Common Ailments of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a big effort for your body. Sometimes the changes taking place in the body are troublesome and affect the well-being of the future mother. Although you feel discomfort, don't worry in advance. Typical ailments of pregnancy are temporary.

What are the common complaints in pregnancy?

Morning Sickness

They are a characteristic sign of pregnancy. They affect about 60% of future mothers and although they are usually called morning you can experience them all day long. As a rule, they appear at the beginning of pregnancy, between 5 and 6 week and disappear at the end of the first trimester. If you suffer because of them, you will have to be patient. They cannot be completely eliminated, but you can reduce them a bit. How?

• Before you get up, eat something. Start your day with breakfast in bed.
• Eat often, but not too much at once.
• When you eat, thoroughly chew your food.
• Avoid aromatic smelling food.
• Don’t let yourself get too hungry.
• Drink ginger, mint or lemon balm teas.
• Try acupressure bands and aromatherapy.

Sometimes, nausea doesn't go away. If this is in your case, you should see a doctor. He will prescribe the right medicines to help alleviate it. 

Vomiting

It usually occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, accompanied by nausea. Although annoying, it is a a typical ailment of pregnancy. After some time, it usually goes away and does not require medical consultation. If it is persistent or appear in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy along with other disturbing symptoms, such as, stomach ache or body swelling, do not underestimate it. Vomiting can lead to dehydration or may be linked to preeclampsia. In both cases medical consultation is a must.

Heartburn

Burning in the back of the throat, in the oesophagus and in the chest are symptoms of heartburn. Stomach acids irritate the sensitive mucosa causing discomfort. Stomach acids leaking back up into the oesophagus are the result of smooth muscle relaxation. Heartburn usually occurs at the end of pregnancy when the uterus begins to put pressure on the stomach. Although it is not dangerous, it can be troublesome, so if you want to reduce the discomfort:

Avoid foods that can trigger heartburn. Do not eat greasy, fried, spicy, sour dishes. Exclude chocolate, coffee and tea.

• Often eat small portions and chew them slowly.
• Avoid carbonated drinks.
• Eat no later than 2-3 hours before bedtime.
• Rest after a meal in a sitting position.
• Drink ginger and chamomile teas. Eat almonds and linseeds.
• Ask in pharmacy for heartburn remedies safe for pregnant women.

Constipation

This is a common problem for future mothers. If you become constipated add large amounts of fibre to your diet.

• wheat bran,
• wholemeal bread,
• wholemeal flour,
• muesli,
• oatmeal,
• yoghurt with probiotics,
• linseed,
• dried fruit: plums, apricots, apples, pears,
• raw or short-cooked vegetables,
• fibre capsules.

You must exclude from your diet:

• white bread,
• white flour,
• sugar,
• chocolate,
• highly processed products.

Remember about activity. Movement improves intestinal peristalsis facilitating bowel movements. Constipation can be also caused by iron supplements. Consult your OB-GYN and ask if you can replace iron supplements with herbs or a proper diet. 

Piles

They are a frequent consequence of constipation. The problem affects about 20% of future mothers. Swollen veins around the anus cause itching and sometimes bleeding. Small piles can be cured with mild, over-the-counter remedies. For their more advanced stage, consultation of a specialist surgeon is a must. 

Backache

The extra weight you carry changes your posture. The tummy shifts the centre of gravity making it difficult to maintain the correct position. Abnormal back bends and muscle tension can cause pain. It can be particularly annoying in the last month of pregnancy. To reduce backache exercise, swim, give up high heels and do not wear a backpack. 

Swelling

Swelling is experienced in the legs and hands, usually in the middle of the second trimester. It is caused by too much water and salts accumulating in the body. Do not wear tight clothes, do not take hot baths and give up the sauna. Do not overtire yourself, avoid long standing and long walks, rest with your feet up and drink a lot. Usually, this problem goes away after delivery, when the body gets rid of excess water.

Although swelling is a typical condition, if it doesn’t disappear after the night or you experience swelling not only in the legs and hands but also in other body parts, see the doctor. With a simultaneous increase in pressure, it can be a symptom of preeclampsia. 

Cramps 

Calf cramps appear in the second and third trimester, usually at night and in the morning. A diet rich in magnesium and potassium as well as stretching and exercises help in alleviating the discomfort. Before you fall asleep, massage your calves with a warming ointment. 

Varicose Veins 

Progesterone reduces the elasticity of the blood vessels and the growing foetus presses on the pelvic veins what may encourage the formation of varicose veins. In addition, if you have a genetic predisposition, you don't move much, you stand a lot at work or you have been treated hormonally you are very likely to experience them. Although varicose veins decrease after delivery, they are unlikely to disappear completely, so it is worth preventing them. Wear compression tights or stockings described by your doctor. Be physically active and avoid sitting with your legs crossed. Ask a doctor about rutin supplements that can strengthen your blood vessels. 

Incontinence

This can be caused by relaxed muscles of the pelvic floor and pressure of uterus on your bladder. Incontinence usually goes away after delivery. However, before this happens, train your pelvic floor muscles. Exercise several times a day in series of 10-20. Contract and relax the muscles responsible for holding and running the stream of urine, alternately. Never practise during urination, only between.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

If you feel painless hardening and tightening of the belly it is a sign that your body is preparing for delivery. It's a natural training and exercise performed by the muscles. However, if the cramps are accompanied by spotting, bleeding, backache, stomach ache, groin ache and their frequency increases, be sure to contact your doctor.