Pica is the medical term for unusual cravings for non-food items such as clay or laundry detergent that some pregnant women experience. No one knows quite why this occurs, although it may indicate a nutritional deficiency. Contact your obstetrician right away if you experience these cravings.
Health & Pregnancy
One common myth is that when you are pregnant, you should be eating for two people. The truth is that you should be eating a healthy amount of fruit, vegetables, and meat high is omega-3s. If you up your caloric intake by 300 a day, you will be eating plenty of food for both you and your baby. Along with taking prenatal vitamins, you should also continue you exercise and remain active during your pregnancy. Consult with your doctor for pregnancy approved exercising.
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During the initial prenatal visit the physical examination will include a complete head to toe assessment of the woman. The purpose of a comprehensive examination is to gather baseline data about the woman’s health status as well as to identify any non-pregnancy related, pre-existing condition. A pelvic examination and collection of cultures and lab test will also be completed. At subsequent visits the physical examination is limited to an assessment of the growing pregnancy. In other words, the physical examination focuses on the abdomen, breasts and inquiries about bladder and bowel functions, weight gain, and vital signs. Specific laboratory tests are performed at designated intervals as are ultrasound examinations. During the first and second trimester vaginal exams are usually performed based on the presence of findings such as complaints of uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge. In the late third trimester a vaginal exam is usually performed at each visit to assess the cervix for signs of effacement and dilatation.
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Wesley Medical Center answeredSee All 8 AnswersMany pregnancy-related health concerns, such as hypertension and gestational diabetes, can be prevented with healthy diet and regular exercise.
You should realistically plan to gain a pound or less every week that you’re pregnant. If you’re gaining more than that, talk to your doctor about additional measures you can take to remain healthy.
Many doctors encourage their patients to supplement their health with a prenatal vitamin, even if they’re not 100 percent sure they’re pregnant yet.
Additionally, while you’re pregnant, stay mindful that everything you ingest and experience is also passed on to your fetus. A common guideline regarding foods such as tuna and lunchmeat is to limit yourself to a single helping a week.
Pregnant women should always avoid unhealthy activities, particularly smoking. Cigarettes are full of chemicals. If you smoke while pregnant, those chemicals are passed through the placenta and can put your fetus at a higher risk for health problems such as asthma, cerebral palsy, premature birth and low birth weight.
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See All 2 AnswersBy week 13, you may be feeling more energetic as your symptoms of morning sickness disappear. In fact, you may start to notice a surge in your sex drive. In most cases, it is perfectly fine to have sex at this point. If you are at risk for preterm labor or have a high risk pregnancy for any other reason, you may want to consult your doctor first.
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A pregnancy is considered high risk when the life or health of the mother or fetus is threatened because of a situational circumstance, pre-gestational condition or conditions that occur because of the pregnancy. Some risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy include:
- Age (less than 20 years or more than 35 years)
- Lack of prenatal care
- Low educational level/Low socio-economic status
- Nutritional status
- Blood type (Rh negative)
- Parity
- Multiple gestation pregnancy
- Pre-existing chronic illness
- Smoking
- Substance abuse
- Previous uterine surgery
- History of miscarriages, stillbirths, or poor obstetrical outcomes.
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Riverside Women's Health answeredSee All 3 AnswersPreeclampsia (pree-ee-CLAMP-see-uh) – A condition starting after 20 weeks of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and problems with the kidneys and other organs. Also called toxemia.
• High blood pressure
• Swelling of hands and face
• Too much protein in urine
• Stomach pain
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• HeadachesThe only cure is delivery, which may not be best for the baby. Labor will probably be induced if condition is mild and the woman is near term (37 to 40 weeks of pregnancy). If it is too early to deliver, the doctor will watch the health of the mother and her baby very closely. She may need medicines and bed rest at home or in the hospital to lower her blood pressure. Medicines also might be used to prevent the mother from having seizures.
This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.
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Dr. Tessie M. Larrieu, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Mercy Medical Center
During pregnancy, you need a good support system, says Tessie Larrieu, MD, in obstetrics & gynecology at Mercy Hospital. Learn why support is vital to a healthy pregnancy in this video.
Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. -
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Dr. Margit S. Lister, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Intermountain HealthcareSee All 2 AnswersIf there is a group B streptococcus (GBS) concern during pregnancy, to minimize the risk of GBS, your doctor will probably recommend that you receive antibiotics during labor. Antibiotics given at this time can help get rid of some of the bacteria that can harm the baby. You'll receive the antibiotics through an IV (intravenous line), a small and flexible tube placed through your skin into a vein.
If you are planning a Caesarean (C-section) delivery, your labor hasn't begun, and the amniotic sac hasn't broken (your water hasn't broken), you may not need to take antibiotics. That's because in these circumstances, there is less chance that GBS will pass to your baby during a planned C-section.
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Boston Women's Health Book Collective , Administration, answeredIt is particularly important that you take care of your teeth and gums while you are pregnant. Women with periodontal disease during pregnancy may be more likely to have babies who are born too early or too small, although the evidence for this claim is mixed. Some pregnant women get a condition known as gingivitis that involves swollen gums; it increases the risk of periodontitis. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection of the gums and surrounding structures that can spread to the bones that support the teeth.
Another reason to keep your mouth as healthy as possible during pregnancy and after birth is that the primary bacteria that cause tooth decay can be passed from you to your fetus or infant. The fewer bacteria you have in your mouth, the less likely it is that your child will develop dental cavities.
Seeing your dentist before and during your pregnancy is an excellent idea, as is daily care of your teeth and gums. Make an appointment to see your dental health provider as soon as possible after you become pregnant and discuss how frequently you should be seen. You may benefit from more frequent visits - such as once every three months - during this time.
Your daily routine for dental care should include:
- Brushing morning and night with a soft bristle brush and a toothpaste containing fluoride, which prevents tooth decay, and triclosan, an ingredient formulated to prevent periodontal disease
- Flossing once a day