WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What changes are happening in my body? Pregnancy hormones may cause your body to go through many changes during this stage of your pregnancy. You may have any of the following signs and symptoms: - Fatigue
- Tender, swollen breasts
- Nausea or vomiting (morning sickness)
- Mood swings
- Frequent urination
- Headache
- Heartburn or constipation
- Weight gain or loss
- Cravings for certain foods or dislike of foods you normally eat
How do I care for myself at this stage of my pregnancy? - Manage nausea and vomiting. Avoid fatty and spicy foods. Eat small meals throughout the day instead of large meals. Ginger may help to decrease nausea. Ask your healthcare provider about other ways of decreasing nausea and vomiting.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy foods, beans, lean meats, and fish. Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Limit caffeine to less than 200 milligrams each day. Limit your intake of fish to 2 servings each week. Choose fish low in mercury such as canned light tuna, shrimp, salmon, cod, or tilapia. Do not eat fish high in mercury such as swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and shark.
- Take prenatal vitamins as directed. Your need for certain vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, increases during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins provide some of the extra vitamins and minerals you need. Prenatal vitamins may also help to decrease the risk of certain birth defects.
- Ask how much weight you should gain each month. Too much or too little weight gain can be unhealthy for you and your baby.
- Do not smoke. If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Smoking increases your risk of a miscarriage and other health problems during your pregnancy. Smoking can cause your baby to be born too early or weigh less at birth. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you need help quitting.
- Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol passes from your body to your baby through the placenta. It can affect your baby's brain development and cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is a group of conditions that causes mental, behavior, and growth problems.
- Talk to your healthcare provider before you take any medicines. Many medicines may harm your baby if you take them when you are pregnant. Do not take any medicines, vitamins, herbs, or supplements without first talking to your healthcare provider. Never use illegal or street drugs (such as marijuana or cocaine) while you are pregnant.
What are some safety tips during pregnancy? - Avoid hot tubs and saunas. Do not use a hot tub or sauna while you are pregnant, especially during your first trimester. Hot tubs and saunas may raise your baby's temperature and increase the risk of birth defects.
- Avoid toxoplasmosis. This is an infection caused by eating raw meat or being around infected cat feces. It can cause birth defects, miscarriages, and other problems. Wash your hands after you touch raw meat. Make sure any meat is well-cooked before you eat it. Avoid raw eggs and unpasteurized milk. Use gloves or ask someone else to clean your cat's litter box while you are pregnant.
What changes are happening with my baby? By 10 weeks, your baby will be about 2 ½ inches long from the top of the head to the rump (baby's bottom). Your baby weighs about ½ ounce. Major body organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs, are forming. Your baby's facial features are also starting to form. What do I need to know about prenatal care? Prenatal care is a series of visits with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy. During the first 28 weeks of your pregnancy, you will see your healthcare provider once a month. Prenatal care can help prevent problems during pregnancy and childbirth. Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your health and any previous pregnancies you have had. He will also ask about any medicines you are taking. You may also need any of the following: - A pap smear will be done to check your cervix for abnormal cells. The cervix is the narrow opening at the bottom of your uterus. The cervix meets the top part of the vagina.
- A pelvic exam allows your healthcare provider to see your cervix (the bottom part of your uterus). Your healthcare provider uses a speculum to gently open your vagina. He will check the size and shape of your uterus.
- Blood tests may be done to check for anemia or blood type. Your healthcare provider may also order other blood tests to check if you are immune to certain diseases such as Hepatitis B. He may also recommend an HIV test.
- Urine tests may also be done to check for signs of infection.
- Your blood pressure and weight will be checked.
When should I seek immediate care? - You have pain or cramping in your abdomen or low back.
- You have heavy vaginal bleeding or clotting.
- You pass material that looks like tissue or large clots. Collect the material and bring it with you.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have light bleeding.
- You have chills or a fever.
- You have vaginal itching, burning, or pain.
- You have yellow, green, white, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- You have pain or burning when you urinate, less urine than usual, or pink or bloody urine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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