"MORNING SICKNESS" can occur at any time of the day.  It may occur by the fourth week and usually lasts until the twelfth or thirteen week.  Occasionally, it extends beyond the thirteenth week.  Because everything you eat is rapidly turned to glucose to feed the developing fetus, you can develop low blood sugar.  Some women are more sensitive to low blood sugar than others and this can cause nausea.  Sensitivity to pregnancy hormones also plays a role in 'morning sickness'.  Unlike the nausea associated with an illness, the nausea of pregnancy increases when the stomach is empty.  Some things that may help include:

• Eat frequent small meals.
• Eat dry crackers or dry toast before getting out of bed in the morning.
• Drink peppermint or rose hip tea during the day, between meals.
• Avoid fatty, fried or spicy foods.
• Keep your area well ventilated both at home and at work.
• Get out of bed slowly in the morning.
• Avoid long periods of time without food.
• Keep five to six anise seeds in your mouth between meals.

Constipation occurs because food goes through the digestive system at a slower pace due to the effect of progesterone.  Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle, therefore, food is propelled more slowly by the smooth muscle of the intestines.  As food slows down, more water is absorbed from the contents of the colon, creating a harder stool.  Iron, in your prenatal vitamins, can also contribute to constipation.  Drinking more water and eating more fiber may help.  You should NOT take laxatives.  If constipation becomes a problem, ask your doctor to recommend a natural stool softener, if this becomes a problem.

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Fatigue is caused in part by the sedative effect of progesterone.  Your body will tell you how much sleep you need.  Learn to listen.  I have never been disappointed with a patient knowing when to rest, once she learns to understand her own body.

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Frequent Urination at this stage of pregnancy is the result of increased kidney function to rid the body of waste products and toxins.  Your kidneys are now working for two - you and your baby.  You may want to avoid regular hot and iced teas.  Tea has a natural mild diuretic effect.  A better choice would be herbal teas.  Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to replace what you lose.

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Heartburn is caused by progesterone's relaxation of the smooth muscle at the entrance of the stomach.  This allows 'back flow' of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus.  The esophagus reacts to the stomach acid with a burning sensation.  Antacids may relieve this, but please get your doctor's advice on the one to use.

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Breast changes in early pregnancy are the result of vessel engorgement.  Vessels in the breasts become engorged because of smooth muscle relaxation.  The smooth muscles in the veins relax which in turn causes the valves located in the veins to work less efficiently.  This results in the vessels becoming engorged with blood.  Wearing a good support bra, properly fitted, will help.  If your breasts are large, wearing a bra while sleeping may be beneficial.  If you have breast implants, check with your doctor concerning the advisability of breastfeeding.

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Faintness/Dizziness is caused by a decrease of blood flow to your brain.  This happens because more blood is going to the uterus and because the smooth muscles of your veins are relaxed, causing pooling of blood in your legs.  Low blood sugar can also contribute to faintness/dizziness.  You can avoid this by changing your body position slowly (lying to sitting, sitting to standing) and by not standing in one position for long periods.  Eating frequent, small meals may also help.  If you do feel faint, sit down immediately.  If sitting does not help, lie down or put your head between your legs.

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Mood swings and apprehension are the result of both pregnancy hormones and your own variable and changing feelings about being pregnant.  Talking with your partner or a friend, a gentle massage, reassurance that this is normal, and meditation may all help.
     Meditation should calm and relax.  To meditate, go to a quiet place, if possible.  Close your eyes and relax all your muscles slowly, start with your toes and work your way up your body.  Take deep, slow breaths as you relax the muscles of your body.  Imagine yourself floating on a white cloud.  Slowly allow this cloud to envelop you, so that you are surrounded by calm, white light.  As the white light surrounds you, visualize your baby growing within you, healthy and happy.  In your thoughts, talk to your baby.  Continue the slow, deep, calming breaths as you open your eyes, refreshed and relaxed.

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Headaches can be common throughout pregnancy.  They may be caused by tension, low blood sugar, mild dehydration or vascular effects of hormone changes.  Eating frequent small meals, drinking plenty of fluids, or meditation and relaxation techniques may help.  You should ALWAYS inform your doctor about headaches.

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Cramps are not uncommon in early pregnancy.  Mild, menstrual-like cramps happen to some women.  If they become severe or persist for long periods of time, notify your doctor immediately.

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Skin changes can occur during pregnancy.  Although most changes occur later in pregnancy, some can be very early.  These include: acne, dryness, pigmentation changes, spider veins, blotchy skin and increased sensitivity to cosmetics.  Estrogen levels increase in pregnancy and cause the spider veins and blotchiness.  Along with estrogen, increased levels of progesterone and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), a hormone which is responsible for skin pigmentation, cause an increase in skin pigmentation.  This is more pronounced in women with dark hair.  The increased levels of hormones can also cause increased oiliness or dryness of the skin.  Every woman is different and there is no way to predict how the hormone changes will affect you.  Using natural moisturizers, natural facial cleansers, or changing to natural cosmetics may help.

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Hair becomes thicker and grows faster due to the hormone changes.  Normally, you lose 15-20% of your hair at any one time.  During pregnancy, this rate of hair loss decreases to ten percent.  Because every woman is different, you may also react to hair color or dyes differently.  You should avoid the fumes and unpredictability of metallic dyes.  Ask your hairdresser to use natural vegetable hair products.  Permanents are also unpredictable in pregnancy.

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Nails also grow faster during pregnancy.  Splitting and breaking can occur.  Keep nails short and use hand creams liberally.

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Your vision may also be affected.  The cornea of the eye thickens due to water retention.  If you wear contact lenses, you may not be able to tolerate them as your pregnancy progresses.  Some women experience vision changes very early in their pregnancy.

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Vaginal discharge increases normally in pregnancy due to the rapid turnover of cells.  This should be white, odorless and non-irritating.  You may be more comfortable wearing a panty liner if your discharge is copious.  If the discharge becomes very thick, cottage cheese-like, odorous or itchy, call your doctor.  Yeast infections are very common during pregnancy and should be treated by a doctor.  Remember, even simple things should be handled differently during pregnancy.

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Sleep disturbances can occur even in early pregnancy.  The increased metabolism you are now having as well as the thermogenic effects of progesterone will cause an increase in body heat.  Frequent urination may cause you to get out of bed several times a night.  Heartburn happens throughout pregnancy and can be more intense at night, when you are lying down.  As the pregnancy progresses, the increase in abdominal pressure may increase the general discomfort you feel.  Disturbing dreams also can occur throughout pregnancy.  These are common and normal.  You may have dreams that you will miscarry, that something will be the matter with your baby or that you will have problems with labor and delivery.  These dreams mean nothing and are not portents of things to come.  Some of the things that you can do is meditate, have a gentle massage before bedtime, drink chamomile tea at bedtime, do not drink caffeine after three in the afternoon, use an antacid one hour before bedtime and use 'white' noise (sounds of oceans, winds, rain) in you bedroom and sleep with your head and shoulders elevated on extra pillows or a pregnancy pillow.

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