Stages of Pregnancy

What’s Happening?

Now What?

red, inflamed gums (can be pregnancy gingivitis)

• this can be caused by changes in your hormones, throughout your pregnancy, and happens if plaque is left on your teeth
• to prevent this, floss and brush your teeth regularly
• see your dentist and be sure to tell him or her that you are pregnant

little nausea, less bladder pressure, less fatigue

• the chances of having a miscarriage are very small at this stage

early milk leaking from your breasts

• wear breast pads in your bra if needed

stuffy nose and nose bleeds

• do not smoke or be around second‑hand smoke
• place warm, moist towels on your face for comfort
• breathe steam from a hot shower, a pot of boiling water, or a vaporizer
• a cool‑mist humidifier may be helpful
• massage your sinuses by rubbing on the bony ridge above and under your eyebrows, under your eyes, and down the sides of your nose
• drink more water
• try saltwater nose drops made from 1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1 cup of warm water
• do not use antihistamines unless recommended by your health care provider

quickening – the mother feels the baby’s movement

• know that the feeling (may feel like bubbling, fluttering, knocking) can differ for each pregnancy
• note the date, and tell your health care provider on your next visit

an increased sense that the pregnancy is real

emotions may be more stable than in the first trimester

• pay attention to your body and baby and enjoy your pregnancy celebrate your pregnancy
• connect with your baby, and include your partner
• you and your partner can talk to your baby and/or gently massage your belly
• keep a diary during your pregnancy
• keep a pregnancy photo album

low back pain

• maintain good posture while sitting or standing – pull in your stomach muscles, tighten
• your buttocks, and tuck in your seat to flatten your lower back
• sit in straight‑backed chairs whenever possible
• wear low‑heeled shoes that give support
• sleep on your left side with a pillow under your upper leg for support
• avoid lifting heavy items
• try heat or cold on your back or have someone give you a massage
• talk to your health care provider

pubic pain

• walk around objects instead of stepping over them
• try not to push objects on the floor, such as boxes, with your feet
• avoid opening your knees wide apart
• talk to your health care provider

throbbing of legs and appearance of varicose veins

• rest and sleep on either side with a pillow between your legs. Do not lie flat on your back
• walk or do other physical activity
• wear support hose if recommended
• don’t sit with your legs crossed
• when sitting, do ankle and foot exercises; avoid placing a pillow underneath your knees
• avoid wearing knee‑highs and garters
• use a footrest or another chair to lift your legs when sitting

mild swelling of ankles, feet, hands, and face (edema) – may be accompanied by tingling in one or both hands

• raise your legs and feet whenever possible
• lie on your left side when resting or at night to reduce pressure on major blood vessels
• avoid wearing clothes or accessories that feel tight (such as watches, rings, or socks with elastic tops)
• be physically active

hard, dry bowel movements
(constipation)

• drink more water
• if you feel your iron supplement is causing constipation, talk to your health care provider
• eat high‑fibre foods
• be physically active
• have bowel movements when you feel the urge
• do not hold back or force the bowel movement
• do not use suppositories, mineral oil, laxatives, or enemas unless recommended by your health care provider

a brownish “tan” on your face or a line running from the belly button to the pubic area

• these signs will occur in some women and disappear after the baby is born
• the line from the belly button may stay there