While pregnancy is not an illness, it may have various effects on your body. Not every woman experiences pregnancy problems, and you may very well be lucky enough for these problems never to arise. Like with your delivery, you want to plan for the best, but be open to whatever comes your way. You do not control it (or most of it), and more reassuringly, whatever problems you are experiencing will be gone with the arrival of your baby or shortly after.
Even the fittest women may experience common pregnancy problems. A healthy lifestyle may help prevent some issues, but genealogy is always a factor and the nature of each pregnancy (even in the same women). Even though not avoidable, many of the common pregnancy problems can be treated for relief.
Nausea
Nausea, also known as morning sickness, doesn’t always occur in the morning. Some women experience nausea or vomiting during different times of the day or its entirety. You can take comfort in the fact that this usually disappears after 14-16 weeks.
Symptoms: Vomiting tendency, feeling sick, and tiredness
What To Do:
- Stay in your bed for 15 minutes after waking up
- Start your day by eating something
- Eat small but frequent meals
- Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day
- Take plenty of rest
Fatigue
Fatigue is quite common in the first and third trimesters. During the first trimester, your body is undergoing many changes, which affect your energy levels. Fatigue during the third trimester is due to the baby’s size and weight that increases gradually and becomes challenging to carry.
Symptoms: Headache, irritability, muscle weakness, poor concentration, and appetite loss
What To Do:
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Get plenty of rest
- Take several naps during the day
- Avoid doing things that make you tired
- Exercise to keep your energy levels up
- Avoid traveling a long distance
Mood Swings
Mood changes are common during pregnancy. This is caused by hormone level changes and the stress that may come with realizing parenthood’s responsibility. If you are concerned, talk to your healthcare provider.
Symptoms: Anxiety, irritability, boredom, confusion, forgetfulness, lack of concentration
What To Do:
- Get plenty of sleep
- Get regular physical activity
- Spend time with your partner
- Go for a walk
- Take a break during the day to relax
- Try pregnancy yoga class or meditation
Constipation
Constipation is caused by a hormone that relaxes the intestinal muscle. While Iron supplements are infamous for constipation, the increasing Progesterone hormone levels are equally responsible for constipation during pregnancy. If not treated timely, constipation can even cause Haemorrhoids (piles).
Symptoms: Difficulty passing stools, lumpy or hard stools, and painful bloating and gas
What To Do:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat foods rich in fiber
- Avoid spicy and heavy foods
- Reduce dietary iron intake
- Exercise regularly to tone your muscles
Gas
Gas is on the embarrassing side of pregnancy problems. It is caused by much higher progesterone levels, a hormone that relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation slows down your digestive processes, leading to gas, bloating, burping, and flatulence, and generally create miserable sensations in your gut, especially after a big meal.
Symptoms: Bloating, burping, and flatulence
What To Do:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Get moving. Do physical activities and exercises
- Fill up on fiber
- Consult your doctor to try Simethicone medications
Heartburn
Heartburn is caused by the hormone progesterone that is produced by the placenta. It relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach, allowing gastric acids to seep back up, which causes a burning sensation. To prevent heartburn, avoid carbonated drinks, chocolate, caffeine, and acidic foods. Speak to your doctor to see what medication you can take if you experience chronic heartburn.
Symptoms: Constant chest pain, breath shortness, sweating, sore throat, and hoarse voice
What To Do:
- Chew on sugarless gum
- Eat small meals frequently
- Add almonds to your pregnancy diet
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
- Wear loose-fitting maternity clothing
- Sit or stand after a meal
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus; they are usually a result of constipation during pregnancy. They can be treated with a cream. Consult your healthcare provider for a cream or other solution.
Symptoms: Bleeding, painful bowel movements, itching, burning, swelling
What To Do:
- Eat a diet full of fiber-rich foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Move around as much as you can
- Pass a bowel movement as soon as you feel it coming
- Avoid long periods of sitting on the toilet
- Perform Kegel exercises to strengthen muscles
Edema
Edema is swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands. This happens due to fluid retention and more blood in your body during pregnancy. Try to rest with your feet elevated, and know that it will disappear after your delivery.
What To Do:
- Reduce sodium, caffeine, and salt intake
- Increase potassium intake
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Wear high-stretch maternity leggings to help relieve swelling in the legs
- Indulge in pregnancy-friendly exercises
- Elevate your feet often and rest
- Take short walks multiple times a day
These are some of everyday pregnancy problems, most of which are treatable or will disappear shortly after the delivery. Other problems include headaches, diarrhea, vaginal discharge, and Sciatica pain. You may or may not suffer from any pregnancy problems. If you are one of the lucky ones, enjoy your problem-free pregnancy while it lasts. For the rest of you, take care of the problems that do show up to avoid discomfort. And remember, it’s only temporary.
