What to Expect When You’re Expecting By :Emily Burd.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting

By :Emily Burd

What You Can ExpectWhat You Can Expect

Your doctor will check: Weight Blood pressure Urine (for sugar and protein levels) Hands and feet for edema (swelling) Legs for varicose veins (twisted veins

that become enlarged) Will ask about your symptoms to check for

anything unusual Can discuss your questions or problems

What You May Be What You May Be FeelingFeeling

Physically- Fatigue Need to urinate frequently Nausea Constipation Heartburn Food cravings Occasional dizziness and headaches

Emotionally- Instability Emotions will change often Irritable

What You May Be Concerned What You May Be Concerned AboutAbout

Venous changes- Very normal to have red or blue lines across thighs or abdomen

because of an increase in your blood supply or hormone changes Veins where the skin begins to swell is not normal and could be

varicose veins, in which case you should see your doctor

Complexion problems- A secretion of oils is brought about by hormone changes so

breaking out frequently is very normal Can only be prevented by drinking a lot of water, moisturizing and

washing your face, and sticking to a healthy diet

Waistline expansion Most women don’t start to show until the third month If you are showing in the second month, you may be taking in too

many empty calories

What You May Be Concerned What You May Be Concerned About Continued…About Continued…

Losing your figure

Flab gained after pregnancy is usually a result of gaining too much weight by eating the wrong foods

Can still get your form back after having a baby by paying attention to your diet and exercise while you are pregnant

A tilted uterus

About 1 in 5 women have a tilted uterus

Not usually a problem, just creates a heaviness on your bladder

Heartburn and indigestion

Does not affect the baby; it sometimes can benefit your baby because it allows more time for better absorption of the nutrients

To prevent: eat six small meals instead of three big ones, don’t wear clothing that is tight around your abdomen, eat slowly, and stay upright for several hours after eating


Food aversions and cravings

Changes in tastes occur

Cravings for certain foods - most of the time these are not nutritious foods and should be substituted for something healthier

Milk aversion or intolerance Calcium is absolutely necessary so substitutes will be needed

Cholesterol If you had been limiting your cholesterol before your pregnancy due to

diet reasons, you no longer should because it is necessary for fetal development

A meatless diet (red meat) Fish and poultry are great substitutes

As long as you keep a lot of protein in your diet, you do not have to eat red meat


A vegetarian diet

Have to be very careful to get enough protein and calcium in your diet

May have to depend a lot on vegetable proteins if you are vegan

Low-carb diets

You should not limit your carbs during pregnancy because you must keep a very balanced diet

Junk food

Substitute junk food with healthier options because you have to keep your diet nutritious

You will gain a lot of unnecessary weight that will be hard to lose after you have your baby if you don’t eat the correct foods

Fast food

Do not eat fast food frequently and when you do, pick the healthiest option by checking the nutrition information


Chemicals in food

Everything is made of chemicals and most are not harmful

No food or additive has been proven to cause birth defects

Sushi safety

No sushi or raw oysters and clams during pregnancy

Spicy foods

Usually cause more heartburn and indigestion but it does not hurt the baby in any way

Spoiled food Check expiration dates carefully

If by accident, it is not dangerous to the baby

If you do get food poisoning, drink a lot of fluids

What It’s Important to What It’s Important to KnowKnow

(Accidents)(Accidents) You will have less balance

Always wear your seat belt

Do not climb on anything

Don’t wear high heels or any shoes that could break

Keep night-lights so you don’t stumble

Observe safety rules of sports

Don’t overdo it, get enough sleep

Check house for hazards

What to Expect When You’re Expecting By :Emily Burd.

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