- thecolumbusdoula
Pregnancy Discomforts & Reliefs
Updated: Aug 8, 2019
The moment you look at the stick with 2 pink lines or read the word "pregnant," you are consumed with excitement, joy and anticipation. What is running through your head are things like how you're going to tell friends & family the big news, when you should start buying maternity clothes, wondering what the gender will be and googling "due date calculator." And then usually days or weeks later it hits you.... the beginning of all the symptoms, pains and discomforts you will face for the next 35-40 weeks.
More googling, questions for your doctor & counting down the days until your feet will no longer be swollen.
Below you will find a compilation of common discomforts, ailments, pains, symptoms you might feel during pregnancy, the reason behind them & the RELIEFS.
Enjoy!
Backache
Reason: Balance change; center of gravity is pulled forward/straightening back, pelvic joints begin to loosen in preparation for childbirth
Relief: Try not to stand in one position for too long, an exercise called pelvic rock can help alleviate back pain and strengthen lower back muscles, elevate feet on a stool while sitting
Sore breasts
Reason: Milk glands enlarge and the fat tissue enlarges, causing breast firmness and tenderness
Relief: Wear a good support bra that will make you feel more comfortable, wear a bra during the night, get a bigger bra as breasts become larger and fuller
Shortness of breath
Reason: Increased upward pressure from the uterus and changes in physiologic lung function
Relief: When walking, slow down and rest, raise your arms above your head, avoid lying flat on your back
Nausea
Reason: Change in hormone levels
Relief: Eat small small frequent meals, avoid greasy/high-fat foods, drink carbonated beverages, peppermint, spearmint, chamomile teas, eat high protein snack before bed, limit coffee consumption, consume dry starch foods (crackers) before getting out of bed
Vomiting
Reason: Change in hormone levels
Relief: Eat small frequent meals, avoid greasy/high-fat foods, drink carbonated beverages, peppermint, spearmint, chamomile teas, eat high protein snack before bed, limit coffee consumption, consume dry starch foods (crackers) before getting out of bed
Heartburn
Reason: Pressure on the intestines and stomach which pushes stomach contents back up into esophagus
Relief: Eat smaller meals throughout day, avoid lying down shortly after eating
Gas
Reason: Increased levels of progesterone- a hormone that causes the muscles throughout your body to relax, causing your digestion to slow down
Relief: Avoid fatty foods, avoid carbohydrate drinks, focus on smaller meals throughout the day, drink from a glass with a straw, exercise, limit or avoid artificial sweeteners, drink a lot of water, eat slowly
Constipation
Reason: Low-fiber diet, minimal physical exercise, worry, anxiety or hormones that relax the intestinal muscle and by the pressure of the expanding uterus on the intestines
Relief: Increase amount of fiber in diet (fruits, raw vegetables, whole grains, nuts), drink a lot of fluids, exercise, eat prunes or figs, exercise
Hemorrhoids
Reason: Increased pressure on the rectum and perineum, increased blood volume, being constipated
Relief: Witch hazel or tucks pads, prevent constipation by maintaining a diet that is high in fluids and fiber, avoid laxatives
Bleeding Gums
Reason: Increase in blood flow
Relief: Take care of teeth & gums, regular checkups to dentist
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Reason: Uterine muscles contract (tighten) -irregular infrequent contractions
Relief: Try to relax, change positions
Headache
Reason: Change in hormone levels
Relief: Rest, proper nutrition, adequate fluid intake
Fatigue
Reason: Body is working overtime to provide a nourishing environment for the fetus, blood volume and other fluids increase as body adjusts to pregnancy, possibly anemia
Relief: Get as much sleep and rest as you can, short naps, pace yourself, balance activity with rest, exercise boosts energy level
Itching skin
Reason: Blood supply to the skin increases or as your abdomen stretches, it can become itchy as well
Relief: Regularly apply unscented lotion or moisturizer, wear clothing loose so it doesn’t irritate skin, wear clothing made of natural fibers (cotton) & because they are breathable
Leg cramps
Reason: Pressure from growing uterus
Relief: Increase intake of calcium, while in bed stretch with your heels pointed, not toes during cramp, massage the cramp or apply heat
Moodiness
Reason: Physical stress, fatigue, changes in metabolism or hormones estrogen and progesterone
Relief: Get plenty of sleep, take a break during the day to relax, get exercise, eat well, spend time with partner, take a nap, go for a walk, don’t be hard on yourself
Sleeplessness
Reason: Difficult to find a comfortable position, anxious about labor & all the things on “to do list”
Relief: Warm bath, massage, hot drink before bed, use extra pillows, lying on left side
Round ligament stretching/cramping
Reason: As the baby and womb grows, the round ligament stretches, making it more likely to become strained
Relief: Exercise, avoid sudden movements, flex your hips, apply warmth
Stretch marks
Reason: Rapid increase in weight
Relief: Control weight, stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet, apply a stretch mark oil or cream, massage your skin
Varicose Veins
Reason: Increase pressure on the legs & pelvic veins & increased blood volume
Relief: Avoid sitting or standing in same position for long time, avoid wearing high heels, get regular exercise, wear support hose, avoid crossing your legs while sitting, elevate your legs, sleep on your left side, reduce sodium intake, drink a lot of water
Vaginitis
Reason: Inflammation of the vagina
Relief: Oral medications, wear loose/breathable (cotton) underwear, cream
Swelling
Reason: Pressure from growing uterus on the blood vessels carrying blood from the lower body causes fluid retention
Relief: Lying on side, elevating legs, wearing support hose, wearing comfortable shoes, do not be on feet for long periods of time, drink plenty of fluids
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