Common problems during pregnancy

Your body changes during pregnancy, and some of the changes that occur can cause irritation or discomfort. This can be worrying, and it's good to know what the most common changes are. If they occur, you don't need to panic, but you should tell your doctor about them at your next appointment.

Morning sickness

Almost 70% of women suffer from morning sickness, especially in the first trimester. Later, towards the end of the 4th month, the symptoms disappear or become much less acute. If morning sickness is very severe and does not allow you to eat or drink water for more than 24 hours, your urine is very dark or you have not urinated at all for 8 hours, you have a fever (over 38°C), you feel weak and have a constant feeling that you are going to faint or you have lost a lot of weight - go to the doctor urgently.

How do you relieve symptoms?

rest as much as you can (lack of rest makes nausea more intense);
eat little and often (at intervals of approx. 2 hours), preferably uncooked and unheated food (the smell of hot food could make you nauseous);
avoid smells and foods that make you nauseous (and cooking can worsen your symptoms);
eat more carbohydrates: toast, crackers or whole grains and avoid foods high in sugar and fat;
drink water in small sips (you can also put a little lemon in it, but without sugar or honey);
you can consume foods or drinks that contain ginger - for example, candies or tea (there is evidence that it can reduce nausea and vomiting);
you can try acupressure - there is evidence that putting pressure on the wrist, using a special band, can help relieve symptoms (they don't cost much and you can find them on the internet - they are called acupressure bracelets).

Constipation

35-40% of women suffer from constipation during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes.

What could help?

drink plenty of fluids, especially water (6-8 glasses a day);
eat foods rich in fiber - wholemeal bread and cereals, wild rice, vegetables and fresh/dried fruits - especially prunes or figs (if they are too hard, you can hydrate them overnight in a glass of water);
exercise regularly - it oxygenates the muscles in the digestive tract and stimulates the nervous system, which plays an extremely important role in the optimal functioning of digestion;
avoid iron supplements - they can worsen constipation symptoms (ask your doctor if you can stop taking them or replace them).

Stretch

Depending on your skin type, you may develop stretch marks on your belly, thighs, or breasts between weeks 13 and 21. Hormones produced during pregnancy reduce the elasticity of your skin. The collagen and elastin fibers in your skin can no longer keep up with your baby's rapid growth and break.

There is no cure for them - studies have not shown the effectiveness of anti-stretch mark oils or creams, but massage with an organic oil that you like can help reduce the itching associated with skin stretching. After birth, they will fade, but they will not disappear.

SOURCE:

Material extracted from the Plan the Joy pregnancy planner .