Pregnancy is an exciting period, but it can also take a toll on your body. You'll be in for a lot of changes, some of which will cause discomforts and inconveniences. When will you know if what you're feeling becomes a cause for concern?
Regular checkups and routine monitoring are crucial to ensure that your complaints are nothing serious for you and the baby. It also helps to familiarize yourself with these common pregnancy discomforts and how to deal with them so you don’t feel anxious every time you experience them.
1. Morning sickness
Probably the most common among all of them, morning sickness is an unpleasant symptom that you have a bun in the oven. The term is misleading as nausea and vomiting can actually strike at any time of the day—if you’re hungry, stressed out, or even smelled something you did not like.
Worry not, as it can be managed. It can be lessened with proper diet, enough rest, and support from family and friends. For your diet, try to avoid spicy and fried food and avoid drinking and eating too much in one go, as they may worsen your vomiting. Have frequent small meals and drinks and eat only healthy snacks. Also try avoiding food with smells that can trigger your morning sickness.
2. Fatigue
You’re just halfway through the day, and you are already exhausted and don’t have the energy to go on with your day. It’s normal, mama. Your body is going through a lot of changes and it’s working harder now more than ever. Take it easy and get the rest your body needs by clocking more Zzzs. In other words, prioritize rest and sleep.
3. Backache
During pregnancy, your body has to make some adjustments not only to give space for your baby but to prepare you for childbirth as well. Your center of gravity is pulled forward, and this can put a strain on your back.
To lessen the pain, avoid lifting heavy objects and always protect your back. Wear flat shoes, always sit with your back straight and observe good posture, don’t sit or stand for a long period, and get enough rest. There are also exercises that can help relieve the pain, including walking and aqua aerobics. Massages can help, too.
4. Frequent urination
This may be one of the most annoying discomforts during your first trimester and at the tailend of your pregnancy. The volume of fluids running through your kidney doubles during pregnancy, hence your trips to the bathroom become more frequent. While hydration is important, you can try reducing your water intake before going to bed. You should also cut back on your tea or coffee intake as drinks with caffeine increase your chances of urinating.
5. Constipation
Hormone changes can affect how food is being processed by your body, causing changes in digestion and bowel movements. Drink lots of water and maintain a high-fiber diet that helps your digestive system function properly, so that waste can pass through more easily.
6. Bloated and gassy feeling
If you feel like you’re bloated or you are passing gas too often, it’s the pregnancy hormone progesterone that is responsible for this puffy phenomenon. Again, hydrating and eating plenty of fiber are the solutions to this problem. So is consuming smaller meals to prevent your digestive system from getting overloaded and overworked.
7. Night sweats
With drastic hormonal changes, your body’s temperature is likely to go up and you experience night sweats. Your increasing weight is a culprit, too. Hence, maintaining a healthy weight is of utmost importance. Stay in areas with enough ventilation and drink plenty of water.
8. Hemorrhoids
The increased pressure on the rectum and perineum causes this unwelcome problem in some pregnant women. Key solutions include avoiding constipation and prolonged standing or sitting.
9. Breast pain
Pregnant women usually experience tender and firm breasts and darkening of nipples before they give birth. These happen when your milk glands become larger. To address the discomfort, make sure to wear a well-fitted bra that provides enough support. Your breasts might become bigger as your pregnancy progresses. When a fluid leaks, put a nursing pad in each of your bra cups to absorb it.
This article does not provide medical advice, it is intended for informational purposes only. The article is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
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