Pregnancy Basics

Body Changes

Aches, pains, and backaches
As your uterus expands pains in the back, abdomen, groin area, and thighs often appear. Many women also have backaches and aching near the pelvic bone due the pressure of the baby's head, increased weight, and loosening joints.

To ease some of these aches and pains try:
• Lying down
• Resting
• Applying heat

Breast Changes
A woman's breasts increase in size and fullness during pregnancy. As the due date approaches, hormone changes will cause your breasts to get even bigger in preparation for breastfeeding. Your breasts may feel full and heavy, and they might be tender or uncomfortable.

Try to these tips to stay comfortable:
• Wear a soft, comfortable maternity or nursing bra with extra support.
• Wash your nipples with water instead of soap. Soap can dry and irritate nipples. If you have cracked nipples, use a heavy moisturizing cream that contains lanolin.

Dizziness
Many pregnant women experience dizziness and lightheadedness during pregnancy. The reasons include; the growth of more blood vessels in early pregnancy, the pressure of the expanding uterus on blood vessels and the body's increased need for food.

To feel better follow these tips:
• Stand up slowly.
• When you're feeling lightheaded, lay down on your left side.
• Avoid sitting or standing in one position for a long time.
• Eat healthy snacks or small meals frequently.
• Don't get overheated.

Call your doctor as soon as possible if you faint. Dizziness or lightheadedness can be discussed at regular prenatal visits.

Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are more common during pregnancy for numerous reasons. During pregnancy there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins in the rectum. Hemorrhoids usually improve after delivery.

Follow these tips to help prevent and relieve hemorrhoids:
• Drink lots of fluids
• Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods like whole grains, raw or cooked leafy green vegetables, and fruits
• Try not to strain for bowel movements
• Talk with your doctor before taking any laxative.
• Talk to your doctor about using witch hazel or ice packs to soothe hemorrhoids.

Leg Cramps
At different times during your pregnancy, you might have cramps in your legs or feet due to a change in the way your body processes, or metabolizes, calcium.

Try these tips to prevent and ease leg cramps:
• Eat lots of low-fat calcium-rich foods.
• Get regular mild exercise, like walking.
• Ask your doctor if you should be taking a prenatal vitamin containing calcium.
• Gently stretch the muscle to relieve leg and foot cramps. If you have a sudden leg cramp, flex your foot towards your body.
• Use heating pads or warm, moist towels to help relax the muscles and ease leg and foot cramps.

Nasal Problems
Nosebleeds and nasal stuffiness are common during pregnancy. They are caused by the increased amount of blood in your body and a change in hormones. To avoid nosebleeds blow gently when you blow your nose. If you have nosebleeds that happen often, see your doctor. Drinking extra water and using a cool mist humidifier in your bedroom may help relieve nasal stuffiness. Of course, check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines.

Shortness of Breath
As the baby grows, increasing pressure is put on all of your organs, including your lungs, which often causes shortness of breath.

Tips to ease breathing include:
• Take deep, long breaths.
• Maintain good posture so your lungs have room to expand.
• Use an extra pillow and try sleeping on your side to breathe easier at night.

Swelling
Most women develop some swelling in the face, hands, or ankles at some point in their pregnancies, especially as the due date approaches. If you have rapid, significant weight gain or your hands or feet suddenly get very puffy, call your doctor as soon as possible. It could be a sign of high blood pressure called preeclampsia or toxemia.

To keep swelling to a minimum:
• Drink 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of fluids (water is best) daily.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Try to avoid very salty foods.
• Rest when you can with your feet elevated.
• Ask your doctor about using support stockings.

Teeth and Gums Problems
Pregnant women with gum disease are much more likely to have premature babies with low-birth weight. This may result from the transfer of bacteria in the mother's mouth to the baby during pregnancy. The microbes can reach the baby through the placenta, through the amniotic fluid, and through the layer of tissues in the mother's stomach. Every expectant mother should have a complete oral exam prior to or very early in pregnancy to start nterventions to control the risk of need for urgent treatment. Remember to tell your dentist that you are pregnant!

Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are more common in pregnancy when there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. Pressure on the large veins behind the uterus causes the blood to slow in its return to the heart. Varicose veins look like swollen veins raised above the surface of the skin. They are found most often on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg.

Try these tips to reduce the chances of varicose veins:
• Avoid tight knee-highs or garters.
• Sit with your legs and feet raised when possible.

Weight gain
The amount of weight you need to gain during pregnancy depends upon how much you weighed before you became pregnant. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) women who have a normal weight before getting pregnant should gain 25 to 35 pounds. Women who are underweight before pregnancy should gain 28 to 40 pounds. And women who are overweight should gain 15 to 25 pounds.

Disclaimer * Terms of Use * Privacy Policy * Advertising Media Kit

The content of nowchic.com is provided for informational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. ALWAYS seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition.