Compass Rose Maternity Program

Talk to your provider about how to manage common pregnancy symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Tender breasts
• Mood swings
• Morning sickness
• Backaches, leg pain and other aches and pains during pregnancy
• Problems sleeping
• Skin and hair changes
• Food aversions or cravings

While you are pregnant, food stays in your stomach and bowels longer. This may cause heartburn (stomach acid moving back up into the esophagus). You can reduce heartburn by:

• Eating small meals
• Avoiding spicy and greasy foods
• Not drinking large amounts of liquid before bedtime
• Not exercising for at least 2 hours after you eat
• Not lying down flat right after a meal

References: Hark L, Catalano PM. Nutritional management during pregnancy. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, et al, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 7.

Seek medical care immediately if you experience any of the symptoms below during pregnancy or during the year after delivery.

• Fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain or fast-beating heart
• Severe stomach pain that does not go away
• Heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding, leaking, or discharge during pregnancy, or heavy fluid that smells bad after pregnancy
• Dizziness or fainting
• Prolonged headache that worsens over time
• Suicidal thoughts or depression
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Baby’s movement stops or slows during pregnancy
• Severe swelling, redness or pain in legs or arms
• Changes in vision
• Extreme swelling of hands or face
• Overwhelming tiredness

It is important to remember that this is not an exhaustive list of symptoms. If something does not feel right, or if you are not sure about a symptom, contact your health care provider. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides further details of the warning signs, so you know when to seek medical care. 

• Schedule your first prenatal appointment with your obstetrician, as well as your ongoing appointments, screenings and ultrasounds. Search our Provider Directory to find a local network provider.
• Discuss with your doctor:
  • Whether you should take a daily prenatal vitamin.
  • How medications (prescriptions; over-the-counter (OTC) products) you currently take will affect your pregnancy.
  • What tests and screenings are recommended for you. 
• Familiarize yourself with your health plan's maternity benefits.
• Quit smoking. Learn more about our Tobacco Cessation Program through UMR.
• Limit caffeine intake (less than 200mg, or one 12-ounce cup, per day).
• Create a baby budget. Start by learning about costs here.
• Schedule your upcoming prenatal appointments, screenings and ultrasounds.
• Purchase maternity bras to provide necessary support.
• Relieve morning sickness.

• Prepare your birth plan.
  Pre-register at the hospital where you plan to deliver.
• You should begin to feel the baby move. Start doing fetal kick counts.
• Receive the glucose screening test for gestational diabetes.
• If you have a negative blood type, you can discuss receiving a Rhogam injection with your health care provider.
• Research car seat safety information. Find an inspection station close to your home for further assistance.
• Take classes — like childbirth preparation, breastfeeding and newborn parenting — to prepare. Contact the hospital where you will deliver to find out more about the classes they offer.
• Schedule a teeth cleaning with your dentist.
• Start your childcare search (daycare, nanny, relative, etc.).
• Review your employer’s maternity leave benefits.
• Purchase maternity clothes. Check out these staple pieces.
• Create a baby registry.
• Prepare older children and pets for when your newborn arrives.

• Choose a pediatrician — your newborn will need regular check-ups. Search our Provider Directory to find a local in-network provider.
• Tour your hospital’s maternity ward or birth center.
• Pack your hospital bag.
• Begin necessary preparations if you are planning on breastfeeding.
• If you plan on feeding your baby infant formula, learn how to prepare and store your infant's formula. 
• Install your car seat. You can visit a local fire department for assistance or find an inspection station close to your home. Assemble any other baby gear like a crib, stroller, etc.
• Stock your house with supplies and newborn essentials.
• Discuss any third-trimester blood tests, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening, blood transfusion options, cord blood banking and the Pertussis (Tdap) and RSV vaccines with your health care provider.

• Drink water (six to eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day, plus an additional 8 ounces per hour of light activity).
• Stretch to enhance flexibility, prevent muscle tightening and feel more relaxed. Get started with these pregnancy stretches.
• Take naps to help ease feelings of fatigue during the day. Quick walks (15 to 20 minutes) can help boost energy levels as well.
• Make sure you are getting proper nutrition.
• Track your weight gain to make sure you are gaining at the right pace.
• Know the signs of a pregnancy problem. If you sense something is wrong, call your doctor or midwife immediately.
• Watch for signs and symptoms of premature labor and preeclampsia. Call your health care provider if you are experiencing these symptoms.

During your pregnancy, your medical team is a vital resource to answer all the questions you have about pregnancy, delivery and what to expect after. However, it is not always easy to remember your questions or explain your symptoms or concerns to your doctor to receive the answers you need. Here are ways to help talk to your health care provider to address your pregnancy concerns and questions:

• Discuss your health history and any conditions you have
• Discuss any prior pregnancies and any past pregnancy complications
• Bring a family member or friend for support to help ask the questions you need answered
• Review the above warning signs and let your provider know if you are experiencing one of these symptoms
• If you were pregnant within the last year, tell your provider
• Ask about postpartum checkups and get those scheduled after delivery

Our Maternity program nurses can help you formulate a personalized, written list of questions for your doctor. In addition, the CDC provides additional resources to help you talk to your doctor about your symptoms.