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Pregnancy is an exciting, but also scary time. You’re excited to meet your new bundle of joy but likely have more questions than you can count. Whether you’re a first-time mom or a veteran parent, this resource guide to obstetrics services can help you feel more at ease and enjoy the next nine months of pregnancy.
Here you’ll learn about:
- What to expect during each stage of pregnancy
- The signs of pregnancy complications
- How to stay comfortable during pregnancy
- The truth behind pregnancy and miscarriage myths
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string(4734) "Pregnancy is an exciting and scary time. With so many emotions and nerves, it's tough to know whether that pain you feel or light spotting you see is normal or a sign of something more serious. And whether you're a first-time mom-to-be or if you've already have children, every pregnancy is different.
Pregnancy places a large strain on your body and sometimes complications can arise. Many are manageable, but it's important to know the symptoms of common complications and when you should visit your doctor to ensure the health and well being of you and your baby.
Common Pregnancy Complications
- Anemia – a condition of low red blood cells. It can make you feel tired, dizzy, or short of breath. Regularly eating foods high in iron is the best way to manage anemia.
- Severe nausea – nausea and vomiting early in pregnancy is common. In some cases it can be severe enough to cause dehydration, in which case you may need medication or IV fluids at a hospital. Usually, nausea gets better after the 20th week of pregnancy.
- Gestational diabetes – this is found in a routine screening test and can usually be controlled with diet during pregnancy. It's important to follow a doctor's recommendations if you get diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to preeclampsia or early delivery. The baby can also be larger than average, making delivery a challenge, or born with low blood sugar or jaundice.
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding – red or brown spotting or light bleeding happens in many pregnancies. If it persists, you have bleeding, cramping, or see fluid or tissue in your underwear, call your doctor right away. This may be a sign of something more serious.
Possible Serious Pregnancy Complications
Miscarriage – happens in about one in five pregnancies and usually before the 20th week of pregnancy. Miscarriages happen for many reasons, most of which are out of your control. Signs of miscarriage include bleeding and severe cramping.
Preeclampsia – a condition of high blood pressure in the mother. Preeclampsia causes:
- Swelling
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
Delivery is the only cure. Bed rest may be needed to give the baby longer to develop.
Placenta previa – A condition when the placenta covers the opening of the cervix. You may experience bleeding or no symptoms. If it happens after 20 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor will advise you to reduce your activity.
Placental abruption – a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall. Symptoms of placental abruption include:
- Bleeding
- Cramping
- Tenderness
For less severe cases, bed rest is the best treatment. If the separation is severe, the baby may need to be delivered early.
The best way to avoid complications during pregnancy is to take steps to reduce infection, eat healthy, and exercise. Also, avoid
smoking,
alcohol, and drugs to keep yourself and your baby healthy. Trust your instincts. If you think something is wrong with you or your baby, contact your doctor right away.
Make sure your pregnancy is a happy and healthy one. If you have questions, get in touch with an expert by visiting the
Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC online.
Want to learn more about maternal fetal medicine and preterm birth? Check out our
Medical Monday's post on Newborn Medicine.
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Whether you’re a first-time mom-to-be or if you’ve already have children, every pregnancy is different. With so many emotions and nerves, it’s tough to know whether that pain you feel or light spotting you see is normal or a sign of something more serious. Pregnancy places a large strain on your body and sometimes complications can arise, although many are manageable. Read more to discover the symptoms of common complications and when you should visit your doctor.Read More
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string(4149) "Gestational diabetes is the most common pregnancy complication. There may not be much you can do to prevent it, but managing diet is key to controlling it.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
When you're pregnant, your body needs more insulin than it normally does. When your insulin supply can't keep up with the new demand, gestational diabetes develops.
Only about 7 percent of pregnant moms get gestational diabetes, and there's usually not much you can do to prevent it. However, some factors can put you at higher risk of developing it.
Gestational diabetes risk factors
- A family history of diabetes
- Being overweight
- Having had a previous child weight more than 9 pounds at birth
How Is Gestational Diabetes Diagnosed?
Early detection is best to help you keep yourself and your baby healthy. That's why between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, you'll have a screening test.
After fasting overnight, you'll be given a sweet glucose solution to drink. In about an hour, your blood glucose level will be tested. If your level is too high, you'll be asked to come back for a longer glucose tolerance test, which will determine whether you have the condition or not.
What Complications Can Occur?
As long as you manage your diabetes, you'll likely have a healthy pregnancy and labor. If not controlled, some complications can occur for you and your baby:
- High blood pressure leading to pre-eclampsia
- Preterm labor
- A large baby with extra fat, which could lead to C-section
- Low blood sugar in the baby right after birth
- Mom and baby at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life
How Can I Manage Gestational Diabetes?
By
following a few guidelines for diet and exercise, you should be able to stay in control:
- Watch carbohydrates — choose whole grains and limit refined carbs
- Eat small meals every few hours
- Avoid extremely sugary foods and drinks, including fruit juice
- Add a healthy protein to every meal, such as nuts, avocado, lean meat, or eggs
- Eat foods high in fiber
Adding in even simple physical activity such as a short daily walk will also help you manage diabetes. In severe cases, insulin may be necessary.
Although your food choices may be a little more limited than you'd like, this is not the time to skip meals. If you don't eat enough food, your body will still struggle to regulate your blood sugar and
you may end up with hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
Hypoglycemia symptoms
Signs of hypoglycemia include:
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Headache
- Confusion
- Hunger
- Sleepiness
If you have these symptoms, check your blood sugar right away. The easiest way to bring it back up is to eat a small, sweet snack and then your next meal if you can.
The symptoms of gestational diabetes go away for most women right after birth. Having diabetes during pregnancy can raise your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Continue following healthy habits for eating and exercising to keep your blood sugar in check now and in the future.
Learn more about
gestational diabetes management by visiting the Center for Diabetes and Pregnancy at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
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string(397) "Only about seven percent of pregnant mother’s get gestational diabetes and there is not much you can do to prevent it. However, managing your diet and understanding your risk factors is essential to managing the most common pregnancy complication. Read more to discover how gestational diabetes is diagnosed, what complications can occur as a result, and ways to manage it during your pregnancy."
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Only about seven percent of pregnant mother’s get gestational diabetes and there is not much you can do to prevent it. However, managing your diet and understanding your risk factors is essential to managing the most common pregnancy complication. Read more to discover how gestational diabetes is diagnosed, what complications can occur as a result, and ways to manage it during your pregnancy.Read More
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string(3830) "The joys of having a baby can be dampened by a host of aches, pains, and other inconveniences that many expectant mothers face. It's no secret that a woman's body undergoes a number of changes during pregnancy – and many of these changes aren't always pleasant. While not every woman experiences every pregnancy-related discomfort, here are ways get relief from a few of them.
Taming Tummy Troubles
Hormonal changes are the likely cause of morning sickness, which occurs in about half of all pregnant women. And it can happen at any time of the day.
- Keep crackers, dry cereal, or dry bread beside your bed. Eat a small amount slowly in the morning before you get out of bed.
- Eat 5 or 6 small meals each day. Never go for long periods without food, and try not to overload your stomach when you eat.
Drink Up
When you're pregnant, it's important to
stay hydrated. Water helps with kidney and liver functions for both you and the baby.
- Drink eight to 10 glasses of water a day to help ease constipation and fatigue.
- Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, which can cause dehydration.
- Drink liquids between meals — not with them — to avoid heartburn.
Rest Is Best
The baby growing inside of you is taking a lot of energy, so be sure to rest or sleep whenever you can.
- Listen to your body. When you feel tired, take a nap, or sit down and your feet up.
- Taking naps and going to bed early also can help.
- Avoid the temptation to work late or take on extra responsibilities.
Are You Sleeping?
As the baby gets bigger, it will likely become harder for you to find a comfortable sleep position.
- Make yourself as comfortable as possible with pillows.
- Avoid eating a large meal or drinking liquids within 2 to 3 hours of bedtime.
- Remember to lie on your side.
Banish Back Pain
Backache is the most common problem in pregnancy. To keep your body balanced, your back curves inward as your uterus grows. This change in posture causes varying degrees of backache.
- Good posture is important. Sit, stand, and walk with your back straight.
- Use good body mechanics. When lifting something from the floor, bend your knees instead of bending at your waist.
- Avoid wearing high heels and shoes that don't provide enough support.
Pregnant and Puffy
Mild swelling of the feet, legs, and hands can be expected during pregnancy. With the added weight of pregnancy, circulation is slower to return the fluid to the heart.
- Avoid standing for a long periods of time.
- Keep your feet and legs up when you sit.
- Do not cross your legs when sitting.
Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC offers a wealth of specialty services with a specific focus on gynecology and obstetrics. To learn more, or to
schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, visit Magee's website or call 1-866-MyMagee (696-2433).
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string(390) "Pregnancy is a beautiful time, but there are some challenges you may face, too. Because your body is undergoing a variety of changes, the joys of pregnancy may be dampened by aches, pains, and other inconveniences of many kinds. Not everyone experiences this discomfort, but if you do, there are ways to find relief. Read more to discover tips for staying comfortable during your pregnancy."
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Pregnancy is a beautiful time, but there are some challenges you may face, too. Because your body is undergoing a variety of changes, the joys of pregnancy may be dampened by aches, pains, and other inconveniences of many kinds. Not everyone experiences this discomfort, but if you do, there are ways to find relief. Read more to discover tips for staying comfortable during your pregnancy.Read More
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string(2723) "Although you've had nine months to prepare for his or her arrival, when baby is ready to be born, even the best plans and preparations can be thrown into chaos. When it is time to get ready to go to the hospital for the delivery of your baby, it is easy to forget something in the rush of the moment. That's why experts at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC suggest that you should pack a delivery bag a couple months in advance. While you may have already thought to bring your favorite fuzzy slippers, robe, and a camera to document the big day -- there are other smaller, equally essential items you may have overlooked.
Some helpful items to pack in your delivery bag for your hospital stay include:
Memory or Photo Book
Take a journal for your baby so you can write down thoughts, feelings, and questions for the doctor. Don't forget to ask the nurses to stamp your baby's footprints when they're preparing the birth certificate.
Hairbrush and Hair-ties
This will help keep your hair out of your face during labor.
Camera
You will most likely want to relive every moment of those first few hours with your new baby, so make sure you have a camera to preserve the memories of this joyous day.
Comfortable Change of Clothes for Mom and Support Person
Bring some sweats for your night in the hospital; it will make you feel more comfortable. Don't forget the slippers for when you may be strolling around on the cold tile floor! Additionally, a clean, loose-fitting outfit will make your trip home more enjoyable.
Toiletries
Bring along some deodorant, body wash, shampoo, face wash, lip balm, sanitary pads, and moisturizer, as these are typical necessities for new parents.
Snacks
Keep yourself happy by bringing along some favorite treats. You might not like everything offered in the cafeteria or the vending machines.
Every new parent's delivery bag differs, so be sure to pack items important to you and your family. A little extra planning before the big day can make the experience less stressful and more enjoyable and memorable.
If you have questions about what to expect before, during, or after delivery, sign up for one of our hospital classes or tours at Magee.
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string(150) "Need tips on how to back your delivery bag for labor? Check out what our experts at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC suggest in this tip sheet checklist."
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string(444) "Packing a delivery bag in the moment can be incredibly chaotic and makes it easy to forget something that may make your delivery more comfortable. Experts at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC suggest packing your bag a few months in advance. While a robe and slippers may be the items that come to mind first, there are a few additional pieces you may not even think to pack! Read more to discover some essential items to pack in your delivery bag."
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Packing a delivery bag in the moment can be incredibly chaotic and makes it easy to forget something that may make your delivery more comfortable. Experts at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC suggest packing your bag a few months in advance. While a robe and slippers may be the items that come to mind first, there are a few additional pieces you may not even think to pack! Read more to discover some essential items to pack in your delivery bag.Read More
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string(1905) "If you're pregnant, you're probably aware that the next nine months are about to be one big adventure. First-time mothers-to-be may have a lot of questions about what they can expect and the changes they'll go through.
Do you know when to expect to feel your baby move? When to look for a pediatrician or an infant car seat? Or the signs of preterm labor? Our infographic will guide you through the stages of your pregnancy, with a few helpful tips along the way:
For even more advice, discover "Your Pregnancy Timeline" at MyMageePregnancy.UPMC.com.
We hope this infographic has given you some helpful information and a good idea of what you can expect when you're expecting. Learn more about how to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Visit UPMC online and find out when you can sign up for Women's Health, Pregnancy, and Childbirth Classes at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC and UPMC Mercy, or call 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) for more information.
The MyMageePregnancy app was featured as the cover story in the March 2015 issue of Whirl Magazine. Read the full article on Whirl's website.
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Pregnancy is an exciting, nine-month journey. If it is your first experience, you probably have more questions than you can count. How big is my baby? What are the signs of preterm labor? When should I look for a car seat? Read more to discover what to expect at each stage of your pregnancy and some helpful tips from the experts at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.Read More
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string(3222) "You expected morning sickness and fatigue during your pregnancy — but constipation and hemorrhoids?
Unfortunately, irregular bowel movements and constipation are common pregnancy complaints. And, all that straining can lead to painful hemorrhoids -- swollen veins in the rectum. Pregnancy isn't always the most comfortable time in a woman's life, yet constipation and hemorrhoids can heighten the discomfort to an even greater degree. Being unable to have regular bowel movements can make you feel even more bloated and miserable. So what's slowing things down?
Hyagriv Simhan, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, says constipation during pregnancy has many causes. For one, progesterone relaxes the muscles of the intestines, which slows down your gastrointestinal intestinal tract. The increased blood supply requires more fluid intake, which can leave you dehydrated and contribute to slow bowel movements. The iron in your prenatal vitamins also may be constipating.
Prevention is Key
According to Dr. Simhan, the best thing you can do about constipation and hemorrhoids during pregnancy is to prevent them.
"By being proactive and staying ahead of it, you can avoid many of the problems," he says.
What to Do
Stay Hydrated
Double your water intake. Drinking at least eight 12-ounce glasses of water daily will keep solids moving through your digestive tract and help keep stools soft. Your increased fluid intake will also help with blood volume.
Eat Fiber-Rich Foods
A diet rich in fiber — whole grain breads and cereals, beans, fresh fruits, and vegetables — will help you eliminate waste. Aim for 30 grams of fiber a day.
Pace Yourself
Spread out your food intake by eating smaller more frequent meals. Try to eat five or six mini-meals each day.
Get Moving
Simply getting up and moving can help constipation. Regular exercise during pregnancy — walking 10 to 15 minutes several times a day — helps stimulate bowel movements and keep the digestive tract healthy.
Say No to Laxatives
If lifestyle changes aren't working, ask your doctor about over-the-counter stool softeners, such as Colace®. Avoid laxatives, though: the ingredient that stimulates the bowel to contract also may stimulate the uterus to contract.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician/gynecologist near you, visit the Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC online, or call 1-866-MyMagee (696-2433)."
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During pregnancy, your body undergoes a variety of changes to accommodate your baby. Most expect some morning sickness and fatigue over those nine months, but irregular bowel movements and constipation are also a common complaint during pregnancy. Read more to discover the cause of the discomfort and what you can do to find relief.Read More
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string(4168) "Lisa Bodnar, PhD, of the Magee-Womens Research Institute, talks about the potential benefits of vitamin D and prenatal vitamins during pregnancy.
More and more women are aware of the benefits of prenatal vitamins. They often look to bolster their intake of folic acid and iron to help have a healthy pregnancy.
But, many expectant mothers may be overlooking the pros of vitamin D supplements.
Dr. Bodnar says growing numbers of studies show pregnant women with low vitamin D levels are more likely to have a:
- Preterm birth.
- Sudden rise in blood pressure (preeclampsia).
- Small baby that might not be able to go home right away.
Research and studies to see if vitamin D can prevent these problems are still in their very early stages.
“There haven't been any large trials to test whether vitamin D supplements prevent these poor pregnancy outcomes,” Dr. Bodnar says.
“We need vitamin D for many other processes in the body and we suspect it plays a role in pregnancy. But, until some large trials have been done, we can't say anything else with terrible certainty,” she says.
What We Do Know About Vitamin D for Moms-to-Be
While research hasn’t yet confirmed the benefits of excess vitamin D, we do know the
value of having sufficient levels during pregnancy.
“Being sufficient in vitamin D is known to promote healthy skeletal development in the fetus. It also ensures healthy bones for the mom,” Dr. Bodnar says.
Pregnant women should take in the
recommended 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D each day.
We receive most of our vitamin D from sunlight. Where you live can play a big role in how much vitamin D your body gets.
According to Dr. Bodnar:
“In northern cities like Pittsburgh — from about November to March — our bodies can't make enough vitamin D from the sun. This is when the oral intake of vitamin D through supplements and diet becomes so vital.”
Tips to Increase Vitamin D During Pregnancy
Some tips for increasing vitamin D without sunlight include
taking prenatal vitamins for pregnancy.
You can also focus your diet more on
foods rich in vitamin D, including:
- Fortified dairy products and cereal
- Eggs
- Mushrooms
- Fatty fish such as salmon
For more on how to have a healthy pregnancy,
visit the Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC website or call 1-866-MyMagee (696-2433).
"
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string(163) "Discover the benefits of taking vitamin D and prenatal vitamins for pregnancy. Also, learn how to prevent a vitamin D deficiency with diet and vitamin supplements."
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string(483) "More and more women are aware of the benefits of prenatal vitamins, but many expectant mothers overlook the benefits of vitamin D as a supplement during pregnancy. While the benefit of an excess amount of vitamin D is still not verified, the importance of sufficient vitamin D levels in pregnant women is known to promote healthy skeletal development in the fetus and bone health for the mother. Read more to discover how you can ensure adequate levels of Vitamin D during pregnancy."
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More and more women are aware of the benefits of prenatal vitamins, but many expectant mothers overlook the benefits of vitamin D as a supplement during pregnancy. While the benefit of an excess amount of vitamin D is still not verified, the importance of sufficient vitamin D levels in pregnant women is known to promote healthy skeletal development in the fetus and bone health for the mother. Read more to discover how you can ensure adequate levels of Vitamin D during pregnancy.Read More
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string(3471) "If you've experienced the heartache of a miscarriage, you probably wondered whether something you did — or didn't do — is to blame. The truth is, most miscarriages are random events that occur because the fetus isn't developing normally.
According to national statistics, as many as one in five known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, defined as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. That number is likely much higher, occurring in women who lose the fetus before ever realizing they were pregnant.
Common Miscarriage Myths
Myth 1: Say no to sex
Contractions resulting from orgasms may scare you, but they won't cause a miscarriage. The baby is fully protected by the amniotic sac and strong uterine muscles. But it's still important to use safe sex measures like condoms to protect yourself and your baby against sexually transmitted infections.
Myth 2: Stop working out
Most experts agree that exercise during pregnancy — with your doctor's okay — is good for you and your baby. It can help you stay in shape and prepare for labor and delivery.
Myth 3: Don't stress out
Every expectant mom experiences worry and stress — over money, marriage, work, traumatic events, even family tragedies. You'll get through it, and your baby will, too.
Myth 4: Don't lift your toddler
Picking up that youngster will not do any harm to your unborn baby. But, to prevent injury to your back make sure you squat to pick up your toddler — and use your legs.
Myth 5: The baby "knew" it wasn't wanted
Babies are often unexpected. But feeling ambivalent about the pregnancy, or thinking about having an abortion, doesn't cause the baby to die.
Key Miscarriage Facts
According to the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists, approximately 60 percent of miscarriages occur when an embryo has an abnormal number of chromosomes during fertilization — a problem that happens by chance, not as a result of anything the parents did.
Maternal health conditions such as hormonal problems, infections, and diabetes, also can play a role, but in many cases, the causes are simply unknown.
Miscarriage Risks
Other factors linked to an increased risk of miscarriage include:
- Age. Women over age 35 have a higher risk of miscarriage than younger women. Paternal age also may increase risk.
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking, using illegal drugs, and heavy alcohol use.
- Weight, including being underweight or overweight.
- Invasive prenatal tests.
- Exposure to radiation and toxic substances.
To learn more, or to schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN near you, call 1-866-MyMagee (696-2433) or
visit the Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC website.
Want to learn more about maternal fetal medicine and preterm birth? Check out our
Medical Monday's post on Newborn Medicine.
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According to national statistics, as many as one in five known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, defined as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. That number is likely much higher, occurring in women who lose the fetus before ever realizing they were pregnant. Read more to discover the truth behind many common myths about miscarriage.Read More
