Pregnancy causes physical, hormonal, and emotional changes for the expectant mother. It is recommended that you meet with your doctor as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed to go over all the changes you will be experiencing as you go through the journey towards giving birth.
First Steps
When you suspect you are pregnant, it is good to have a test done in a clinic, even if a home pregnancy test has shown positive results. Your primary care doctor will be able to determine if you are pregnant and how far along you are. Prenatal care is critical to making sure you have a healthy baby, and your medical provider should develop a pregnancy and birthing plan with you.
You have a lot of choices when it comes to selecting a provider, so you will want to make sure you find someone you trust and who supports your health goals and needs during your pregnancy.
First Trimester Symptoms
The first trimester of pregnancy is best known for morning sickness, which includes nausea, queasiness, changes in appetite and even vomiting. Cravings for pickles and ice cream don’t happen for every expecting mother, but feeling waves of nausea and stomach problems can be fairly routine. Taking ginger or B6 to help empty your stomach faster can alleviate these symptoms. It is best to ask your medical provider for their recommendations. Every woman is unique, but any strange or unusual symptoms should be addressed with a professional caregiver right away.
Second Trimester Symptoms
Stomach symptoms might still linger during the second trimester, but usually morning sickness has calmed by now, and the fetus is busy growing. Pregnant women will start to feel a lot of changes in this trimester as their body prepares for birth. Breasts start to swell and uncomfortable symptoms might include dizziness, increased appetite and leg cramps. Hormonal changes can cause irritability, forgetfulness, and apprehension.
Third Trimester Symptoms
Fatigue and an overall feeling of discomfort are common during the third trimester as a mother prepares for childbirth. Gestational diabetes is another concern that caregivers will want to check on, along with regular fetal monitoring to make sure that the baby is developing and growing properly. Overall, pregnancy is an exciting time, and finding a professional healthcare provider to partner with during the journey is key to a healthy pregnancy.
Before your baby is born, it’s good to find a qualified pediatrician to provide for your child. For more information on pregnancy and pediatric care, click here.
The information and content on our website should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your doctor.
