 |
Common discomforts during pregnancy
 Backache
| Possible causes |
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- Softening of ligaments and joints (caused by normal hormonal changes during pregnancy)
- Overweight
- Poor mattress
- Poor posture
|
| Relief measures |
- Get off your feet. If you have to stand for a long time, stand on one foot and alternate as needed. Wear low-heeled (not flat) shoes with good support.
- Maintain good posture.
- Sit in chairs with good back support or use a small pillow for your lower back.
- Try rocking on your hands and knees.
- Avoid excessive bending, lifting or walking. Use proper form when lifting.
- Apply a heating pad, water bottle or cold compress.
- Sleep on your side. Use pillows or cushions for support.
- Buy an abdominal support garment (such as a brace v2 supporter) to alleviate pelvic pressure in advanced pregnancy.
|
Fatigue
| Possible causes |
- Lack of sleep, waking often to use the bathroom
- Anemia (when your body has fewer red blood cells and less oxygen, making you weak. It is a common condition during pregnancy that needs treatment).
|
| Relief measures |
- Rest often during the day. Take breaks at work: morning, midday and afternoon.
- Include a nap in your daily routine, when possible.
- Go for a brisk walk each day. A walk or other exercise will increase your energy level.
- Take a warm bath before bed.
- Try to do relaxing activities, such as reading, listening to music or taking a bath, between your evening meal and bedtime.
- Use pillows to help find a comfortable position.
- Try progressive relaxation (tensing, then relaxing the muscles throughout your body).
- Reduce the amount of fluid you drink after dinner. Try to drink eight glasses of fluid before this time.
- Work with your provider to keep track of the amount of iron in your blood. Include iron-rich foods in your diet and take prescribed supplements.
|
Pelvic discomfort or pain
| Possible cause |
|
|
| Relief measures |
- Rest often. Take breaks during the day. Lie down when possible.
- Try sleeping on your side with one leg forward and one back, as if running. Use a pillow under the upper leg for support.
- Soak in a warm tub. Place a heating pad on the affected area.
- Wear a maternity support, (such as a sacroiliac maternity belt), to alleviate pelvic pressure in advanced pregnancy.
- Exercise. Pelvic rock, yoga, swimming and water exercise can help reduce pressure on your pelvis.
- Rehabilitation services can help with pelvic pain if no other measures are effective.
|
Heartburn
| Possible causes |
- Increased pressure on stomach from growing uterus
- Hormones relax muscular opening to the stomach, which allows stomach acid to back up into the throat.
|
| Relief measures |
- Eat several small meals each day rather than a few larger ones.
- Avoid or limit fried, fatty or spicy foods and other foods that may cause discomfort (chocolate, coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages).
- Eat slowly and avoid lying down right after meals.
- Raise the head of your bed or use pillows and cushions to keep your head elevated.
- Talk to your provider about using antacids.
|
Constipation
| Possible causes |
- Progesterone relaxing the digestive system
- Decreased physical activity
- Pressure on intestines from the enlarging uterus
- Change in diet
- Iron supplements
|
| Relief measures |
- Drink plenty of liquids (eight to 10, 8-ounce glasses per day). Try prune juice or other high-fiber juices.
- Eat high-fiber foods such as raw fruits, vegetables, beans, whole-grain bread and bran cereal.
- Exercise. Activity aids your digestive system.
- Ask your doctor, nurse practitioner or certified nurse-midwife about other ways to relieve constipation.
|
Hemorrhoids (varicose veins in the rectal area)
| Possible causes |
- Extra blood in the pelvic area and pressure from the baby
|
| Relief measures |
- Prevent constipation (see above).
- Keep your weight within the limits suggested by your doctor, nurse practitioner or certified nurse-midwife.
- Move around to shift the weight of your uterus off these veins.
- Apply ice packs or gauze pads soaked with witch hazel (Tucks® pads). Ask your provider about other medications.
- Soak in a warm bath a few times each day.
- Rest in bed with hips and legs elevated. This will reduce some of the pressure the baby is putting on the hemorrhoids.
|
Leg cramps
| Possible causes |
- Fatigue in calf muscles
- Pressure on nerves to the leg
- Impaired circulation
- Fluid buildup in the legs
- Mineral imbalance (too little calcium or too much phosphorus)
|
| Relief measures |
- Avoid pointing toes or standing on tiptoes.
- Avoid curling toes.
- Relieve a calf cramp by straightening your leg and slowly flexing ankle and toes upward.
- Relieve a foot cramp by pulling your toes up toward your shin.
- Talk to your doctor, nurse practitioner or certified nurse-midwife about adjusting your calcium or phosphorus intake.
|
Numbness or tingling in arms or hands
| Possible causes |
- Pressure of excess tissue fluid on nerves in the arms and wrists
- Pregnancy may increase carpal tunnel symptoms
|
| Relief measures |
- Use different positions and pillows and cushions to avoid sleeping on arms or hands.
- Place hands on shoulders and rotate elbows to do shoulder circles.
- Raise one arm and stretch upward. Wiggle fingers for a count of five. Repeat with the other arm. Do several times each day.
- Talk to your doctor, nurse practitioner or certified nurse-midwife about carpal tunnel syndrome.
|
Aching legs or swollen ankles
| Possible causes |
- Standing or sitting for long periods of time
- Pressure of the uterus on blood vessels
|
| Relief measures |
- Walk, swim or use a stationary bike several times a week.
- When sitting, rotate your feet and ankles in a circle. Do not cross your legs at the knees.
- Elevate legs periodically.
- Wear support stockings. Put them on before you get out of bed, when there is the least amount of swelling.
|
Dizziness or light-headedness
| Possible causes |
- Pressure of uterus on large abdominal blood vessels
- Decreased blood sugar
- Anemia
|
| Relief measures |
- Do not lie on your back or stand for long periods of time.
- Avoid sudden changes in posture or positions. Always stand up slowly.
- Eat nutritious foods and include protein throughout the day. Do not skip meals.
- Drink enough fluids (about 10 cups each day).
- Stay in cool, well-ventilated areas. Get fresh air if needed.
|
|
|
|
About Us
Pregnancy, Childbirth
Printer Friendly
