Common Pregnancy Symptoms:
Most of the symptoms you experience during pregnancy are normal – even if not comfortable!
Some common symptoms you may experience could include:
Shortness of breath:
- Because your uterus is getting larger and growing higher in your abdomen, pressing on your diaphragm, breathing can become more difficult. The best thing to do is simply take it easy and try not to become overheated.
- Some women have problems breathing when they lie down, too. If this is the case, try sleeping in a semi-sitting position, surrounded by pillows for support.
Heartburn and Indigestion:
These two related stomach ailments usually attack in the third trimester.
To help prevent heartburn and indigestion, try these suggestions:
- Eat small, frequent meals. This will keep the stomach acids working on digestion instead of backing up
- Avoid fatty foods
- Stay upright after you eat (gravity helps!). And don’t eat your last meal just before going to sleep
- Don’t take any over-the-counter products without first checking with your health-care practitioner
Constipation:
Is caused by your uterus pressing onto the colon and rectum.
Eat fibre rich food
Go to the loo when you feel the urge
Nausea:
Nausea, which is sometimes accompanied by vomiting, is not only completely normal, but is in fact the sign of a healthy pregnancy! Even though it’s called ‘morning’ sickness, it is not limited to the morning – you experience nausea any time of the day. It is thought to be caused by the pregnancy hormone hCG which is produced by the developing placenta and which helps to maintain the pregnancy.
When you’re feeling nauseous, try the following:
- Make yourself relax – breathe slowly, in through the nose and out through the mouth
- Suck or chew ice chips
- Nibble on a ginger biscuit. Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea.
- Grate it on veggies and other foods
- Suck on a freshly cut lemon
- Maintain your fluid intake, and it’s a good idea to try and avoid mixing solids and fluids at the same meal
- Have plenty of rest – tiredness can make it worse
The good news is that for most women, morning sickness ends by the fourth month of pregnancy, when hormone levels begin to decrease.
Bladder Weakness
This is a small leak of urine when you laugh, sneeze or cough.
Strengthening your muscles by doing some pelvic floor exercises will help:
- Tighten your muscles as if you are holding in some urine
- Squeeze and lift your pelvis
- Hold the position to the count of 5
- Gently relax
- Repeat the exercise 10 times
Aching legs
Caused by reduced blood circulation in your legs due to your baby pressing on some blood vessels.
- Sit with your legs raised
- Massage your legs
Back ache
Caused by the extra weight of your growing baby causing a strain on your back.
- Wear shoes with low / flat heels
- Sleep with a pillow between your legs
- Bend your knees when picking up heavy objects
Pelvic Pain
Is caused by the extra weight pressing down your uterus.
- Avoid standing for too long
- Get lots of rest
Itchy skin
Caused by your skin stretching as your body changes.
- Massage some cream or oil over the itchy areas
- Wear natural fibre clothing