From: www.tiscali.co.uk/lifestyle/
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With all the momentous changes to your body during pregnancy, it's no surprise that many women sometimes feel under the weather. The moment of conception triggers an amazing chain reaction of hormonal and physiological changes. These can affect your physical, emotional and overall sense of well being in many ways. Some, very lucky, women seem to breeze through the whole nine months feeling great. Their skin is radiant, their hair shiny and lustrous . . . and they're probably extremely unpopular with other pregnant friends! Others may suffer a string of less welcome side effects - from constipation and cystitis to fainting and flatulence. Most mums-to-be experience one or two 'niggles' at certain stages of their pregnancy. Thankfully, most of the complaints are irritating rather than dangerous. But don't be afraid to raise any concerns with your midwife or doctor. Here are the most common niggles in the first three months of pregnancy.
Backache
What causes it?
Good advice
Improve your posture. Slouching for long periods at a desk,
for example, won't help matters. A beginner's guide to the Alexander Technique
(there are a number of books available on the subject from around £5) will
teach you the basics on good posture. Avoid carrying heavy loads and wear low
heels rather than stilettos and high heels. Try to avoid taking analgesics.
Consult your GP if the pain is prolonged or severe. You might also want to
consider seeing an osteopath or chiropractor.
Bleeding gums and gingivitis (gum infection)
What causes it?
Good advice
Constipation
What causes it?
Good advice
Fainting
What causes it?
Good advice
Flatulence
What causes it?
Good advice
Cystitis
What causes it?
Good advice
Varicose veins
What causes it?
Good advice
Fatigue
What causes it?
Good advice
Frequent urination
What causes it?
Good advice
Morning sickness
What causes it?
Good advice
Sleepless nights (insomnia)
What causes it?
Good advice
Thrush
What causes it?
What treatment is available?
During pregnancy, the release of the hormone progesterone
enables ligaments around the pelvic joints to soften and stretch in readiness
for birth. The progesterone also relaxes other ligaments in the body, including
those in your back. This puts extra strain on the muscles and joints of the
lower back area, causing backache.
A few minutes stretching each day can work wonders. Try doing
the following, as recommended by NetDoctor's personal fitness instructor, Anne
Marie Millard, (alternatively you could ask your midwife or doctor for some
simple exercises).
Hormones in pregnancy boost the body's blood supply to cater
for the growing foetus. This extra blood causes gums to swell, creating more of
a gap where they join the teeth. Food can accumulate there, causing bacteria to
multiply, which can lead to tooth decay and gum infection.
Consult your dentist if you suspect a gum infection but warn
him/her you are pregnant as X-rays should be avoided. Brushing your teeth after
every meal or snack will help tackle bleeding gums. Go for a check up if you
haven't seen your dentist in the last year.
Progesterone released during pregnancy relaxes the intestinal
muscles, which slows down your bowel movements. As a result, stools stay in the
bowel longer, become harder, and therefore difficult to pass. Iron supplements
given to protect against anaemia in pregnancy can cause constipation or
diarrhoea. If they are needed, then your GP can usually prescribe one which
doesn't give you problems.
Avoid strong laxatives. Instead drink lots of water, eat
plenty of fruit and vegetables and don't put off going to the loo when you feel
the need. If this doesn't work, ask your midwife or GP for advice.
Fainting happens when the brain is deprived of an adequate
blood supply. In pregnancy, it may occur due to a combination of the demands of
your uterus for extra blood, and standing for a period of time causing blood to
accumulate in the legs and feet.
Don't stand still for too long and avoid getting up suddenly.
In hot weather, keep cool by wearing loose clothes and using a pocket fan.
Avoid too hot baths and always get out slowly. If you feel faint, lie down with
your head flat on the floor and prop your legs up slightly. Don't get up too
soon.
The intestine slows down in pregnancy allowing wind to build
up inside. Certain foods like fibrous cereals and pulses, onions and spices
increase flatulence. Swallowing air is another cause.
Avoid the food types mentioned above and eat slowly to prevent
you gulping air. You may find regularly sipping warm water eases the problem.
Cystitis is caused by germs entering the bladder, leading to
infection. In pregnancy, the bladder muscles slacken - increasing the risk of
infection.
Drinking lots of water helps to flush out the infection and
makes urinating less painful. Cranberry juice is also known to be beneficial.
Your doctor can prescribe anti-infectives.
Varicose veins often run in families. Prolonged periods of
standing, sitting with your legs crossed tightly and excess weight gain are
other causes.
Although hardly fashionable, support tights will reduce the
risk of varicose veins. Don't stand around for long periods or cross your legs
tightly. Elevate your feet whenever possible, sleeping with your feet propped
on a pillow. When sitting down, do gentle exercises (like rotating your feet)
to improve circulation. Your midwife can advise you.
A variety of factors can cause tiredness during early
pregnancy, including insomnia, anxiety and poor diet. Anaemia may develop in
pregnancy if there is insufficient intake of iron in particular.
The only real answer is to sleep more and do less! Also ensure
you are eating a well-balanced diet. If in doubt, ask your midwife or GP for
advice. Iron or vitamin supplements, if necessary, are best used on your
doctor's advice.
In the first few months of pregnancy, the expanding uterus
presses onto the bladder causing it to empty itself more often. Another reason
is the impact of hormones on the muscles surrounding the bladder. Urine
infection (cystitis) can also cause frequency without pain on passing urine, so
it is a good idea to ask your doctor or midwife to check that your urine is
clear.
Cutting down on drinks in the hours before going to bed may
help.
Morning sickness is caused by the dramatic increase in hormone
levels in early pregnancy combined with low blood sugar and tiredness.
A little dry toast or dry crackers first thing in the morning
may ease your queasiness. Avoid large, rich meals and any foods that make you
nauseated. Drink lots of fluids, eat little and often. Dried ginger or
peppermints may help settle your stomach. Travel sickness bands could also
provide relief and some women find homoeopathic medicines helpful.
Sleeplessness is often a side effect of frequent urination,
but is also caused by the overall increase in the body's metabolism in
pregnancy.
Try the usual insomnia remedies, but avoid sleeping tablets.
Try to wind down before going to bed. A hot milky drink or a warm bath might
help. A gentle massage or head stroke from your partner may also relax you.
Thrush is caused by a yeast infection called Candida albicans
in the vagina.
Your GP can prescribe cream and pessaries, which should clear
up the infection in a few days. These are also available without prescription
from pharmacies, but tell the pharmacist you are pregnant as oral treatments
aren't safe to use during pregnancy.
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use
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