Pregnancy illness

Nauseas (morning sickness)

Nauseas are experienced by 40% of pregnant women, during just a part of their pregnancy. Fortunately, the symptoms lessen from the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
Usually nauseas appeared on morning, but some women may experience those at any time during the day.

In order to minimize this symptom, here are some advices:

  • Do not get up too quickly on the morning
  • Have a glass of water before standing up
  • Split your different meals
  • Prefer easy digestible food
  • Keep close to you sugar based food (sugar, soft drink)

Heartburn

Heartburn, also called acid ingestion, generally appears during last months of your pregnancy.
Heartburn in pregnancy may occur because of the enlarged uterus that can crowd to abdomen, pushing stomach acids upward. In addition, changing hormone levels can interfere by affecting the muscles of digestive tract and how different food are tolerated. Stomach is more “lazy”, relaxed – due to pregnancy hormones- and acids can easily splash back into the esophagus.

To reduce heartburn pregnancy you may try the following:

  • Eat several meals each days instead of 3 large ones
  • Avoid fried, spicy, rich and acid food
  • Prefer milk, eggs, green vegetables, grilled meat, and potatoes

Constipation

First of all, baby’s weight can interfere on the bowel process, slowing down the transit. But above all, this illness is mostly due to pregnancy hormones, which can affect the muscles of the digestive tract.

To reduce constipation disorder:

  • Drink a lot of water during all the day, especially on morning
  • Prefer cooked fruits and vegetables
  • Exercise may be an help as it will help the bowel process
  • Never take any stool softener to treat your constipation without your doctor prescription

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are vascular structures in the anal canal, which help in stool control. Due to pregnancy hormones they can become swollen.
Hemorrhoids usually appear at the end of pregnancy, often linked with constipation disorders. If you experience hemorrhoids, talk to your doctor who will deliver you relevant treatment.

Blood pressure

As for hemorrhoids, bad blood pressure is due to blood vessel dilation on the effect of pregnancy hormones. Increase of blood pressure lead to a bad venous reflux, which is provoking the stagnation of blood in the outer parts of the legs.

Things to do :

  • Walk 30 minutes per day
  • Have cold water on your leg after your shower
  • Do not remain standing for a too long time
  • Wear compression stocking, prescribed by your doctor.

Backache

LBackache usually appears close to the end of pregnancy, when you womb is larger. In order to compensate weight your back arches, provoking pain.

Things to do to minimize your back pain:

  • Do not remain standing for a too long time
  • Do not make any physical effort
  • Wear comfortable shoes

Sleep disorders

At the beginning of your pregnancy, you will experience uncontrollable needs to sleep, even at the early end of the day.
At the end of your pregnancy you may have problem to fall asleep. Your womb may be uncomfortable, and your baby is happy to move when you are having some rest.
Insomnia may also be due to the imminence of childbirth.
You may help to find healing sleep by drinking hot milk or tisane, eating light for diner, having a warm bath.

Last update: 10/2/2013