Pregnancy Information
A Negative Pregnancy Test
You have taken a pregnancy test and the results are negative. You may feel relief, confusion, or disappointment; especially if you period still has not started or your body feels different. A Missed period does not always mean pregnancy. There are many common reasons that your cycle may change, most of which are related to normal hormone fluctuations in the body.
Stress or Changes in: Routine, Sleep, or Eating Habits
Your menstrual cycle is closely connected to your body’s stress and hormone systems. Emotional stress, anxiety, poor sleep, illness, travel, over-exercising, busy schedules, or emotional circumstances can temporarily affect your cycle.
Hormonal Changes, Birth Control, and other Common Causes
Hormone changes are one of the most common reasons for missed periods or pregnancy-like symptoms. Your body’s hormone balance can be affected by many different factors, including medical conditions, life stage changes, and certain medications.
Common Cause
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - now known as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)
- Starting and Stopping Birth Control
- Breastfeeding or postpartum hormone changes
- Thyroid Disorders
- Perimenopause
Common Symptoms
- Missed Period
- Breast Tenderness
- Mood Changes
- Bloating
- Fatigue
YOU COULD STILL BECOME PREGNANT EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT HAVING A PERIOD OR ARE BREASTFEEDING
Morning Sickness
What causes Morning Sickness?
This type of nausea and vomiting occurs most likely in the first trimester of pregnancy and can affect a woman at any time of day. The increase levels of hormones, stress, sleep disruption, and increased sense of smell all contribute to this situation.
Will it affect my pregnancy?
Morning Sickness will not cause any harm as long as you are able to keep fluids and a healthy diet down. Dehydration is something you want to avoid.
Is a cure available?
There is not a cure with morning sickness, but there are many ways to alleviate the symptoms. You can always reach out to your Physician about other ways to reduce the nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Tips:
- Eat a few crackers before getting out of bed first thing
- Smaller, frequent meals during the day
- High protein and complex carbs are good options
- Always have something to drink with you throughout the day
- Avoid fatty, spicy, fried foods
- Keep fresh air moving for comfort and smell
- Continued exercise is recommended by healthcare providers
- Prenatal vitamins are best administered when you can best tolerate them
- Discuss with your Physician which things to take such as B-6, ginger, or possible anti-nausea prescriptions to help
- Rest
- Avoid smoking and secondhand exposure
- Acupuncture or pressure wristbands
When to call a Physician:
- Nausea and Vomiting aren’t improving (vomiting more than 3-4 times in a 24 hour period)
- You are losing weight
- Vomit contains blood or coffee ground-like material
- Unable to keep any fluids down
- Unusual non-food cravings, such as dirt or metal
Understanding Rh Factor in Pregnancy
Your blood type includes an Rh factor — either positive (+) or negative (-). This matters during pregnancy. If a woman is Rh negative and the pregnancy is Rh positive, a small amount of the pregnancy’s blood can enter her bloodstream during:
- Pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Abortion
- Delivery
This can cause the woman’s body to make antibodies against Rh-positive blood. This is called Rh sensitization. In future pregnancies, these antibodies can attack the pregnancy’s red blood cells and may cause:
- Severe anemia
- Brain injury
- Pregnancy loss in severe cases
The Good News
Rh sensitization is usually preventable with a medication called RhoGAM (Rh immune globulin). A simple blood test can determine:
- Your blood type
- Your Rh factor
- Whether antibodies are already present
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about Rh testing and treatment options.
NO MATTER THE OUTCOME OF A PREGNANCY, KNOWING YOUR BLOOD TYPE AND RH FACTOR ARE VITAL FOR PROTECTING YOUR HEALTH
