Library Articles: Pregnancy Symptoms

Bed rest can be a challenge, but you can cope - If your healthcare provider prescribes bed rest, clarify what he or she means. Then plan a daily schedule and ask for the help of friends, family and neighbors.
Bleeding can signal placenta previa - Placenta previa is a condition in which all or part of the placenta covers the cervical opening. This can cause serious bleeding and problems for mother and child.
Bleeding during pregnancy needs to be checked - If you have bleeding during pregnancy, it doesn't always mean a serious problem or a miscarriage.
Constipation can be a discomfort - Constipation affects about half of all pregnant women at some point during pregnancy.
Diarrhea is a common, and occasionally serious, problem - Diarrhea is a problem with your baby that you will likely encounter as a parent. Most of the time it doesn't require medical attention, but it can lead to dehydration and other serious medical problems.
Gestational diabetes can be controlled - If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes you will need to eat a healthy diet, watch your weight, exercise and test your blood sugar regularly.
Hemorrhoids can plague pregnant women - For most women, hemorrhoids are more of an irritant than a serious problem during pregnancy. If you can avoid constipation and get adequate exercise, you may be able to prevent them. Don't self-prescribe hemorrhoid treatment. Ask your doctor to recommend a cream or suppository for relief. Call your doctor if you have bleeding.
Keeping cool and dry prevents prickly heat - Trapped sweat from overdressing or warm, humid weather can cause an itchy rash in babies. Dress your child appropriately and keep skin cool and dry.
Leg cramps can mean restless nights - Changes in a woman's body often lead to painful leg cramps late in pregnancy. There are several steps you can take to prevent, minimize, or relieve these cramps.
Morning sickness: It’s no fun, but it’s normal - Most women experience some nausea and vomiting early in pregnancy. Watching what and when you eat can help.
Preeclampsia and pregnancy - Preeclampsia is a condition in pregnancy marked by high blood pressure, excessive swelling due to fluid retention, and abnormal kidney function.
Sleeping problems can be irksome during pregnancy - What's big and bulky, heads to the bathroom every 30 minutes and is awake half the night? No joke. It's a description of a pregnant woman's typical nighttime experience.
Stretch marks may be your badge of honor - Stretch marks are an inevitable part of pregnancy for many women. There isn't much you can do to prevent them. If you do get them, wear them proudly.
Thrush: A common fungal infection that can be treated - About one in three babies get thrush. Sometimes it goes away on its own. It can be treated with a medication that's painted on the insides of the baby's mouth.
Urinary tract infections can add misery to pregnancy - Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common among women, especially during pregnancy.
Varicose veins can be relieved - Varicose veins are not uncommon; about 25 million Americans have them.
What you need to know about yeast infections - Yeast infections are common during pregnancy, but they won't hurt your baby.
Your Changing Body: Edema causes puffy problems - If you balloon up as the day wears on, it's probably because of edema, another normal inconvenience of pregnancy.
Your Changing Body: Frequent Urination - Are you starting to feel like you live in the bathroom? Frequent urination is actually one of the early signs of pregnancy, and it continues, to varying degrees, for 9 months.
Your Changing Body: Headache can cause pain in pregnancy - "Oh, my achin' head!" How does headache bother a pregnant woman? Let us count the ways.
Your Changing Body: Shortness of breath is common in pregnancy - Since when did stairs become such a physical obstacle that you're left breathless? No, it's not really the exertion, and it doesn't mean you're that out of shape.
Your Changing Body: Simple strategies can help you handle heartburn - If you occasionally get a burning feeling in your upper chest or a sour taste in the back of your throat, you probably have heartburn.
Your Changing Body: Trouble with dairy, heartburn and new food cravings - Many women experience altered taste and food preferences at this time. Unfortunately, some women find they can't tolerate dairy products when pregnant.