Pregnancy Symptoms & Wellness
First Signs
The first signs of pregnancy will naturally make you both excited and anxious about bringing a new life into the world. Some indicators of pregnancy are:
- Missed period
- Nausea and morning sickness
- Cravings and taste/smell sensitivity
- Dizziness or fainting
- Frequent urination
- Tender breasts
These symptoms may have a different cause. If you think you may be pregnant, contact us for confirmation and consultation with your Clinic Sofia caregiver.
During Pregnancy
As your body changes, you may experience certain pregnancy symptoms, many of which are common. Talk to us to learn about causes and recommended treatments. If you don’t see your symptom here, you can call or email us at sofia@clinicsofia.com.
- Cough or Cold
- Headache
- Hemorrhoids
- Constipation
- Morning Sickness, Nausea, Vomiting
- Contractions
- Varicose Veins and Swelling
- Joint Pain
- Trouble Finding a Sleeping Position
- Heartburn
- Skin, Hair and Nail Changes
To know which over-the-counter medications are safe for your symptoms, you can access Pregnancy Medications (PDF).
After Birth
New mothers usually wonder how to transition smoothly from pregnancy to motherhood. Your caregivers are happy to address any bleeding, pain, incontinence, swelling, or breast concerns.
Just after delivery, you may experience swelling and soreness on your genitals. Cool packs help with the initial discomfort. After a few days, try switching to warm packs and warm baths to promote circulation to swollen tissues.
You may experience stinging when passing your first bowel movement due to the tenderness of your genitals after delivery. Allow the bowel movement to happen without pushing and try to relax as much as possible. Stool softeners can help significantly.
It is difficult to estimate how tired you will be when adjusting to having a new baby in your house. Sleep when the baby is sleeping and keep other children on a routine. Ask for help with chores like laundry, cleaning or preparing meals. Allow your partner to take a feeding and diapering at the same time every day, which helps the baby associate nourishment with the other person and allows the bonding process to occur.
If you have trouble sleeping, try taking Benadryl, drinking warm milk or decaf tea or taking a warm bath before bed.
It is usually safe to resume intercourse after postpartum bleeding has stopped. If you resume intercourse before your six-week postpartum check, use condoms and lubrication.
Food Safety
A healthy body starts with the right food and activity. When pregnant, eating right is important for both mother and child. However, everyone should be conscious about the food they consume. You can take preventative steps to avoid foodborne illness and other general health problems.
Make sure your food is prepared safely to avoid foodborne illness. This is especially important for pregnant women, who are at higher risk for Listeria and parasites due to a weakened immune system. Luckily, you can take measures to keep yourself and others safe:
1) Thouroughly clean your hands and kitchen surfaces with hot soapy water before cooking.
2) Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, seafood, and eggs and their juices away from other foods. Clean and disinfect cutting boards used for these before using to cut other foods.
3) Use a thermometer to make sure your food is cooked completely. The proper temperature depends on the type of food.
4) Seal and refrigerate leftover food promptly. Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave, but never at room temperature.
You will talk to your caregiver about nutrition and a healthy lifestyle for pregnancy during your early obstetric visits.
For full information, please see the Pregnancy Information Packet (PDF).
