Pregnancy Basics
Introduction
Everyone expects pregnancy to bring an expanding waistline. But many women
are surprised by the other body changes that pop-up. Get the low-down on stretch
marks, weight gain, heartburn and other "joys" of pregnancy. Find out what you
can do to feel better.
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
If you are worried or the pains do not get better, call your doctor.
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.
In the third trimester, some pregnant women begin to leak colostrum from their
breasts. Colostrum is the first milk that your breasts produce for the baby. It
is a thick, yellowish fluid containing antibodies that protect newborns from
infection. If leaking becomes embarrassing, put nursing pads inside your
bra.
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 complain of dizziness and lightheadedness
throughout their pregnancies. Fainting is rare but does happen even in some healthy
pregnant women. There are many reasons for these symptoms. 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 all can make a pregnant woman
feel lightheaded and dizzy.
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
Up to 50% of pregnant women get hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids
are swollen and bulging veins in the rectum. They can cause itching, pain and bleeding.
Hemorrhoids are more common during pregnancy for many
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. Plus, constipation can make hemorrhoids worse. 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. They usually happen at night. This is 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
hormones acting on the tissues of your nose.
To ease nosebleeds blow gently when you blow your nose. Stop nosebleeds by
squeezing your nose between your thumb and finger for a few minutes. If you have
nosebleeds that do not stop in a few minutes or happen often, see your doctor.
Drinking extra water and using a cool mist humidifier in your bedroom may
help relieve nasal stuffiness. Talk with your doctor before taking any
over-the-counter or prescription medicines for
colds or nasal stuffiness.
Shortness of Breath
As the baby grows, your expanding uterus will put pressure on all of your
organs, including your lungs. You may notice that you are
short of breath or
might not be able to catch your 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 mild swelling in the face, hands, or ankles at some point
in their pregnancies. As the due date approaches,
swelling often becomes more noticeable. 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 hose.
Teeth and Gums Problems
A pregnant woman's teeth and gums need special care.
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 (a temporary
organ joining the mother and fetus which supplies the fetus with blood
and nutrients), through the amniotic fluid (fluid
around the fetus), 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. All needed dental work should be managed
early, because having urgent treatment during pregnancy can present risks.
Interventions can be started to control risks for gum inflammation and disease. This also is the best
time to change habits that may affect the health of teeth and gums, and the
health of the baby.
Remember to tell your dentist that you are pregnant! You can ease bleeding
gums by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing at least twice a
day. Get more details on taking care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy.
Varicose Veins
During pregnancy there is a huge increase in the amount
of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. Plus, pressure on the
large veins behind the uterus causes the blood to slow in its return to the
heart. For these reasons,
varicose veins in the legs and anus (hemorrhoids) are more common in pregnancy.
Varicose veins look like swollen veins raised above the surface of the skin.
They can be twisted or bulging, and are dark purple or blue in color. 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.
Next: Digestive Difficulties »
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