During pregnancy your baby is inside the amniotic sac which is a bag of fluid. The placenta transfers oxygen and nutrients to the baby. The umbilical cord connects the baby to the placenta. The uterus stretches as the baby grows.
During your pregnancy vitamin, mineral, protein,vegetable, fruit and water intake is very important. It is also very important to avoid smoking, drugs and alcohol completely. Pills and other medications should be avoided unless prescribed specifically during pregnancy. Changes during the first three months are some breast tenderness, frequent urination and morning sickness.
During the first three months if there is any bleeding or spotting, fever over 100 degrees, pain, cramping, burning on urination, dizziness or severe vomiting you should notify your obstetrician. During the first trimester your baby’s development including heart, brain, eyes, ears, mouth, arms, legs and sexual organ development occur.
During the second trimester the baby can suck her thumb, kick, move, sleep and stretch upon waking up. During the second trimester you may gain a pound a week. If it is less or more it needs to be closely monitored. If you have abdominal pain, aching, cramps, fluid leakage from the vagina or bleeding or urinary symptoms you should notify your obstetrician.
During the last trimester the baby starts getting into position to be born. If you have swelling, headache,blurred vision, spots before your eyes, abdominal pain, back pain, bleeding or fluid from the vagina please notify your obstetrician.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
HELP TO STOP SMOKING: 1-800-4-CANCER
HELP TO STOP DRUGS: 1-800-662-HELP
HELP TO STOP DRINKING: 1-800-ALCOHOL