Discomforts
of Pregnancy
Pregnancy
is a time of radical change in a woman’s whole body.
The signs and symptoms of these changes can manifest themselves
in many ways. A woman may experience one, few or all of
the normal discomforts of pregnancy.
-
Breast
tenderness or tingling - This may one of the
first signs and symptoms of pregnancy or in subsequent
pregnancies may not be very apparent. Either way the breasts
will ready themselves for the job of providing nourishment
for the new baby.
-
Abdominal Cramping or Backache –
The enlarging uterus and stretching and growing round
ligaments can cause cramping and pain along the sides
of the abdomen and pain in the lower back. This usually
does not last long and but can be very uncomfortable.
It is not accompanied by any other symptoms and may be
helped by rest or a warm bath
-
Frequent
urination – Because the bladder is in such
close proximity to the uterus, the additional bulk of
the uterus pressing on the bladder (especially in the
1st and 3rd trimesters) can make
frequent trips to the bathroom necessary. Report
symptoms of burning or pain at urination, or fever, to
your care provider immediately. as this can be signs of
a UTI (urinary tract infection).
-
Fatigue
– When you think about it, it would be very unusual
for a pregnant woman to not be tired. The body is in a
production mode that is not to be believed. It is making
hormones, uterine muscle, baby, placenta, breast tissue
and connective tissue. Let your fatigue be a signal to
set rest as a top priority.
-
Constipation, Diarrhea, Bloating, Indigestion
or Heartburn – These discomforts probably
stem from the large production of pregnancy hormones and
their effect of relaxing and slowing the entire gastrointestinal
tract. These symptoms are very uncomfortable but may in
turn make for better nutrient absorption for the baby.
-
Dizziness or Shortness of Breath –
During the early weeks of pregnancy, you may find yourself
gasping for air halfway up a staircase that you previously
climbed two steps at a time. You may also find yourself
dizzy and grabbing for something to hold on to the next
time you get up rapidly. These symptoms are due to a circulatory
system that is rapidly expanding without the fluid to
fill it completely. This is why pregnant women are encouraged
to drink plenty of extra fluid.
-
Headaches – In the first trimester,
an increase in the incidence of headaches is common. This
probably due to the fluid balance changes brought on by
the increase of female hormones.
-
Nasal
Stuffiness, Nose Bleeds - Again those pesky pregnancy
hormones contribute to an increase of blood flow to the
mucous membranes of the nose causing stuffiness and possibly
post-nasal drainage.
-
Excessive
Salivation - The saliva glands also step up production.
This is often worse for those women experiencing nausea.
-
Food Aversions or Cravings – You
used to like cauliflower but now the smell has you running
for the bathroom or you’ve never really liked fruit
but suddenly you are eating 7 oranges a day. These pregnancy
food cravings or aversions are perfectly normal and again
are brought on by increasing hormones. If you are craving
strange things like dirt, let your care provider know.
-
Mood Swings – "Wearing your
heart on your sleeve" is certainly a phrase that
is appropriate during pregnancy. Laughing one minute and
crying the next and leaving your partner totally confused
in the process, can be the reality that some women experience
during pregnancy. Again the stress of the situation (pregnancy)
coupled with those wild hormonal fluctuations may keep
your emotions just under the surface ready to spring forth
at the next inopportune moment.
