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If you’ve just become pregnant, you may be worried about how you feel. We are all familiar with morning sickness and have the general feeling that these 9 months are associated with numerous emotional and physical challenges. However, it should be noted that many of the symptoms of pregnancy, while unpleasant, are perfectly normal. Check what are the most popular pregnancy ailments and how to deal with them.
Back pain in pregnancy
Pregnancy puts a strain on your back and posture. To avoid or ease back pain in pregnancy, avoid lifting heavy weights, wearing high-heeled shoes, and standing and sitting for too long.
- Find out more about back pain in pregnancy
Ways To Treat Back Pain In Pregnancy:
- Support your back with a pillow. You can kneel on all fours and sway side to side.
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs.
- Sit up straight. Remember about good spine support.
- Put a cold or hot compress on the sore side of your back.
- Ask someone to massage your back. If you are hiring a professional masseur, please let them know you are pregnant.
Headache and migraines in pregnancy
Headaches in pregnancy can be the result of hormonal changes, tension, congestion, constipation, lack of sleep, dehydration, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and even caffeine withdrawal. In some cases, the cause is pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure. Preeclampsia headaches in pregnancy are continuous, persistent, and throbbing. It may also be associated with other symptoms such as heavy weight gain, blurry vision, pain in the upper right abdomen, and swelling of the hands and face.
If you experience an abnormal headache or the symptoms listed above, see your doctor or midwife immediately.
How to relieve headaches in pregnancy?
- Put a compress on your head or neck.
- Remember to eat frequently to avoid low blood sugar and drink more water.
- Massage your head.
- If you are sensitive to light and / or sound, try to minimize it. You can put on sunglasses or noise-canceling headphones.
- Take a pain reliever. However, consult your doctor beforehand.
Stretch marks in pregnancy
Your body changes every day. That is why stretch marks in pregnancy are often unavoidable. However, there are many ways to reduce their visibility and heal them.
First, make sure your skin is properly hydrated. Then it becomes more flexible. This way you reduce the risk of stretch marks. Essential oils such as lavender, almond and chamomile are rich in vitamins and nutrients, thus maintaining a high level of hydration and accelerating the healing process. Also pay attention to cocoa butter. Over time, it can improve blood circulation and reduce stretch marks. Try to apply this balm both during pregnancy and afterwards.
- Read more about stretch marks in pregnancy
Lack of energy and fatigue in pregnancy
Another common symptom of pregnancy is fatigue, especially during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. The second trimester is usually the “honeymoon” so enjoy it.
Most women dream about looking for a quiet place and taking a nap. Let’s not forget that the body produces new hormones. The heart and other organs have to work harder to provide the baby with the necessary nutrients. Mental and emotional stress can also make you feel tired. In the later months, many mums experience trouble falling asleep. They may be due to more frequent use of the toilet, leg cramps, and heartburn.
Fatigue in pregnancy can also be a symptom of anemia, especially from iron deficiency. The body needs this mineral to produce hemoglobin. It’s a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues and baby.
How Can I Deal With Fatigue in Pregnancy?
- Take a nap during the day.
- Get up and move around a little.
- Go to bed early.
- Do not eat immediately before bedtime (2-3 hours in advance). This way you will avoid heartburn. Also, try to drink at least 2 hours before bedtime. Then you will go to the bathroom less often at night.
- Stretch your leg muscles before going to bed. Then you will reduce the risk of painful cramps. Also include potassium-rich foods such as bananas, peaches, kiwi fruit, potatoes, and leafy vegetables in your diet.
Varicose veins in pregnancy
Varicose veins are dilated veins around the calves, back, legs, or thighs. They most often affect the veins in the legs. If you want to avoid varicose veins in pregnancy, you should avoid standing for long periods and sitting cross-legged. Do not lift or carry heavy loads. You can also sit upside down to ease any discomfort. Regular exercise, on the other hand, improves circulation and relieves symptoms. However, remember to consult your doctor beforehand.
- Get more information on varicose veins
Heartburn in pregnancy
Heartburn in pregnancy is a burning sensation in your throat or chest. This is a common symptom in pregnancy. Stomach acid is pushed out in the wrong direction due to the dilating uterus.
To minimize heartburn in pregnancy, change your diet. Avoid spicy, fatty and acidic foods, citrus fruits, and carbonated drinks. Mint and chocolate are also known to increase the risk of heartburn in pregnancy. Instead of eating three large meals, divide them into five small ones. A warm glass of milk with honey will also relieve heartburn.
- Read more on heartburn in pregnancy
Fainting during pregnancy
Fainting during pregnancy is most often the result of low blood pressure. Avoid standing for long periods, getting up too quickly and overheating. A hot bath is also not a good idea during pregnancy as it may increase the risk of unconsciousness.
Constipation in pregnancy
Constipation during pregnancy is a very common ailment faced by women during this period. They may worsen in the third trimester of pregnancy due to the dilating uterus. It then presses against the pelvis, causing constipation. Unfortunately, this can cause hemorrhoids, so be sure to include healthy fiber in your diet. Choose foods such as fruits, vegetables, flaxseeds, prune juice, chia seeds, beans, and whole grains. In addition, drink at least 2 liters of water every day. Also pay attention to Kegel exercises. They improve blood circulation in problem areas. They also prepare the pelvis for childbirth.
- Learn about ways to relieve constipation in pregnancy
Morning sickness in pregnancy
Morning sickness and vomiting are especially common symptoms in the early weeks of pregnancy. In fact, they can occur at any time of the day. They usually go away after 14 weeks.
- Also read: Vomiting During Pregnancy
How can you relieve morning sickness in pregnancy?
- Rest a lot.
- Stay away from odors that irritate the stomach.
- Instead of eating three large meals a day, eat five or six smaller meals throughout the day.
- Choose a protein-rich snack such as yogurt.
- Avoid fatty foods.
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