Pregnancy is the most important phase in a woman’s life. She expects to pass this phase with unforgettable happy memories and of course without any complications. However, not every woman is that lucky. With pregnancy, women have to encounter a series of ailments that can render them weak and exhausted. Discussed below are nine such pregnancy problems with their cure.
Heartburn
Many pregnant women face this problem wherein the acid in their stomach tends to rush upwards, thanks to an enlarged tummy and hormonal changes. To neutralize this, avoid having oily food, coffee, tea, aerated drinks and of course quit smoking. Eat at regular intervals and chew your food properly. Don’t gulp it down, it will add to the problem. Once you have your meals, make sure to walk for few minutes. You can have calcium carbonate (not more than what’s prescribed) for reducing heartburn. However, never try other OTC antacids without getting a prescription from your gynaecologist.
Morning Sickness
This problem seems to haunt many women until the day their baby is delivered. Pregnant women feel quite uneasy and nauseatic during morning and some experience it for the entire day also. You need to have small amounts of food at regular intervals, consume fluids (but not just before or after having a meal). Instead of having fried items, have fruits like apple & watermelon, mashed potatoes, bread, noodles, less spicy soups and pickles. Don’t forget to have your pre-natal vitamin while having your meal. You can even try to smell ginger or lemon to reduce nausea. Walking can be the perfect supplementary solution here. If nothing works out, you can consult your doctor and take Diclectin.
Fatigue
During pregnancy, women tend to get tired too quickly as their bodies consume tremendous amount of energy. The obvious solution is to get ample amount of rest and sound sleep. Try and avoid doing strenuous tasks and take help while doing day to day activities.
Frequent Urination
During the first three months of pregnancy, the body secretes a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which leads to frequent urination. The next three months are a sort of relief but as soon as the seventh month of pregnancy starts, the problem re-occurs. The possible ways through which you can solve this problem is while urinating, you can bend forward which helps in emptying the bladder. Next, you need to avoid the intake of caffeine and fluids before going to bed. You can have fluids during afternoon as well as in the morning.
Constipation
Pregnant women frequently face constipation problems because of the fact that food gets absorbed slowly in their bodies. Consumption of iron supplements also add to this problem. To tackle this problem you need to consume food rich in fibres like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. Try to be active and drink lots of water. Don’t delay, in case you feel like going to the washroom.
Sore Back
During the last few months of pregnancy, many women complain of a sore back. This happens due to an enlarged uterus, lost ligaments and a shifting centre of gravity. Doing regular exercises and walking can help solve the back problem. Another way is to wear shoes without heels for proper balance and support. Heating pads can turn out to be great pain relievers. In case you have to stand for a long time, you need to rest your leg on a box or stool. While sitting, use a comfortable chair with pillow across your back.
Stretch marks and itching
Stretch marks often annoy pregnant women. Unfortunately, there’s not a panacea for it. You need to apply lotions in order to avoid an itching belly. Once the baby is born, the stretch marks will slowly disappear. Avoid gaining weight more than 11 to 16 kg (25 to 35 pounds).
Gestational Diabetes
Women need to undergo a blood sugar test during their 7-8 month of pregnancy. If the sugar levels are high, it is referred to as Gestational Diabetes which is likely to disappear after the child is born. It can cause complications in child birth or may even lead to having low sugar level in your child. Doctors certainly do a profound analysis to confirm the same. Once you are diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, you will have to undergo frequent tests including urine tests, ultrasounds and blood sugar tests. Your doctor may ask you to revise your diet. If the problem persists, you might even have to take insulin injections. After six months of delivery, you will still have to undergo blood sugar tests because gestational diabetes increases the risk of diabetes at a later stage.
High Blood Pressure (Pregnancy-induced hypertension)
A significant number of women experience high blood pressure during the last months of their pregnancy. This is not a good sign. It can lead to complications for both you as well as your baby. What actually happens during high blood pressure is that your placenta receives less blood which can lead to a reduced flow of oxygen and vital nutrients to your baby. In case you have severe abdominal pain, vision problems, less urination, swollen hands or feet, you should immediately consult your gynaecologist. The doctor will test your weight, blood pressure, urine and would even advice diet changes. Doctors often advice a pre-decided delivery, in case the blood pressure shoots up unnaturally during the last months.
