Most of the time, people with epilepsy who become pregnant deliver healthy babies. But the risk of birth defects, stillbirth, and seizure-related problems is higher for babies born to someone with epilepsy. Most antiepileptic medicines increase the risk even more. If you have epilepsy and become pregnant, stopping...
Enjoy a happy, healthy pregnancy. A healthy baby begins with a healthy mom, so start as soon as possible to prepare your body and mind for motherhood. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. Prenatal supplement Starting before you become pregnant, if possible, take a...
When you are pregnant, wear a seat belt firmly across your lap, just below your abdomen. Position the shoulder belt diagonally between your breasts.
Reviews how your weight can affect pregnancy.
Briefly discusses symptoms that may show a serious problem during pregnancy. Covers vaginal bleeding, fever, and swelling. Describes emergency symptoms like shock, seizures, and leaks from your vagina. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Pelvic pain and problems urinating may mean you have a bladder infection. Flank pain with fever and urinary symptoms may mean you have a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). Flank pain is felt just below the rib cage and above the waist. It can be on one or both sides of the back. If you have pelvic or flank pain and...
Learn what blood clots are and how they can happen during and after pregnancy.
Tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands are common during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. These problems are usually caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. They usually go away after pregnancy. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. This nerve runs through a small space...
Constipation and hemorrhoids are common problems during pregnancy. Constipation Constipation causes less frequent and more strained bowel movements. The bowels commonly move more slowly when you're pregnant. And iron in prenatal vitamins also can cause constipation during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are swollen...
Some changes in your feet and ankles are normal during pregnancy. These symptoms occur from normal hormonal changes and increased body weight and usually go away after delivery. Many women see a change in shoe size during pregnancy and that may not go away later. Redness and itching of the soles and palms frequently...
Chemical exposure Protect yourself as much as you can from harmful chemicals. Avoid pesticides, household cleaners, and paint. Fumes from these substances can be harmful, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Use chemical-free cleaning alternatives while you're pregnant. If you must use chemical cleaners, wear...
You have a choice about who will deliver your baby. Doctors and midwives are trained to provide medical care and support before, during, and after the birth. Doctors and midwives share the same goal. They want you and your baby to be healthy. But their training and approaches may be different. Doctors Doctors have more...
Briefly discusses managing morning sickness. Offer tips to manage nausea and vomiting.
You have a choice of where to deliver your baby. Unless you have a high-risk pregnancy, you can decide to have your baby in a hospital, in a birthing center, or at home. Each of these options has pros and cons. Things you may want to think about include: Who you want to deliver your baby. What pain-relief options you...
Reviews what dropping means in pregnancy.
Learn about the nutrients you need to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Your first prenatal visit will probably be the longest visit you'll have. Your doctor or midwife will take your medical history and do a complete physical exam. You may also have some tests. This will provide information that can be used to check for any problems as your pregnancy progresses. Medical history Your doctor...
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect how your hair looks and feels. Hair loss slows down, and hair growth can increase. You may notice that your hair is thicker and healthier-looking than usual. But in some cases, hair may become more limp and lifeless during pregnancy. Hair may appear on other parts of your...
During pregnancy, changes in the hands are common. Mild swelling of your hands may be caused by the normal buildup of fluid during pregnancy. Red, itchy palms and soles of the feet are caused by changing hormone levels. The symptoms go away after delivery. Moisturizers may give some relief. An occasional...
Explains healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
Offers tips for easing constipation and hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
Learn what it means for you and your baby when you're pregnant and have high blood pressure.
Explains cautions for using a hot tub or sauna during pregnancy.
Learn about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy and how to exercise safely.
Counting your baby's kicks is one way your doctor can tell that your baby is healthy. You will probably feel your baby move for the first time between 16 and 22 weeks. The movement may feel like flutters rather than kicks. Your baby may move more at certain times of the day. When you are active, you may notice less...
Learn about the different ways doctors and midwives handle pregnancies and deliver babies.
Learn how to protect the back and relieve pain during pregnancy.
Learn how to manage morning sickness during pregnancy.
You may get nosebleeds during pregnancy. That's because there is more blood flow to the tissue inside the nose (mucous membranes) when you are pregnant. There are things you can do to help prevent nosebleeds, such as using a humidifier. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine. You also have more blood flow to the...
It's normal to get aches and pains in your hips and pelvic area when you're pregnant. Pregnancy hormones are relaxing your ligaments. This loosens up your pelvic bones so they can shift and open for childbirth. Try these tips to manage pelvic and hip pain. Lie on your back, propped up on your elbows or a pillow. Then...
