American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [281]
Health Concerns During Pregnancy
Some women can tell right away that they are pregnant; others can tell only if they experience some of the early symptoms of pregnancy. The early signs of pregnancy can include missing a period (when you previously have had regular periods); having an unusually light period; having tender, swollen breasts with darkened nipples; feeling nauseated or vomiting (especially in the morning); urinating frequently; having a heavier than usual vaginal discharge; or feeling unusually tired. Some women have cravings or lose their taste for particular foods or have increased sensitivity to odors. The topics discussed in this section can occur at any time during a pregnancy.
How a woman’s body changes during pregnancy
During the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman’s body changes very little, although her breasts may look somewhat larger. By the 12th week, her enlarging uterus may make her abdomen protrude slightly. By the time she is 28 weeks pregnant, her abdomen may be very prominent and her navel may bulge out. Toward the end of the pregnancy, the head of the fetus may move down into the woman’s pelvic cavity, making her abdomen appear somewhat less prominent.
Diet
What you eat when you’re pregnant provides nutrition for your fetus. Eat regular, well-balanced meals that are rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. To nourish your developing fetus, eat foods that contain essential nutrients such as protein (for cell growth and blood production), calcium (for building strong bones and teeth and developing muscle, heart, and nerve tissue), iron (for producing red blood cells), folic acid (for developing the brain and spinal cord and preventing neural tube defects; see page 398), and zinc (for normal growth and development of the reproductive organs).
Meat, fish, cheese, dried peas and beans, and eggs are excellent sources of protein. Low-fat dairy products are rich in calcium. Good sources of iron include eggs, liver, kidneys, whole-grain or enriched breads and cereals, dried fruit, and green, leafy vegetables. Folic acid is added to breakfast cereals and other grain products and can be obtained from liver, raw green vegetables, and foods that contain yeast. Lean red meat, whole-grain cereals, nuts, peas, and beans are good sources of zinc. Your doctor will probably prescribe vitamins specially formulated for pregnant women. If you are a vegetarian, talk to your doctor and possibly a dietitian to make sure you are getting enough protein and vitamins (particularly vitamins B12 and D) in your diet.
Many women have cravings for particular foods during pregnancy. It’s OK to indulge a craving if it’s for a nutritious food. High-fat or high-calorie foods can make you gain too much weight, and salty foods can make you retain water. Aversion to certain foods usually is accompanied by nausea or indigestion (see next page). Doctors usually recommend that pregnant women gain about 20 to 30 pounds; gaining too much or too little weight can harm a fetus.
Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Eating fiber-containing foods (such as fresh fruits and vegetables and legumes) can help prevent constipation that can develop from the extra iron you are consuming.
Cut back on your caffeine consumption during pregnancy because it can affect sleep and cause cardiac palpitations. Some foods to avoid during pregnancy (because they could harm the fetus) include raw meat, raw eggs, raw fish, and shellfish; unwashed or unpeeled fruits and vegetables (because of pesticide residue); and unpasteurized cheeses and apple juice. No safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been established, so you should avoid alcohol entirely throughout your pregnancy.
Exercise
Exercising regularly will keep you in good physical condition and improve your mental state during your pregnancy.