During pregnancy many changes occur throughout your body to support the growth and development of your baby and help prepare for labor. Hormones, the chemical substances secreted into the bloodstream by your glands and the placenta, cause most of these changes. You may not notice many of these pregnancy changes, some may cause interest, others concern, and still others discomfort.

Breast tenderness and enlargement is usually one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. For most mothers, it only lasts the first few months, but it can continue throughout the whole pregnancy. This symptom occurs because your milk glands enlarge and your breasts become larger. By the end of the fourth month you may even be able to express a thin, watery fluid from your nipples which varies in color from clear to orange. This fluid is known as colostrum, and is a forerunner of milk. A well fitting, supportive cotton bra with wide, non-stretch straps is usually effective in relieving breast discomfort. Ice packs and Tylenol may give some relief also.

Abdominal discomfort occurs often throughout pregnancy and can be caused by several things. Usually abdominal discomfort is a normal part of pregnancy, but severe pain may signal a problem. Among the normal discomforts of pregnancy is mild, aching pain or tenderness low in the abdomen usually only on one side, caused by the release of an egg from your ovary. This discomfort will disappear as the pregnancy progresses. You also may notice some mild to moderate cramps as the uterus enlarges to accommodate your growing baby. However, if vaginal spotting or bleeding accompanies this cramping, please call the office. If pain is severe, associated with nausea, vomiting, jaundice, pain or burning on urination, fever or chills, you should call the office.

Mood swings are very common during the first 3 months of pregnancy in response to the hormone changes mentioned above. These mood swings can take the form of crying more easily and being more irritable, especially toward your partner or children. These emotional symptoms seem to be less severe if you are getting enough rest and talking with your partner regularly.

Fatigue is very common in early pregnancy and may last throughout the pregnancy. Most people find they need extra rest and even a nap during the first few months of pregnancy. Energy usually gets better about 20 weeks.

Please report the following symptoms: vaginal spotting/bleeding, persistent vomiting for more than 24 hours, fever of 101 or greater that is unrelieved by Tylenol, pain or burning with urination, or a feeling of incomplete emptying of your bladder.

When to Call in Early Pregnancy

• Vaginal Bleeding
  Vaginal bleeding is common in early pregnancy. Most mothers worry if they have any vaginal bleeding after their pregnancy test is positive, but bleeding is not always a sign of a serious problem. For instance, light spotting may be caused by a vaginal exam, or may occur after intercourse. Some bleeding may occur at the time when the fertilized egg becomes implanted within the uterus, about a week before you miss your period. However, if you have enough bright, red bleeding that you need to use a sanitary pad, please call us at the office.

• Nausea and Vomiting
  About 80 percent of women who are pregnant experience some nausea or vomiting during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. Nausea seems to be caused by the pregnancy hormone, beta HCG. The only thing which is good about it is that women with lots of nausea in early pregnancy seldom miscarry, so it is a sign of a healthy pregnancy. When you are nauseated it is difficult to eat and drink, so you may notice your mouth is dry and that you are thirsty. Usually nausea is made worse by hunger and/or tiredness. Most women find that they must eat differently and get extra rest during this time. We have a list of suggestions to help reduce nausea. Prolonged periods of vomiting and vomiting are not good for you or your baby. If you are unable to keep any fluids or food down for 12 to 24 hours, please call us at the office.

• Fever and Chills
  Fever and chills usually are indications of infection. Most commonly this is due to a viral illness such as a cold or viral gastroenteritis. Sometimes fever may be a symptom of a more serious infection such as strep throat, pneumonia, appendicitis, a kidney infection or an infection in the uterus. If your temperature rises above 100.6 F, take 700 to 1000 mg of Tylenol every 3 to 4 hours. Also drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. If your temperature does not begin to drop within 24 hours, or if you develop other symptoms (i.e. a cough with mucus, a sore throat, shortness of breath, severe pain, or if you have been exposed to a serious illness), please notify us at the office.