge to urinate. It may be helpful to sleep on your side with a pillow propped between your legs, to eliminate caffeine, avoid large meals before bed, or to take a warm bath before sleeping.
• During pregnancy the breasts may swell as the hormones progesterone and estrogen increase. This swelling helps in the development of special breast tissue that produces milk. Women who initially experience discomfort may find it helpful to put cold compresses on their breasts, or use mild pain relievers with their doctor's approval.
• Some edema, or swelling, is normal during pregnancy, and many women develop this condition due to a build-up of fluid in body tissues. About one-fourth of pregnancy weight gain is fluid, which tends to collect mainly in the lower legs, feet and hands. Swelling is usually worse in warm weather, and at the end of the day. A low-salt diet may reduce swelling, and cold compresses often help relieve swelling in the hands. Elevating the legs at the end of the day will relieve swelling of the feet.
• If a woman's face becomes very swollen, she should contact her doctor, as this may be a sign of toxemia or another medical problem. Additionally, a sudden weight gain of two or more pounds a day, headache, flashing lights, nausea and vomiting may indicate a serious condition known as preeclampsia. Any sudden increase in water retention or swelling should be brought to the immediate attention of a physician.