Pregnancy is associated with various ailments. Usually they are harmless, but unfortunately very bothersome. Pregnant women most often complain of nausea, back pain, swelling in the legs and arms, and heartburn. Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate most of them.
Nausea , bladder problems,swelling- this is typical forpregnancyailments. What else could be bothering you in the next few months.
Nausea and vomiting - some of the first symptoms of pregnancy
Nausea and vomiting - this is the body's reaction to an increase in the concentration of hormones: progesterone and chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). While morning nausea is commonly referred to, it is also common during the day and in the evening. They usually disappear after the first trimester, but in some women they last for the whole 9 months!
Some mothers-to-be are helped by teas of lemon balm, chamomile and especially ginger. It is also recommended to eat often (5-6 times a day), but not much, and eat a light breakfast (rusks, toasts) in bed, before getting up. When the symptoms are very bothersome, the doctor may recommend the use of medications.
The very strong and frequent vomiting is disturbing, because it can lead to dehydration of the body - then it is necessary to see a doctor.
Bladder problems may appear around the 6th week of pregnancy
The feeling of pressure on the bladder and the need to use the toilet frequently (even every 20 minutes) is also one of the first symptoms of pregnancy - it may appear about 6 weeks after conception. This is associated with an increase in the level of hormones (progesterone and estrogens) and an enlargement of the uterus, which is then low in the pelvis and compresses the urinary bladder, forcing the future mother to make constant trips to the toilet. With the development of pregnancy, the uterus rises and squeezes the bladder less, only towards the end of pregnancy - already very large - does it lower again, pushing up so that there is little space left for the bladder. A pinched bladder gets small, so it fills up faster and needs to be emptied more often.
Frequent pee jogging is quite annoying and embarrassing, especially when you're out and about, but nothing to worry about. There is also little you can do about it, at most do Kegel exercises to improve muscle tone around the urethra, and when they are weak and urinating occurs, it is worth just wearing pads or sanitary pads to avoidsoak underwear and clothes.
Leaving urine during this period does not need to be worried, this phenomenon is quite frequent and normal. Even though you need to pee frequently, do not limit your fluid intake to avoid urinary tract infections.
Swelling of the legs and arms occurs in the second half and towards the end of pregnancy
They usually take place in the evening. Especially the ankles and hands swell. This is due to the retention of water in the body for several reasons, including because the body stores water to compensate for the loss of body fluid in the event of excessive blood loss during childbirth. In addition, in late pregnancy, the large uterus compresses the iliac veins, making it difficult for blood to flow from the legs to the heart - some of the water from this blood penetrates into the soft tissues and forms the so-called congestive swelling.
What helps? Rest with your legs up as often as possible, avoid long standing and heavy work, drink plenty of fluids, and limit s alt intake. Cold compresses, baths and rubbing the legs with cooling preparations help temporarily. Swelling of the legs and hands, which disappears after rest, is not disturbing, but if other parts of the body (face, thighs, lower abdomen) are also swelling or do not subside and are very annoying, accompanied by rapid weight gain and pressure increase, do not delay the visit to the doctor. These may be symptoms of the so-called pregnancy-induced hypertension - a dangerous disease formerly known as pregnancy poisoning.
Backache is very common in pregnancy
During pregnancy, the sacroiliac joints, which are usually immobile, begin to relax to allow the baby to pass through more easily during labor. This and the enlarged abdomen disturb the sense of balance in a pregnant woman.
To prevent this from happening, a woman often puts her arms back and flexes her neck. This results in significant spine flexion in the lower back, back muscle strain and pain. To reduce it, first of all, it is worth doing appropriate exercises (e.g. the so-called cat's back) or swimming regularly. You have to avoid long standing, and if you need to sit long - then in such a position that your back, arms (on the armrests) and feet (on the footrest) are supported. When picking up something heavy off the ground, bend your knees and squat, not bend at the waist. It is also worth taking care of good footwear - preferably with wide heels, 3-4 cm high. Both high heels and completely flat shoes are inadvisable. Back pain is also effectively relieved by the use of a special pregnancy belt (you can ask your doctor about it). And you have to prevent excessive weight gain, because extra kilos only unnecessarily burden youspine.
Heartburn - a common pregnancy complaint
Burning pain in the esophagus and behind the sternum, accompanied by an unpleasant, sour-bitter aftertaste - it is also the bane of many women in the last months of pregnancy (and even throughout the entire pregnancy!). Heartburn occurs because the esophageal sphincter relaxes due to the increase in progesterone levels and the gastric contents retract (the so-called gastroesophageal reflux), causing unpleasant ailments.
To reduce them, you must first of all pay attention to your diet - avoid fatty foods, fried foods, sour foods, chocolate, coffee and tea. It is important to eat often but not much, chew each bite for a long time, and do not rest lying down after a meal. Also at night it is best to sleep in a semi-sitting position with your head held high. Home remedies for heartburn include: drinking fresh milk, drinking ginger, mint or chamomile infusions, or thick linseed kissel. Certain over-the-counter medications, such as Rennie, can also be used.
Heartburn is not serious, but if it is accompanied by severe vomiting and weight loss - see a doctor.
Varicose veins appear in the third trimester of pregnancy
The uterus, which is significantly enlarged in the third trimester of pregnancy, hinders the outflow of blood from the lower limbs, which is much more pregnant than before (by about 2.5 liters). The blood in the legs "pushes" the veins, and in addition they dilate under the influence of more progesterone. This results in ugly and painful thickening mainly on the calves, but you do not have to worry about them, because after pregnancy they will disappear on their own and there will be no trace of them.
Relief is provided by the use of special gels and creams, wearing anti-varicose tights, frequent lifting legs up (while resting). Exercise will also do you good - regular walks or swimming.
When the symptoms associated with the formation of varicose veins become very troublesome, the pain worsens and the feeling of heavy legs does not subside, contact your doctor, as it may be a sign of thrombophlebitis.
Breast tenderness - this is the effect of hormones in pregnancy
It is also one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, it appears already around 3-4. week. The increase in estrogen and progesterone levels makes the breasts prepare for breastfeeding. Milk ducts develop rapidly, blood vessels dilate, breasts get larger, swollen and tender, i.e. hypersensitive to touch, which can often be painful. There is not much you can do about it, you just need to be careful about your breasts and protect them from injury (tell your partner about it). Immediately buy a larger, comfortable bra that does not compress your breasts and supports them well at the same time.
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