Common Complaints
Nausea and Vomiting (morning sickness)
This is one of the most common pregnancy complaints, especially during the first trimester. Hormones can cause morning sickness, but usually it goes away early in the second trimester (around 14 weeks). If you are carrying twins, morning sickness it is more likely to occur and may last longer.
Try these tips for some relief:
- Getting out of bed slowly in the morning
- Don’t go without food for long periods of time
- Eat small meals more frequently throughout the day, so your stomach isn’t empty
- Soda crackers help settle your stomach
- Eat high protein, low-fat, nutritious meals
- Eat bland foods that are easy to digest, such as dry toast, crackers, bananas, rice, apples
- Try to stay away from smells and tastes that make you feel queasy
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Wear motion sickness band
- Get enough rest
Frequent Urination
Early on in pregnancy, fluid circulating throughout your body increases and your kidneys adapt by working more efficiently. As the uterus expands, it puts pressure on your bladder causing you to visit the restroom more frequently.
We recommend:
- Staying hydrated
- Using the bathroom when you feel the urge
- Lean forward when urinating to help empty your bladder
Breast Tenderness
Soreness or tenderness of your breasts can happen very early in your pregnancy, usually noticeable by six to eight weeks. Your breasts may grow throughout your pregnancy, but the tenderness usually subsides by the fourth month.
We recommend:
- Wear a supportive sports bra
- Wear a comfortable bra to bed for support during sleep
- Choose loose-fitting clothes that do not put pressure on your breasts
- Discuss with your healthcare provider for pain relief options
Constipation
During pregnancy, increased levels of hormones (progesterone) can slow down the digestive system and cause constipation.
We recommend:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Eating your daily fiber*
- Exercising regularly
- Using the bathroom when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement
*Good sources of fiber include: fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and bran. Whole grains include steel-cut oatmeal, brown rice, barley, and corn (including popcorn). Bran is the outer covering of grains such as corn and wheat. It is used as a high-fiber ingredient in cereals and other foods.
Backache
Extremely common, especially during the third trimester. It is caused by the shift in posture as your body adjusts to the expanding uterus as your baby grows.
We recommend:
- Shift positions regularly while standing
- Wear supportive shoes
- Elevate your feet while sitting
- Wear a maternity belt for back support
- Stretching exercises
Leg Cramps
Pregnancy fatigue from carrying the extra baby weight, compression of the blood vessels in the legs, diet (excess phosphorus or lack of calcium or magnesium) and hormonal changes are all factors that could lead to leg cramps. Typically, calf or thigh cramps are worse at
night.
We recommend:
- Taking warm bath in the evening will help relax all your muscles, including the muscles in your legs
- While in bed, stretch with your heels pointed, not your toes
Round Ligament Pain
The round ligaments support your uterus in your pelvis. As your uterus grows, the ligaments stretch and thicken to accommodate and support it. These changes can cause pain on one or both sides of the pelvis. Pain may start deep within the groin and move upward and outward towards the hips. It may also present as a dull ache after an active day.
We recommend:
- Warm baths
- Flexing your knees toward your abdomen
- Lying on your side with a pillow under your belly
- Decrease activity if necessary
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Painless, random contractions of the lower abdomen and groin, often a tightening feeling of the uterus. These are “warm-ups” to labor contractions and may occur during the second and third trimester.
We recommend:
- Track contractions – count and measure frequency, duration and intensity of contractions
- Lay down on your left side
- Drink water
- Contact your health care provider if they continue for more than two (2) hours
Swelling
Blood return via your veins is compromised during pregnancy, causing fluid retention in your feet, ankles and hands.
We recommend:
- Consult your health care provider to rule out conditions
- Drink plenty of water
- Elevate your feet at night
- Wear compression socks