How often should I feel my baby move?
After week 28, 10 movements in 2 hours is considered normal. Every baby has their own pattern; try to learn your baby's sleep and active times. If you notice your baby moving less or a change in their usual pattern of movements, go to the maternity emergency department right away, without doing a kick count or waiting to reach 10 movements. Listening to the heartbeat at home with a Doppler device isn't reliable.
When do kicks start?
First movements are usually felt between weeks 16 and 24, as a light flutter or rippling feeling. In a first pregnancy they're usually noticed after week 20, and earlier in later pregnancies. If you're past week 20 and haven't felt any movement at all, tell your doctor.
What can I do to ease nausea?
Light foods like crackers help. Try small, frequent meals and ginger tea. Ask your doctor about options like vitamin B6 and the right dose.
Which side is best to sleep on?
After week 28, go to sleep on your side; either side is fine, though many doctors prefer the left. Lying on your back can press on large blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the baby. If you wake up on your back during the night, don't worry; just turn onto your side and go back to sleep. A pillow between your legs and under your bump can make you more comfortable.
Is bleeding or spotting normal in pregnancy?
Light spotting can happen in early pregnancy (for example around implantation or after sex), but tell your doctor about any bleeding; it can also be a sign of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or placenta problems. If bleeding comes with severe abdominal pain, shoulder pain, dizziness or fainting, or if you soak a pad quickly, call your local emergency number right away.
What can I do about back pain?
Back pain is very common in pregnancy; hormones loosen the ligaments around your joints. Wear flat shoes, avoid lifting heavy things, bend your knees when you bend down and support your lower back when sitting. Pregnancy yoga, swimming, gentle exercise, a warm shower and massage can help. If the pain comes with fever, bleeding, burning when you pee or regular contractions, or if you lose feeling in your legs, see your doctor right away.
What helps with leg cramps?
Leg cramps are common, especially in the second half of pregnancy. Do some gentle exercise during the day: flex your foot up and down 30 times and rotate your ankle 8 times in each direction; during a cramp, pull your toes toward you and rub the muscle. Don't take supplements like magnesium without asking your doctor. If one calf is red, warm or swollen, see your doctor right away.
When is vomiting dangerous?
Nausea and vomiting usually ease by weeks 16–20, and mild to moderate sickness doesn't harm the baby. If you haven't kept anything down for 24 hours, your urine is very dark or you haven't peed for 8 hours, you feel faint when you stand up, you're losing weight or you're vomiting blood, see your doctor without waiting. This may be severe vomiting that needs treatment (hyperemesis), and there are medicines that can be used in pregnancy.
What helps with heartburn and reflux?
Eat small, frequent meals, finish eating about 3 hours before bed and don't lie down right after a meal; raise your head and shoulders a little when you sleep. Spicy and fatty foods, carbonated drinks and caffeine can make it worse. If you use an antacid, tell your pharmacist or doctor you're pregnant, and leave 2 hours between it and your iron or folic acid. If heartburn won't go away and comes with a headache or pain just below your ribs, see your doctor right away.
What can I do about constipation?
Constipation is common in pregnancy; hormones slow down your bowels, and iron tablets can also cause it. Eat more fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole-grain bread and legumes, drink plenty of water and walk every day. If it continues, ask your doctor before using laxatives or herbal products; if it's caused by iron, they may suggest a different iron product.
Is it normal for my feet to swell?
Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is normal, especially in the last months and at the end of the day. Avoid standing for long periods, wear comfortable shoes, put your feet up when you can and do ankle exercises. Sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet, a severe headache or vision problems can be signs of preeclampsia, and painful swelling in one leg can point to a blood clot. If this happens, see your doctor right away.
When is a headache dangerous?
Headaches are common, especially in the first months, and are usually harmless; plenty of fluids, rest and regular sleep help. But after week 20, a severe or persistent headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain just below your ribs, vomiting or sudden swelling of your face or hands can be signs of preeclampsia. If you have any of these, see your doctor or go to the hospital right away.
What are the signs of preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a serious condition that usually appears after week 20, with high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It may cause no symptoms at first, which is why your blood pressure and urine are checked at appointments. If you get a severe headache, vision problems, pain below your ribs, vomiting or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet, see your doctor right away. In an emergency such as a seizure, call your local emergency number.
How can I cope with insomnia and tiredness?
Tiredness is common, especially in the first and last three months. Regular sleep times, gentle exercise during the day and cutting down on caffeine in the evening can help you sleep. In the last months, lying on your side with a pillow between your legs can make you more comfortable. Extreme tiredness can also be a sign of anemia, so mention it to your doctor at your check-up.
When should I see a doctor or go to the emergency room right away?
See your doctor or go to the hospital without waiting if you have any of these: vaginal bleeding, your water breaking, reduced baby movements, severe abdominal pain or headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet, a fever of 38°C or higher, shortness of breath, vomiting that won't stop or unexplained itching. In an emergency such as a seizure, fainting or heavy bleeding, call your local emergency number.
Is abdominal and groin pain normal?
As your womb grows, stretching ligaments, constipation or gas can cause mild groin pain and cramps; mild pain that eases when you rest or change position is usually harmless. If the pain comes with bleeding, regular contractions, back pain, leaking fluid, fever or burning when you pee, or if it's severe or doesn't go away after 30–60 minutes of rest, see your doctor right away.
What should I do if I get hemorrhoids (piles)?
Hemorrhoids are common in pregnancy and are usually linked to constipation. Eat plenty of fiber, drink lots of water, avoid straining and don't stand or sit for long periods. A warm sitz bath followed by a cold compress can ease the discomfort. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any cream or suppository.
Is it normal to pee often?
Yes, needing to pee often is normal both in the first months and in the last months, when the baby's head presses on your bladder. Drink plenty of water during the day and cut back a little in the evening. If it burns or hurts when you pee, or you see blood in your urine, it could be a urinary tract infection; see your doctor within 24 hours.
Why does itching happen, and when does it matter?
Stretching skin and hormones can cause mild itching. But itching on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, or itching that gets worse at night or keeps you awake, can be a sign of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a pregnancy-specific liver condition that needs treatment. If you have this kind of itching, see your doctor without delay.
Which vaginal discharge is normal and which isn't?
More discharge than usual is normal in pregnancy; healthy discharge is thin, clear or milky white and doesn't smell bad. If it smells bad, is green-yellow or looks like cottage cheese, or you have itching, burning or pain when you pee, see your doctor; some yeast infection treatments aren't suitable in pregnancy. If the discharge is bloody or you have a constant watery leak (it could be your water breaking), go to the hospital without waiting.
Meyu is an information and tracking tool; it does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.