Common Pregnancy Complaints

Pregnancy can bring just as much discomfort as it does joy. Cramps, constipation and morning sickness are just a few common complaints experienced during pregnancy. Pregnancy symptoms tend to be at their peak over the first trimester when your hormones are at an all-time high. However for some; it’s nine months of irritation. Whatever your situation; here are a few tips to make your pregnancy a little more comfortable.

Pregnancy Cramps:
Cramping is a very common pregnancy symptom and typically occurs when the uterus expands; causing the surrounding ligaments to stretch.

Relieving minor cramps:

• Soaking in a warm bath
• Lying down for a while or changing positions
• Applying a warm pack and towel onto the area.

Occasionally, cramping can be the result of something more serious, like an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. If your cramping pain is severe; persists for a long time, or is accompanied by bleeding or contractions; you should call your doctor immediately.

Constipation, bloating, reflux and heartburn during pregnancy:
Digestive issues are often triggered by hormonal changes in the body that cause the digestive tract to be more sluggish. In later pregnancy; your growing baby may also compress your abdominal muscles; causing discomfort.

Relieving constipation and minor digestive discomfort:

• Have smaller meals, more often
• Eat slowly
• Drink lots of water
• Exercise regularly
• If you feel constipated; eat a high-fiber diet.
• Avoid refined carbs and sugars
• If you are experiencing reflux; avoid high fat foods and do not lie down after eating.

Morning sickness and vomiting
During the first trimester; the increase in hormones (progesterone and estrogen) will heighten your sense of taste and smell; which can lead to a feeling of nausea (or what is commonly referred to as “morning sickness”).

Relieving morning sickness

• Have smaller meals, more often
• Avoid morning sickness smells and triggers
• Drink plenty of water in between meals. Ginger tea can ease stomach pain
• Have your prenatal vitamins with a bigger meal; later in the day
• Avoid hard to digest fried / fatty foods and carbonated drinks
• Take naps to relax

Heavy legs and hemorrhoids
Pregnancy makes you more prone to hemorrhoids, as well as to varicose veins in the legs. Your growing uterus puts pressure on your veins which can slow the blood-flow in the lower half of your body; causing them to become swollen or dilated.
The main symptoms are abdominal pain, feeling of heavy legs, leg edema (ankle swelling) and even hemorrhoids (sometimes due to frequent constipation). These symptoms are usually not serious, but can be very uncomfortable.

Relieving heavy legs and hemorrhoids

• Avoid constipation by eating a high fiber diet and drinking lots of water
• Wear flat shoes
• Sleep with your legs in a slightly elevated pillow.
• Massage your legs
• Avoid sitting for long periods.