The Pregnant Mother Even with all the joy and anticipation pregnancy can bring, it is not uncommon for a mother-to-be to have some questions and concerns - questions not only about changes to expect throughout her pregnancy, but also concerns regarding the care of her body to ensure the health of her unborn child. Listed in the directory below, you will find some additional information that covers not only how to care for your body while you are pregnant, but also some of the changes your body will go through in preparation of delivery, for which we have provided a brief overview. Hormones During PregnancyWhat is the role of hormones during pregnancy?Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy, with several hormones playing major roles during pregnancy. These include:
Weight Gain During PregnancyWeight gain during pregnancy varies from woman-to-woman and depends on body type and severity of nausea and vomiting. Average weight gain for women is between 25 to 35 pounds, although slight deviations from this may also be considered normal. Total weight gain at the end of pregnancy is, in most instances, approximated as follows, according to the March of Dimes:
Average weight gain per trimester:
Nutrition During PregnancyThe importance of good nutrition during pregnancy:According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 300 extra calories are needed daily to maintain a healthy pregnancy. These calories should come from a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with sweets and fats kept to a minimum. A healthy, well-balanced diet during pregnancy can also help to minimize some pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and constipation. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends the following key components of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy: appropriate weight gain, consumption of a variety of foods in accordance with the Food Guide Pyramid, and appropriate and timely vitamin and mineral supplementation. Fluid intake is also an important part of healthy pregnancy nutrition. Women can take in enough fluids by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water each day, in addition to the fluids in juices and soups. An expectant mother should talk with her physician about restricting her intake of caffeine and artificial sweeteners. All alcohol should be avoided in pregnancy. Why is folic acid important?The US Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid each day. Folic acid, a nutrient found in some green, leafy vegetables, most berries, nuts, beans, citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, and some vitamin supplements can help reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (called neural tube defects). The most common neural tube defect is spina bifida (in which the vertebrae do not fuse together properly, causing the spinal cord to be exposed) which can lead to varying degrees of paralysis, incontinence, and sometimes mental retardation. Folic acid is most beneficial during the first 28 days after conception, when most neural tube defects occur. Unfortunately, many women do not realize they are pregnant before 28 days. Therefore, folic acid intake should begin prior to conception and continue through pregnancy. Your physician will recommend the appropriate amount of folic acid to meet your individual needs. Most physicians will prescribe a prenatal supplement before conception, or shortly afterward, to ensure all of the woman's nutritional needs are met. However, a prenatal supplement does not replace a healthy diet. Exercise During PregnancyExercise during pregnancy:Regular exercise, with the approval of your physician, can often help to minimize the physical discomforts of pregnancy and help with the recovery after the baby is born. There is evidence that physical activity may be especially beneficial for women with gestational diabetes. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women who exercised and were physically fit before pregnancy can safely continue exercising throughout the pregnancy. Women who were inactive before pregnancy or who have medical or pregnancy complications should consult with their physician before beginning any exercise during pregnancy.  All women should be evaluated by their physician before beginning or continuing an exercise program in pregnancy. Exercise may not be safe if the pregnant woman has any of the following conditions:
Types of exercise to avoid during pregnancy:
Work and PregnancyGuidelines for working during pregnancy:Many women work during pregnancy without any complications. Being able to work safely, in some cases, until the day of delivery depends on the type of work performed and the mother-to-be's medical condition. However, the workplace does pose certain risks, depending upon the occupation. Knowing what these risks are and minimizing them will help increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. Be sure the discuss the following job risks with your physician at your first prenatal visit:
Taking proper precautions to avoid these risks on the job can help keep you and your baby healthy throughout the pregnancy. The American Medical Association recommends the following for working pregnant women:
Proper lifting techniques during pregnancy:Weight gain during pregnancy adds strain to the back. Proper lifting can help reduce the strain and prevent injury. When lifting, a pregnant woman should keep in mind the following recommendations:
The controversy over video display terminals:Today, many occupations involve the use of a computer. According to the March of Dimes, 50 million workers in the US use a computer on their job. Studies have shown that video display terminals (VDTs) do not emit x-rays to users of the computer. However, another type of energy emitted by VDTs - electromagnetic field - is under investigation. No link has yet been found between exposure to the electromagnetic field of VDTs and risk to pregnant women. However, as the controversy continues and more studies are conducted, the pregnant woman using a computer should sit at arm's length away from the front of the computer screen. Computers have also been associated with other complaints, such as neck, wrist, hand, shoulder, and back pain from prolonged sitting in the same position and eye strain. To alleviate these symptoms, the March of Dimes recommends the following:
Sex During PregnancyConsiderations regarding sex during pregnancy:In most cases, sex during pregnancy is safe. In fact, with your physician's approval, sexual relations can continue until delivery. However, fluctuating hormone levels and certain pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and tiredness can temporarily reduce a pregnant woman's libido (sex drive). In addition, visible changes in the woman's body may affect sexual desire. Always consult your physician concerning any questions you may have about sex during pregnancy. Sexual intercourse may have to be avoided if the following symptoms occur:
Sleeping During PregnancySleeping positions during pregnancy:As the fetus grows within the uterus, lying on your back is not recommended due to pressure on the inferior vena cava, a major vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart. In addition, the increased pressure on the back and intestines can cause discomfort. Sleeping on the stomach during pregnancy also should be avoided, because of pressure on the fetus. The best sleeping position for a pregnant woman is on her side, especially the left side, because it allows for maximum blood flow to the fetus and improves kidney function in the mother. Improved kidney flow helps to reduce any swelling. Placing a pillow between the knees can help a pregnant woman sleep more comfortably on her side. |
© The Ohio State University Medical Center.
410 W. 10th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
1-800-293-5123
The content of this Web site is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice of a physician. All material is the property of Ohio State University Medical Center. All rights reserved. Please see our disclaimer for more detail.