Belly Bumps

Nausea & Vomiting

January 1, 2011

in General

Nausea and vomiting, or “morning sickness,” is experienced by just over half of all pregnant women. It is thought to be caused as a response by your body to the increased production of hormones that support the pregnancy. Morning sickness can actually occur at any time—day or night.  There are also various degrees nausea and/or vomiting that may be experienced during pregnancy.

Although there is no known cure for nausea & vomiting during pregnancy, there are several ways to help alleviate the symptoms:

  • Eat small, frequent meals
  • Always stay hydrated
  • Avoid strong odors
  • Avoid fried and/or spicy foods
  • Use ginger to in the form of tea, candies or natural ginger ale
  • Use acupressure wrist bands
  • Take vitamin B6 supplements

 

Nausea and vomiting usually resolves around the 12th week of pregnancy. In some cases, nausea and vomiting can become severe enough to lead to dehydration and/or weight loss requiring medications and/or hospitalization. Please contact your physician if you start to experience symptoms later in pregnancy or if vomiting occurs more than twice a day.

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Headaches During Pregnancy

December 1, 2010

Headaches during pregnancy are common, especially during the first and third trimesters. These headaches are usually caused by hormonal changes, fatigue, hunger, stress, caffeine withdrawal, sinus pressure or any combination of these. Fortunately, the frequency of these headaches significantly decreases in the second trimester.
Prevention and treatment of headaches during pregnancy depends on the cause. Methods [...]

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Over-The-Counter Medications & Pregnancy

November 1, 2010

Taking medication, except for prenatal vitamins, is discouraged during pregnancy without first checking with your physician. However, there are times when certain over the counter (OTC) medication may be necessary to take:
To Relieve Pain
Pain relievers, such as Tylenol® and other forms of acetaminophen, are widely considered to be safe during pregnancy. They can be used [...]

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Pregnancy and the Flu Vaccine

October 26, 2010

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the flu shot for every woman who will be pregnant during the flu season, which typically runs October through March.
Pregnancy changes your immune system and puts extra stress on the heart and lungs. This puts pregnant women at an increased risk of serious complications from the flu including pneumonia [...]

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Travel Well

September 1, 2010

What can you do to ensure a more comfortable flight? Take these precautions:

Avoid sitting in a cramped position for extended periods oftime to help prevent swelling of the legs and blood clots—an occasional complication of pregnancy, due in part, to hormonal changes.
Request an aisle seat and spend about 15 minutes each hour walking around the [...]

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Sunscreen and Pregnancy

August 1, 2010

Sunscreens that penetrate the skin are perfectly safe for pregnant women because they enter in small concentrations. Not only are they safe, but if you spend lots of time outside, you’d be remiss not to wear it.
Many women find that their skin is more sensitive while they’re carrying, so you might want to consider a [...]

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Water and Pregnancy

July 1, 2010

Good hydration is extremely important for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum period. Water flushes waste products from the cells and aids in liver and kidney function for both mom and the baby. During pregnancy, water is also needed for the body’s expansion as mom’s blood volume increases significantly. Insufficient water intake can be a factor [...]

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Stay Cool

June 1, 2010

Run errands, go for walks, and do outdoor tasks in the morning or evening when it’s cooler.
Wear light-colored cotton clothing that reflects sunlight. Dark colors will make you feel hotter.
Stick to wearing natural fabrics such as cotton or linen that allow quick evaporation of moisture and allow your skin to breathe.
Drink plenty of cool liquids. [...]

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