Constipation
Constipation is common in pregnancy because:
Hormones relax your intestines
Your growing uterus puts pressure on your digestive tract
Tips to help:
Drink plenty of water
Eat more fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
Try fiber supplements (like Metamucil)
Stool softeners (like Colace) are safe
Avoid laxatives
Stay active—walking helps!
Morning Sickness / Nausea
About 8 out of 10 women have some nausea or vomiting in early pregnancy (usually weeks 6–12).
Tips to manage nausea:
Eat small, frequent meals (don’t let your stomach get empty)
Stick to bland foods (crackers, dry toast)
Avoid greasy, spicy, or strong-smelling foods
Try ginger (tea, capsules, or natural form)
Use “Seabands” (acupressure wristbands sold in pharmacies)
Take Vitamin B6 supplements
Try Unisom (an over-the-counter sleep aid that can help nausea)
If symptoms are severe, your clinician may prescribe Zofran
When to call your doctor (call 847-692-9234):
You can’t keep food or fluids down
You’re vomiting nonstop or feel dehydrated
This may be hyperemesis gravidarum and might require IV fluids and medication
Exercise
Exercise is healthy during pregnancy unless your doctor advises otherwise (for example, with preterm labor or certain placenta issues).
Safe exercise tips:
Always warm up first
Start slowly with new routines
Be careful with balance and stretching—your center of gravity is changing
No strict heart rate limit—aim for moderate effort (about 7/10 intensity)
Great options: prenatal yoga, water aerobics, walking
Exercise helps keep you and your baby healthy!
Safe Over-the-Counter Medications
These medicines are generally safe to use as directed during pregnancy:
Aches/pains/fever: Tylenol
Colds: Sudafed, Robitussin DM, Mucinex, cough drops, saline spray
Allergies: Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec
Heartburn: Tums, Pepcid; Zantac (availability varies)
Gas: Gas-X
Yeast infection: Monistat (7-day course recommended)
Hemorrhoids: Anusol, Tucks pads, ProctoFoam
Constipation: Colace, fiber supplements
Flu shot is strongly recommended if you are pregnant during flu season. If you have questions about any medication, call 847-692-9234.
Food Safety
Meat: Avoid raw or undercooked meats.
Seafood: Avoid shark, mackerel, swordfish, tilefish.
Processed meats (hot dogs, deli meats): please try to avoid.
Dairy: Choose pasteurized products (most in the U.S. are pasteurized).
Caffeine: Limit to ≤150 mg/day (about 1–1.5 cups of coffee).
Sleep Positions
Sleep is important – prioritize getting enough sleep and overall rest
Before 20 weeks: Any position is fine.
After 20 weeks: Side-sleeping (either side) is preferred.
It’s okay to sleep in the position that’s most comfortable for you. If you wake up on your back, just roll to your side.
Use pillows between your knees or under your belly for comfort.
If you feel dizzy while lying flat or have concerns, call 847-692-9234.
Beauty and Self-Care
Safe during pregnancy:
Hair coloring, highlights, perms
Body waxing
Manicures and pedicures
When to Call Your Doctor
Call right away if you have any of the following:
Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
Severe or persistent abdominal pain or strong cramps
Nonstop vomiting, signs of dehydration (very dark urine, dizziness, inability to keep fluids down)
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling of face/hands, or pain under the right ribs (possible preeclampsia)
Decreased baby movements after 28 weeks (fewer than usual; try something sweet to drink and rest—if still low, call)
Regular painful contractions before 37 weeks (possible preterm labor)
Painful urination or signs of a urinary tract infection
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or one-sided leg swelling/pain
Any symptom that worries you or feels “not normal”