Pregnancy is a beautiful journey one embarks on. It is indeed a miracle to bring life into this world. However, just like anything else, it is not all rosy. Pregnant women face a number of issues and discomforts that most people do not talk of. Although you are creating life and will hopefully have your bundle of joy in a few months’ time, there will be times when you will face problems that need medical intervention, home remedies and special care.
Your body is going through a state of constant change during pregnancy. The change is as much emotional and psychological as it is physical. The best gynecologist in Islamabad shared some common issues pregnant women face during the tenure. Let’s have a look at some of those:
Morning Sickness
Although it is termed as morning sickness, nausea and vomiting can occur throughout the day. The cause of this nausea and vomiting is not actually known but research has shown that it is mainly due to the constant changes in hormones in the female body. It is the most classic symptom of the first trimester that can be triggered by numerous things such as certain odors, flavors, and even when you are tired or stressed.
Women may face varying severity of this morning sickness. Depending on the severity your daily tasks can be disturbed. Some women deal with extreme morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum during their pregnancy due to the high hormone levels. Vomiting with hyperemesis gravidarum is so severe that women may sometimes lose weight and cannot keep food and drinks down. This also leads to dehydration.
It is better to avoid the triggers once you know them to avoid further morning sickness. Getting plenty of rest, snacking often, and drinking adequate amounts of water will keep the nausea and vomiting at bay. If you think you have hyperemesis gravidarum, you need to seek immediate medical help to avoid complications of dehydration.
Constipation And Hemorrhoids
The pressure of the uterus pressing on the rectum during pregnancy is known to cause constipation. The hormonal changes also cause the digestion to slow down. As the baby grows and puts pressure on your pelvis, hemorrhoids are caused. These are inflamed blood vessels around your anus. These are extremely uncomfortable and cause itching and bleeding sometimes. This is exacerbated due to straining in constipation.
Drinking lots of water and taking fiber in your diet in the form of fruits and vegetables can help ease the constipation. Adopting a good toileting position can help as well. Avoid refined grains and add some light exercise (pre-approved by your doctor) to your daily routine. It is important not to self-medicate as some medications can cause contractions of the uterus or may harm the baby.
Heartburn
The hormonal and physical changes that your body undergoes also cause heartburn and indigestion at times. Pregnancy hormones relax the lower esophagus causing the stomach acids to reflux.
Changes in lifestyle and diet are required to counter this. Avoiding foods that are rich in fats and spices is important. Do not lie down immediately after meals. A little bit of walk will help boost the metabolism and digestion process as well.
Headaches And Migraines
Headaches and migraines are common in pregnant women and it can be extremely discomforting. These are usually due to dehydration, hormonal changes, stress, not eating properly or insomnia.
It is important that you take care of your eating and sleeping habits properly. Getting plenty of rest and sleep will help ease the fatigue and tiredness. Drinking lots of water during your pregnancy is highly important to avoid these headaches as well as other problems. Do not self-medicate as many medications for headaches and migraines are not good for your baby and can cause problems. You must consult a doctor if the condition persists for too long as it may be linked to something else.
Swollen Extremities
Extra fluid and blood inside the body during pregnancy cause your ankles, feet or other extremities to swell. This is quite common in pregnancy. One common cause of this is if you are dehydrated. Drinking less water will make your body overcompensate and retain water itself, leading to swelling.
You must avoid intake of caffeine, potassium and sodium in this case. Going for a walk can improve circulation to help ease the swelling, but vigorous exercises must be avoided as they can overheat the body. A massage can also help circulate the fluids accumulated in the feet.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey for yourself and your family. It is better to prevent these problems than to cure them later. There are other problems that arise which may seem distressing such as extreme weight gain, urinary incontinence, leg cramps, stretch marks, etc. it is important to be patient and to take good care of yourself during this time. Do not be hard on yourself!
