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Women's Health

How Life Begins 10 things to know when you are expecting By Dr. Rachel ReitanPublished: May, 2005

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Pregnancy is an exciting time, full of changes and questions. Here are the top 10 concerns I have heard from my expectant patients. 1. Medications One of the most common concerns during pregnancy involves taking medications. Some over-the-counter medications are considered safe in pregnancy, but others must be avoided. Check with your obstetrician to determine the specific medications that are safe for you and your baby. 2. Folic acid, prenatal vitamins and calcium Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects up to 70% when taken three months before pregnancy. It also helps prevent cleft lip, congenital heart disease and other birth defects. Take a prenatal vitamin or regular vitamin every day to be sure you get the needed nutrients. In addition, eat foods high in calcium and drink calcium-fortified juices. If you don’t consume 1,000mg of calcium a day during pregnancy, the baby will take the calcium from your bones, putting you at risk for osteoporosis. 3. Weight Avoid the pitfall of “eating for two.” You need only 300 more calories a day during pregnancy. How much weight you should gain depends on your weight before pregnancy. Follow your obstetrician’s guidance. You are likely to only gain 2-4 pounds in the first three months, then 3-4 pounds each month until delivery. 4. Constipation/frequent urination Constipation is the most common complaint of pregnancy. Hormonal changes slow down your bowel activity, and as the baby gets bigger the uterus puts more pressure on the bowels. Drink lots of fluids, eat fiber-rich foods, exercise, and if needed, use a bulking agent. During pregnancy the amount of fluid in your body almost doubles, so your kidneys have to work extra hard to get rid of waste products. In addition, the growing baby puts pressure on the bladder. Just make sure there is always a bathroom nearby. 5. Breast changes Breast tenderness is usually one of the first signs of pregnancy. Then your breasts grow and change. Sometimes blue veins will appear, the area around your nipples becomes darker and little glands form. Wear a well-fitting and supportive bra. 6. Skin changes The hormones of pregnancy cause changes in your skin. A darkly colored vertical line develops along the midline of the abdomen. Irregular brown patches can develop on the cheeks. Moles and freckles can become darker. Usually these skin changes disappear or become lighter after delivery. Use sunscreen (at least SPF 15). 7. Exercise Exercise is excellent in pregnancy. It is recommended to do about 30 minutes every day of aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, yoga or swimming. The general rule; if it hurts, stop. Do not get overheated, drink lots of water, and wear good support shoes and bra. 8. Travel Most pregnant women can travel safely until close to their due date. In a car, wear your seatbelt at all times. In an airplane, choose an aisle seat; it is easier to get up to go to the bathroom. While traveling, get up and walk every two hours to prevent blood clots. 9. Sex Sex is safe in pregnancy. Variety may become a necessity, though. You and your partner may need to try different positions for your comfort when the uterus/baby starts to get larger. 10. Foods and other things to avoid Pregnant women should not eat fish that contain high amounts of mercury, which may harm an unborn baby’s brain or nervous system. Also be aware of listeriosis, an infection that can cause miscarriage or stillbirth and is caused by bacteria found in unpasteurized dairy products and in some other foods. To prevent, wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly and don’t take in unpasteurized milk products or raw or undercooked meat or poultry. Avoid tobacco, even second-hand smoke, as well as alcohol and drugs. Mothering begins during pregnancy. Take good care of yourself and your growing baby. If you have questions, get answers from your doctor. Good communication with your obstetrician is vital to a happy pregnancy. Dr. Rachel Reitan is an OB/Gyn with UCI Medical Center. Information: www.ucihealth.com or call 714.456.2911.

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