Pregnancy A to Z - What Are You Experiencing?

Morning sickness is the term we use to describe the nausea and vomiting that are associated with the hormonal changes your body’s undergoing. Surprisingly, it can happen at any time during your pregnancy, and it doesn't just happen in the morning! You may also develop low blood sugar as a result of the baby’s nutritional demands. This decrease in blood sugar level can cause nausea in some women. Morning sickness is often worse when your stomach is empty, so here are some tips that might help you feel better:

1. Eat a small meal every 2 hours, instead of 3 larger meals.
2. Eat dry crackers or dry toast before you get out of bed in the morning.
3. Avoid eating solid food and drinking fluids at the same time.
4. Wear a wristband that is designed to prevent motion sickness.

There are also some alternative therapies like the use of herbs or acupressure that can help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness. Check with your provider for more information about these.

During your pregnancy you may get backaches because your muscles are being stretched and overworked. As your pregnancy progresses, your back muscles are helping to hold up your growing abdomen. Rest and a heating pad should help. If you have a sharp backache around your kidney area, please let your provider know immediately.

About a month into their pregnancy, most women's breasts become more tender. Your breasts are changing as your hormones change. Wearing a good support bra that fits you well should help. If your breasts are large or your nipples are very sensitive, wearing a bra when you're sleeping may also give you some relief.

When you're pregnant, food goes through your digestive system at a slower pace. As food slows down, more water is absorbed which makes your stool harder and more difficult to pass. The iron in your prenatal vitamins can also make you constipated. Drinking more water, exercising, and eating more fiber may help. If constipation becomes a problem, ask your provider if he or she can recommend a safe laxative or stool softener.

Don't be surprised if you feel tired during the first few months of your pregnancy. Your body is working hard and increased levels of a hormone called progesterone can enhance your feeling of fatigue. Don't worry, this kind of fatigue normally passes by the second trimester. The best thing you can do now, of course, is to get plenty of rest.

You may have mild headaches throughout your pregnancy. They can be caused by tension, low blood sugar, not drinking enough water or hormonal changes. Eating frequent small meals, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking time to relax may help. Acetaminophen can be used when you are pregnant but you should check with your provider first.

When you're pregnant, the muscle sphincters leading into your stomach become more relaxed. This can allow some "back flow" of your stomach's contents into the esophagus, which causes a "burning" sensation under your breastbone. Small, frequent meals and staying away from spicy and acidic foods should help. Antacids may also help, but please get your provider's advice on which is the safest for you. Raising the head of your bed 10 degrees or so by building a comfortable wedge of pillows to rest on, can also help relieve your heartburn.

Some women have a hard time sleeping when they're pregnant. This can happen because you may find yourself getting out of bed to go to the bathroom more often, feeling too warm because of your changing metabolism, or because your heartburn gets worse when you're lying down. Disturbing dreams are also fairly common when you're pregnant, and they can certainly interfere with a good night's sleep. It may help to use some relaxation techniques before bed, like having a gentle massage or taking a warm (but not hot!) bath.