Common Pregnancy
Problems
by: Susan Tanner
All pregnant
women will agree that the first few months
of pregnancy are unpleasant, to say the
least. You may experience morning sickness,
swelling in the legs and ankles, abdominal
pains and cramps, heartburn, constipation,
fatigue, bladder problems, and a myriad of
problems in between. The goal of this
article is to help you deal with these
issues and feel better.
Morning
Sickness
Morning
sickness is probably the most common of the
pregnancy symptoms. Don't be fooled; morning
sickness nausea will come at any time of the
day, not just in the morning. To help
prevent nausea in the morning, wake up
slowly. Try eating some plain crackers or
dry cereal before getting out of bed. Avoid
warm places; heat can increase nauseas
feelings. Keep fresh air flowing by opening
windows, or turning on exhaust fans. Cooking
things in the microwave will emit fewer
odors than cooking in the oven or stovetop.
Eat something salty before meals, avoid
greasy or spicy foods, and try not to drink
fluids with your meals. Spread your meals
out throughout the day, into about 6 smaller
meals. Try taking your prenatals later in
the day, and ask your doctor about vitamin
B6 and ginger supplements. Sipping on fizzy
water with lemon in it, or non-caffeinated
teas like peppermint and ginger can help
calm nausea.
Abdominal Pain
or Cramps
There are many
changes going on in your body. A lot of
stress is being put on your abdominal
muscles, which can cause sharp pains and
cramps. To relieve these pains, try using a
warm heating pad. To prevent these pains,
try strengthening your abdominal muscles.
Talk to your doctor to find out which kinds
of exercises are best for you.
Swelling
Throughout
your pregnancy, you may experience some
swelling. Wearing support hose can help to
control your weight gain in your legs and
ankles. Avoid standing for long periods of
time. Wear well-fitting shoes, or buy
inserts designed especially for pregnant
women. Avoid diuretics, as these will lead
to increased swelling. Stay off your feet as
much as possible, and elevate your legs when
sitting. Lying down is even better than
sitting.
Constipation
To combat
constipation, you should exercise regularly,
drink plenty of water, and eat lots of
fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables,
and whole grain cereals and breads.
Fatigue
Fatigue can
come from sleepless nights due to aches and
pains or vivid dreams, or simply from too
much stress. The most effective method for
dealing with fatigue is to get plenty of
rest. Take several naps during the day. Eat
a well balanced diet, including about an
extra 300 calories per day. Iron deficiency
is a leading cause of fatigue, so be sure to
get enough. Although it may seem
counter-productive, fatigue can often be
relieved by exercising. Exercise will be
refreshing and will leave you feeling
energized.
Heartburn
Many of the
remedies associated with nausea will also
help you deal with heartburn. In addition,
chew fennel or papaya enzymes, and avoid
wearing tight clothing.
Bladder
Problems
Bladder
problems can be among the most bothersome of
pregnancy related issues. First and
foremost, drink plenty of water. Avoid junk
food, refined starches, coffee, sugar, tea,
and foods high in acidic content. Avoid
using soap on your genitals. Be sure to
empty your bladder and wash with water after
intercourse. Wipe from front to back after
using the bathroom. Try to include cabbage,
leeks, and garlic in your diet, drink 3
glasses of cranberry juice every day, and
take a vitamin C supplement.
Some women get
more problems than others, but they
generally get a little easier during the
second trimester. In general, just make sure
to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of
water, get some exercise regularly, eat a
well balanced diet, and try to keep an
optimistic mindset.
