Introduction:
During pregnancy, our body deals with several challenges. The changes taking place in our body can sometimes cause discomfort or irritation and make us more concerned about it. There is a rare need for alarm, but it is important to mention it to the maternity team whenever something is worrying you. The following are the common health problems that are faced by women during pregnancy.
Constipation in Pregnancy
Pregnant women more often get constipated due to the hormonal changes in the body, and they become constipated mainly during the early phases of pregnancy. In order to prevent constipation, follow the tips below.
a) Eat foods that are rich in fiber, such as,
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Wholemeal bread.
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Cereals.
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Fruits.
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Vegetables.
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Pulses such as beans and lentils.
b) Practice regular exercise to keep the muscles toned and stimulate bowel movements.
c) Drink a lot of water to help prevent dehydration.
d) Consider taking iron supplements because it makes you more constipated, and so ask your doctor whether you can either manage without taking iron supplements or can change to a different type of drug.
Cramps in Pregnancy
Cramps are sudden, sharp pain that usually develops in the feet or calf muscles. It most commonly occurs at night during the second and third trimesters. The exact cause of cramps in pregnancy is unknown, but it can be prevented in the following ways:
a) Practice regular gentle exercises in pregnancy, especially the ankle and leg movements. It helps to improve blood circulation and may help prevent cramps.
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Bend and stretch the feet 30 times up and down.
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Rotate the foot 8 times one way (clockwise) and the other way (counter clockwise), and repeat the same with the other foot.
b) Pain associated with cramps can be eased by pulling the toes hard up towards the ankle or hardly rubbing the muscles.
c) Choose proper footwear or shoes that provide support, comfort, and utility in mind.
d) During pregnancy, reduced calcium levels in the blood contribute to leg cramps. So, all women, including pregnant women, should take 1000 milligrams of calcium a day.
Feeling Faint in Pregnancy
Due to hormonal changes, women may feel faint during pregnancy. Fainting occurs when the brain is not getting enough blood and oxygen. Pregnant women are most likely to feel faint when they stand up too quickly out of a bath or from a chair, but it can also happen when lying on the back. The following are some tips to help avoid feeling faint. They are:
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Getting up slowly after lying down or sitting.
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When you feel like fainting while standing, find a seat quickly but when it does not subside, lie down on your side.
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When you feel like fainting while lying on the back, turn onto the side.
It is better to sleep on the side in later pregnancy or during labor. Avoid sleeping on the back after 28 weeks of pregnancy because it has been linked to a great risk of still birth.
Feeling Hot in Pregnancy
It is normal to feel warmer than usual at the time of pregnancy. This is due to an increase in blood supply to the skin and hormonal fluctuations. Also, at this time, you are more likely to sweat. It would be beneficial if you:
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Keep the room cool.
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Wear loose clothing made of natural fibers because they are more breathable and absorbent than synthetic fibers.
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Wash your face frequently to help you feel fresh.
Incontinence in Pregnancy
A common problem during and after pregnancy is incontinence. Pregnant women cannot prevent a sudden spurt of pee when they laugh, sneeze, cough, suddenly move, or get up from a sitting position.
All these are temporary because the muscles around the bladder (pelvic floor muscles) relax slightly to prepare for the delivery, and there are exercises that help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. In most cases, incontinence is curable and when you experience any problem, talk to the doctor or health care provider.
Varicose Veins in Pregnancy
The veins that have become swollen are called varicose veins. They could be uncomfortable but are not harmful and mostly affect the leg veins. Also, varicose veins occur in the vaginal opening, but they usually get better after delivery. When you have varicose veins, follow the below tips:
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Do not stand for a long time.
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Avoid sitting with your legs crossed.
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Try not to become overweight, as this increases the pressure.
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The leg which has varicose veins should be kept up as often as possible and whenever you feel discomfort.
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Compression tights, which are easily available at most pharmacies, can be used. They will not prevent varicose veins but can help ease the symptoms.
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Try to sleep with the legs elevated above the level of the body and use pillows under ankles or under the foot.
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Regular foot and other antenatal exercises, like walking and swimming, will help with good blood circulation.
Passing Stools Often in Pregnancy
Passing stools often start in early pregnancy and sometimes continue until the baby is born. During the later stages of pregnancy, it is caused when the baby's head is pressing on the bladder. Try not to have drinks in the late evening. But, make sure to drink plenty of caffeine-free, non-alcoholic drinks during the day to stay hydrated.
When there is any pain while passing stools or when it is accompanied by the blood, it might be a sign of urinary infection, which needs treatment. To reduce pain and dilute the stool, drink plenty of water. Reach the general practitioner within 24 hours of noticing these symptoms. Before taking medicines, ask the doctor or pharmacist whether it is safe to take during pregnancy.
Conclusion:
Being pregnant will have both physical and mental changes, but many of these health changes last only during the pregnancy time. There are various pregnancy classes where both the expectant mother and father are prepared to manage the basic symptoms such as back pain, fatigue, nausea, etc. It is always better to discuss with your doctor when certain health problems create continuous discomfort.
