How does the body change during pregnancy?

Q. What changes occur in the appearance of the woman? And where does the weight normally go to? Do some women only gain in their belly area? I would think that a woman who is in good shape and continues to eat right during pregnancy would only get a belly, and not much more fat. Is this correct? I'm worrying about the shape of my body being different after baby because somebody told me, you can lose the weight but never get your shape back because it's different after the baby. Is this always true?

A. Pregnancy is a natural state and one that is different for every woman every time. I have had three pregnancies and deliveries and they were all different. You never know exactly what you¡¦re going to get, but it does help to be prepared by knowing what changes your body will likely go through. Follow the changes your body goes through trimester by trimester. You can expect to feel all or some of them.

The first trimester (Week 1 - Week 12)

�h Cessation of menstrual period

�h Morning sickness that occurs at any time, day or night, or all day and night. This includes nausea and/or vomiting

�h Excessive saliva

�h Swollen and tender breasts

�h Darkening of the areola

�h Frequent urination

�h Fatigue

�h Constipation

�h Heartburn

�h Mood swings -- feel angry, sad, or happy for no reason

�h Stuffy nose and allergies¡Xeven if you have never suffered from them before

�h Food cravings

The second trimester (Week 13 - Week 26)

�h Weight gain and thickening of the waist

�h Fetal movement

�h Dry skin on stomach where the skin is stretching

�h Breasts increase in size¡Xtime for new bras

�h Hemorrhoids

�h Heartburn

�h Indigestion

�h Constipation

�h Nosebleeds

�h Slight swelling of the feet, hands, ankles and face

�h Development of a dark line on the skin between your navel and your pubic area.

�h Development of a "mask" or darker area on your face

�h Backaches that can remain throughout pregnancy

�h Nipple secretions

�h Muscle cramps, particularly in the legs and at night

�h Gas pains

�h Changes in your hair: it can become less oily

�h Skin problems

The third trimester (Week 27 - 40)

�h Increased fetal movement

�h Protrusion of navel

�h Increased backaches

�h Shortness of breath

�h Braxton Hicks contractions AKA false labor

�h Groin pains

�h Stretch marks

�h Difficulty sleeping

�h Varicose veins

Your entire system is readjusted when you¡¦re pregnant. The heart pumps more blood and the lungs work more efficiently, as does the digestive system. With these and more changes occurring, it is no wonder that pregnancy can be uncomfortable. Minor aches and pains can be dealt with; however, you should never ignore pain or extreme fatigue, which can be warning signs of trouble. Always consult your health care provider if you experience any of these changes:

�h pain or burning during urination

�h vaginal spotting or bleeding

�h leaking or gushing from vagina

�h blister or sore in vaginal area

�h uterine contractions

�h severe nausea or vomiting

�h severe abdominal pain

�h chills and fever over 100 degrees

�h dizziness or lightheadedness

�h severe headache

�h swelling of the face, eyes, fingers or toes

�h sudden weight gain

�h visual problems

�h noticeably reduced fetal movement

�h absence of fetal movement for 24 hours

�h a hot, reddened painful area behind your knee or calf

And just when you think you can¡¦t take it another day¡Xta da! ¡Xthe biggest changes of all: labor and delivery!

Original Question

What medications are safe to take during pregnancy?

Q. I am not sure what medications are safe to use during pregnancy.

Like advil, tylonol.. asprin... Im having some severe stomach pains, every 4 hours im starving i have to set an alarm so that i can get up and eat or i will be sick. But for after the morning sickness. what drugs or medications can i take that are safe to use during the first trimester.?

Thank you

A. Here's the whole list of OTC meds my Dr. gave me when I found out I was pregnant of stuff that's ok to take while pregnant,if it's not ok in first trimester,there's a note next to it.

Nasal congestion:
Actifed
Contac
Dristan
Sudafed
Tylenol Cold (any type of tylenol cold)

Cough:
Robitussin
Robitussin DM
House brand expectorant (any store brand)

Pain or Fever:
Tylenol (Regular or extra strength)

Heartburn or Sour Stomach:
Maalox
Mylanta
Rolaids
Tums

Constipation:
Colace

Diarrhea:
Imodium AD (don't take before 15 weeks)

Nausea:
Phenergan tablets or capsules

Original Question

What is a normal temperature during pregnancy?

Q. I know your body temperature goes up during pregnancy but what is normal? mine has been between 101 and 102. I'm 34 weeks pregnant

A. Not sure what that temperature is. Im aussie so we go by a different method.. Everyones temperature is different but if this is a high temperature for you than go and consult with a dr because high temperatures during pregnancy are not safe for the baby and it could be treated by taking panadol to reduce fever.

Original Question

Is it dangerous to have a sore throat, cough and colds with mild fever during pregnancy?

Q. My sore throat is not that bad, it is only aching but not too much compared before back when im not pregnant. I also have cough and colds with mild fever. But my head is aching too much since the day I had an implantion bleeding that lasted only almost a day. I didn't take any medicine at all aside from Vicks rubbed at my back. And now I'm eating oranges and drinking juice and lots of water. Is this normal or is this something to worry about. Thank you in advance.

A. My midwife said to go to the doctor if I have a fever of 100+ and am unable to bring it down after taking Tylenol.

Original Question

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