Pregnancy conditions

Many women have spotting in the first trimester. Spotting generally is brown or pink, and a lighter flow than a normal menstrual period. Cramping or a stretching sensation also may occur due to changes in the pelvic structures.  Common causes of bleeding and how to treat it (PDF) 

Bright-red vaginal bleeding as heavy as a menstrual period, or significant cramps, may be a sign of a miscarriage. About 15 percent to 20 percent of all conceptions end in miscarriage. Human reproduction is very complex and, in most cases, there is no way to prevent miscarriage. Most very early miscarriages occur when a placenta forms, but not the embryo. The embryo is the first stage of conception, from implantation through the first eight weeks; placenta is tissue that joins mother and baby to provide air and food, and to remove waste.

If you experience bleeding with cramping, call the medical information nurse at your clinic immediately. If it is after hours, or you have irregular or excessive bleeding, call the on-call nurse at 952-993-3123.

Constipation is common during pregnancy. Possible causes include increased progesterone (which relaxes the digestive system), decreased physical activity, pressure on the intestines from an enlarged uterus, changes in diet or the use of iron supplements. To treat constipation, drink eight to 10, 8-ounce glasses of liquid a day and add more fiber to your diet. This includes fresh fruit, raw vegetables, beans, whole-grain bread and bran cereal. An increase in exercise can help. Also consider asking your doctor, nurse practitioner or nurse-midwife about ways to relieve constipation.

Colds are caused by viruses. During pregnancy, you are more likely to catch a virus. Because no medication can "cure" a virus, time still is the best healer. In the meantime, comfort measures can be used to ease symptoms. About the common cold (PDF)

Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy and can cause much discomfort. Varicose veins in the rectal area enlarge due to extra blood in the pelvic area and pressure from the baby. To treat or prevent hemorrhoids, keep your weight within the limits suggested by your doctor, nurse practitioner or certified nurse-midwife, and apply ice packs or gauze pads to the affected area. Other treatment measures

Doctors suggest home bed rest to decrease the risk of preterm delivery or to help control blood pressure. The degree of restriction depends on your medical history.

 Home bedrest (PDF)

• en Español (PDF)

Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by eating contaminated food. It is rare, but when it does occur, it most often affects pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis (PDF)

Nausea and vomiting are common complaints of early pregnancy. They are experienced by up to half of pregnant women. Symptoms are usually mild and should lessen or disappear by the end of the first trimester.

 Nausea (PDF)

• en Español (PDF)