Most women experience symptoms and discomfort at some point during their pregnancy. Whether it’s morning sickness in your first trimester, or aches and pains as the pregnancy gets further along, here are some common complaints and their remedies you can try. Always speak to your healthcare provider during your prenatal visits if something is bothering you so that they can provide you with the best care possible.
Back pain
The physical growth of your uterus and hormonal changes during pregnancy may strain your back muscles, causing back discomfort. In addition to carrying increased weight in the front of your body, pregnancy hormones relax the ligaments of your joints and pelvis, making them more flexible, which can contribute to back pain. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends regular exercise to strengthen your back and stretch the muscles that support your back. Watch your posture when you are standing or walking, and be sure to wear flat, supportive shoes. Applying heat or cold therapy to your back is okay – we recommend trying both and doing what feels best. A support belt may also be in order if you need to stand or walk for long periods of time.
Heartburn and indigestion
During pregnancy, our bodies create a hormone called progesterone that causes digestive slow-down and relaxation. This can also cause the valve between the stomach and esophagus to relax, allowing stomach acid to pass back into the esophagus, causing irritation and heartburn. Many experience heartburn in their third trimester when the uterus has grown significantly larger and applies more pressure on the intestines and stomach, pushing what you eat back up into the esophagus. To minimize heartburn, eat smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals. Try to avoid spicy, greasy and fatty foods, as these can contribute to heartburn. Wait an hour to lie flat, so your food is well digested, and prop yourself up with extra pillows when sleeping. Some people find yogurt or a glass of milk to be a natural way to relieve heartburn symptoms. Always speak with your healthcare provider regarding over-the-counter medications you might want to try to relieve heartburn.
Nausea and vomiting
Anytime between weeks 5 to 18 of pregnancy, some may experience nausea, with or without vomiting. It is often referred to as “morning sickness” as this is a common time of day when most experience the symptoms, though it can happen at any time of day. It is thought that the increased hormone levels of pregnancy and slowed movements of the stomach contents both contribute to these symptoms. To help with morning sickness, eat small snacks throughout the day and avoid an empty stomach. We recommend carrying crackers or nuts in your bag, so you always have something to snack on throughout the day.
It is also important to stay well hydrated, and helpful to drink fluids throughout the day. Try sipping on something carbonated or eating something sour in small amounts to see if that helps your symptoms. Find a It is also important to stay well hydrated, and helpful to drink fluids throughout the day. Try sipping on something carbonated or eating something sour in small amounts to see if that helps your symptoms. Find a ginger, mint or lemon candy to keep on hand to suck on throughout the day as well. Always call your healthcare provider if you are unable to keep fluids down or if you are showing signs of dehydration, such as dark-colored urine or dizziness. For more tips, keep reading here.
Fatigue
While everyone is different when they are pregnant, many people describe a feeling of exhaustion, especially in their first trimester. This is a result of many different factors – both physical and mental. Our bodies are demanding more nutrition, our hormones are rapidly changing, and our mental load is increasing. While this is a normal part of pregnancy, we recommend getting extra rest during times when you may feel an increase in fatigue. Try getting in bed an hour earlier at night, and squeeze a nap in during the day if you feel your body needs it. You may need to adjust your current schedule or routine to accommodate extra sleep in your first trimester, so be kind to yourself and know that that is okay!
Constipation & hemorrhoids
During pregnancy, the bowels often move more slowly, and in addition, the iron in prenatal vitamins may contribute to constipation. Sometimes, as the uterus grows and puts pressure on your rectum, hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins, may appear. These are more likely if you are also constipated. If you experience these symptoms, always let your provider know so they can guide you through over-the-counter treatment options.
In addition, to avoid constipation or improve symptoms, drink plenty of fluids to keep your urine pale or clear. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes high-fiber food choices such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help as well. For hemorrhoids, a sitz bath, which is soaking your bottom in warm water, may help relieve the discomfort that they are feeling and it also helps to shrink the size of hemorrhoids. Make sure you are moving around during the day and avoiding sitting on a hard surface for long periods of time. Although donut-shaped cushions seem tempting, they can make swelling and hemorrhoids much worse.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- “Backpain during pregnancy” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, January 2016. Web.
