Common Pregnancy Pains and Their Causes (continued)

Pregnancy Leg Cramps

Pressure from your growing uterus can cause leg cramps or sharp pains down your legs.

Recommendations:

• Be sure to eat and drink foods and beverages rich in calcium (such as milk, broccoli or cheese).
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
• Try wearing support hose but avoid any leg wear that is too tight.
• Elevate your legs when possible; avoid crossing your legs.
• Exercise daily.
• Stretch your legs before going to bed.
• Avoid lying on your back, since the weight of your body and the pressure of your enlarged uterus can slow the circulation in your legs, causing cramps.
• Gently stretch any muscle that becomes cramped by straightening your leg, flexing your foot, and pulling your toes toward you.
• Try massaging the cramp, or apply heat or a hot water bottle to the sore area.

Pregnancy Nasal Congestion

You may have a “stuffy nose” or feel like you have a cold. Pregnancy hormones sometimes dry out the lining in your nose, making it inflamed and swollen.

Recommendations:

• Apply a warm, wet washcloth to your cheeks, eyes, and nose to reduce congestion.
• Don’t use nose sprays; they can aggravate your symptoms.
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses of fluids a day) to thin mucus.
• Elevate your head with an extra pillow while sleeping to prevent mucus from blocking your throat.
• Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air.

Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy

Shortness of breath can occur due to increased upward pressure of the uterus

Recommendations:

• When walking, slow down and rest a few moments.
• Raise your arms over your head (this lifts your rib cage and allows you to breathe in more air).
• Avoid lying flat on your back, and try sleeping with your head elevated.

Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a type of scar tissue that forms when the skin’s normal elasticity is not enough for the stretching required during pregnancy. They usually appear on the abdomen and can also appear on the breasts, buttocks or thighs. While they won’t disappear completely, stretch marks will fade after delivery. Stretch marks affect the surface under the skin and are usually not preventable.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your diet contains enough sources of the nutrients needed for healthy skin (especially vitamins C and E).
• Apply lotion to your skin to keep it soft and reduce dryness.
• Exercise daily.

Swelling in the Feet and Legs During Pregnancy

Pressure from the growing uterus on the blood vessels carrying blood from the lower body causes fluid retention that results in swelling (edema) in the legs and feet.

Recommendations:

• Try not to stay on your feet for long periods of time. Avoid standing in one place.
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses of fluids a day).
• Avoid foods high in salt (sodium).
• Elevate your legs and feet while sitting. Avoid crossing your legs.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing; tight clothing can slow circulation and increase fluid retention.
• Don’t wear tight shoes; choose supportive shoes with low, wide heels.
• Keep your diet rich in protein; too little protein can cause fluid retention.
• Notify your health care provider if your hands or face swell. This may be a warning sign of preeclampsia.
• Rest on your side during the day to help increase blood flow to your kidneys.

Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Increased blood supply and hormones cause your vagina to increase normal secretions. Normal vaginal discharge is white or clear, non irritating, odorless and may look yellow when dry on your underwear or panty liners.

Recommendations:

• Choose cotton underwear or brands made from other natural fibers.
• Avoid tight-fitting jeans or pants.
• Do not douche. It is possible that you can introduce air into your circulatory system or break your bag of waters in later pregnancy.
• Clean the vaginal area often with soap and water.
• Wipe yourself from front to back.
• Contact your health care provider if you have burning, itching, irritation or swelling, bad odor, bloody discharge, or bright yellow or green discharge (these symptoms could be a sign of infection).

Pregnancy Backaches

Backaches are usually caused by the strain put on the back muscles, changing hormone levels, and changes in your posture.

Recommendations:

• Wear low-heeled (but not flat) shoes.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Squat down with your knees bent when picking things up instead of bending down at the waist.
• Don’t stand on your feet for long periods. If you need to stand for long periods, place one foot on a stool or box for support.
• Sit in a chair with good back support, or place a small pillow behind your lower back. Also place your feet on a footrest or stool.
• Check that your bed is firm. If needed, put a board between the mattress and box spring.
• Sleep on your left or right side with a pillow between your legs for support.
• Apply a hot water bottle, heating pad on low setting, take a warm bath or shower, or try massage.
• Perform exercises, as advised by your health care provider, to make your back muscles stronger and help relieve the soreness.
• Maintain good posture. Standing up straight will ease the strain on your back.
• Contact your health care provider if you have a low backache that goes around your stomach and does not go away within one hour after you change position or rest. This might be a sign of premature labor.

Abdominal Pain or Discomfort

Sharp, shooting pains on either side of your stomach may result from the stretching tissue supporting your growing uterus. These pains may also travel down your thigh and into your leg.

Recommendations:

• Change your position or activity until you are comfortable; avoid sharp turns or movements.
• If you have a sudden pain in your abdomen, bend forward to the point of pain to relieve tension and relax the tissue.
• Apply a hot water bottle, heating pad, or take a warm bath or shower.
• Try massage.
• Make sure you are getting enough fluids.
• Take Tylenol (acetaminophen), occasionally.
• Contact your health care provider if the pain is severe or constant or if you are less than 36 weeks pregnant and you have signs of labor.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

The muscles in your uterus will contract (tighten) as early as the second trimester of pregnancy on. Irregular, infrequent contractions are called Braxton-Hicks contractions (also known as “false labor pains”). These are normal during pregnancy.

Recommendations:

• Try to relax
• Change positions. Sometimes this can alleviate the contractions.

Tags: Abdominal, Backaches, Discomfort, Pain, pregnancy