Weeks 10 to 14 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions

10 things to know for weeks 10 to 14 of pregnancy

• 

  You may feel more tired than usual.

  Taking naps during the day may help.

• 

  You may feel emotional.

  It might help to talk to someone.

• 

  You may have headaches.

  Try lying down and putting a cool cloth over your forehead.

• 

  You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief.

  Don't take any anti-inflammatory medicines (such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve), unless your doctor says it's okay.

• 

  You may feel a fullness or aching in your lower belly.

  This can feel like the kind of cramps you might get before a period. A back rub may help.

• 

  You may need to urinate more.

  Your growing uterus and changing hormones can affect your bladder.

• 

  You may feel sick to your stomach (morning sickness).

  Try avoiding food and smells that make you feel sick.

• 

  Your breasts may feel different.

  They may feel tender or get bigger. Your nipples may get darker. Try a bra that gives you good support.

• 

  Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs (including marijuana).

  If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor.

• 

  Take a daily prenatal vitamin.

  Choose one with folic acid.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have severe vaginal bleeding. You have soaked through one or more pads in an hour, and the bleeding is not slowing down.
• You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
• You have sudden, severe pain in your belly that does not go away.
• You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor or midwife now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have a fever.
• You have vaginal bleeding.
• You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
  • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in your leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.
• You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
  • Pain or burning when you urinate.
  • A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
  • Pain in your low back (below the rib cage and above the waist).
  • Blood in your urine.
• You have belly pain.
• You think you are having contractions.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or midwife if:

• You have vaginal discharge that smells bad.
• You feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for more than a few days.
• You have other concerns about your pregnancy.