Morning sickness is the term we use to describe the nausea and vomiting that are associated with the hormonal changes your body’s undergoing. Surprisingly, it can happen at any time during your pregnancy, and it doesn't just happen in the morning! You may also develop low blood sugar as a result of the baby’s nutritional demands. This decrease in blood sugar level can cause nausea in some women. Morning sickness is often worse when your stomach is empty, so here are some tips that might help you feel better:
There are also some alternative therapies like the use of herbs or acupressure that can help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness. Check with your provider for more information about these.
During your pregnancy you may get backaches because your muscles are being stretched and overworked. As your pregnancy progresses, your back muscles are helping to hold up your growing abdomen. Rest and a heating pad should help. If you have a sharp backache around your kidney area, please let your provider know immediately.
About a month into their pregnancy, most women's breasts become more tender. Your breasts are changing as your hormones change. Wearing a good support bra that fits you well should help. If your breasts are large or your nipples are very sensitive, wearing a bra when you're sleeping may also give you some relief.
When you're pregnant, food goes through your digestive system at a slower pace. As food slows down, more water is absorbed which makes your stool harder and more difficult to pass. The iron in your prenatal vitamins can also make you constipated. Drinking more water, exercising, and eating more fiber may help. If constipation becomes a problem, ask your provider if he or she can recommend a safe laxative or stool softener.
Don't be surprised if you feel tired during the first few months of your pregnancy. Your body is working hard and increased levels of a hormone called progesterone can enhance your feeling of fatigue. Don't worry, this kind of fatigue normally passes by the second trimester. The best thing you can do now, of course, is to get plenty of rest.
You may have mild headaches throughout your pregnancy. They can be caused by tension, low blood sugar, not drinking enough water or hormonal changes. Eating frequent small meals, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking time to relax may help. Acetaminophen can be used when you are pregnant but you should check with your provider first.
When you're pregnant, the muscle sphincters leading into your stomach become more relaxed. This can allow some "back flow" of your stomach's contents into the esophagus, which causes a "burning" sensation under your breastbone. Small, frequent meals and staying away from spicy and acidic foods should help. Antacids may also help, but please get your provider's advice on which is the safest for you. Raising the head of your bed 10 degrees or so by building a comfortable wedge of pillows to rest on, can also help relieve your heartburn.
Some women have a hard time sleeping when they're pregnant. This can happen because you may find yourself getting out of bed to go to the bathroom more often, feeling too warm because of your changing metabolism, or because your heartburn gets worse when you're lying down. Disturbing dreams are also fairly common when you're pregnant, and they can certainly interfere with a good night's sleep. It may help to use some relaxation techniques before bed, like having a gentle massage or taking a warm (but not hot!) bath.
It’s not unusual to have cramps early in pregnancy. Mild, menstrual-like cramps happen to some women. If they become severe or persist for long periods of time, notify your health care provider.
Feeling faint or dizzy when you’re pregnant is caused by a decrease of blood flow to your brain. This happens because more blood is going to your uterus and because the smooth muscles of your veins are relaxed, causing pooling of blood in your legs. You can avoid this by changing your body position slowly (lying to sitting, sitting to standing) and by not standing in one position for long periods. Low blood sugar can also contribute to faintness or dizziness. Eating frequent, small meals should help. If you do feel faint, sit down immediately.
You will probably find that you need to urinate more often during the first trimester of your pregnancy. This is because of the work your kidneys are doing to rid your body of waste products and toxins. Your kidneys are now working for two - you and your baby. Drink at least two quarts of water a day to replace what you lose.
A women’s hair often becomes thicker and grows faster as a result of pregnancy hormones. Normally, you lose 15-20% of your hair at any one time. During pregnancy, you lose only about half as much hair. Because every woman is different, you may also react to hair color or dyes differently. You should avoid the fumes and unpredictability of metallic dyes. Ask your hairdresser to use natural vegetable hair products. Permanents are also unpredictable while you're pregnant.
Your nails will probably grow faster during pregnancy, although they may be more likely to split and break. Keep your nails short and use plenty of lotion.
As your uterus grows, it presses on the veins that are near it. This slows the return of blood to your heart and causes the veins near your rectum to dilate, which, in turn, can cause hemorrhoids. It helps to eat more fiber and DRINK MORE WATER. Do not strain during a bowel movement. Most hemorrhoids that are caused by pregnancy will disappear after your baby is born.
Even if you've never had a nose bleed, when you're pregnant you may get them. Hormonal changes and lack of humidity can both play a role in nose bleeds. Possible remedies include using a humidifier to increase moisture or applying a small amount of Vaseline to each nostril. To stop a nose bleed, sit up straight, look straight ahead and gently pinch your nostrils for 5 minutes. If the bleeding has not stopped, call your provider.
Although most skin changes occur later in pregnancy, some can show up very early. These include acne, dryness, pigmentation changes, spider veins, blotchy skin and increased sensitivity to cosmetics. The increased levels of hormones in your body can also cause increased oiliness or dryness of your skin. Every woman is different and there is no way to predict how the hormone changes will affect you.
Increased vaginal discharge is normal when you're pregnant. This should be white, odorless and non-irritating. You may be more comfortable wearing a panty liner if your discharge is heavy. If the discharge becomes very thick, cottage cheese-like, feels itchy, or has an unusual odor, call your provider. Yeast infections, or vaginitis, are very common during pregnancy. Always check with your provider if you get a yeast infection, since you may not be able to use your regular over-the-counter medication.
Your eyes may be affected by your pregnancy. The cornea of your eye will get thicker as you retain water. If you wear contact lenses, they may not feel as comfortable, especially as you get further along in your pregnancy. Your eyes will probably return to normal after you have your baby.