Got a question? Check here for the answer! FAQ's

I think I might be pregnant, but I am not sure, what are some of the signs of pregnancy? Can I be pregnant if I have none or just a few of them? How early can I have symptoms

Yes you can be pregnant if you only have a few, or none of the usual symptoms. You can feel the symptoms very early on, some women even say immediately.

Some of the "usual" symptoms of pregnancy are:

Morning sickness (can be all day, or at night too, and it can be just nausea or vomiting)
Tender or enlarged breasts
Fatigue
Dark aureola
Veins being more noticeable in the breasts
Weight gain
Craving foods
Food aversion
No menstrual period (but remember it is possible to have your period while pregnant)
Heartburn
Constipation
Diarrhea
Cramps (like period cramps)
Being emotional
Being dizzy or light headed
Having to urinate more often
Headaches
Implantation bleeding (which is some spotting, it usually is brown in color)
Your basal body temp staying high for 18 days or longer
Bloating in your stomach
Being sensitive to odors (smelling things more, and having them make you sick)
A positive pregnancy test (even a faint line counts as a yes!)

I am having terrible morning/all day sickness, any tips?

Eating small meals throughout the day instead of three big ones
Have some crackers or a snack by your bed, so when you get up you can put something in your tunmmy right away
Sliced apples
Slicing lemons (the smell helps some)
Motion sickness bracelets
Ginger- anything with ginger root in it, even ginger ale
Peppermint (even try some peppermint tea)
Vitamin B6
Don't have fluids and meals together
Make sure you are drinking lots of water, you need to stay hydrated or it will make it worse
Eat things high in protein and complex carbs
Don't rush around in the mornings- that can make it worse
Stay away from stress as much as possible
Slurpees, or icees... When it gets really bad they help... and they are not hard on you coming back up.
Think about the flavor of your toothpaste and switch if it is contributing to making you nauseous
Get plenty of sleep
Avoid sugar and fatty foods
Ask your doctor about switching to a prenatal vitamin with a lower amount of iron for your 1st trimester

I am having some spotting and/or cramping, is everything ok?

It depends on what your spotting is like. If you have spotting the is bright red, heavy (fills a pad in less then an hour) and accompanies cramping call your doctor. Some mild cramping and spotting is normal in your first trimester, but if you have a feeling that something isn't right, call the doctor right away!

As far as the cramping, that can be pretty normal.  Remember your body is going through alot of changes, and the muscles and tendons will need to stretch to accommodate your growing baby, that can be what some of the cramping is.  If you have spotting like mentioned above with the cramping do call the doctor.  Also if the pain gets too  sever your doctor should be consulted. 

I am not sure if I am in real labor or false, how can I tell?

True labor:

Contractions are regular and follow a predictable pattern (such as every eight minutes)... contractions can be in your back as well as your stomach, they can be painful or they can be just a tightening sensation
You experience three types of progression: Contractions become a) progressively closer, b) progressively longer, and c) progressively stronger.
Each contraction is felt starting in the low back and then radiating around to the front, low in the groin.
A change in activity or position will not slow down or stop contractions.
Membranes may rupture.
Your doctor or midwife will notice cervical changes, such as ripening (softening), effacement (thinning), or dilation.

False labor:

Contractions are irregular and unpredictable, occurring, for example, in intervals of ten minutes, then six minutes, two minutes, eight minutes, etc.
No progression is seen over time.     
A change in activity or position may cause contractions to slow down or stop.
There may be bloody show.
There is usually no bloody show.
Membranes will not rupture.
No cervical changes occur

What does it look like when I lose my mucous plug, and does that mean I will be going into labor?

The mucous plug is a build up of secretions in your cervical cannel.  It is there to prevent infection.  When the cervix begins to open (or dilate), you may lose the plug.  It is usually is a goopey substances, and may be tinged with blood.  Sometimes the loss of the mucous plug may be referred to as the bloody show.  Some women notice they lose it, but others don't.  You might loose it all at once or in stages.  If you are to early for labor and you notice that you lose it, don't panic... losing it doesn't mean you are going into labor, in fact it does replenish itself.  Losing it can be a sign that labor is near, but don't count on it. 

I am having some back pain, is this normal and how can I help it?

Yes it is pretty normal to have the back pain. The reason being is that you are gaining alot of weight really quickly, you have hormones raging in your body that work to relax joints and ligaments in your body. To help with the pain work on your posture, it really does help to sit up straight and stand up straight too. Sleep on your sides, and when you lift things don't lift with your back. Walking and regularexercise helps too. I suggest doing prenatal Pilate's , it is nice and low impact... look to see if your library has any videos you can get there to try them out. Hot and cold compresses can help too. Accompany those with a back rub and you are set! Hope your back feels better soon!

My legs are restless all the time, what can I do to help this?


Getting plenty of rest, and going to bed before that feeling sets in
Stay away from Chocolate and other sugar and caffeine
Eat Bananas
Calcium (with vitamin D to help with absorption)
Water, water and more water... stay hydrated!
Massage them with peppermint foot lotion (or just a massage)
Stretch in the mornings and evenings

 

 

What should I pack for my Hospital Bag?

Snacks for you for after baby comes, and some of daddy's favorite too!

Breastfeeding Pads and Maxi Pads

Phone or calling card to call those relatives that live far away

Extra Change for vending machines, or whatever else might come up

Book to read, or something else to entertain you when you have no visitors or are waiting for labor to really get going

Baby Book, in case you want to fill some of it out

Camera and batteries

Clothes for you:
Socks
Robe
PJ's- they have some you might want to use because of the bleeding, but just in case
Going home clothes, remember you won't be able to fit into your old clothing right away
Underwear
Bras
Extra outfit just in case you don't want to wear PJ's the whole time
Hairbrush
Make up (if you want

Toiletries- for you and babies daddy in case he wants to stay

Extra clothes for daddy

Baby Clothes:
Going home outfit
Back up gong home outfit
Socks
Onesies

Fully stocked diaper bag:
Wipes
Extra outfits
pacifier (if you want to use one)
Bottles
Formula (depending on if you will use it or not)
Diapers
BurpClothes

Car Seat

What kinds of foods should I stay away from while pregnant?

Fish with mercury in it (ie tuna, shark, sword fish)
Deli Meats
Raw eggs or meats
Soft Cheeses (Brie, Feta, and other cheeses of that nature)
Caffeine
Alcohol
Herbal Teas (make sure you check with your doctor before drinking them, some are ok, but others are not)
Liver
Unpasteurized juices and milk

What kinds of medication am I allowed to take while pregnant?

Make sure you consult your doctor before taking anything!  These are some medications that have not been known to harm the baby during Pregnancy if the package directions are followed, but remember your doctor knows best and no drug can be considered 100 % safe!


Tylenol
Tylenol Cold
Robitussin
Metamucil
Citrucil
Fiberall/Fibercon
Colace
Milk of Magnesia
Senekot
Maalox
Mylanta
Tums

After the First Trimester:
Kaopectate (only for 24 hours)
Immodium (only for 24 hours)