Common Discomforts and Solutions

During pregnancy, the body goes through many changes. Aside from changes in weight and form, your body's chemicals and function also change. Your heart beats faster, your body temperature rises a little, you produce more mucus, your joints and muscles become more flexible, and your hormones change.

Mood swings are common due to hormonal changes, fatigue, and concerns about sexuality, income, body image, marriage, and parenthood.

These are some of the most common pregnancy discomforts, along with some tips on how to deal with them.

Abdominal Pain

If you have sharp pains or cramps in your abdomen because your muscles and joints are stretched, rest or take a warm bath or shower. Your abdominal muscles will get stronger and more toned if you work out regularly. After the first trimester, be careful not to perform exercises where you lie on your back for more than a few minutes at a time. This could cut off blood flow to your growing baby.

Backache

Eat right and work out to keep your weight gain under control. If possible, avoid taking painkillers. Instead, put a warm pad on your back to ease the pain. Back pain can also be relieved by routines that strengthen your abdominal muscles. To support your abdomen, try a pregnancy belt or a stretchy band. Don't wear high heels. Instead, wear shoes or shoe inserts made just for pregnant women.

Do not stand for long amounts of time. While standing, stand up straight. To ease back issues while sleeping, make sure your mattress is firm. You might feel better if you lie on your side with a pillow between your legs.

Breast Discomfort

Breasts tend to feel sore during pregnancy. Invest in a comfortable, supportive bra to find some relief. If your breasts are leaking, using nursing pads might be a good idea.

Breathlessness

Some breathlessness is normal. Try to keep your weight gain within the prescribed range and practice proper posture, particularly while sitting. Sleep on your side, ideally your left side, not your back.

Constipation

Dietary fibre from fresh fruit, vegetables, whole-grain cereals and breads, and dried fruit may help keep stools soft and bowel motions regular. Avoid using over-the-counter laxatives. Fibre or stool-softening agents may be useful. Try psyllium (Plantago psyllium), a natural bulking agent. Make sure you drink a lot of water and work out often.

Contractions

After the 20th week of pregnancy, mild, painless movements of the uterus usually start. If they feel too uncomfortable, try moving around. If you start having regular contractions, you should call your doctor.

Cystitis (Bladder Infection)

If your bladder hurts when you urinate or at other times, you should see a doctor. Women who are pregnant are more likely to get and be seriously impacted by bladder diseases than women who are not pregnant. Sexual activity can cause a lot of bladder diseases. Remember to go to the bathroom right away after having sex and keep an eye out for signs. A daily drink or two of unsweetened cranberry juice may help keep you from getting urinary tract infections.

Dizziness and Faintness

Take your time getting out of bed or standing up. Postural hypotension is when you feel dizzy when you stand up too quickly after sitting or lying down. If you feel dizzy, you should sit down right away. If you feel dizzy in a crowd, get out of there and get some fresh air. If you can, lie on your left side or sit with your head between your knees. Drink a lot of water during the day.

Fatigue

A good night's sleep is important. Also, rest your feet by elevating them for at least 15 minutes several times a day.

Headaches

Every day, make sure you get enough rest, food, and hydration by consuming at least six glasses of water. Don't take aspirin or any other over-the-counter medicines. Try yoga or meditation instead to help you deal with stress. You could also soak in hot water with a cold pack on your face.

Heartburn

Stay away from heavy meals and foods that are acidic, hot, greasy, or sweet. Eat bland foods that are high in fibre, drink a lot of water, and work out every day. Some of your symptoms may get better if you eat small meals often. After eating, avoid lying down right away. If your symptoms do not improve, antacids may help.

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids can occur because of the extra blood in your body and the additional pressure on the blood vessels in your hips during pregnancy. Haemorrhoids generally go away after giving birth. For loose stools, consume a lot of fibre, drink a lot of water, and don't strain when you go to the bathroom. If you're in pain or burning, try a warm sitz bath, an ice pack, or a cloth that has been soaked in witch hazel. Kegel movements, which work the pelvic muscles, can make the blood flow better in that area.

Leg Pains and Cramps

During the day, wear a support hose and try to keep your feet elevated if you can. Put a warm pad on the back of your thigh or give it a light rub to ease your pain.

If you have a leg cramp, sit up straight, bend your ankle and toes slowly, and massage your calf. You can also soak your leg in hot water. Putting your foot against the bedboard or wearing socks to bed may help you avoid getting night cramps. If your cramps don't go away, talk to your doctor about taking calcium or magnesium tablets.

Morning Sickness

During the first three months of pregnancy, you may feel sick at any time of the day. Instead of three big meals, try eating a lot of small meals spread out. Limit the amount of sweets and fatty foods you eat and eat a lot of protein and complex carbs. Eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies, which are high in water, and drink a lot of water.

Mouth and Gum Discomfort

Your teeth may need extra care while you're pregnant, so make sure you go to the dentist for your usual checkup and cleaning. At least twice a day, brush your teeth and mouth, and floss every day.

Nasal Congestion or Nosebleeds

When you go to sleep, use a humidifier. This can also prevent nosebleeds. Decongestant nose sprays can make blood vessels narrow, so stay away from them.

Numbness

When you sleep, don't lie on your hands. Shake your hands over the side of the bed if they feel numb when you wake up. If your hand feels numb, soaking it in warm water or using a heating pad twice a day might help. You could also try wearing a wrist splint.

Sleep Problems and Insomnia

Women who are pregnant often have trouble sleeping at night and feel tired during the day. During the first trimester, morning sickness and having to go to the bathroom a lot may make it hard to sleep. As the pregnancy goes on, intense thoughts and physical pain may keep you from falling asleep deeply. After giving birth, a mother may have trouble sleeping due to her postpartum depression or waking up multiple times to take care of the baby.

Women who are pregnant and have trouble sleeping may feel better after taking a warm (not hot) bath before bed, napping in the afternoon, or having warm milk. It might also help to work out during the day.

Leg Swelling

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can lead to leg swelling, so keep an eye on your weight gain. Wear a support hose and don't stand for long amounts of time to keep your legs and feet from swelling. You can buy shoe pads made just for pregnant women or wear shoes that fit well and provide sufficient support. Hydration is key here, so remember to drink enough water.

Taste Changes

You might not want to eat some foods but start to crave others, especially sweets. In the meantime, some iron pills can make your mouth taste bad. Talk to your doctor if this bothers you or use mouthwash all the time. Other things that can get rid of bad taste are chewing gum, mints, and hard sweets.

Urination Problems

If you have stress incontinence, which means you leak a little urine when you cough, sneeze, or laugh, kegel techniques can help. You could also use a pad. When you urinate, leaning forward helps you get rid of all the urine.

Vaginal Discharge or Itching

During pregnancy, it is normal to have a thin, mild-smelling fluid. If you need to, use sanitary pads. Do not douche. If you see any red or brown fluid, you should call your doctor right away.

Medically approved by Dr Rani Koppula, DGO at MS General Surgery, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad