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Healthy Pregnancy & Childbirth
The Second Trimester; Photo of pregnant woman
Special Concerns
Coping with Miscarriage

The emotional healing process after a miscarriage may take some time. It often takes much longer than the physical healing takes. Allowing yourself to grieve the loss can actually help you come to terms with it in the long run.

For More Babies, Birth Comes Too Soon

One in eight U.S. babies is preterm, says the Institute of Medicine. That's a rise of 30 percent in recent decades.

Multiple Births in the Second Trimester

Because you are expecting multiples, you will probably see your health care provider twice a month during this trimester.

Preeclampsia: High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Preeclampsia can occur in any pregnant woman. But if you've had it before, you have a greater chance of it recurring.

Pregnancy and Medication

Just about everything you put into your body can affect your baby. For that reason, avoid taking any prescription or OTC medications, vitamins or mineral supplements without first consulting your physician.

Pregnancy and Sex

The emotions that can engulf you during pregnancy can extend to your feelings about sex.. One day you might feel amorous; the next day the thought of making love might not be appealing.

Pregnancy and Stress

When you experience ongoing stress while pregnant, a substance called CRH circulates through your body. CRH can trigger contractions and early labor. CRH can also constrict blood flow to the placenta, limiting nutrients and oxygen the baby needs to grow.

About Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes

About 3 to 5 percent of pregnant women who have never had elevated blood glucose levels develop gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy. It usually occurs after 20 weeks.

Gestational Diabetes and Your Diet

Eating the right foods is the main way to control your blood sugar. In fact, most women can keep their blood sugar within a normal range by diet alone.

Getting Exercise

Exercise can help you keep your blood sugar within a normal range. That's because your body uses more blood sugar when you exercise.

If You Need Insulin

Taking insulin helps control your blood sugar without harming your baby. You will most likely be able to stop taking insulin after your baby is born.

Planning Your Delivery with Gestational Diabetes

If your tests are normal, you can probably go into labor naturally. If your baby is large or your tests show a problem, your labor may be started early or you may get a cesarean.

Types of Insulin

There are five types of insulin. Some kinds of insulin work fast and other kinds work slowly and last longer.

Using Injected Insulin

Insulin won't work if it's swallowed, so it must be given by injection. Your healthcare team will show you how to give yourself insulin injections.

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

If blood tests show that you have gestational diabetes, this doesn't mean that you're sick or that you did anything wrong. And it doesn't mean your baby will be born with diabetes.

Back Pain
Back Pain During Pregnancy

As your body changes during pregnancy, your back must work in new ways. This can be painful if your back isn’t prepared.

Back Pain During Pregnancy: Positioning Yourself

Did you know that standing, sitting, or lying in certain ways can lead to back pain? To ease pain, use positions that support your body comfortably.

Back Pain: Moving Safely

Think through each move before you make it, so you'll use the right muscles for the job. If you practice these safe moves now, they may come naturally to you by the time your baby's born.

Exercise Your Back

With daily workouts, back exercises may bring an added bonus: you may stay more active. Practice the stretches in the morning to loosen tight muscles, and do the strengtheners throughout your day.