Pregnancy (cont.)
Fatigue, sleep problems
During pregnancy, you might have:
During your pregnancy, you
might feel tired even after you've had a lot of sleep. Many women find
they're exhausted in the first trimester. Don't worry, this is normal! This
is your body's way of telling you that you need more rest. In the second
trimester, tiredness is usually replaced with a feeling of well being and
energy. But in the third trimester, exhaustion often sets in again. As you
get larger, sleeping may become more difficult. The baby's movements,
bathroom runs, and an increase in the body's metabolism might interrupt or
disturb your sleep. Leg cramping can also interfere with a good night's
sleep.
What might help:
- Lie on your left side.
- Use pillows for support, such as behind your
back, tucked between your knees, and under your tummy.
- Practice good sleep habits, such as going to
bed and getting up at the same time each day and using your bed only for
sleep and sex.
- Go to bed a little earlier.
- Nap if you are not able to get enough sleep at
night.
- Drink needed fluids earlier in the day, so you can drink less in the
hours before bed.
Heartburn and indigestion
During pregnancy, you might have:
Hormones and the pressure of the growing uterus cause
indigestion and heartburn. Pregnancy hormones slow down the muscles of the digestive tract.
So food tends to move more slowly and digestion is sluggish. This causes
many pregnant women to feel bloated.
Hormones also relax the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach.
This allows food and acids to come back up from the stomach to the
esophagus. The food and acid causes the burning feeling of heartburn. As
your baby gets bigger, the uterus pushes on the stomach making heartburn
more common in later pregnancy.
What might help:
- Eat 6 to 8 small meals instead of 3 large meals
— eat slowly.
- Drink fluids between meals — not with meals.
- Don't eat greasy and fried foods.
- Avoid citrus fruits or juices and spicy foods.
- Do not eat or drink within a few hours of
bedtime.
- Do not lie down right after meals.
Call the doctor if:
Symptoms don't improve after trying these suggestions. Ask your doctor
about using an antacid.
Next: Hemorrhoids »
- Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives) - Read about the different types of birth control pills (oral contraceptives) such as monophasic, biphasic, and triphasic. Find out which birth control pill may be the best for you.
- Flu Vaccine - Get the facts about influenza vaccine (flu shot) ingredients, side effects and vaccination effectiveness. Learn who should (children, pregnant women, elderly) and shouldn't get a flu shot.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
Latest Medical News
Pregnancy RSS