The excitement of impending motherhood is often marred by annoying minor health complaints. Most pregnant women accept that they will have to put up with some discomfort. Luckily, there are things you can do to help prevent or relieve many of the problems caused by physical and hormonal changes. Here is a pregnancy guide to some of the aliments frequently experienced by expectant mothers.
It's not uncommon to feel constantly tired and run down during the first trimester. Soaring levels of the hormone progesterone sap energy and induce drowsiness. Rather than increasing caffeine consumption, you should listen to your body and try to get some extra rest each day. Even a twenty minute catnap will help. Go to bed at night when you feel sleepy, even if it's a couple of hours earlier than usual.
As expectant mothers put on weight in their bellies and breasts, their backs have to take the strain. The best way to avoid lower back pain during pregnancy is to stay physically fit with strong core muscles. There are exercise classes specifically aimed at pregnant women. One of the most popular is aqua-aerobics. The water supports a pregnant woman's extra weight for a gentle but effective work-out.
Constipation is one of many annoying conditions brought on by pregnancy hormones. Progesterone decreases the efficiency of the bowel, slowing down the digestive process. The best way to combat constipation is to drink plenty of water and eat a diet rich in fiber. Wholegrain bread, bran cereals, fruits and vegetables are all good sources of fiber. Prunes are well known for their natural laxative qualities.
Some pregnant women are afflicted by swollen ankles and puffy hands. This condition becomes noticeable during the second trimester and can last throughout the pregnancy. It is caused when excess fluid leaks from blood vessels and builds up in the extremities. Ironically, you are less likely to retain fluid if you keep yourself well hydrated. You can relieve the pressure from bloated lower limbs by propping your feet up above hip level.
Outbreaks of thrush are common during pregnancy as the environment of the vagina becomes more acidic. Symptoms of this fungal infection include vaginal discharge, soreness and itching. To help prevent thrush, make a habit of eating natural yogurt with active cultures to ensure a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina. Outbreaks of thrush can be treated with an antifungal topical cream.
Many women experience hot flashes and sweating during the third trimester. Lowered estrogen levels in pregnancy can affect the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature and result in overheating. Unfortunately, the only way to deal with the symptoms is to try to stay cool. Wear natural fibers, pull back your hair and carry a cooling spray bottle. If you frequently wake up with night sweats, sleep with the window open and a fan running.
From the second trimester up until a few months after giving birth, many women experience what has come to be known as 'baby brain'. They forget why they came into a room, lose things or get lost themselves. Studies have shown that pregnant women do actually tend to have impaired spatial memory. To avoid frustrating and embarrassing memory lapses, try to organise your time and space. Stick to a daily routine and always put important items in the same place.
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