Pregnancy can be a very special time for a woman.  She may find herself excited, anxious and fearful all at the same time.  The pregnancy may have been something long planned for and long hoped for or it may have been a surprise. No matter the circumstance or the situation the one thing pregnant women seem to have in common is questions. The how, whys and whens of the pregnancy experience are all common concerns for pregnant women. You will find many topics covered in the following frequently asked questions. If your question has not been addressed please call the office and ask one of the nurses or ask your provider at an office visit.

Testing for Pregnancy:

If you are not using contraception and you miss a period it is likely that you are pregnant. A urine pregnancy test will be positive at the time of your missed or expected period. It is most reliable if you use a first morning urine specimen. Over-the-counter tests are very reliable if used correctly and are similar to the urine tests used in our office. If you want follow up testing you can call in for a blood test.

Prenatal Care:

Your first ob visit during your pregnancy will be a whirlwind visit. You will see the nurse practitioner for an exam and information session, you will meet with the business office if needed and you have labs done. At this visit we will go over your symptoms of pregnancy, your personal history and your family history. The nurse practitioner will provide you with information on diet and nutrition, food safety, exercise, medication use, perinatal testing and answer any questions you might have. As a part of your first exam you will have a full exam including a pelvic exam. You will also have lab work taken and be offered an influenza vaccination if indicated.

Beginning at your twelve week visit we will listen for the baby’s heart beat at each and every visit. We will feel for the top of you uterus through you belly. We will ask how you are feeling and go over any labs you had done at a prior visit. We will also answer any questions you may have.

Aches and Pains in Pregnancy

For most women there are three phases to pregnancy. The early phase is called the first trimester. This is a time when many women experience some or all of the following signs or symptoms to some degree: nausea, vomiting, excessive gas, bloating, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, headache, fatigue, mood swings, breast pain or tenderness and breast swelling. About 30% of women will have some spotting in the first trimester. Many women will have some cramping. Many will have a change in vaginal discharge. This phase of pregnancy lasts 12 – 13 weeks. After that time most of the signs and symptoms will improve if not completely go away.

The next trimester, the second trimester is often like a honeymoon phase. Women often regain energy, feel like themselves again and enjoy pregnancy. This is often an ideal time for travel. The second trimester is roughly the weeks through 13 – 24.

The third trimester begins at about week 24 or 25. As the third trimester moves toward the due date women often find themselves more and more uncomfortable. Late pregnancy has many common aches an pains that can include back pain, lower leg swelling and swelling of the feet, difficulty sleeping. Women will often feel increasing vaginal pressure and pain late in pregnancy. They may have hip and leg pain if they sit or lay in one position too long. Women may experience increased heartburn and headaches in this trimester. Shortness of breath is common as the uterus pushes its way up into the chest and the stomach. All of these aches and pains are usually normal and will go away after your baby is delivered. If you are concerned or need more information call your doctor.

However there are some symptoms that can mean you may be developing complications in your pregnancy. Headaches that are severe, or occur with visual changes need to be reported to your doctor. The same is true for heartburn that will not go away with over-the-counter medications or occurs with pain in your right upper abdomen or belly. If you have any of these last symptoms you should call your doctor right away. Many women will have swelling in their legs and feet but excessive swelling that causes rapid weight gain or causes your face, hands and legs to swell should be reported to your doctor immediately.