Pregnancy Lounge

Category: Pregnancy Discomforts

Dizziness and Fainting

When your blood sugar level becomes low, because you’ve gone too long without eating or when your blood suddenly shifts, causing your blood pressure to drop rapidly, you may experience some light headedness or dizziness and feel like fainting. Another common cause in the last half of pregnancy can be the extra pressure of your uterus on blood vessels and arteries. Make sure you don’t go for long periods of time without eating. Take snacks (especially those high in protein and iron) with you when you go places. Always remember to change positions and stand up slowly after sitting or lying down to avoid feeling dizzy and don’t stand for extended periods of time.

More Pregnancy Discomforts

—Backaches
—Breast Discomfort
—Braxton Hicks Contractions
—Constipation
—Dizziness and Fainting
—Fatigue
—Hand Numbness
—Headaches
—Heartburn and Indigestion
—Hemorrhoids
—Increased Discharge
—Itchy Abdomen
—Leg Cramps
—Nausea and Morning Sickness
—Overheating
—Pelvic Pressure
—Sleep Trouble
—Swelling
—Urinary Problems
—Varicose Veins

December 1, 2012
Increased Vaginal Discharge

When blood flow increases to your vagina as your pregnancy progresses, there may be an increase in vaginal discharge, which is called leukorrhea. You may experience more and more white or clear, practically odorless discharge. Douching won’t help minimize normal leukorrhea, but could cause a yeast infection to develop instead. To feel more comfortable, you may want to wear panty liners or sanitary pads (don’t use tampons during pregnancy), in addition to 100% cotton underwear. Be sure to contact your doctor or midwife if you have itching, burning or a bad odor develops.

more Pregnancy Discomforts

–Backaches
–Constipation
–Hemorrhoids
–Fatigue
–Headaches
–Heartburn and Indigestion
–Itchy Abdomen
–Dizziness and Fainting
–Swelling
–Varicose Veins
–Breast Discomfort
–Urinary Problems
–Sleep Trouble
–Leg Cramps
–Nausea and Morning Sickness
–Increased Discharge
–Pelvic Pressure
–Hand Numbness
–Braxton Hicks Contractions

August 27, 2012
Leg Cramps in Pregnancy
When your enlarging uterus places pressure on certain nerves (as well as a shortage of calcium), you may experience leg cramps or pains, which are more common in the last half of pregnancy.
- Elevate your feet whenever possible and avoid crossing your legs.
- You may try massaging and stretching your calf muscles before bed.
- Add more calcium and potassium to your diet to prevent leg cramps.
- When a cramp hits, straighten your leg and gently massage it until the pain lets up.
- Apply a heating pad or a hot water bottle to the sore area.
Call your doctor or midwife if it doesn’t get better, because the cramping could be a symptom of something more serious.

more Pregnancy Discomforts

–Backaches
–Constipation
–Hemorrhoids
–Fatigue
–Headaches
–Heartburn and Indigestion
–Itchy Abdomen
–Dizziness and Fainting
–Swelling
–Varicose Veins
–Breast Discomfort
–Urinary Problems
–Sleep Trouble
–Leg Cramps
–Nausea and Morning Sickness
–Increased Discharge
–Pelvic Pressure
–Hand Numbness
–Braxton Hicks Contractions
August 27, 2012
Pregnancy Contractions

Contractions are when your uterus starts practicing and preparing for labor (as early as the second trimester), you may experience some discomfort, as your uterus briefly tightens and relaxes. They are typically mild and painless and may quiet down if you change positions.

Unlike real labor contractions, Braxton-Hicks will subside. You may want to try relaxing, by soaking in a warm bath or by taking a nap. If they start coming at regular intervals, are accompanied by back pain or become painful, contact your doctor or midwife.

more Discomforts

–Backaches
–Breast Discomfort
–Braxton Hicks Contractions
–Constipation
–Dizziness and Fainting
–Fatigue
–Hand Numbness
–Headaches
–Heartburn and Indigestion
–Hemorrhoids
–Increased Discharge
–Itchy Abdomen
–Leg Cramps
–Nausea and Morning Sickness
–Overheating
–Pelvic Pressure
–Sleep Trouble
–Swelling
–Urinary Problems
–Varicose Veins

August 27, 2012
Constipation in Pregnancy

When digestive muscles begin to loosen (due to certain hormones) and the last half of pregnancy when your growing uterus puts added pressure on your bowels, you may experience irregularity.

To overcome constipation, eat foods that are fiber-rich. Fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain products and prune juice are all good choices.
Increase your fluid intake and make sure you are getting at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to help soften your stool and keep food moving along in your digestive tract.

Regular exercise is especially helpful in dealing with constipation. Don’t take enemas, laxatives, or home remedies unless recommended by your doctor or midwife.

more Discomforts

—Backaches
—Breast Discomfort
—Braxton Hicks Contractions
—Constipation
—Dizziness and Fainting
—Fatigue
—Hand Numbness
—Headaches
—Heartburn and Indigestion
—Hemorrhoids
—Increased Discharge
—Itchy Abdomen
—Leg Cramps
—Nausea and Morning Sickness
—Overheating
—Pelvic Pressure
—Sleep Trouble
—Swelling
—Urinary Problems
—Varicose Veins

August 27, 2012
Tender Breasts: Pregnancy Discomforts

When pregnancy hormone amounts, such as estrogen and progesterone, increase and your breasts start preparing for milk production, you may experience an increase in size as well as sensitivity. They may become extra tender and may even tingle, especially during the first trimester.

Thankfully, soreness typically diminishes by the second trimester. Increase your bra size as your breasts become larger and wear a bra that provides firm support, even at night, if necessary, which can help ease discomfort and maintain support at the same time. This may also ease the strain put on your back, as your breasts become increasingly heavy.

more Discomforts

—Backaches
—Breast Discomfort
—Braxton Hicks Contractions
—Constipation
—Dizziness and Fainting
—Fatigue
—Hand Numbness
—Headaches
—Heartburn and Indigestion
—Hemorrhoids
—Increased Discharge
—Itchy Abdomen
—Leg Cramps
—Nausea and Morning Sickness
—Overheating
—Pelvic Pressure
—Sleep Trouble
—Swelling
—Urinary Problems
—Varicose Veins

August 8, 2012
Pregnancy Abdomen – Itchy Skin

In pregnancy, when your skin stretches out more and more across your belly as the months go by, becoming drier, you may experience some itchiness. Try not to scratch it, because you could end up with scars. Instead, keep the skin on your belly well-hydrated using lotion or cream.

more Discomforts

—Backaches
—Breast Discomfort
—Braxton Hicks Contractions
—Constipation
—Dizziness and Fainting
—Fatigue
—Hand Numbness
—Headaches
—Heartburn and Indigestion
—Hemorrhoids
—Increased Discharge
—Itchy Abdomen
—Leg Cramps
—Nausea and Morning Sickness
—Overheating
—Pelvic Pressure
—Sleep Trouble
—Swelling
—Urinary Problems
—Varicose Veins

July 27, 2012
Pregnancy Back Pain

Backaches and back pain occur when pelvic joints start to loosen (to allow easier passage for your baby during delivery) and especially later in pregnancy, when extra weight shifts your center of gravity, adding stress to your back muscles, you may experience mild achiness.

Back Pain Help

To help minimize back pain, stay away from shoes that are high-heeled, instead wear low-heeled shoes with good arch support. Practicing proper lifting techniques can also help. Always bend at the knees, not at the waist to avoid straining your back further. Try to stay off your feet whenever you can, elevating them with a foot stool and avoid standing for long periods.

Warm baths and back massages are also a great way for temporary relief. In your third trimester, may want to contact your doctor or midwife if you have persistent back pain, because it could possibly be a sign of preterm labor.

more Discomforts

—Backaches
—Breast Discomfort
—Braxton Hicks Contractions
—Constipation
—Dizziness and Fainting
—Fatigue
—Hand Numbness
—Headaches
—Heartburn and Indigestion
—Hemorrhoids
—Increased Discharge
—Itchy Abdomen
—Leg Cramps
—Nausea and Morning Sickness
—Overheating
—Pelvic Pressure
—Sleep Trouble
—Swelling
—Urinary Problems
—Varicose Veins

July 25, 2012
Pregnancy Discomforts

Pregnancy is a time when your body is undergoing significant physical (as well as emotional changes). As your pregnancy progresses, you may experience some discomforts, resulting from these changes. Even though pregnancy discomforts are only temporary, they may be quite unpleasant. Pregnancy discomforts vary from woman to woman and although the complaints listed below are quite common, many (but not all) can be avoided through proper diet, exercise, adequate rest and prenatal care. If have any questions or concerns about any discomfort or illness you experience, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or midwife.

more Pregnancy Discomforts

—Backaches
—Constipation
—Hemorrhoids
—Fatigue
—Headaches
—Heartburn and Indigestion
—Itchy Abdomen
—Dizziness and Fainting
—Swelling
—Varicose Veins
—Breast Discomfort
—Urinary Problems
—Sleep Trouble
—Leg Cramps
—Nausea and Morning Sickness
—Increased Discharge
—Pelvic Pressure
—Hand Numbness
—Braxton Hicks Contractions

July 25, 2012