How do you support your spouse through the discomfort of pregnancy?

As the pregnancy progresses, a man will find many opportunities to show his wife that he cares about her and the baby. She needs his support. It is difficult to go through pregnancy without someone close to you who is willing to support her. A man’s help and continued interest show a woman that he cares about her health and well-being, as well as the health and well-being of the baby. If a man does something that will support his wife, it is the best gift he could ever give his child.

A man's efforts during these months should involve more than just sympathy for his wife's discomfort. In this chapter, we write about the many physical conditions and complaints that can accompany pregnancy. Each article offers men ways to ensure their spouses' comfort and well-being.

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Common discomforts associated with pregnancy

This section contains a discussion of the many changes that can occur in a pregnant woman. Some of these are uncomfortable for the expectant mother. Others are simply changes that a man will undoubtedly notice, because he sees how pregnancy changes a woman's body. And it's not just the woman's opinion that she is growing in size and changing!

We may be going into a lot of detail about each condition. This information is provided to help men better understand the situation. We have listed the terms in alphabetical order to make it easier for men to find them. You may want to look at just the ones that apply to the conditions your spouse is experiencing, or you may want to read about all the conditions.

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Back pain

WOMAN'S POSITION. Back pain often occurs as a result of your wife's growing belly and the shifting of her center of gravity. The pain may occur after a long walk, standing, bending, lifting weights, or playing sports; it may also occur simply because the woman is pregnant.

SOLUTION: A man can help relieve the discomfort of back pain by giving his wife a back massage. You can also apply heat or cold to her - both are safe during pregnancy. A man can also take on household chores that involve standing, bending, or lifting, such as washing dishes, vacuuming, hanging out laundry, or cleaning the bathtub.

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Bleeding gums

WOMAN'S POSITION. Pregnancy can cause gum pain, bleeding, or swelling due to hormonal changes. Gums become more sensitive to irritation and may bleed when brushing teeth.

SOLUTION: A man should suggest his wife to brush her teeth 1 or 3 times a day to control the problem. Regular visits to the dentist and timely help will allow the woman to avoid unpleasant sensations. Do not exclude visits to the dentist during pregnancy!

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Changes in body temperature

WOMAN'S POSITION. A woman's metabolism may speed up during pregnancy because her body uses more energy. Pregnancy hormones also raise her body temperature. Both of these factors can cause a woman to become overheated or feverish.

SOLUTION: A man should try to take this change into account if the expectant mother complains about how unwell she is, but the man is quite comfortable. If the woman needs the window open, but the man is cold, he can put on a sweater.

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Breast changes

WOMAN'S POSITION. During pregnancy, many changes occur in the breasts. Around the 8th week, a woman's breasts become larger. They become more sensitive, and sore breasts are common in the early stages of pregnancy. A man may notice that the areola surrounding the nipple becomes brown or reddish-brown and enlarges during pregnancy. Most women gain between 1 and 1.5 pounds in each breast by the time the baby is born.

SOLUTION: A man should be careful with a woman's breasts during intimate moments. Knocking them together or squeezing them too hard can cause pain to a woman. A man can suggest that his wife buy a maternity bra to support her breasts as they grow.

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Constipation

WOMAN'S CONDITION. Many women experience constipation because food moves more slowly through the digestive system. The woman may also be taking iron or her prenatal vitamins contain iron. Many pregnant women experience irregular bowel movements and hemorrhoids when they are constipated.

SOLUTION: Increasing fluid intake and exercising 3 or 4 times a week may help if the woman has this problem. The man should encourage her to drink plenty of water every day. The man may want to exercise with her. Certain juices, such as prune or apple, or mild laxatives, such as magnesium, metamucil, or colace, may also provide relief. High-fiber foods, such as prunes, may help with constipation. The man may suggest these foods to his wife.

Constant desire to eat

WOMEN'S POSITION. Many women experience a desire to eat a particular food during pregnancy. When they desire it, they often want it now! Some desires may seem strange to men. Researchers believe that this is caused by hormonal and emotional changes associated with pregnancy.

SOLUTION: IF the woman wants to eat healthy food, that's fine. She should eat it in moderation. If she wants "junk" food, the man should offer her healthier options. IF the woman is eating inedible foods (a condition called pica), as described earlier, the man should be encouraged to discuss this with a doctor. The woman may need minerals, usually iron; the doctor may prescribe these.

Emotional changes

WOMAN'S POSITION. A man may notice that his wife cries over trifles, is thoughtful, or has constant mood swings. Her emotions are affected by hormones that cause these changes.

SOLUTION: A man should try to make her understand during her mood swings. When a man reacts to something unusually, he should try not to get angry or overreact. If a woman is inattentive to her husband, she may be thinking about the baby. A man can ask her for attention. If she cries over something insignificant, a man should sympathize with her or at least try to understand. He should not take it personally and get upset.

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Exhaustion and fatigue

WOMAN'S POSITION. During the first part of pregnancy, all she wants to do is sleep! She feels tired all the time and can't rest. Fatigue is one of the first signs of pregnancy, and a loss of energy is natural. Most women experience the most fatigue at the beginning of pregnancy, then they feel better. But this can last throughout the pregnancy.

SOLUTION: The man should encourage his wife to take it easy and rest when possible or when she feels she needs it. She can also be encouraged to watch her diet and drink plenty of fluids. Fatty foods and dehydration can make the problem worse. She should be encouraged to avoid sugar as it increases fatigue.

If a woman cannot sleep at night enough to feel rested, she may benefit from a nap during the day. A man should do some housework to make it easier for his wife. Regular exercise may also help a pregnant woman feel better. A man can suggest that his wife go for a walk together after dinner or do an exercise videotape (preferably a pregnancy exercise videotape) together in the early evening. The bedroom should be kept cool - 70 F (21.1 C), which is close to the warmest temperature at which normal sleep is possible.

A man should try to be understanding when his wife does not have the strength to get up on time. Perhaps one of her main goals in life is to get enough rest. He should support her in this - she really feels exhausted!

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Food intolerance

WOMAN'S POSITION. Certain foods may make a woman feel sick. This is common during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones have a significant effect on the digestive tract, which may cause a woman to react this way to certain foods. Don't be surprised if she can't stand the sight of foods she used to enjoy.

SOLUTION: If a man likes food that makes the expectant mother sick, he should not ask her to prepare such food or even sit next to her while she eats it.

A man can cook it himself when his wife is not around or eat it outside the home as a meal. When a man finishes eating, he should wash the dishes after himself. Even washing the dishes after cooking such food can make a pregnant woman feel unwell.

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Forgetfulness

WOMAN'S POSITION. Forgetfulness may seem unrelated to pregnancy, but most likely they are. Some researchers believe that increased hormonal levels play a role. Fatigue and insomnia can also contribute to memory loss.

SOLUTION: A man can leave notes for his wife to remind her of duties, errands, or important events. If he takes the situation with humor, this solution will most likely be accepted. And who knows, maybe it will become an important part of the couple's life together.

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Frequent urination

WOMAN'S POSITION. One of the first signs of pregnancy is frequent urination. This problem continues intermittently throughout the pregnancy. It usually becomes less severe during the second trimester and then returns in the third trimester as the growing baby presses on the bladder.

SOLUTION: A man should believe his wife when the expectant mother says she needs to go to the bathroom. She really does. When the couple travels together, they should plan to stop more often. It also helps if the man knows where the bathrooms are. Grocery stores, drug stores, and shopping malls usually have public restrooms. If the woman needs to go to the bathroom and the couple doesn’t see one nearby, the man should ask someone in the store if he can use one.

Headaches

WOMAN'S POSITION. Women experience more severe headaches during pregnancy due to sleep disturbances, nausea, vomiting and stress (mental and physical). They may ease off in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy as her body (and mind) adjusts to the pregnancy.

SOLUTION: It is best to avoid unnecessary medication during pregnancy. Ways to soothe a headache without medication are things that a couple can do together, including deep breathing and relaxation techniques, placing an ice pack on the forehead or pads on the woman's neck, and making sure the expectant mother gets plenty of quiet sleep.

If a woman's headaches do not go away with these methods, the man should suggest that she take regular or extra-strength acetaminophen (Tylenol). If this does not help, he should ask her to discuss the situation with her doctor.

Burning sensation in the heart area

WOMAN'S POSITION. Heartburn is an unpleasant burning sensation (heartburn) felt behind the lower breastbone; it is one of the most common discomforts associated with pregnancy. It can begin early in pregnancy, although it usually becomes more pronounced as pregnancy progresses. Heartburn is caused by the reflux (regurgitation) of stomach contents back into the esophagus. It can become more of a problem during the third trimester of pregnancy, when the growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach and intestines.

SOLUTION: Sometimes food, especially rich or spicy food, can cause this problem. If a man likes it but his wife has this problem, he should try not to eat it in her presence and not ask her to cook such food only for him! She should not eat before going to bed - this would be good for the man too! When a woman lies down, her head and shoulders should be elevated; this can be done by raising the head of the bed. Acid neutralizers can bring relief; in this case, it is necessary to follow the instructions contained in the instructions for pregnant women. Amfoyel, Gelusil, Magnesia and Maalox can be used, but they should not be overused.

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Haemorrhoids

WOMAN'S POSITION. Hemorrhoids are stretched blood vessels around or inside the anus. A pregnant woman may develop hemorrhoids because her body tissues partially lose elasticity. In addition, the increase in weight and the size of the crowning uterus put pressure on the vessels and block the blood flow to the pelvic area, which causes hemorrhoids to form. Hemorrhoids may itch, bleed, and hurt.

SOLUTION: If a woman suffers from hemorrhoids, a man should try to provide her with sympathy. If it complicates her life, a man should suggest discussing the situation with a doctor. There are many ways to help make the discomfort less severe.

Indigestion

WOMAN'S POSITION. Indigestion is the body's inability to digest food or difficulties associated with digesting food. This condition can occur during pregnancy, even if the woman has not experienced such problems before.

SOLUTION: The first step should always be to try to solve the problem without using medication. A man should suggest his wife to eat small meals frequently or eat low-fat foods.

Foods that cause this problem, such as rich or spicy foods, should be eliminated from the diet. A woman should also avoid eating before bedtime. When she lies down, her head and shoulders should be elevated, which can be done by raising the head of the bed. A man should suggest that she avoid drinks containing soda. He should make sure that the only drinks available at home are fruit juices.

Itching

WOMAN'S POSITION. Itching can occur during pregnancy; about 20% of pregnant women experience it. It usually appears in the later stages of pregnancy. As the uterus enlarges and fills the pelvic area, the skin and muscles of the abdomen tighten to support it. This tightening of the skin is what causes abdominal itching in many women.

SOLUTION: There is little a man can do to relieve his wife's itching, such as suggesting that she rub lotion on the itchy areas she can't reach. Using a body moisturizer or, if the area is hot and damp, a cornstarch-based powder may also help. Talcum powder should not be used, as researchers believe it may irritate the bronchial tubes. Creams such as hydrocortisone cream may help, but the woman should consult a doctor first. The man should encourage her not to scratch, as this may cause further discomfort.

Leg cramps

WOMAN'S POSITION. Leg cramps can be painful, especially at night. A cramp is a spasm of two muscle groups, causing excruciating pain in the foot and characteristic sharp contractions in the calf.

SOLUTION: Stretching the muscles helps relieve cramps. A man should help his wife when she has cramps by gently pulling the top of her foot upward while she lifts her knee (she may have difficulty reaching her foot due to her growing belly). A man should massage her legs at the end of the day or whenever she feels it will help. He should suggest to his wife to avoid carbonated drinks, junk food, and foods rich in phosphates as these may be the cause of the problem. Prolonged sculpting can also cause leg cramps. A man should help his wife with household chores that she usually does standing up, such as ironing clothes or washing dishes.

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Migraines

WOMAN'S POSITION. Migraines are characterized by severe, throbbing pain that gets worse with physical activity. Some women who frequently have migraines when they are not pregnant do not have them during pregnancy. Others may have more severe pain, especially during the first trimester. In some cases, migraines do not occur in the 2nd or 3rd trimester. If a woman has migraines before becoming pregnant, the man should suggest that she discuss this at her first prenatal appointment.

SOLUTION: If the expectant mother experiences a migraine for the first time during pregnancy, she may want to try to manage it without medical help first. She can lie down in a dark room with a cold compress on her forehead. Relaxation techniques such as listening to a tape of relaxing music, deep breathing, or meditation or yoga may provide relief. The husband should help his wife avoid things that can trigger migraines, such as aged cheese, smoked meats, chocolate, caffeine, cigarettes or cigarette smoke, bright lights, stress, sleep disturbances, or eating habits. If these measures do not help, she should discuss the matter with her doctor, who will prescribe the safest medication available. A pregnant woman should not take any medication other than paracetamol for any headache without first discussing it with her doctor.

Morning sickness or vomiting

WOMAN'S POSITION. One of the first signs of pregnancy for many women is nausea, with or without vomiting; this is often called morning sickness. This problem does not only occur in the morning; it can occur at any time of day and can last all day. Researchers believe that this problem may be caused by an imbalance of vitamin B6. This condition usually appears around week 6 and lasts until week 12 or 13. In some cases, it may be present throughout the pregnancy.

Morning sickness can cause a pregnant woman to feel sick, avoid food or drink, lose weight, and miss work. Nausea or vomiting is considered a “chronic discomfort” of pregnancy.

SOLUTION: Morning sickness can be debilitating, so a man should be understanding and try to help his wife in any way he can. There are several ways a man can help his wife cope with the discomfort she is experiencing. Before she gets out of bed in the morning, a man should bring her a snack, such as dry crackers, toast, or rice cakes, to fill her stomach. A man should change the environment to help his wife avoid things that trigger nausea, such as strong odors, movement, or noise. He should help the expectant mother stay hydrated - liquids are easier to "keep down" than solid foods and help prevent dehydration. A man can bring water or another drink whenever she wants it. A man can offer to buy "pregnancy drops" to help with the problem. There are now various flavors of drops that reduce nausea and dry mouth. You can ask about them at the pharmacy or grocery store.

You can buy some fresh ginger root (either eaten or crushed into tea). It is a natural remedy for nausea. You can also give her a fresh lemon to suck on when she feels nauseous. A man should make sure that his wife gets enough rest. When she wants to sleep, it is better for the man to read or watch TV in another room. If the woman usually does the cooking, the man can offer to take her place, as increased sensitivity can cause her to feel nauseous. If the food that the couple usually eats now makes the woman feel nauseous, the man should not eat it in her presence. You can buy the woman an anti-seasickness bracelet; it can help relieve nausea. A man should encourage his wife to eat small portions but often. A full or empty stomach can make a woman feel nauseous. It is not worth even mentioning food if it leads to nausea.

A man should let his wife see that he sympathizes with her because of the unpleasant feelings she is experiencing. A man should explain to his wife that she needs to be as precise in her requests as she can, and that normal communication should be maintained.

Nosebleeds

WOMAN'S POSITION. Some pregnant women experience occasional nosebleeds. This problem may be caused by pregnancy hormones circulating in the blood.

SOLUTION: If a woman experiences nosebleeds, she should buy a humidifier for her home, especially if the couple lives in a dry climate. The man should make sure that it works well and provides comfort in the home. A small amount of Vaseline applied to the woman's nostrils can also relieve the feeling of dryness, so Vaseline should be kept in the house.

Pain in the circular ligaments

WOMAN'S POSITION. The circular ligaments are on all sides of the uterus. As the woman's uterus enlarges, rapid movements can cause stretching of these ligaments and pain; the pain is felt on the sides of the navel. This will not cause harm to the expectant mother or the baby, but it can be unpleasant.

SOLUTION: A man should help his wife when she needs it, avoid movements that can cause pain. Sometimes fast movements can increase pain. Move slowly.

Sciatic Nerve Pain

WOMAN'S POSITION. A woman may experience severe pain running from her buttocks down the sides of her legs; this is sciatic nerve pain. The sciatic nerve runs through the pelvic area behind the uterus and down to the legs; the pain is thought to be caused by pressure on the nerve by the growing uterus. The pain may occur when the expectant mother stands, walks, or sits, and it may become more frequent as the pregnancy progresses.

SOLUTION: The woman should not be allowed to lift heavy objects. Standing can also cause this problem, so the man should take over any activities that require her to stand. If the woman must stand, no matter how long it takes, the man should provide her with an object on which she can rest her feet; it should be 8 to 10 cm high, such as a thick book (a phone book or dictionary will do!). This will help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. The man should encourage his wife to lie on her side, on the side opposite to the pain, if she is experiencing sciatic nerve pain.

Sexual attraction

WOMAN'S POSITION. During pregnancy, a woman's sexual desire changes. Some women experience a lack of desire. Some experience an increase in desire, most often in the 2nd trimester.

SOLUTION: A man should be patient and understand how she feels about sex at this time. He should discuss the situation with her and find a solution that will satisfy both spouses. Spouses can use their imagination to find ways to enjoy intimacy even when the woman's belly is growing. One should be creative and not take everything too seriously.

Skin changes

WOMEN'S POSITION. During pregnancy, many women experience changes affecting their skin. Some experience very dry skin, others oily and acne-covered skin. Some lucky women find that their skin becomes softer and less oily. Others notice brown spots.

SOLUTION: A man should try to be understanding when his wife finds that she cannot put on her shoes or a ring. You can buy her a beautiful necklace on which she can wear her rings. You can also help by massaging her feet or hands. When a woman lies down to rest, a pillow should be placed under her feet. Suggest that she lie on her side (preferably the left), as this can help cope with the problem. Spouses should exercise together - this prevents swelling.

Varicose veins

WOMAN'S POSITION. Varicose veins are dilated blood vessels filled with blood. They usually appear on the legs but can also appear in the birth canal, called chloasmoids or mask of pregnancy, reddening of the palms of the hands called erythema palmaris, red streaks on the skin of the neck and upper chest called vascular spiders and the appearance of a dark vertical line on the lower abdomen called the black line (tinea nigra). Some women notice the appearance of new or changes in existing birthmarks. All of these changes are caused by pregnancy hormones.

SOLUTION: Fortunately, skin changes do not always cause discomfort to pregnant women; however, the appearance or change of birthmarks is always a reason for the doctor's attention. If a woman experiences skin changes, a man should be supportive. Sometimes this is difficult to cope with, since these changes make women self-conscious. A man should let his wife know that she is still beautiful to him. Skin changes are always temporary and most often disappear after the birth of the child. If a woman has very dry skin, a man should advise her to use moisturizing lotions and creams for sensitive skin. If a woman has acne, a man should suggest that she discuss the situation with a doctor, who will prescribe some special skin creams. In some women, varicose veins are blue or purple-violet spots on the legs. They do not cause discomfort or cause minor discomfort in the evenings. In others, they are swollen veins that require support during the day with compression stockings and rest with the legs elevated at the end of the day.

Stretch marks

WOMAN'S POSITION. Stretch marks are areas of taut skin that may be discolored. Not all women get them, and there may be very few or many of them. The marks usually appear on the abdomen, as the growing uterus causes the skin to stretch; they can also be found on the breasts, lower back, and buttocks. Stretch marks usually disappear after pregnancy.

SOLUTION: Stretch marks are a common part of pregnancy. There aren't many ways to deal with them, but a man can suggest that his wife ask her doctor about creams or lotions that can help with the problem. For some women, varicose veins are blue or purple-violet spots on the legs. They cause no discomfort or just a little discomfort in the evening. For others, they are bulging veins that require support during the day with compression stockings and rest with the legs elevated at the end of the day.

Edema

WOMAN'S POSITION. A pregnant woman's body produces about 50% more blood and fluid than usual to meet the needs of the baby. Some of this extra fluid may leak into the body's tissues. When the enlarging uterus presses on the pelvic vessels, the blood flow from the lower parts of the body is partially blocked. This pushes fluid into the pregnant woman's legs and feet, which may cause them to swell. Her hands may also swell. Foods high in sodium, such as very salty foods, pickles, fast foods, and soda drinks, may be the cause of this problem.

SOLUTION: A man should make sure that a pillow for resting his legs is always nearby. If a woman needs to wear support tights, it should be taken into account that they are easier to put on when she is still in bed in the morning. In this situation, make sure that she has tights to put on before she gets out of bed. The man may need to help her with this.

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Weight gain

WOMAN'S POSITION. Pregnant women always gain weight; this is necessary for the good health of the baby. The average-weight woman gains between 25 and 35 pounds during a normal pregnancy. This may seem like a lot of weight, but the woman does not gain all of it. The total weight includes the baby, amniotic fluid, placenta, and breast enlargement. The woman only gains between 6 and 13 pounds.

SOLUTION: A man should help his wife watch her weight by ensuring she eats well and gets moderate exercise, but he should not act as the "weight police." And he should be careful about teasing or making rude comments about a woman's changing body and weight. She may take it personally.

Products that help eliminate some of the troubles associated with pregnancy

• Does the couple's medicine cabinet contain everything they will need in the coming months to cope with many of the common discomforts described in this section? It would be a good idea to stock up on supplies so that they have everything they need to relieve discomfort on hand. Below is a list of remedies that are usually available at a drugstore or grocery store, so the couple can get to work on them right away.
• Paracetamol - helps relieve headaches and some other pains (Tylenol).
• Acidity control - helps relieve heartburn; liquids work better because they also form a protective coating in the esophagus (Amfoel, Gelusil, Maalox, Magnesia).
• Anti-itch medications - if itching becomes a problem, these can help relieve the discomfort (calamine lotion, benadryl).
• Body lotion - to moisturize dry skin and relieve itching.
• Cough medicine - if a woman has a cold or coughs (robitussin). Nasal drops - help to cope with a stuffy nose (chlorpheniramine, sudafed).
• Anti-diarrhea medications - if a woman has stomach flu or has eaten something that causes diarrhea (kaopectate, imodium).
• Foot lotion - for foot massage.
• Cream, ointment or tampons against hemorrhoids - when a woman needs to relieve pain or itching caused by hemorrhoids (anuzol, Ntax).
• Mini pads - to protect against problems associated with urinary incontinence and vaginal relaxation.
• Anti-sea sickness bracelets - these bracelets can help combat morning sickness.
• Acne Cream - There are many acne medications that can help a woman deal with this problem.
• Laxative - against constipation (coleis).
• Throat soothing agents - to relieve the feeling of pain or dryness in the throat (Strepsils).