Ask an Expert – Women’s Health Nurse

Sometimes if I haven't eaten anything for a couple hours like first thing in the morning, I get really dizzy and shaky and the only thing that helps is juice or something sweet. Could I be developing diabetes within the first trimester?

Hello Heather,

   Congratulations on your pregnancy.  I am not sure how far along into your first trimester you are, but you should talk to your medical provider and find out if you can be tested before the normal testing or just let them know what kind of symptoms you are having and let them tell you the next steps you need to take. 

  Good luck on your journey to motherhood.

Phylana

I am 37 weeks and 1 day pregnant. I would like to know if having a sore navel and soreness around the navel are normal.

Hello Ashley,

   It is normal to have aches and pains, it seems like everywhere, when you are 37 weeks pregnant.  Your navel and the area around your navel are being stretched as your belly grows. Also, the movement of your little one may increase the soreness around this area.  Talk to your medical provider about medications you can take to help relieve some of the pain, but also know that you are in the home stretch of  your pregnancy, so the end of your pregnancy is near.

   Best wishes to you and the upcoming addition of your family...you are almost there.

Phylana

I'm 38 weeks along. Before I found out I was pregnant I walked alot & was losing weight. Since I found out I've been kinda scared to walk for exersise because I feel over weight & I'm afraid that if I start walking again for exercise I'll over do it & hurt the baby. I really want this baby to be healthy but everyone in my family tells me he would be better of if I walk more. I don't know what to do because I know my family would never understand why I feel the way I do about my weight. What would you suggest I do??

Hello Melissa,

   It is good that you were walking and watching what you ate before you became pregnant.  It would also work well if you continued both habits into your pregnancy.  Make sure your medical provider is aware of what kinds of exercises you are doing, but walking is a very good form of exercise.  Don't focus too much on weight loss right now because you are going to be gaining weight while your baby grows within you. Exercise can keep your endurance up and help keep your weight within the parameters that is healthy for a normal pregnancy.

   Good luck with your pregnancy, and I hope you find a way to keep exercising and eating right for you and your baby.  If you continue to feel anxiety about your weight and feel like you want to do too much, maybe you should find a counselor or other professional to help.

Phylana