The last thing an expectant mother would want to happen during her pregnancy is to encounter complications. She should experience an overall feeling of wellness and joy more than at any other time of her life so she could pass it on to the baby in her womb. An expectant mother should follow a health program throughout the entire pregnancy; A program that is carefully monitored by her doctor so that a normal delivery could be expected. Discomfort experienced during pregnancy is almost always normal and almost all pregnant women one way or the other experienced these episodes.

1. A pregnant woman usually feels tired. This is normal especially during the first three months. This is usually her adjustment period. A lot of changes are taking place in her body, especially the growth of another human being inside her womb. It is only fitting that she gets enough rest and sleep. A mid-afternoon rest is advisable for her to get enough energy and overcome fatigue.

2. During the course of pregnancy, there may be tendencies for her to frequently urinate. This is due to the fact that that enlarging uterus pressed against the bladder elicits the urge to urinate. If this episode becomes extreme, accompanied by a burning sensation, it maybe worthwhile to bring this matter to the doctor's attention.

3. We usually associate pregnancy with food cravings. Often a pregnant woman will crave a specific food at a specific time and then before she knows it the cravings will just disappear. It's not that the body needs these specific foods rather it is more as a result of some unsolved emotional problems.

4. Although nausea during the first three months of pregnancy is normal, it should be noted that extreme episodes of nausea that cause inability to take food and resulting in weight loss should be reported to the doctor for proper supervision.

5. Pain in the lower chest or near the heart doesn't indicate heart problems. The pressure caused by the expanding uterus against the digestive organs brings about a feeling of pain. If it becomes severe, a doctor's advice is usually needed. A pregnant woman should not take any medications not prescribed by her doctor.

6. Hemorrhoids are more common during pregnancy than probably at any other time. To facilitate an easy bowel movement, pregnant women should apply lubricant inside the anus prior to defecation in order to at least avoid straining to produce a stool.

7. Reduced circulation of blood in the legs causes leg cramps. This usually occurs during pregnancy. Although this maybe normal but a quick mention of this occurrence to the doctor is usually advisable; Since there are cases in which muscle cramps are associated with diet deficiency specifically calcium or some vitamins.

8. A pregnant woman's change in posture due to the expanding abdomen usually causes backache. Changing to a low-heeled shoe and wearing a well-fitted girdle will usually solve the problem or at least minimize it. Some doctors will recommend certain exercises to their patients to ease the pain.

9. Women usually develop varicose veins during pregnancy. It is advisable to take a rest once in a while throughout the day. They are also advised not to wear circular garters or cross their legs because these will usually interfere with proper blood circulation and thus limit the return of blood through the veins.

10. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal unless it is accompanied by a stinging, burning or itching sensation.

11. The enlarging abdomen during pregnancy creates streaks of redness in the skin and around the breast area as well. The stretching of the skin causes this to happen. This skin color changes usually disappears after childbirth.

There are several complications that might occur during the course of pregnancy. Proper care should be taken and should be given by a competent doctor to minimize further complications and worse, lost of lives.

1. The occurrence of toxemia is usually during the later part of the pregnancy. This is a serious illness that exhibits a rise in blood pressure, sudden gain in weight accompanied by swelling of loose tissue caused by the increase in the amount of tissue fluid and the occurrence of protein in urine. With proper care from a doctor this condition can be kept under control.

2. Vaginal bleeding usually precedes miscarriage. With immediate attention and proper hospital care, this outcome might be averted.

3. Premature birth usually occurs when the "bag of water" erupts several weeks before the expected delivery date. This indicates that the protective membrane that encloses the fetus is broken indicating premature birth is soon to take place. When this occurs, contamination of the birth canal should be avoided and the doctor should be immediately informed.