4. Changes in You
Feeling Dizzy
Feeling dizzy during pregnancy is a
fairly common symptom, often caused by low blood pressure
(hypotension). It usually doesn’t appear until the second trimester but
may occur earlier.
There are two common reasons for
hypotension during pregnancy. It can be caused by the enlarging uterus
putting pressure on your aorta and vena cava. This is called supine hypotension
and occurs when you lie down. You can help ease it or prevent it by not
sleeping or lying on your back. The second cause is rising rapidly from
a sitting, kneeling or squatting position. This is called postural hypotension. Blood pressure drops when you rise rapidly; the problem is cured by rising slowly.
If you’re anemic, you may feel dizzy,
faint or tired, or you may tire easily. Your blood is checked routinely
during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you have
anemia.
Pregnancy also affects blood-sugar level.
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can
make you feel dizzy or faint. Many healthcare providers routinely test
pregnant women for blood-sugar problems during pregnancy, especially if
they have problems with dizziness or a family history of diabetes.
Most women can avoid or improve the
problem by eating a balanced diet, not skipping meals and not going a
long time without eating. Carry a piece of fruit or several crackers
with you for a quick boost in blood sugar when you need it. You might
also try crossing your ankles and squeezing your thighs together, or
squeeze a rubber ball in your hand. Both actions tense muscles, which improves blood flow to your head, which can help you stop feeling faint.
Snoring
More than 35% of all pregnant women
snore. When you snore, your upper airway relaxes and partially closes.
It may prevent you from inhaling adequate amounts of oxygen and
exhaling adequate amounts of carbon dioxide.
In the past, experts believed if
you snored during pregnancy, you had a greater chance of having
problems, such as high blood pressure and giving birth to a
low-birthweight baby. Recent studies show snoring has no damaging
effect on baby’s growth and development. If you have questions, talk to
your healthcare provider.
Thrombophilia
Some women experience blood clots during pregnancy; the term thrombophilia describes the condition. Thrombophilia encompasses a broad range of blood-clotting disorders.
Inherited thrombophilias occur in up to
10% of women and can lead to problems during pregnancy in both mother
and baby. The condition has been associated with an increased risk of
blood clots and other problems during pregnancy.
Many healthcare providers don’t screen
women for this problem. Ask for a test if you have a family history of
the disorder. Some researchers have found inherited thrombophilias are
tied to second- or third-trimester fetal loss, not first-trimester loss.
Bikini Waxes
Bikini waxes are OK during pregnancy.
Just be careful around the pubic area, and avoid Brazilian waxes. They
involve putting hot wax on the tissue on either side of the vaginal
opening (labia), which could be more sensitive when you’re pregnant.
Tests can be done to see if you are at
risk. If a blood test shows you have a problem, your healthcare
provider may advise aspirin and low-molecular-weight heparin during
pregnancy. This treatment has been shown to be effective for some women.
Tip for Week 19
Fish can be a healthful food choice during pregnancy, but don’t eat more than 12 ounces total of all fish in any one week.
Complications from thrombophilia
can recur in subsequent pregnancies. It’s important for a woman who has
had thrombophilia to cut down the risks in her next pregnancy. Some
treatments include folic-acid supplementation, the use of heparin and a
low-dose aspirin regimen.
5. How Your Actions Affect Your Baby’s Development
Warning Signs during Pregnancy
Many women are nervous because they
don’t think they would know if something important or serious happened
during pregnancy. Most women have few, if any, problems during
pregnancy. If you’re concerned, the list below includes the most
important symptoms to watch for. Call your healthcare provider if you
experience any of the following:
• vaginal bleeding
• severe swelling of the face or fingers
• severe abdominal pain
• loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush of fluid, but sometimes a trickle or continuous wetness
• a big change in the baby’s movement or a lack of movement
• high fever (more than 101.6F) or chills
• severe vomiting or an inability to keep food or liquid down
• blurring of vision
• painful urination
• a headache that won’t go away or a severe headache
• an injury or accident, such as a fall or automobile accident, that causes you concern about the well-being of your baby
Later in pregnancy, if you can’t feel
baby moving, sit or lie down in a quiet room after eating a meal. Focus
on how often the baby moves. If you don’t feel at least 10 fetal
movements in 2 hours, call your healthcare provider.
Be sure to talk
about any concerns you have. Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions
about anything; your healthcare provider has probably heard it before.
He or she would rather know about problems while they may be easier to
deal with.
If necessary, you may be referred to a perinatologist,
an obstetrician who has spent an additional 2 years or more in
specialized obstetrical training. These specialists have experience
caring for women with high-risk pregnancies.
You may not have a high-risk pregnancy at
the beginning of your pregnancy. But if problems develop with you or
baby, you may be referred to a perinatologist for consultation and
possible care. You may be able to return to your regular healthcare
provider for your delivery.
Dad Tip
You’re nearly halfway through your
pregnancy. Time may be passing very quickly for you both. Make an
effort to spend some couple time with your partner. When you can, take
some time off from work or other obligations. Together, focus on the
pregnancy and preparing for the birth of your baby. You might even
suggest a babymoon to guarantee you have quality couple time together.
If you see a perinatologist, you
may have to deliver your baby at a hospital other than the one you had
chosen. This is usually because the hospital has specialized facilities
or can administer specialized tests and/or care to you or your baby.
