Pregnancy complaints and helpful tips
Tiredness and exhaustion
Especially during the first three months of pregnancy most women feel like sleeping all the time. Everything feels a little harder — even familiar tasks or exercise become an effort.
Cause:
The exhaustion is caused by hormonal changes. In addition to the pregnancy hormone HCG, more of the calming hormone progesterone is produced. The placenta grows and blood volume increases. All this extra work tires the body further.
What helps?
Plenty of rest, relaxation and lots of fluids. Allow yourselves more frequent breaks and go for walks in the fresh air to get the circulation going.
Nausea and loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting are among the most common complaints in the first three months of pregnancy. The severity ranges from mild discomfort to repeated vomiting over several days.
Cause:
A likely trigger for the nausea is the rise in HCG levels in the blood. The pregnancy hormone also makes women more sensitive to smells and tastes.
What helps?
You can’t really avoid the nausea, but fortunately it usually passes soon. Many women find a small sweet snack first thing in the morning — for example a biscuit — helpful. If the nausea is severe and persistent, your doctor may prescribe medication.
Constipation
Constipation can occur repeatedly during pregnancy. A bloated, painful stomach is unpleasant and can temporarily reduce the appetite.
Cause:
The increase in HCG and progesterone levels slows down the bowel. At the same time the body needs a lot of fluid for the additional blood production. This can lead to a lack of fluids, which can cause constipation.
What helps?
Drink plenty of fluids — ideally a large glass of warm water as soon as you get up, and at least two litres of water, tea or diluted juices over the course of the day. Fibre‑rich foods and light exercise also stimulate digestion. Only take laxatives after consulting your doctor.
Heartburn
When the nausea of the early months eases, many pregnant women notice increased heartburn. Especially in the evenings or if you have eaten fatty or strongly spiced food, you may feel a sour burning sensation low in the throat.
Cause:
The lower oesophageal sphincter, which normally prevents stomach acid rising into the oesophagus, relaxes under the influence of pregnancy hormones. In addition, the stomach is increasingly pressured by the growing uterus, so acid can rise more easily.
What helps?
Trusted home remedies for heartburn include almonds or white bread chewed slowly. A sip of milk can also help. For heartburn in the evening and at night, an extra pillow to keep your head higher than your body in bed can provide relief. In general, eat smaller portions more often, chew well and avoid hard‑to‑digest foods.
Back pain / sciatica
The bigger the baby grows in your belly, the more you will feel the extra weight on your back. Standing or lying for a long time can become very uncomfortable and lead to painful tension in the lower back.
Causes:
The centre of gravity shifts forward because of the baby bump, forcing the woman into an exaggerated lumbar curve. This strains the spine. At the same time the growing uterus can press on the sciatic nerve, which may cause pain.
What helps?
Regular swimming, yoga and gentle exercises strengthen the back muscles and help ease tension. Flat shoes and, if necessary, a „Baby-Belt“ relieve the spine and support an upright posture. If home remedies such as a hot water bottle, a cherry‑stone cushion and gentle massages do not provide relief, you can try acupuncture. Many midwives offer this as an additional service.
Varicose veins, aching legs and spider veins
Aching legs and varicose veins occur mainly in the last months of pregnancy. Fortunately they usually disappear on their own after childbirth.
Causes:
Tissues loosen with the hormonal changes and the body pumps up to 35% more blood through the veins. This favours the temporary development of varicose veins.
What helps?
Regular movement and raising your legs more often. Compression stockings (please order in your individual size) also relieve leg pain and help prevent varicose veins.
Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids arise for the same reason as varicose veins — the vessels dilate during pregnancy and the blood volume increases. Like varicose veins, haemorrhoids are usually temporary. They are still bothersome, however.
What helps?
Try to avoid constipation by drinking plenty, getting enough exercise and taking one tablespoon of crushed linseed (ground flaxseed) daily. Don’t strain during bowel movements. Sitz baths with oak bark or calendula help relieve pain.
Image credits
Pregnant woman reaches for her shoulder and back © NDABCREATIVITY – stock.adobe.com
Pregnant woman holds a teacup in her hand © saulich84 – stock.adobe.com
