Important signs to watch for if you are pregnant

Bad cramps or stomach pains that don't go away
Bleeding or a trickle or gush of fluid from your vagina
Lower back pain/pressure or change in lower back pain
A feeling that the baby is pushing down
Contractions or change in the strength or number of them
An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge
Fever, chills, dizziness, vomiting or a bad headache
Blurry vision or spots before your eyes
Sudden or severe swelling of your feet, hand or face
A significant change in your baby's movements

Go to a hospital right away and contact your doctor/midwife if you have any of these symptoms!

Adapted with permission from:
Best Start: Ontario's Maternal Newborn and Early Child Development Resource Centre

Last Reviewed August 2011

Taking Care of Yourself

Common concerns

Constipation & pregnancy

Many women get constipated when they are pregnant.

Constipation can be caused by:

Food passing through the body more slowly when you are pregnant so you can absorb the extra nutrients you and your baby need. This may make it more difficult to go to the bathroom.
Pressure of the growing baby against the bowels.
Lack of exercise.
Not drinking enough fluids.

How to cope with constipation:

Eat more fibre

Fibre acts like a sponge in the intestine. It absorbs water and makes the stool softer so that it is easier to pass through the intestines.

Fibre can be found in whole grain foods, natural bran and flaxseed, nuts and seeds, legumes (beans, split peas and lentils) and vegetables and fruits.

Choose grain and baked products that contain at least 2 grams per serving of fibre. Check the labels.

Drink more fluids

Drink 8-12 cups of fluid each day to prevent dehydration. Choose water, milk, 100% fruit juice, soup and other caffeine-free beverages.

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Exercise regularly

Not exercising regularly gives you a greater chance of being constipated. Walking and swimming help the intestines work by stimulating your bowels. Try exercising three times a week for 20-30 minutes. Check with your doctor/midwife first before starting any new activity.

Foods to try

Prunes and prune juice

Vegetables like broccoli, peas, spinach, potatoes with the skin, corn, carrots and squash

Dried peas, beans and lentils

Whole grain cereals, muffins, pita bread, roti, rice and pasta

Natural bran, oats or flaxseed or flax powder added to meals. Sprinkle a little on cereals, in your baking, in your sauces just before serving.

Do not use laxatives to treat constipation without checking first with your doctor/midwife. Some laxatives are not safe while your are pregnant.

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For more information:

Region of Peel - Public Health
905-799-7700
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
to speak with a Public Health Nurse

Caledon residents call free of charge at 905-584-2216