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Answers to Common Pregnancy Questions

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Can I take aspirin?
Most headache medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, along with most prescription migraine drugs, are not recommended for pregnant women. If you are prone to severe migraines, consult your doctor about which ones you can take.

Do I need a calcium supplement?
It is recommended by most experts that a pregnant woman should get 1,200 mg of calcium daily. A good multivitamin or prenatal vitamin should include at least 150 to 200 mg of calcium and you can also try a calcium supplement. You should still aim for four servings of dairy or other calcium-rich foods a day. Click here to read more. What are some easy recipes?
Want to try easy bean burritos or a strawberry banana smoothie? Click here for lots of easy, nutritious recipes.

Is tennis safe?
Tennis is OK if you played before you were pregnant. Keep the pace moderate. Playing doubles is a great way to do this. As you get bigger, you may have more problems with balance, so be careful, especially with sudden stops. Click here to read more.

Are situps OK?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that no exercise after the fourth month should be done in the supine position (lying on your back). After the fourth month of pregnancy, if a mom-to-be is on her back, there is a risk that the uterus may compress the vena cava, which could decrease cardiac output, reducing maternal blood pressure.

What's good for aching legs?
No two women handle pregnancy in the same way - this holds true when it comes to remedies for aching legs. For a lot of women, rubbing lotion on their legs and then propping them up with pillows works well. Some women have also suggested that a swim is a wonderful pain reliever for an achy back and legs. A comfortable pair of shoes as well as staying off your feet during periods throughout the day will probably help the majority of women.

How can I deal with heartburn?
If you are experiencing heartburn, one or more of the following suggestions may be helpful. Listen to your body to find out what will work for you.
  1. Eat 5-6 small meals each day and chew the food slowly.
  2. Limit your amount of greasy, fatty, and fried foods. These can take 4-6 hours to digest before leaving the stomach. Never have a high fat snack before bedtime.
  3. Limit spicy food. Many women find chili powder and peppers to be troublesome.
  4. Avoid foods that may aggravate heartburn, such as broccoli, cabbage, chocolate, garlic, onions, and caffeine.
  5. Drink fluids, including soup, between meals rather than with meals.
  6. Wear clothes that are loose around the waist.
  7. Remain upright 1-2 hours after a meal or snack.
  8. Sleeping in a recliner may give some relief at night.
  9. First check with your health care provider before taking any antacids or other medications.
How can I strengthen my back?
Pregnancy can be harsh on ligaments and joints because of the added weight your body supports. Your back may be one of the major areas where you'll notice the ache. Regular stretching and exercise help offset these effects by improving flexibility, strength, muscle tone, and reducing the incidence of lower back pain. Click below for gentle exercises and stretches to alleviate back pain. Click here to read more.
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