How to deal with discomfort during pregnancy

Pregnancy is different for every woman, so it is important to note that some of the conditions described in this article may never occur to you. It is best to consult with your OB/GYN regarding any pain or discomfort you experience during pregnancy.

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What's happening to the breasts?

Most pregnant women will feel their breasts changing, increasing in size as the mammary glands and fatty tissues grow. During the first few months of pregnancy, the breasts will become slightly swollen and tender. Blue veins may appear as the blood flow to the breasts increases. The nipples will swell and darken, and colostrum may be released from them. All of these changes are completely normal.

Adviсe:

• Wear supportive underwear
• Choose bras made from cotton and other natural fabrics
• Buy larger bras as your breasts grow. The underwear should fit well and not irritate your nipples. Buy special maternity underwear: it provides better support for your breasts and can be worn after giving birth.
• Try not to take off your underwear at night - this will reduce discomfort and provide support for your breasts.
• Place a cotton handkerchief or pad in your bra to absorb the colostrum. You can buy special pads at a pharmacy. Change the pads regularly to avoid skin irritation. Wash your breasts only with warm water, do not use soap or other similar products – they can dry out your skin.

Weakness

A growing baby requires a lot of energy, which often leads to a loss of strength in the mother. Weakness can also be a sign of anemia (low iron levels in the blood), which is common in many pregnant women.

Adviсe:

• Spend plenty of time resting, go to bed early and try to take naps during the day.
• Maintain your usual lifestyle, but try to reduce your activity level a little, balance rest and periods of activity.
• Do physical exercise daily.
• If you are concerned that you are suffering from anemia, consult your doctor. He or she will order a blood test.
  

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea is a result of hormonal changes and bothers a woman in the early stages of pregnancy, when the body gets used to the increased production of hormones. Nausea appears in the first months of pregnancy, but by the fourth month, as a rule, it passes. It most often bothers in the morning, when the stomach is still empty (morning sickness), or if the woman does not eat enough. Nausea can appear at any time of the day.

Adviсe:

• If nausea bothers you in the morning, eat dry foods before getting up – cereal, toast or crackers. Or try having a snack at night that contains a lot of protein – lean meat or cheese (protein takes a long time to digest).
• Eat small portions every 2-3 hours, do not divide your meals into three large portions. Eat slowly, chewing your food well.
• Drink fluids throughout the day, but avoid drinking large amounts of fluid at one time. Cool, clear fruit juices such as apple or grape juice are recommended.
• Avoid spicy, fried, and fatty foods.
• If nausea is caused by odors, eat foods at low or room temperature to avoid exposure to the odor.
• Consult your doctor about taking vitamin B6 and other medications.
• You should see a doctor if vomiting is severe or persistent, as it can lead to dehydration, which requires immediate treatment.

Frequent urination

In the first trimester, the growing uterus and fetus put pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination. This will happen again in the third trimester, when the fetal head drops down into the pelvic area before labor.

Adviсe:

• Do not wear tight underwear, tight pants or tights.
• If you feel a burning or tingling sensation when urinating, see a doctor. These symptoms may indicate a urinary tract infection that requires treatment.

Headaches

Headaches can be caused by tension, hyperemia, constipation, and in some cases, late toxicosis of pregnancy.

Adviсe:

• Apply ice to your forehead and the back of your neck.
• Take a rest – sit or lie down, dim the lights. Close your eyes and try to relax your back, neck, shoulders.
• You should see a doctor if you have nausea that is accompanied by a headache, if the headache is severe or prolonged, if you have blurred vision, double vision, or if white spots appear.

Bleeding and swelling of the gums

Increased production of certain hormones can cause tenderness, swelling and bleeding of the gums.

Adviсe:

• Take care of your teeth: brush, floss and floss regularly.
• Visit your dentist early in your pregnancy to have your teeth checked. If a problem arises, see your dentist again.

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Constipation

Hormones, vitamins, and iron can cause constipation (slow, difficult, or systematically insufficient bowel movements). Pressure from the uterus on the rectum can also cause constipation.

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Adviсe:

• Your diet should include enough fiber (whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables).
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses of water and 1-2 glasses of juice/compote), drink warm life in the morning.
• Do physical exercise daily.
• Choose the same time for defecation; do not strain when defecating.
• Talk to your doctor about taking a laxative, herbal or otherwise.

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Dizziness (weakness)

Dizziness can occur both at early and at any other stage of pregnancy. The hormone progesterone promotes the dilation of blood vessels, which leads to blood flow to the legs. Moreover, blood flows more actively to the growing uterus. All this can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, especially when changing position, which leads to dizziness.

Weakness and dizziness can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, such as low blood sugar.

Adviсe:

• If you have to stand for a long time, try to move around, walk.
• When resting, lie on your left side.
• Avoid sudden movements when standing up: rise slowly and carefully.
• Eat regularly to avoid low blood sugar levels.

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Sleep disorders

In the later stages of pregnancy, it can be difficult to sleep due to discomfort.

Adviсe:

• Don't take sleeping pills.
• Drink warm milk before going to bed.
• Take a warm bath or shower before going to bed.
• Use pillows: When lying on your side, place a pillow under your head, stomach, back, and between your knees to avoid muscle strain. Lying on your left side is likely to be more comfortable than on your right side, as it improves blood circulation.

Heartburn and indigestion

Heartburn (indigestion) is a burning sensation that starts in the stomach and gradually moves up to the throat. It occurs during pregnancy because the digestive system slows down due to hormonal imbalances. The growing uterus can also put pressure on the stomach, causing acid to rise.

Adviсe:

• Eat small portions every 2-3 hours, do not divide your meals into three large portions.
• Eat slowly.
• Drink warm liquids, such as herbal tea.
• Avoid fried, spicy and fatty foods, as well as any other foods that cause digestive problems.
• Do not lie down immediately after eating.
• The head of your bed should be higher than the bottom of your bed. You can also place pillows under your shoulders to prevent stomach acid from rising up into your chest.
• Fatty and sweet foods should not be consumed at the same time. Liquid and solid foods should also be consumed separately.
• Take heartburn medications after consulting your doctor.

Haemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids – enlargement and pain of hemorrhoidal nodes (folds of the mucous membrane of the anal canal); may occur due to increased blood circulation and pressure of the growing fetus on the anal canal and vagina.

Adviсe:

• Try to prevent constipation, which can aggravate hemorrhoids and lead to more pain.
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time; change positions frequently.
• You should not strain during defecation.
• Apply ice to the affected area and take a warm bath several times a day to relieve pain.
• Do not wear tight or constricting underwear, trousers or pantyhose.
• Consult your doctor regarding the use of antihemorrhoid medications.