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Labor
( Don’ t panic. Mild contractions are normal without other symptoms.)
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• Drink 8-12 glasses of water a day
• Monitor potential dehydration; it can bring on contractions, especially in the summer
• Rest up— you’ ll need it when you deliver
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• Contractions( regular or not) that are stronger than Braxton-Hicks( irregular, mild contractions)
• If you ' re not at the end of your 37th week and have more than 4-6 contractions in an hour
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• Heavy bleeding— more than your typical period
• Contractions every 5 minutes for an hour
• Contractions and / or pain that won’ t go away
• Water breaks, whether it’ s a small flow or a gush of fluid
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Swelling
( Swelling in the ankles, face, hands, feet or legs is normal.)
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• Decrease salt consumption and drink plenty of liquids— 8-12 glasses of water a day
• Rest lying on your left side
• Put up your feet and wear comfortable shoes
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Visible increase in swelling in the feet, ankles, face and hands |
• Swelling coupled with decreased fetal movement
• Rise in blood pressure( if you have a home-monitoring system)
• Rapid swelling or swelling accompanied by vision changes, headache or upper abdominal pain
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Spotting, Bleeding or Cramping
( Note that some bleeding and cramping might occur after an internal exam.)
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Avoid lifting more than 20 pounds |
Bleeding is less than a period combined with mild cramping— common in the first trimester |
• Cramping is comparable to or worse than menstrual cramps
• Heavy bleeding requiring a new pad at least every 2 hours
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Decreased Baby Movements After 24 Weeks |
• Eat a light snack
• Rest
• Drink juice or soda
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Your baby moves less than 4 times in 30 minutes during what is typically an active period |
Lack of fetal movement along with extreme abdominal pain |