In this Article

• Introduction
• Body Changes
• Digestive Difficulties
• Stretch Marks and Other Skin Changes
• Sleeping Troubles
• Weight Gain
• Is it Safe to have Sex?
• When to Call the Doctor
• Pregnancy Basics Glossary
• Pregnancy Basics Index

Sleeping Troubles

During your pregnancy, you might feel tired even after you've had a lot of sleep. Many women find they're particularly exhausted in the first trimester. Don't worry, this is normal! This is your body's way of telling you that you need more rest.

In the second trimester, tiredness is usually replaced with a feeling of well being and energy. But in the third trimester, exhaustion often sets in again. As you get larger, sleeping may become more difficult. The baby's movements, bathroom runs, and an increase in the body's metabolism might interrupt or disturb your sleep. Leg cramping can also interfere with a good night's sleep.

Try these tips to feel and sleep better:

• When you're tired, get some rest.
  
  
• Try to get about eight hours of sleep every night, and a short nap during the day.
  
  
• If you feel stressed, try to find ways to relax.
  
  
• Sleep on your left side. This will relieve pressure on blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
  
  
• If you have high blood pressure during pregnancy, always lay on your left side when you're lying down.
  
  
• Avoid eating large meals three hours before going to bed.
  
  
• Get some mild exercise like walking.
  
  
• Avoid long naps during the day.

Weight Gain

The amount of weight you need to gain during pregnancy depends upon how much you weighed before you became pregnant. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) women who have a normal weight before getting pregnant should gain 25 to 35 pounds. Women who are underweight before pregnancy should gain 28 to 40 pounds. And women who are overweight should gain 15 to 25 pounds.

Research shows that women who gain more than the recommended amount during pregnancy have a higher chance of being obese 10 years later. Ask your doctor how much weight gain during pregnancy is healthy for you.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Ultrasound - Learn an ultrasound procedure, and conditions and diseases it assists in diagnosing and screening like tumors, cysts, heart conditions and more.
• Bacterial Vaginosis - Learn about bacterial vaginosis, an infection which symptoms include an odorous vaginal discharge. The vaginal odor may be fish like, and grey in color. Treatment is necessary with antibiotics.
• Amniocentesis - Learn about amniocentesis, a procedure that examines the chromosomes of the fetus to determine lung maturity, and the possiblities of birth defects.

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