We have included some survival tips for combating the most annoying
and unpleasant side effects of pregnancy. Please note that not all
woman experience them.
Please select the ailment you wish to learn more about
Abdominal Pain | Backache
| Bleeding Gums | Breasts (Leakage)
| Breasts (Soreness and Tenderness) | Constipation
| Cramps (Leg and Foot) | Cravings
| Fatigue | Flatulence
| Frequent Urination | Headaches
| Heart Palpitations | Indigestion
| Itching | Nasal Congestion,
Nausea(Morning Sickness) | Oedema
(Swelling) | Pelvic Discomfort | Shortness
of Breath | Skin (Blotches and Discoloration)
| Stretchmarks | Sweating
Thrush | Urinary Tract Infections | Vaginal
Discharge
Abdominal
Pain
Why? Ligaments supporting the uterus are stretched by the weight
of your growing baby. You may feel a stabbing, cramp-like pain,
or a dragging pain on one side.
Survival tips: Try a hot water bottle to relax your muscles.
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Backache
When: Mid-to-late pregnancy
Why? Your changing shape alters your centre of gravity and your
posture, possibly causing muscle strain. Later in pregnancy, your
baby's head may be pressing against your sacrum (tailbone), causing
a monstrous lower backache.
Survival tips: Maintain good posture and try to avoid arching your
back while walking and standing.
Protect yourself when moving about. Squat instead of bending at
the waist -roll onto your side and push up with your hands when
getting up from a lying position.
Massage may help.
Wear comfortable shoes and put those high heels away until after
the birth.
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Bleeding
gums
When: Mid-to-late pregnancy
Why? Pregnancy hormones increase the volume of blood in your body,
making your gums thicker and softer. Swollen gums allow food to
deposit between teeth, leading to growth of bacteria, tooth decay,
and gingivitis (gum infection.)
Survival tips: Be diligent about brushing and flossing, even if
it's uncomfortable.
Try an antiseptic mouthwash to cut down on bacteria.
Have your teeth professionally cleaned at the beginning of your
pregnancy and perhaps again before you deliver, but be sure to tell
your dentist you are pregnant.
Be sure to get enough Vitamin C in your diet, which helps preserve
strong teeth and gums.
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Breasts
(Leakage)
When: From about the 5th month on.
Why? Some women experience leakage of colostrum, your baby's first
food, later in pregnancy.
Survival tips: Use breast pads designed for nursing - just slip
one inside your bra.
Be careful not to use harsh or heavily perfumed soap on your nipples
to avoid irritation.
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Breasts
(Soreness and Tenderness)
When: All through your pregnancy, but especially at the beginning
and towards the end.
Why? Enlarged milk glands and an increase in fatty tissue can make
your breasts quite sore.
Survival tips: Buy a bra that gives you firm support and make sure
it is properly fitted.
Be willing to trade up to larger bras as your breasts increase their
size. A nursing bra may be the answer.
Some women swear by sports bras (particularly if they are small
breasted) to begin with and if they don't fit into large-cup maternity
bras.
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Constipation
When: Mid-to-late pregnancy
Why? Your growing uterus takes up part of the space normally reserved
for your digestive system. In addition, pregnancy hormones cause
a relaxation of the intestinal muscles and a slowing of bowel movements.
Iron and vitamin supplements can contribute as well.
Survival tips: Drink an obscene amount of water. Several litres
a day is not too much.
Eat plenty of raw vegetables, fruit and wholegrain cereals daily
to ensure enough fibre. Prunes, dates and figs are a must.
When you have to go, go. Don't put it off.
Daily exercise can help.
Don't use laxatives or mineral oil without first consulting your
doctor.
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Cramps
(Leg and Foot)
When: Mid-to-late pregnancy
Why? It is thought that leg cramps are the result of insufficient
calcium in your diet. They often happen when you're in bed.
Survival tips: Be sure to eat foods rich in calcium.
To combat a cramp, push your heel away from you and flex your toes
toward your body. Alternatively, you can stand on the offending
foot first and then try the stretches.
Try firm massage or a hot water bottle.
Avoid lying on your back, as this can slow your circulation and
increase the chances of a cramp. Lie on your left side.
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Cravings
When: Throughout pregnancy.
Why? Thought to be caused by high levels of progesterone in your
blood.
Survival tips: As long as it's not dangerous or grossly bad for
you, go ahead and eat it. We recommend moderation though! Remember
that excessive weight gain during pregnancy is not healthy.
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Fatigue
When: Early and late pregnancy.
Why? In early pregnancy, hormones such as progesterone are thought
to contribute to fatigue. You will probably be more tired than you
ever thought possible. In later pregnancy, the sheer effort of carrying
that baby around would be enough to make anyone tired. If you're
anaemic, you could experience fatigue as well.
Survival tips: Sleep. We're not kidding.
Try brisk walking or some other form of non-impact exercise to boost
your energy levels.
Get a checkup for anemia.
Give up any perfectionist tendencies (scrubbing the floors and rearranging
the wardrobes can wait) and force yourself to relax, preferably
with your feet up, any chance you get. Let someone else do the heavy
lifting.
Learn to delegate, and don't feel guilty about taking it easy.
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Flatulence
When: Early and late pregnancy.
Why? Your digestive system slows down in pregnancy, and you may
have difficulty digesting fried foods or beans.
Survival tips: Avoid greasy foods. Introduce high fibre foods, such
as bran, gradually.
Keep a small dog with you at all times to blame.
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Frequent
Urination
When: Early and late pregnancy.
Why? Pregnancy hormones affect the muscle tone of the bladder, causing
you to make frequent trips to the loo. As your uterus grows, it
puts pressure on the bladder as well. This is particularly true
in late pregnancy, when the sheer bulk of the uterus cuts down the
bladder's capacity.
Survival tips: Avoid wilderness expeditions which would require
trips to the loo in darkness or unpleasant conditions.
Drink plenty of liquids anyway; avoiding them won't help the problem
and could create some new ones.
If you experience burning or stinging, talk to your doctor. You
could have a urinary tract infection.
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Headaches
When: Throughout your pregnancy.
Why? You name it. Fatigue, caffeine withdrawal, anxiety, tension
and stress can all cause headache during pregnancy. If you have
a sharp or blinding headache in late pregnancy, contact your doctor
immediately to check for pre-eclampsia.
Survival tips: Rest and relax; a facial massage will feel fabulous.
Try pressing a hot moist towel over your eyes and your forehead.
It is safe to take the odd painkiller - check with your doctor first
to find out which brands are safe.
Consider cutting out caffeine gradually, particularly if you drank
8 cups a day before you became pregnant.
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Indigestion
When: Mid-to-late pregnancy.
Why? Your digestive system slows down during pregnancy, possibly
increasing intestinal gas. The valve at the entrance to your stomach
relaxes in pregnancy, allowing a bit of acid to escape. In addition,
the pressure of your growing uterus on your stomach can cause stomach
acid to be pushed upward.
Survival tips: Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three
large ones per day. Eat slowly.
Avoid spicy, rich or fatty foods.
Trust your instincts. If something looks like it will disagree with
you, it probably will.
Don't lie down immediately after eating.
Sit up straight to give your stomach some space. Wear loose clothing
for the same reason.
If you're tempted to reach for an antacid, talk to your doctor first.
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Itching
When: Mid-to-late pregnancy.
Why? Increased blood supply to the skin can cause itching, as can
dry skin. If you have general itching late in pregnancy, you should
talk to your doctor to rule out a potentially serious liver illness
called obstetric cholestasis.
Survival tips: Keep skin well moisturized.
If obstetric cholestasis occurs, you will need careful monitoring
and probably an early delivery.
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Nasal
Congestion and Nose Bleeds
When: Throughout pregnancy.
Why? Your increased blood supply can cause the mucus membranes of
your nose to soften and thicken. Blowing can rupture tiny blood
vessels.
Survival tips: Apply pressure on the bridge of your nose to stop
a nosebleed.
Blow your nose gently.
Buy a generous supply of pocket tissues and keep a pack on you at
all times. This is a good habit to get into, since you can use them
as emergency bibs once the baby comes along.
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Nausea
(Morning Sickness)
When: During the first three months of pregnancy.
Why? Pregnancy hormones can cause nausea, as can low blood sugar.
Survival tips: Keep your stomach from becoming empty, as this exacerbates
the problem. A protein snack before bedtime may help, as protein
takes longer to digest.
Keep crackers or dry cereal next to your bed and nibble on them
a few minutes before getting up in the morning.
Eat several small meals a day.
Peppermint, chamomile or ginger root tea may help.
Try something salty (such as crisps) or tart (such as lemonade).
Avoid strong odours, especially perfumes or raw fish.
If you really can't keep anything down, consult your doctor. Do
not let yourself become dehydrated.
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Oedema
(Swelling)
When: Mid-to-late pregnancy.
Why? Some fluid retention is normal in pregnancy. The uterus puts
pressure on the blood vessels which carry fluid from the feet and
ankles, causing them to swell. Too little protein can also cause
swelling.
Survival tips: Avoid tight clothing, especially around the ankles
or calves.
Try not to stand for long periods. Sit with your feet elevated whenever
you can.
Moderate exercise can help.
Eat plenty of protein, such as lean meats, pulses, cheese and eggs.
Try a wedge-shaped pillow under the mattress at the foot of the
bed.
Drink plenty of fluids.
If swelling is excessive, or if your hands or face begin to swell,
contact your doctor immediately. These could be signs of pre-eclampsia.
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Pelvic
Discomfort
When: Late pregnancy.
Why? The baby's head presses down on the nerves in your groin, causing
pain throughout the area and possibly pins and needles in the backs
of your legs.
Survival tips: Rest when you can.
Take pain medication after consultation with your doctor.
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Shortness
of Breath
When: Mid-to-late pregnancy.
Why? Your ever-larger uterus takes up the space normally inhabited
by your diaphragm, sometimes making it difficult to breathe.
Survival tips: Hold your arms over your head to give your lungs
some room.
Sit up straight, prop yourself upright with pillows, or lie on your
left side.
Avoid overexertion.
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Skin
(Blotches and Discoloration)
When: Mid-to-late pregnancy.
Why? Pregnancy hormones can cause extra production of pigment, which
appears on the cheeks, nose and forehead, as well as the nipples
and the line from your naval to your pubic bone.
Survival tips: Remember that the pigmentation will fade a few months
after delivery.
Use sunscreen when you go out; exposure to the sun makes the condition
worse.
Make sure you get enough folic acid in your diet.
A cosmetic foundation may help conceal this.
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Strechmarks
When: Mid-to-late pregnancy.
Why? Stretch marks are a kind of scar tissue which forms when your
skin is stretched beyond what its normal elasticity can bear. They
appear most often on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and breasts.
Most women get some stretch marks during their pregnancy.
Survival tips: Be sure to eat enough Vitamin C and E, as well as
enough protein.
Keep the skin well moisturized. This won't prevent the stretch marks,
but it will make you feel better.
Stretch marks usually fade to silvery lines with time.
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Sweating
When: Mid-to-late pregnancy.
Why? Your increased blood supply causes the blood vessels beneath
the skin to dilate.
Survival tips: Wear light clothing and avoid overheating.
Drink plenty of fluids.
If night sweating is severe, keep a dry t-shirt or extra night dress
next to your bed for a quick change. This applies to post natal
night sweats as well.
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Urinary
Tract Infections
When: Throughout pregnancy.
Why? Increased levels of progesterone relax the muscles of the bladder
and increase the chances of infection.
Survival tips: See your doctor if you have burning during urination,
blood in your urine or mild discomfort in the lower abdomen.
Drink plenty of fluids.
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Vaginal
Discharge
When: Throughout pregnancy.
Why? Pregnancy hormones and your increased blood supply cause your
vagina to increase its normal secretions.
Survival tips: Avoid tight trousers.
Stick to cotton underwear.
Be alert for signs of a yeast infection or thrush, including burning,
itching, or swollen genitals.
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