Common Pregnancy Problems
All pregnant women will agree that the first few months ofpregnancy are unpleasant, to say the least. You may experiencemorning sickness, swelling in the legs and ankles, abdominalpains 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 SicknessMorning sickness is probably the most common of the pregnancysymptoms. Don't be fooled; morning sickness nausea will come atany time of the day, not just in the morning. To help preventnausea in the morning, wake up slowly. Try eating some plaincrackers or dry cereal before getting out of bed. Avoid warmplaces; heat can increase nauseas feelings. Keep fresh airflowing by opening windows, or turning on exhaust fans. Cookingthings in the microwave will emit fewer odors than cooking inthe oven or stovetop. Eat something salty before meals, avoidgreasy or spicy foods, and try not to drink fluids with yourmeals. Spread your meals out throughout the day, into about 6smaller meals. Try taking your prenatals later in the day, andask your doctor about vitamin B6 and ginger supplements. Sippingon fizzy water with lemon in it, or non-caffeinated teas likepeppermint and ginger can help calm nausea.Abdominal Pain or CrampsThere are many changes going on in your body. A lot of stress isbeing 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, trystrengthening your abdominal muscles. Talk to your doctor to find out which kinds of exercises are best for you.SwellingThroughout your pregnancy, you may experience some swelling.Wearing support hose can help to control your weight gain inyour legs and ankles. Avoid standing for long periods of time.Wear well- fitting shoes, or buy inserts designed especially forpregnant women. Avoid diuretics, as these will lead to increasedswelling. Stay off your feet as much as possible, and elevateyour legs when sitting. Lying down is even better than sitting.ConstipationTo 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.FatigueFatigue 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 anextra 300 calories per day. Iron deficiency is a leading causeof fatigue, so be sure to get enough. Although it may seemcounter-productive, fatigue can often be relieved by exercising.Exercise will be refreshing and will leave you feeling energized.HeartburnMany of the remedies associated with nausea will also help youdeal with heartburn. In addition, chew fennel or papaya enzymes,and avoid wearing tight clothing.Bladder ProblemsBladder problems can be among the most bothersome of pregnancyrelated 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 3glasses of cranberry juice every day, and take a vitamin Csupplement.Some women get more problems than others, but they generally geta little easier during the second trimester. In general, justmake sure to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, get someexercise regularly, eat a well balanced diet,
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