But what about you?  To create and nurture the new life growing inside of you, your body is changing.  Quickly.  And, to be honest, some of these changes may be uncomfortable for you.

That's why Parke-Davis, the maker of TUCKS® Medicated Pads, has created this pamphlet to answer some of your questions about 9 common discomforts you may be experiencing.  We hope you take comfort in the information and advice provided.

1. Ease the discomfort by elevating you hips on pillows to reduce pressure on the rectal area.
2. Keep the area clean.  Your doctor may recommend using TUCKS Pre-Moistened Pads as wiped after each bowel movement because TUCKS gently clean, soothe, and cool the inflamed area instead of irritating it the way dry toilet paper can.  TUCKS Medicated Pads are externally applied, with witch hazel as the active ingredient, and are safe to use during pregnancy. They are also disposable and safe for septic systems.

1. Eat at regular hours and establish a regular time for bowel movements.  Never delay bowel movements.  (Delaying makes stool harder, more compact and more difficult to pas).
2. Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods of time or straining to move your bowels - either of these can aggravate hemorrhoids.
3. Clean the anal area after each bowel movement with TUCKS Medicated Pads rather than toilet paper, which can irritate the anal area..
4. Eat a diet high in fiber.  Eating whole-grain cereals, bran, fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and nuts help your body form softer stools that pass more easily.
5. Limit your intake of foods that are highly refined, such as white rice, farina, pastries, pies, cakes, pasta, and ice cream.
6. Avoid highly special foods, which can irritate the rectal area.
7. Drink at least eight glasses of water or fruit juice per day to make stools softer, looser, and easier to pass.
8. Maintain your recommended weight to lessen the chance of developing hemorrhoids.
9. Avoid heavy lifting.
10. Exercise daily and try to avoid prolonged sitting or standing.

1. Eat regularly.  Hunger often causes headaches.
2. Get enough rest.  Lack of sleep and a lack of breaks in your day can lead into headaches.
3. Seek peach and quiet.  Loud music, noisy parties, and crowds can cause stress.
4. Avoid hot, smoke-filled, unventilated rooms.
5. Try to relax.  Lie down in a quiet room.  Try meditation or yoga.
6. For relief, apply hot and cold compresses alternately to the aching area, 30 seconds each for 10 minutes, four times a day.  If headaches are difficult or persistent, see your doctor.

If you are having trouble breathing try using this deep-breathing exercise:

1. Stand with your arms at your sides.
2. Inhale slowly while you raise your arms above your head.
3. Exhale slowly while you lower your arms.  Repeat the breathing exercise three to five times as needed.

The best remedies for fatigue are a balanced diet and regular exercise.  Try waling, swimming, or riding a stationary bicycle several times a week on the advice of your doctor.

You may find that you have to urinate more often at night.  As you stand and walk to the bathroom, your baby may rest on your bladder and may trap some urine in a portion of it.  After you think you have emptied your bladder, gently lift the baby to drain the last drops of urine.

Pressure on your vascular system, coupled with an increased amount of blood, can also cause varicose veins.  The most effective way to prevent both swelling and varicose veins is to improve your circulation through exercise and changes of position.

Try walking short distances, doing ankle exercises while sitting or standing in line, or sitting in a rocking chair.  You can also try lying on your back with your hips and legs on pillows to help the return of blood flow.  Support hose are helpful for educing swelling and easing aches in the legs.  Again, check with your doctor if you are uncomfortable.

Not every mother needs an episiotomy.  The obstetrician can tell if it is necessary once the baby's head is visible.  If you need an episiotomy, you will be given a medication to numb the pain.  After the baby is delivered, the incision is sewn shut with stitches that self-dissolve within a few weeks.

1. Reduce swelling by applying a cold pack to the incision for 20 minutes at time for a few days.
2. Keep you body level while you are sleeping.
3. Sit on pillows or on the side of one buttock.  This keeps pressure off the incision.
4. Frequently change your peripads (sanitary napkins that absorb the normal bleeding that occurs after you give birth) to help avoid infection.
5. Wash your hands often and wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
6. Keep the episiotomy clean.  Your doctor may recommend TUCKS Pre-Moistened Pads to be used as a wipe to gently cleanse the area after using the toilet.  TUCKS can also serve as a soothing, cooling compress any time the incision itches or burns.  You may want to try storing TUCKS in your refrigerator to get an extra-cooling benefit.
7. Sit in a tub of warm (not hot) water for 20 minutes two or three times a day (a sitz bath) to cleanse and soothe the area; the warmth can promote healing

1. Contract your vaginal muscles for a few moments.
2. Relax
3. Repeat Contraction

If you don your Kegel exercises several times daily, you will soon feel the vaginal muscles regain their tone.

* This information is not a substitute for professional medical care.  Diagnosis and treatment should be done only by your health care provider. For more information contact your local health department or physician.