Page 10 - GCMC First Trimester

Pregnancy Symptoms & Changes
Pregnancy is usually accompanied by some related discomforts, which may vary widely from each person and each pregnancy. They are caused by your body adapting to physical and hormonal changes. These are not dangerous for you or your baby and may include:
• Breast Tenderness • Constipation
• Fatigue/Insomnia • Headaches
• Increased Vaginal Discharge
• NauseaandOccasionalVomiting • Premenstrual-likeCramping
CONCERNS DURING PREGNANCY
During normal business hours, call the Bingham Memorial Women's Center at (208) 782-3900, if you have any concerns during your pregnancy. Please call Grove Creek Medical Center after hours at (208) 782-2900 if you experience any of the following symptoms:
• Vaginal bleeding. Menstrual-like or heavy. Light staining or spotting after sex is common and is generally not a problem.
• Fever. Temperature greater than 101° F.
• Urinary discomfort. Painful urination or blood tinged urine.
• Abdominal pain. Persistent and progressing.
Breastfeeding
An important decision to make during your pregnancy, and for your future parenting journey, is how you will feed your baby. To provide the best benefits to mother and baby, we highly recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months after birth. Breast milk is the best for your baby and contains vitamins and nutrients your baby needs and has disease-fighting substances to protect your baby from many illnesses. Here are just a few more benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby:
FOR BABY
• Baby receives skin to skin, eye and voice contact.
• Breastmilk contains antibodies that protect against infection. It has also been shown to protect babies from many dangers such as influenza, meningitis,
celiac disease, and salmonella.
• Easily digested.
• Fewer respiratory infections.
• Less gastrointestinal disturbances. Breast milk has living growth factors that stimulate the lining of the baby’s gut to mature and encourages the growth of good bacteria in the baby’s gut, which keeps a baby healthier.
• Less allergies.
• May have protective effect against SIDS.
• Perfectly matched nutrition.
• Reduced ear infections.
• Stimulates senses of taste and smell.
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