18. Urinary Discomfort
One of the first symptoms of early
pregnancy is frequent urination. The problem continues off and on
throughout pregnancy. You may have to go to the bathroom at night when
you never did before. It usually lessens during the second trimester,
then returns during the third trimester, when the growing baby puts
pressure on the bladder.
Some women experience urinary-tract infections during pregnancy; they are also called bladder infections, cystitis and UTIs.
If you have an infection, take the entire course of antibiotics
prescribed for you.
You’ll do yourself a favor by not
“holding” your urine. Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need.
Drink plenty of fluids; unsweetened cranberry juice helps kill bacteria
and may help you avoid infections. For some women, urinating after
having intercourse is helpful.
19. Increased Vaginal Discharge
It’s normal to notice an increase in vaginal discharge or vaginal secretion during pregnancy. The discharge, called leukorrhea,
is usually white or yellow and fairly thick; it is not an infection. We
believe the discharge is caused by the increased blood flow to the skin
and muscles around the vagina.
The discharge that accompanies a vaginal
infection is often foul smelling, has a greenish or yellowish color,
and causes itching or irritation around or inside the vagina. If you
have these symptoms, notify your healthcare provider. Treatment is
often possible; many medicinal creams and ointments are safe to use
during pregnancy.
Do not douche if you have a heavy
vaginal discharge during pregnancy; in fact, we do not recommend
douching for any reason during pregnancy. Most healthcare providers
agree douching can be dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause
an infection or bleeding, or even break your bag of waters (rupture
your membranes). It can also cause more serious problems, such as an
air embolus. An air embolus results when air gets into your circulation
from the pressure of the douche. It is rare but can be a serious
problem.
20. Time-Saving, Energy-Saving Tip
In early and late pregnancy, you may
feel the need to urinate more frequently. If you need to use the
bathroom when you’re out and about, there’s usually one very close.
Grocery stores, drug stores, discount stores, department stores, malls,
convenience stores—nearly all of them have restrooms that are open to
the public. If you don’t see one, ask the store manager where it is.
Don’t make yourself wait until you get home.
If you have
an annoying discharge, wear a light pad if necessary. Avoid wearing
panty hose and nylon underwear; choose underwear with a cotton lining.
21. Other Common Changes
Pregnancy hormones circulating through
your body may trigger changes in your hair. You may notice less hair
loss than usual. After your baby is born, the hair you retained during
pregnancy usually falls out. If this happens to you, don’t worry—you’re
not going bald!
The same hormones that encourage the
growth of your hair also influence your nails. You may have problems
keeping your nails filed to a practical length. Enjoy them!
Some women experience increased facial
hair during pregnancy. Usually it’s not a problem, but check with your
healthcare provider if it worries you. Facial hair will probably
disappear or decrease after pregnancy, so wait until after baby’s birth
before making any decisions about permanent hair removal.
Pregnancy hormones can elevate
your body temperature slightly, which may lead to greater perspiration.
If you perspire heavily, keep fluid levels up to avoid dehydration.
22. Breast Changes
Your breasts undergo many changes
during pregnancy. After about 8 weeks, breasts normally start getting
larger. You may notice they are lumpy or nodular. Tenderness, tingling
and breast soreness early in pregnancy are common and normal.
The nipple area may change. Before
pregnancy, the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple) is usually
pink, but it can turn brown or red-brown and may enlarge during
pregnancy and lactation.
During the second trimester, a thin, yellow fluid called colostrum
is formed; it is the precursor to breast milk. Sometimes it leaks from
the breasts or can be expressed by squeezing the nipples. Leaking is
normal. Leave your breasts alone; don’t express the fluid. Wear breast
pads inside your bra if leaking becomes embarrassing.
Some women have inverted nipples,
which are flat or retract (invert) into the breast. Women with inverted
nipples may find breastfeeding more difficult, but it is not impossible.
To determine if you have inverted
nipples, place your thumb and index finger on the areola. Gently
compress the base of the nipple; if it flattens or retracts into the
breast, you have inverted nipples.
Plastic breast
shields worn under your bra during the last few weeks of pregnancy
create a slight pressure at the base of the nipple that helps draw out
the nipple. Ask your healthcare provider for further information.
23. Lightening
A few weeks before labor begins or at
the beginning of labor, the head of your baby begins to enter the birth
canal, and your uterus seems to “drop” a bit. This is called lightening. Don’t be concerned if it happens to you.
A benefit of lightening is it
allows you more room to breathe. However, as your baby descends into
the birth canal, you may notice more pressure in your pelvis, bladder
and rectum, which may be uncomfortable.
