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Pregnancy is truly a miraculous time in any woman’s life, but it comes with its fair share of common discomforts of pregnancy and health irregularities. Understanding these discomforts and staying one step ahead of them is important for expectant mothers. In this blog, we’ll explore common discomforts of pregnancy and relief measures.
First Trimester
This is a time of dramatic changes happening in your body. A completely new and alien experience for first-time mothers. The following discomforts in pregnancy (first trimester) are among the most common:
i) Morning Sickness
Although it’s been called morning sickness since forever, this can happen at any time of the day. Almost 80% of women experience nausea and vomiting as a major discomfort of pregnancy. Hormonal changes, particularly the rise in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen, are largely to blame.
What to do when experiencing morning sickness?
- Eat small portions of food, but frequently to keep blood sugar levels stable.
- Bland foods can help- such as crackers and plain toast.
- To reduce nausea, have some ginger tea or other ginger-centric foods.
- Drink electrolytes if you’re vomiting frequently.
ii) Body Fatigue
The early stages of pregnancy are when your body creates the placenta. Your body produces more blood to supply the placenta and fetal circulation, which makes your heart work harder. This is why women in early pregnancy are almost always tired. Your blood sugar levels and blood pressure also go for a toss during this time, making the body feel fatigued all the time. It’s also common to feel a little anxious because of all the hormonal changes going on in your body.
What to do when experiencing body fatigue?
- Sleep is the best medicine in this regard. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep per night.
- Additionally, try squeezing in short naps in the daytime.
- A protein-rich and complex carb diet will help you go a long way.
- Hydration is of utmost importance.
- Incorporate a light exercise routine or prenatal yoga sessions.
iii) Mood Swings
This is a tricky one to navigate. Some pregnant women feel a rush of varying emotions, all at once. Anxiety, joy, fear, and excitement- all back to back within a short period of time, and husbands and family members are mostly confused. Well, mood swings can be pretty normal and have to be taken care of with love and care. It’s due to the sea of hormonal fluctuations, particularly progesterone, that causes these mood swings.
What to do when experiencing mood swings?
- Open and safe communication with family and friends can really help put you in a better, more stable mood.
- Meditation and yoga can put your mind at ease.
- Speak to a healthcare professional if mood swings become overwhelming.
iv) Breast Tenderness
Your body is preparing your breasts for milk production in this stage of the pregnancy. The levels of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin increase after conception, which stimulates the mammary glands and prepares them for breastfeeding. This is why, in some cases, a little tenderness or swelling of the breasts is felt by mothers.
What to do when experiencing breast tenderness?
- Opt for a well-fitting and supportive choice of bra.
- A warm or cold pack can be applied for relief.
- Wear clothes that are soft and loose to avoid irritation.
Second Trimester
Also known as the ‘honeymoon phase’ of pregnancy, the second trimester is a time when most of your previous discomforts fade away and you start getting used to bodily changes. Having said that, other discomforts related to physical growth can emerge. You’re likely to have increased energy and sleep better.
Some new discomforts can be:
i) Back Pain
The mother’s centre of gravity of the body shifts as your baby grows inside the womb. This can start straining your back. About 50-70% of pregnant women experience back pain in the later stages of this trimester. Back pain can also be associated with a lack of good posture when the body changes in this trimester and the abrupt weight gain of the baby.
What to do when experiencing back pain?
- Consciously correct your posture at all times by standing up straight with your shoulders flared back.
- Wear ergonomic and supportive shoes.
- Sometimes a doctor may recommend a pregnancy support belt to reduce the strain.
- An exercise routine such as prenatal yoga, swimming, and pelvic tilts may help with back pain.
ii) Round Ligament Pain
The ligaments that support your growing uterus are stretched during this trimester resulting in sharp or dull pain at either side of the abdomen. Hormones cause the ligaments to loosen, and as the baby grows, the uterus expands. This stretching can cause the ligaments to spasm, resulting in pain.
What to do when experiencing round ligament pain?
- Avoid sudden movements. Change your position slowly.
- Gentle exercises and daily stretches can improve flexibility.
- Opt for a belly band to support the uterus. —- Alien concept in India.
- Consult your doctor if the pain becomes severe.
iii) Heartburn and Indigestion
During massive hormonal and physiological changes in the body, heartburn and indigestion can be a pesky side effect. The growing uterus presses on the stomach and the hormone progesterone relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract. These cause acid reflux.
What to do when experiencing – heartburn and indigestion
- Eat smaller, nutritious meals. Avoid lying down immediately after eating.
- Avoid having spicy, acidic, or fried foods.
- Use pillows to incline yourself while sleeping.
- Consult your doctor and opt for an antacid. These are fairly easily available.
iv) Swelling (Edema)
There is a lot of new pressure on your veins due to increased blood flow. This causes fluid retention in the legs, ankles, and feet during this trimester, which eventually results in swelling. This is still a minor discomfort during pregnancy.
What to do when experiencing swelling?
- Keep your feet in an elevated position while lying down or sitting.
- Wear compression stockings that help improve blood circulation.
- Say no to salt and yes to more water.
- A daily walk can help reduce swelling.
Third Trimester
The final stretch of your pregnancy. This is a physically demanding period because your baby has reached full term. Your discomforts may increase but given the right care and precautions, it can be a smooth time.
Some discomforts can be:
i) Shortness of Breath
The baby in this trimester pushes up against your diaphragm. This may cause slight difficulties when breathing deeply.
What to do when experiencing shortness of breath?
- Give your lungs more room to expand by maintaining a proper posture.
- Deep breathing exercises to enhance lung capacity.
- Avoid exerting your body too much at this time.
The Urge to Frequently Urinate
This is one of the most common problems during pregnancy. The full-grown baby’s pressure on the bladder results in frequent bathroom trips, which can interrupt your sleep and daily activities.
What to do when experiencing the frequent urge to urinate?
- Avoid having beverages close to bedtime.
- Perform pelvic or kegel exercises to strengthen bladder control.
ii) Leg Cramps
Poor blood circulation due to inactivity, fatigue, and a dehydrated body cause leg cramps, especially at night time in the third trimester.
What to do when experiencing leg cramps?
- Stretching calves before going to bed can help in preventing cramps.
- Magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds can help you stay ahead of these cramps.
- Hydration can avoid cramps.
- Gentle massages and warm baths can also help relax the muscles.
iii) Insomnia
An almost-mother will have many sleepless nights. As the due date approaches, anxiety, physical discomfort, and hormonal changes can disrupt sleep. This is what majorly contributes in feeling uncomfortable during pregnancy in the third trimester.
What to do when experiencing insomnia?
- Try to create a calming bedtime routine, incorporating a warm relaxing bath or exercises that help you relax.
- Use pillows to support your back, hips, and belly.
- Limit screen time and say no to caffeine.
- If anxiety is a factor, try journaling or meditation to calm your mind.
Despite the array of discomforts, every pregnancy is an exciting journey. Try listening to your body, and understanding its and the baby’s needs, and you’ll have a memorable time. Each pregnancy is unique, and with it comes new experiences and stories to tell. While discomforts are inevitable, understanding their causes and learning how to manage them can make the experience more enjoyable.
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