What causes it?

In early pregnancy, your body is releasing a ton of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscle across your body, including in your gastrointestinal tract, slowing down your digestive functioning and resulting in excess gas. Later on in pregnancy, your growing uterus overcrowds your stomach, and slows digestion down even more.

Tips?

If you are lactose-intolerant, avoiding dairy-based products is the most effective way of dealing with flatulence. For those who are not lactose-intolerant, avoiding food and drinks that are high in fructose, and flatulence-inducing vegetables like broccoli and asparagus could help alleviate some of the gas. Fried foods are also likely to result in flatulence, so you might want to consider reducing these in your diet.

Read more

• Constipation when pregnant
• Bloating when pregnant

Sources

• Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M. “Gas in pregnancy: Why it happens, what to do.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 4/23/2013. Web.

• Persistent headache
• Vision changes
• Upper stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swelling of the face or hands
• Sudden weight gain
• Trouble breathing

Preeclampsia can happen to any pregnant person, but some people are at greater risk. Black women in the U.S. have a 60% higher risk of developing preeclampsia compared to white women. Also, there may be a higher risk of developing preeclampsia if you have:

• Chronic high blood pressure or kidney disease before pregnancy
• Obesity: If overweight or obese, you are also more likely to have preeclampsia in more than one pregnancy.
• Age: Pregnant women over 40 are at a higher risk
• African American ethnicity: Among those who have had preeclampsia, non-white pregnant women are more likely than white women to develop preeclampsia again if pregnant.
• Previous diagnosis of preeclampsia.
• Family history of preeclampsia 
• Carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)

Patients with risk factors are often prescribed low-dose aspirin to lower their risk of developing preeclampsia. However, using risk factors alone misses many women who go on to develop preeclampsia. 

Preeclampsia screening in the first trimester

You and your provider can now understand if you are at risk for preeclampsia.  

Preeclampsia testing during the first trimester is now available. This new screening is done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy via a simple blood test ordered by your healthcare provider. The test is an option for anyone pregnant, including those with a low to average risk for preeclampsia or first-time pregnancies.

How does it work?

The test checks your protein levels and how your placenta is working and growing. It looks at two biophysical markers – mean arterial pressure (MAP) and uterine artery pulsatility index (UtAPI)-in addition to the placental growth factor (PlGF) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). These markers provide important insights into your preeclampsia risk. Low levels of PlGF and PAPP-A can indicate that the placenta isn’t functioning well. High levels of MAP and UtAPI suggest high blood pressure and resistance to blood flow. These are all potential indicators of preeclampsia.

This new test is one of the many screenings and exams you will take during pregnancy. It’s important to have a shared discussion with your provider about the testing process. You are your best advocate, so ask about the tests you believe are right for you. Regular visits and tests from your healthcare provider are crucial. They are key for monitoring your health and finding early signs of preeclampsia. Make sure to follow up with your healthcare provider to continue testing for preeclampsia risk throughout your pregnancy, especially if you’re in a high-risk group. 

For more information about this new preeclampsia screening test and other preeclampsia screening tests, visit https://womenshealth.labcorp.com/patients/pregnancy/preeclampsia.

Read more

• Preeclampsia: how healthcare providers detect it
• Blood pressure during pregnancy: why you should track it

Sources

• “Preeclampsia and Pregnancy.” American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG). ACOG. October 2020.  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/preeclampsia-and-pregnancy.
• “Who is at risk of preeclampsia?” National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) National Institute of Health (NIH), NICHD.NIH June 2022 https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preeclampsia/conditioninfo/risk.

 

Content created withThe National Birth Equity Collaborative

Blood pressure (BP) measures the force that your flowing blood applies to the walls of veins and arteries — in other words, BP measures how hard your heart is working to pump blood throughout your whole body.

Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer (also known as a blood pressure cuff), and given as a two-number result, “systolic” and “diastolic”. Only one of these numbers needs to be above or below normal to be considered diagnostically elevated. High blood pressure (hypertension) can be especially dangerous during pregnancy, so it’s important to do your best to keep your blood pressure in the optimal range, which is generally under 120/80.

High blood pressure during pregnancy

High blood pressure can be problematic for everyone, but when you’re pregnant, it could put both of you at risk. High blood pressure may not be the direct cause of a certain complication but can indicate a greater problem. There are many possible risks of high blood pressure during pregnancy.  

• High blood pressure and protein in the urine are the two main symptoms of the pregnancy condition known as preeclampsia. In rare cases, preeclampsia can lead to other conditions causing internal bleeding, seizures, and strokes.
• High blood pressure may often indicate excess stress. Stress has been linked to a higher incidence of miscarriage and overly intense pregnancy symptoms. While it is certainly not always possible to just “stress less,” tracking your blood pressure along with your emotions may help you recognize when to seek advice from your healthcare provider.
• Sometimes, high blood pressure can cause conditions that increase the risk of your baby being born prematurely. A placental abruption, when the placenta is separated early from the baby, is another possible complication of conditions related to high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Heightened risk factors

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, high blood pressure is 40% more common in Black adults than white adults. This is due to a range of factors including racism and bias in the healthcare system and socioeconomic inequalities and inequities. According to the Healthcare Cost Utilization Project, Black women are also about 60% more likely to develop preeclampsia during pregnancy than white women.

Knowing your body and how it changes during pregnancy, especially your blood pressure, empowers you to seek care accordingly. Monitor your blood pressure and communicate to your healthcare provider any concerns you may have.

Taking control

Blood pressure levels can be an excellent indicator of the health of your pregnancy, and is a great way to monitor against certain complications like preeclampsia. Tracking your blood pressure along with other data can also help draw patterns between certain behaviors. You’ll know how your sleep, nutrition, activity or other behaviors may affect your blood pressure, and vice versa. It’s important to let your healthcare provider know if your blood pressure is consistently elevated.

Read more

• Pregnancy complications and your risk of cardiovascular disease
• Lowering your blood pressure with heart-healthy foods

Sources

• P Kristiansson, JX Wang. “Reproductive hormones and blood pressure during pregnancy.” Human Reproduction. Vol.16, No.1 oo. 13-17. Web. 2001.
• S Kulkarni, I O’Farrell, M Erasi, MS Kochar. “Stress and hypertension.” Wisconsin Medical Journal. 97(11):34-8. Web. Dec-98.
• “Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: FAQ034.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 9/14/2015. Web.
• “High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy.” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, n.d. Web.
• “Placental abruption.” March of Dimes. March of Dimes, 1/12/2015. Web.
• Norton Healthcare. “Pregnant African-American women far more likely to have pre-eclampsia than white women.” Norton Healthcare. Norton Healthcare. May 16, 2018. https://nortonhealthcare.com/news/pregnant-african-american-women-pre-eclampsia/. 
• Heart Disease and African Americans. Office of Minority Health. U.S. Department of health and human services. February 11, 2021. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=19#:~:text=Although%20African%20American%20adults%20are,to%20non%2DHispanic%20white%20women
• Kathryn R. Fingar, Ph.D., M.P.H., Iris Mabry-Hernandez, M.D., M.P.H., Quyen Ngo-Metzger, M.D., M.P.H., Tracy Wolff, M.D., M.P.H., Claudia A. Steiner, M.D., M.P.H., and Anne Elixhauser, Ph.D.

Morning sickness

According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 70% of pregnant women get morning sickness, which typically starts at six weeks and lasts until the second trimester. Other common discomforts include fatigue, heartburn and indigestion, swelling, constipation, headaches, and backaches. Those who experience severe discomfort may be put on bed rest by a provider.

These bodily changes can affect your mental health in various ways too. Some people fear that their discomfort is causing their baby harm or that it’s an indication of an unhealthy baby. This is typically not the case, however, if you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek out your provider immediately. 

Some studies even suggest that morning sickness is a discomfort that can actually help your baby. According to a 2016 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine from researchers at the National Institutes of Health, women who reported nausea or nausea with vomiting were between 50 percent and 75 percent less likely to miscarry than those who didn’t feel sick. Most discomfort during pregnancy means your body and hormones are doing their job to help you carry a healthy baby. 

How a challenging pregnancy can impact your mental health  

When your body is changing and you’re feeling new discomforts, you might also be worried about your own health. Some women report feeling worried that there’s something wrong or that they’ll never feel like their pre-pregnant self again. This is one reason why morning sickness can lead to depression. Even for those who see these experiences as temporary, nine months is too long to just suffer through. Speak to your provider for help treating your symptoms and try these ideas to treat nausea and vomiting. 

Some can find it triggering to experience body changes or might feel worried about how their  body will look postpartum. And those with a pre-existing eating disorder may be more susceptible to this type of worry or anxiety. If you’re finding these thoughts are intruding on your daily life or causing you to eat restrictively, it’s time to seek support from a therapist. 

Ahead, you can learn about how to cope with a challenging pregnancy and keep your mental health in check.

Stay informed

Speak to your doctor or a health professional about what to expect when you’re expecting (there’s a reason why there’s a book with that title!). Understanding the ins and outs of your body and what’s considered expected and not expected can help you determine when something is discomfort or needs medical attention. 

Allow yourself to kick your feet up

If you’re not feeling well, allow yourself to take the day off. Don’t push yourself to do everything on your to-do list. Remind yourself that you’re growing a human in your body and need to take care of yourself. If you can, find a support system to take care of any tasks or chores that you can’t get done. 

Speak to a therapist

If your discomfort is getting in the way of your happiness or making you not feel like yourself, speak to a therapist who can help you overcome your concerns and find tactical solutions. 

Challenging pregnancies can lead expecting parents to feel isolated and alone in their struggle. Someone who is there to guide you and support you can go a long way.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• How to take care of your mental health during pregnancy
• Prenatal exercise and movement FAQ

Sources

• “Morning Sickness with Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment & Prevention.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16566-morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy. 
• LaFrance, Adrienne. “Brutal for Mom, Good for Baby.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 26 Sept. 2016, https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/09/the-protective-power-of-morning-sickness/501551/. 
• Gray, Dan. “Severe Morning Sickness during Pregnancy Linked to Depression.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 27 Oct. 2020, https://www.healthline.com/health-news/severe-morning-sickness-during-pregnancy-linked-to-depression-what-you-can-do. 
• Ward, Veronica Bridget. “Eating Disorders in Pregnancy.” BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), BMJ Publishing Group Ltd., 12 Jan. 2008, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2190274/. 

While there are pelvic floor-related conditions unrelated to pregnancy, we won’t be discussing those here. 

What are the pelvic floor muscles?

The pelvic floor is the set of muscles beneath your pelvic organs that support them, often referred to as a hammock. The pelvic floor wraps around the bladder, rectum, and both uterus and vagina (or prostate in men). Pelvic floor muscles control bladder and bowel function — this is why you can feel your pelvic floor muscles relaxing when, for example, you go to the bathroom. They also work together with other muscles to stabilize your spine. Having trouble visualizing the pelvic floor? Head to the first episode of our pelvic floor strengthening series in Ovia Parenting with Dr. Amy Hoover, where she explains it. 

What about during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your pelvic floor muscles are working harder than they were pre-pregnancy, providing a solid foundation for your expanding uterus. This increased pressure can cause many people to experience frequent urination, lower back pain, or incontinence during pregnancy. 

What about postpartum?

Now, let’s get into some common symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum. While some of these symptoms can feel scary, they are also all treatable and it can be helpful to prepare for them. 

The pelvic floor muscles may be strained or injured during vaginal delivery. There are other reasons the pelvic floor might be strained, for example, during surgery or with age. The most common side effect is urinary incontinence.

OAB or Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder, or the frequent or very pressing need to urinate, can be incredibly uncomfortable and frustrating. OAB is extremely common — 40% of women in the U.S. have OAB symptoms. 

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the inability to control your bladder, which can result in leaking urine. There are two types: stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Stress incontinence might be triggered by coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Urge incontinence, which is a form of OAB, involves the involuntary loss of urine associated with a sudden need to pass urine. 

UI is particularly common during pregnancy and after birth as it can be the result of strained pelvic floor muscles and/or hormone changes. If you’re finding that urinary incontinence is impacting your day by preventing you from doing certain activities that you enjoy, that’s your sign to contact a provider. 

Flatulence incontinence

The inability to control gas. This is common but can be extremely frustrating. As with fecal urgency and incontinence (below), strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help.

Fecal urgency and incontinence

The inability to control bowel movements. As with urinary incontinence, those with fecal incontinence can experience a range of severity, from small occasional bowel accidents to complete loss of bowel control. 

Seeking treatment 

While many people feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about these symptoms, we guarantee you that your provider really has seen it all before. There are treatment options and you deserve to have access to them. 

Pelvic floor exercises

Exercises (like kegels) can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, and address or prevent issues of urinary and/or fecal incontinence. To learn more about how to do these exercises head here or talk to your provider. 

Kegels

A kegel is an exercise that involves tightening and lifting the pelvic floor and is an effective way to improve symptoms associated with a strained or weakened pelvic floor. Consult a provider before doing them during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. For more information on pelvic floor strengthening head here.

Once you get good at them, you can do your kegels from anywhere, no equipment needed. To learn more, watch our pelvic floor strengthening series. 

This content was reviewed by Dr. Lisa Hickman and Dr. Katie Propst. Dr. Hickman runs the Childbirth Pelvic Floor Disorders Clinic at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Propst runs the Postpartum Care Clinic at Cleveland Clinic. 

Read more

• Don’t be floored by postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction 
• Mental health postpartum

Sources

• “Accidental Bowel Leakage.” American Urogynecologic Society. 2016. https://www.augs.org/assets/2/6/ABL.pdf. 
• “Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14459-pelvic-floor-dysfunction.
• Mayo Clinic Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Program in Minnesota. Mayo Clinic. February 5, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pelvic-floor-dysfunction-program/overview/ovc-20467221. 
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “What to expect after a vaginal birth. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. March 11, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233.
• Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D. “What can I do to treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy?” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. August 16, 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy/faq-20058149.

Lindsay worked for a high end luxury dessert boutique until having her son, Graham, two years ago, when she decided to be a “bake at home mom.” She got inspired by the Parisian Bakery baby size theme in Ovia while pregnant with her second child and decided to bake along week by week. So, of course, we had to know more about this sweet, sweet project. 

What inspired you to start this project? 

When I was pregnant with Graham, I loved seeing what size fruit/vegetable he was every week. Even from the first week when he was just a poppyseed, I found myself always craving the food it mentioned and baking with it that week. 

So from lemon poppyseed madelines to watermelon lollipops, I baked all 39 weeks. I found out about the Parisian bakery size comparison later on, and remember thinking: man, that would’ve been fun! So when I found out I was pregnant again, I couldn’t wait to do it all over again with an even sweeter twist.

How did this project (if at all) impact your experience of pregnancy?

I loved baking along every week — it was always a time for me to connect and reflect on my pregnancy. Every dessert made me feel closer to and more excited to meet whoever was in there. I also loved busting out my pastry school cookbooks, and having an excuse to make some really traditional pastries that I wouldn’t ordinarily bake, like the charlotte royale and brioche a tete. 

Did anything unexpected happen throughout the project?

You know, I’m shocked to say nothing too unexpected happened! The timing was always interesting — like getting a buche de noel the week after Christmas, or beignets during Passover. I also try really hard to not be wasteful and be sure there were people around to eat along with me (which was pretty hard to do in a pandemic! and what am I to do with 3 dozen cream puffs, or 2 clafoutis!?) so I’d drive and deliver to my family and friends. It was always an adventure driving around with 6 crème brûlées and texting my friends at 2pm on a Tuesday asking if they want one!

What was your favorite week? 

Probably the croquembouche week! I was so excited to have an excuse to make something so involved and such a showstopper. My son saw it in the morning and kept pointing to it and saying: ‘Mommy made that!’ 

If someone else wants to try this, any tips? 

Don’t stress! Just enjoy the project, and the sweets. Also, don’t be afraid to make a few ‘edits’ based on your cravings, and the calendar. For example, I had a baguette the week of St. Patrick’s day and had already had a lot of bread in the house, so I made rainbow bread pudding. A win win! 

My entire pregnancy journal is my Parisian bakery goods instead of bump pictures, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! 

Want to check out the baby size themes in Ovia? Tap here.

Know your medications

Many medications that you might normally use to treat a headache are not safe to take during pregnancy. Most healthcare providers traditionally take the position that Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe, or at least the safest, to take for headaches and other pains during pregnancy. However, negative side effects cannot be ruled out. You should be aware of the risks of any medication you take and speak with your healthcare provider before beginning any medication regimen.

Smaller meals more frequently

Many headaches are caused by low blood sugar, so eating small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than three large ones can help your blood sugar levels remain consistent, which could greatly help the discomfort. Research also indicates that foods high in magnesium, like spinach and pumpkin seeds, might be even more effective at providing relief.

Nap

Though many things can cause headaches, a lack of sleep is often a contributing culprit during pregnancy. Sleeping through the night can be difficult due to your growing belly, restless legs, and bi-hourly sprints to the bathroom, so making up on missed sleep during the day can be an effective way to help cut down on the discomfort. Napping throughout the day will also help you with a number of other symptoms and can increase your energy level as a whole. If you’re having a lot of difficulty sleeping through the night and you think it may contribute to your headaches, a pregnancy body pillow might be able to help you find a comfortable position.

Cold compress

Headaches often arise as the blood vessels in your head swell, so using a cold compress on your neck or forehead can help constrict your blood vessels (in a good way) and release the amount of pressure in your head. A good cold compress can not only numb the discomfort of a headache, but actually counteract the cause of many a headache – inflammation. A bag of frozen peas will do, but many women prefer using specially-designed headache relieving wraps.

Take a bath

Sinus headaches are easily remedied by warm water and steam, as they can open the sinus passage to help relieve much of the pressure. Taking a bath is also a great way to help you unwind, relax, and reduce stress, which could also greatly help you manage the discomfort of pregnancy headaches. You can even look into bubble bath soap, which could help take your relaxation time to the next level.

Acupuncture and acupressure

Although the hard science is still out on its efficacy, many women swear by the ancient holistic practice of acupuncture to help them get over a number of maladies during pregnancy, headaches included. Acupuncture is believed to help relieve stress and tension, both of which are major causes of headaches, by stimulating specific acupoints across the body. Acupuncture uses needles to accomplish this, while acupressure practitioners use their hands to stimulate these points. If you think acupuncture or acupressure could help you and you have the green light from your healthcare provider, it’s definitely worth looking into these options and finding local practitioners.

Lots of water…LOTS of it

You didn’t think we’d forget the most smartest, most natural, and most effective headache reliever, did you? Dehydration can contribute to or directly cause headaches and migraines, so staying hydrated throughout the day (and through the whole nine months) is an excellent way to help prevent headaches or manage them after their onset. Keeping a BPA-free water bottle with you will help you make sure that you’re getting all of the water that you need.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Ovia Health is committed to providing evidence-based guidance and supporting families with trusted health information. Recent public comments have raised questions about acetaminophen use during pregnancy. While some studies have explored potential links between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and autism, current research has not established a proven connection. Leading medical organizations including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics continue to support its appropriate use. Your healthcare provider is best positioned to advise based on your individual needs. If pregnant or breast-feeding, always consult with your healthcare provider before use of any over-the-counter or prescribed medication.

Read more

• Headaches when pregnant
• Hormones and headaches in women

Nausea, headaches, heartburn and more. If you’ve dealt with any pregnancy symptoms, you know that most of them are far from fun. Fortunately, there are a few symptoms that you may have already noticed, or that could be on the horizon, that you might actually enjoy — or at the very least they may provide a little entertainment.

Vivid dreams

Vivid dreams tend to pick up in the third trimester. For folks whose dreams steer clear of nightmare territory, this can be a particularly fun symptom. Many pregnant folks even keep a dream journal to remember them! You can add a dream journal note in Ovia by tapping the + in the top right corner on your timeline, tapping “Write a note,” and selecting “Dream journal.” Here’s hoping you enjoy nothing but sweet dreams.

Heightened sense of smell

Can you suddenly smell blooming flowers from a block away? Are you confident that you know exactly what your downstairs neighbor is cooking? You may just have acquired a brand new superpower! Fingers crossed that it stays fun for you, because a heightened sense of smell can sometimes contribute to morning sickness.

Cravings

We’ve all heard of wild food cravings during pregnancy, pickles and ice cream among them. While your own cravings may take the form of similarly exciting food combinations, for a lot of pregnant folks, cravings typically manifest as just an intense need to have a particular food right now right now right now. Sometimes when cravings come on you can happily meet that urge — a mango and yogurt smoothie as a snack, kimchi with dinner, a hot dog and mustard breakfast — and sometimes they can be tough. As with most food choices, you’ll want to try your best to not think of certain foods as “good” or “bad.” Instead, it can be meaningful to listen to and honor your feelings of hunger and fullness — and those cravings — and to eat for pleasure and satisfaction. So if you have an increased appetite for ice cream (whether with pickles or not), enjoy a bowl! It will bring you pleasure, fill you up, and your baby needs that calcium to build strong bones and muscles. (Keep in mind that if you have cravings for non-food items, like dirt or paper, you might be suffering from a nutritional deficiency called pica, and you should speak to your healthcare provider.) For more information of what’s safe to eat during pregnancy, head over to our Food safety lookup tool in the “More” menu.

Increased sex drive

An increased sex drive is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms. And unless you have a particular pregnancy complication (like an opened cervix, placenta previa, or leaking amniotic fluid — check with your provider), sex during pregnancy is totally safe, so this is one pregnancy symptom you can enjoy! You may need to get a little creative with positions as your bump grows and your body changes, so talk with your partner about what’s comfortable for you and have some fun.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Abdominal pain associated with pregnancy can feel dull, aching, throbbing, pulsing, or sharp, and it can happen in short bursts or persist for long periods of time. It can also be worse in one area of your body, like the sides of your stomach.

What does this sort of abdominal pain typically feel like?

Abdominal pain that can come along with pregnancy can take several different forms. You might experience pains on the sides or bottom of your abdomen, or all over your abdomen. The pain can feel dull, aching, throbbing, pulsing, or sharp, and it can happen in short bursts or persist for long periods of time. It can also be worse in one area of your body, like the sides of your stomach.However, there are a few causes of pregnancy-related abdominal pain that can indicate complications. If other unusual symptoms accompany the abdominal pain, including heavy bleeding, back pain, body swelling, fever, persistent vomiting, painful urination or if the pain is so severe that it becomes debilitating, contact your health care provider.

What causes these aches and pains?

There are a few different reasons for these uncomfortable sensations. Most abdominal discomfort during pregnancy has predictable causes. One common cause of such pain is the stretching of the round ligaments located on either side of the abdomen, which support your uterus. These ligaments start at the abdomen and run to the groin area. As your little one grows in your uterus, connective tissue stretches and causes these ligaments to pull at nerve fibers and other parts of the pelvis, resulting in sharp pains. Other typical reasons for aches and pains include constipation, acid reflux, gas, Braxton-Hicks contractions, and the buildup of endometrial tissue (the inner lining of your uterus) that would typically be shed during your period.

What can help?

If you’re suffering from abdominal pains, here are a few tips that may be able to provide you with some relief:

• Take a seat! Easing pain is often as simple as sitting down with your feet up.
• Avoid sudden movements, especially in your third trimester. When your abdomen is stretched, quick movements can cause your muscles and tendons to tense up. Be easy with yourself and with your body.
• Don’t overstretch an aching muscle. If something hurts, try leaning towards it to release muscle tension. Stretching can actually make it feel worse.
• Keep your core muscles  strong throughout pregnancy. Every body and every pregnancy is different, so if you’re not sure what sort of movement is right for you or how your physical activity might need to change over the course of your pregnancy, ask an expert. Your healthcare provider, a physical therapist, or a personal trainer who specializes in working with pregnant folks can all offer meaningful advice. (One piece of advice? As pregnancy progresses, it’s not a good idea to do exercises that call for you to twist or crunch your torso.) And listen to your body: if something doesn’t feel right when exercising, ease off.

But how can you know what’s “normal” and when should you call your provider?

There are a few causes of pregnancy-related abdominal pain that can indicate complications. If certain symptoms accompany your abdominal pain, including vaginal bleeding, back pain, body swelling, fever, vomiting, or painful urination, or if the pain becomes sharper or is so severe that it becomes difficult to function, you should contact your health care provider right away.

And because even “normal” abdominal pains can come in so many different forms during pregnancy — and so many of these sensations may be new to you — don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider if you have any questions about what’s to be expected and what could be cause for concern. Your provider is there to help you navigate your pregnancy — and that includes any discomforts.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• OTC medications during pregnancy: everything you need to know
• Abdominal/pelvic cramping when pregnant

Mild nausea through the first trimester, a strong sense of smell or a stuffy nose are to be expected, and yet there are some serious pregnancy symptoms you shouldn’t ignore. If you experience any of the symptoms below, call your healthcare provider right away. Even if it turns out to be harmless, it’s always best to play it safe.

Vaginal bleeding: Bleeding during pregnancy can range from mild spotting (which could be benign) or heavier bleeding accompanied by pain and cramping. In some cases, bleeding is a sign of miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, or another serious condition. If you notice blood at any point throughout pregnancy (even light spotting), get in touch with your healthcare provider.

Persistent backache: Backaches are common toward the end of pregnancy as your belly gets bigger and pulls your center of gravity forward. However, severe pain or a constant dull backache could be a sign of preterm labor or another health concern.

Decreased fetal movement: If your baby is moving less than usual, it could be a sign something’s amiss. If you’re doing kick counts and know something unusual is happening, it’s a good idea to check with your provider ASAP.

Dizziness or fainting: Mild dizziness is a relatively common pregnancy symptom, but if it happens a lot or results in fainting, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Dizziness could be a sign of low blood pressure, low blood sugar, low iron, or dehydration.

Intense headaches or vision problems: If you experience intense headaches, migraines, blurred vision, or sudden light sensitivity, let your provider know right away. These symptoms could be signs of preeclampsia, which can be life-threatening when left untreated.

Persistent or very high fever: Even when you’re being extra careful, you might catch a virus at some point during pregnancy. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.

Severe nausea or persistent vomiting: Some nausea is normal, but if it becomes severe or leads to persistent vomiting, it could be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). This condition can lead to dehydration or substantial weight loss during pregnancy and could require hospitalization.

Frequent contractions before 37 weeks: Frequent contractions (a tightening sensation in your belly or cramping pain) could mean you’re going into preterm labor. If you experience more than four regular contractions per hour, call your healthcare provider right away.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Ectopic pregnancy: what you need to know
• Preeclampsia: what you need to know

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. Bleeding during pregnancy: When to see a doctor. Mayo Clinic. 2020. Web. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/bleeding-during-pregnancy/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050636
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