February 2026 – Blog for North Pointe OB/GYN

Beyond Morning Sickness: A Trimester-by-Trimester Guide to Managing Pregnancy Discomforts

Posted on February 16, 2026

Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but let’s be honest—it’s not always comfortable. From the queasiness of early pregnancy to the backaches of the final stretch, your body works overtime to nurture new life, and that effort comes with its share of physical challenges. At North Pointe OB/GYN in Cumming, we want you to know that experiencing discomfort during pregnancy is completely normal, and more importantly, there are real strategies that can help.

Understanding what to expect at each stage—and knowing which remedies actually work—can transform your pregnancy experience. Our team of physicians and certified nurse-midwives has helped countless women throughout Forsyth County navigate these nine months with greater comfort and confidence. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the most common pregnancy discomforts and evidence-based approaches to finding relief.

First Trimester: Navigating the Early Challenges

The first twelve weeks often bring the most surprising symptoms. Your body is adapting to dramatic hormonal shifts, and these changes can affect everything from your energy levels to your digestive system.

Nausea and Vomiting: Despite its name, “morning sickness” can strike at any hour. Keeping small, bland snacks by your bedside and eating before you even sit up can help. Ginger in various forms—tea, candies, or supplements—has solid research supporting its effectiveness. Eating smaller, more frequent meals prevents an empty stomach, which often worsens nausea. Vitamin B6 supplements may also provide relief, but check with your provider about appropriate dosing.
Extreme Fatigue: Growing a placenta and supporting rapid fetal development requires enormous energy. Honor your body’s need for rest—this isn’t the time to push through exhaustion. Short naps, earlier bedtimes, and delegating tasks when possible all help. The good news is that energy typically rebounds significantly in the second trimester.
Breast Tenderness: Hormonal changes cause breast tissue to grow and become more sensitive. A supportive bra—even for sleeping—can make a significant difference. Look for soft, wireless styles without underwires that might dig into sensitive tissue.
Food Aversions and Cravings: Suddenly can’t stand your favorite foods? Intensely craving something specific? Both are normal first-trimester experiences. Focus on eating what you can tolerate while ensuring adequate hydration. If aversions make it difficult to eat a balanced diet, discuss prenatal vitamin options with your care team.

Second Trimester: The Golden Period Isn’t Always Golden

Many women find weeks 13 through 27 the most comfortable phase of pregnancy. Nausea often fades, energy returns, and the baby isn’t yet large enough to cause significant physical strain. However, new challenges can emerge as your body continues to change.

Round Ligament Pain: Sharp, stabbing pains on one or both sides of your lower abdomen often catch women off guard. These occur as the ligaments supporting your growing uterus stretch. Changing positions slowly, supporting your belly when you cough or sneeze, and gentle stretching can minimize discomfort. While usually harmless, persistent or severe pain should always be evaluated.
Heartburn and Indigestion: As your uterus expands and hormones relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, acid reflux becomes increasingly common. Eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, staying upright after eating, and elevating your head while sleeping all help. Many over-the-counter antacids are safe during pregnancy, but verify with your provider before taking any medication.
Leg Cramps: Painful muscle spasms, especially at night, affect many pregnant women. Staying hydrated, stretching your calves before bed, and ensuring adequate magnesium intake may reduce frequency. When a cramp strikes, flexing your foot upward and massaging the muscle usually provides relief.
Nasal Congestion: Increased blood volume can cause swelling in nasal passages, leaving you feeling perpetually stuffed up. Saline sprays, humidifiers, and sleeping with your head elevated can help you breathe easier without medication.

Third Trimester: The Final Stretch

The home stretch brings its own unique challenges as your baby grows rapidly and your body prepares for birth. Patience, creativity, and good communication with your healthcare team become essential.

Back Pain: As your center of gravity shifts forward, your lower back works overtime to compensate. Proper posture, supportive footwear, prenatal massage, and exercises that strengthen your core can all provide relief. A pregnancy support belt may help distribute weight more evenly. Avoid standing for prolonged periods, and when sitting, use lumbar support.
Sleep Difficulties: Between bathroom trips, difficulty finding a comfortable position, and an active baby, quality sleep becomes elusive. Sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your knees supports optimal blood flow. Full-body pregnancy pillows can be game-changers for many women. Limiting fluids in the evening reduces nighttime bathroom visits.
Swelling: Mild swelling in the feet, ankles, and hands is normal, especially later in pregnancy and during warmer weather. Elevating your feet, staying hydrated, reducing sodium intake, and avoiding prolonged standing help manage puffiness. However, sudden or severe swelling—especially in the face—requires immediate medical attention as it can signal preeclampsia.
Shortness of Breath: Your growing uterus pushes against your diaphragm, making deep breaths challenging. Standing tall, sleeping propped up, and moving at a slower pace help you catch your breath. This typically improves when the baby “drops” lower into the pelvis in the final weeks.
Braxton Hicks Contractions: These “practice contractions” cause your uterus to tighten and release, sometimes uncomfortably. They’re typically irregular and don’t increase in intensity. Changing positions, taking a warm bath, or drinking water often helps them subside. If contractions become regular or increasingly painful, contact your provider.

Discomforts That Span All Trimesters

Some pregnancy symptoms don’t respect trimester boundaries. These common concerns can appear at any point during your journey.

Constipation: Hormonal changes slow digestive transit, and iron supplements can compound the problem. Fiber-rich foods, plenty of water, regular physical activity, and sometimes a stool softener approved by your provider keep things moving.
Headaches: Hormonal fluctuations, dehydration, caffeine changes, and tension can all trigger headaches during pregnancy. Rest, hydration, cold compresses, and acetaminophen (when approved by your provider) usually help. Persistent or severe headaches should be evaluated promptly.
Skin Changes: Stretching skin, hormonal shifts, and increased blood volume can cause itching, stretch marks, and changes in pigmentation. Keeping skin moisturized, staying hydrated, and wearing sunscreen help manage these changes. Intense itching, especially on palms and soles, should be reported to your healthcare team.

When Discomfort Signals Something More

While most pregnancy discomforts are normal and manageable, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Understanding the difference between typical discomfort and warning signs empowers you to seek care when it matters most.

Contact your provider or head to Northside Hospital-Forsyth right away if you experience severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, sudden severe swelling (especially in your face), persistent severe headache with vision changes, decreased fetal movement, fluid leaking from your vagina, or contractions before 37 weeks that don’t stop with rest and hydration.

At North Pointe OB/GYN, we encourage you to call whenever something doesn’t feel right. Our team would rather reassure you that everything is fine than have you worry at home about a symptom that needs attention. That’s what we’re here for.

The Power of Prenatal Care

Regular prenatal visits provide the perfect opportunity to discuss the discomforts you’re experiencing and find solutions tailored to your specific situation. Every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one woman may not work for another. Our physicians and midwives take the time to understand your individual needs and preferences.

Keep a list of questions and concerns between appointments—no issue is too small to mention. Sometimes simple adjustments to diet, activity, or sleep habits make a significant difference. Other times, we might recommend specific treatments, therapies, or referrals to help you feel your best throughout pregnancy.

Experience Compassionate Pregnancy Care at North Pointe OB/GYN

Pregnancy should be a time of anticipation and joy—not one overshadowed by unmanaged discomfort. The women’s healthcare specialists at North Pointe OB/GYN are dedicated to supporting you through every phase of this remarkable journey. From your first prenatal appointment through delivery at the Women’s Center at Northside Hospital-Forsyth, we’re here to ensure you receive the attentive, personalized care you deserve.

Whether you’re newly pregnant and already battling nausea, in the thick of the third trimester and struggling with sleep, or anywhere in between, we want to help. Our Cumming office serves expectant mothers throughout Alpharetta, Milton, Dawsonville, Sugar Hill, and the greater North Georgia area.

Call North Pointe OB/GYN at 770-886-3555 to schedule your prenatal appointment. Let us help you navigate the discomforts of pregnancy so you can focus on the excitement of welcoming your new baby.

Your Heart Matters: What Every Woman in North Georgia Should Know About Cardiovascular Health

Posted on February 4, 2026

February brings more than Valentine’s Day hearts to our attention—it’s also American Heart Month, a time to focus on the organ that keeps us going every single day. At North Pointe OB/GYN in Cumming, we believe that caring for women means caring for the whole woman, and that includes paying close attention to cardiovascular health at every stage of life.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Yet cardiovascular health often takes a back seat in conversations about women’s wellness. The truth is, your OB/GYN plays a crucial role in identifying risk factors, monitoring heart health during pregnancy, and helping you build habits that protect your heart for decades to come.

Why Heart Disease Looks Different in Women

For years, heart disease research focused primarily on men, leaving women underdiagnosed and undertreated. Today, we understand that cardiovascular disease often presents differently in women—and recognizing these differences can save lives.

While chest pain remains a common symptom, women are more likely than men to experience subtler warning signs. These can include unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or abdomen. Many women describe feeling generally unwell or experiencing flu-like symptoms before a cardiac event. Because these signs don’t match the classic image of a heart attack, women sometimes delay seeking treatment, putting their health at greater risk.

The OB/GYN Connection to Heart Health

You might not immediately think of your gynecologist when considering heart health, but the connections between reproductive health and cardiovascular wellness run deep. Conditions that your OB/GYN monitors and treats can significantly impact your long-term heart disease risk.

Pregnancy Complications: Conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and gestational hypertension don’t just affect pregnancy—they serve as early warning signals for future cardiovascular problems. Women who experience these complications have a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease later in life, making ongoing monitoring essential.

Hormonal Changes: Estrogen provides some protective effects against heart disease during the reproductive years. As hormone levels shift during perimenopause and menopause, that protection diminishes. Understanding this transition helps women take proactive steps to maintain cardiovascular health.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Women with PCOS face increased risks of insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels—all factors that contribute to heart disease. Regular monitoring and lifestyle interventions can help manage these risks.

Autoimmune Conditions: Certain autoimmune disorders that disproportionately affect women, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Your healthcare team should consider these connections when developing your care plan.

Know Your Numbers

The good news about heart disease is that many risk factors respond to lifestyle changes. Building heart-healthy habits doesn’t require dramatic overhauls—small, consistent choices add up to significant protection over time.

Physical activity stands out as one of the most powerful tools for cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. For busy women in Forsyth County balancing work, family, and countless other responsibilities, this might look like brisk walks during lunch breaks, weekend hikes at nearby trails, or active playtime with children. Any movement counts, and breaking activity into shorter sessions throughout the day delivers similar benefits to longer workouts.

Nutrition plays an equally important role. A heart-healthy eating pattern emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods, added sugars, and excessive sodium. The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes olive oil, fish, nuts, and abundant produce, has particularly strong evidence supporting cardiovascular benefits.

Stress management deserves attention as well. Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure, inflammation, and behaviors that harm heart health. Finding effective stress-relief strategies—whether through exercise, meditation, creative pursuits, social connection, or professional support—protects both mental and cardiovascular wellness.

Protecting Your Heart During Pregnancy

Pregnancy places unique demands on the cardiovascular system. Blood volume increases by about 50 percent, the heart works harder to pump this increased volume, and blood pressure naturally fluctuates. For most healthy women, these changes occur without problems. However, certain conditions require careful monitoring and management.

At North Pointe OB/GYN, our physicians and midwives are equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies, including those complicated by cardiovascular concerns. We work closely with specialists when needed to ensure comprehensive care for both mother and baby. Women with known heart conditions, a history of pregnancy complications, or risk factors for cardiovascular problems receive personalized monitoring throughout their pregnancy journey.

Even after delivery, the postpartum period requires attention to heart health. Blood pressure should be monitored, and any warning symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation. The fourth trimester matters just as much as the preceding three when it comes to protecting maternal health.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Beyond routine screenings, certain symptoms and situations warrant a conversation with your healthcare provider about heart health. Don’t hesitate to bring up concerns during your appointments at our Cumming office.

Seek prompt evaluation for chest discomfort or pressure, especially with exertion. Pay attention to unusual shortness of breath, particularly if it’s new or occurs with minimal activity. Persistent fatigue that interferes with daily activities, unexplained swelling in the legs or ankles, heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat, and dizziness or lightheadedness all deserve medical attention.

Additionally, if you have a family history of heart disease—especially if a close relative developed cardiovascular problems before age 55 for men or 65 for women—share this information with your healthcare team. Family history influences your individual risk assessment and may affect screening recommendations.

A Partner in Your Lifelong Wellness

Your relationship with your OB/GYN extends far beyond pregnancy and reproductive health. From adolescence through menopause and beyond, our team at North Pointe OB/GYN serves as a consistent resource for comprehensive women’s health care. We understand the unique risk factors women face and the interconnected nature of reproductive and cardiovascular wellness.

This American Heart Month, we encourage women throughout Cumming, Alpharetta, Milton, Dawsonville, and the surrounding North Georgia communities to prioritize heart health alongside other wellness goals. Whether you’re due for your annual well-woman exam, have questions about how a past pregnancy might affect your cardiovascular risk, or want to discuss lifestyle changes that support heart health, our experienced team is here to help.

Schedule Your Wellness Visit at North Pointe OB/GYN

Taking care of your heart is an act of love—for yourself and for everyone who depends on you. The women’s healthcare specialists at North Pointe OB/GYN are committed to supporting your health at every stage of life. Our office, conveniently located on the Northside Hospital-Forsyth campus in Cumming, offers comprehensive care from our team of experienced physicians, certified nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners.

Contact North Pointe OB/GYN at 770-886-3555 to schedule your appointment. Together, we can help you build a foundation for lasting cardiovascular health—because your heart deserves the very best care.

Month: February 2026