8 Most Common Discomforts During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase that a woman goes through in her life. From getting to know about the pregnancy to giving birth, what a woman goes through those nine months is nothing less than an adventure. As a woman goes through different stages of pregnancy, the foetus develops and grows, and a lot changes during these 38 weeks.

Now, pregnancy is not all ‘peaches and cream’ and you may experience discomfort during pregnancy. Sorry to break that to you, but it is, after all, a side to pregnancy that you should be aware of. Now, symptoms of discomfort may vary from woman to woman, but there are some which are common for women to experience. We have made a list of some so that you feel better reading that other women too go through the same and that there are ways of dealing with them. So let’s discuss these.

Cramps

It is very common for women to experience muscles cramps in legs, thighs and feet. The reason for it is yet unknown, but it is believed that the expansion of the uterus causes strain in the nerves and muscles. It feels good to stretch your affected muscle or limb. You may even stand to stretch your leg. Straightening your leg to let your toes come towards you also offers relief.

Constipation

As the uterus starts expanding, it starts putting pressure on the intestines and rectum, interfering with digestion and bowel movements and ultimately leading to constipation. It is advisable to have a fibre rich diet during pregnancy, one that involves a lot of fresh fruits, green vegetables and cereals. Regular exercise and taking a lot of fluids also helps in regulating bowel movements.

Back pain

As a woman’s weight increases, the ligaments loosen to prepare the body for birth. When the weight increases the balance changes, with the centre of gravity being pulled forward. With this new posture, the back gets strained. The pain usually gets worse at night. Regular exercise involving proper lifting techniques can help your back and avoid standing for long. You can also visit a chiropractor for posture who will work with your back to offer you some relief.

Headaches

Hormonal changes are the most common cause of headaches during pregnancy. Headaches are mostly experienced during the first trimester and may be caused due to fatigue, stress, noise or heat. One should take proper rest, a healthy diet and a lot of fluids to keep those uneasy headaches away. You can also do yoga or meditation to relax yourself.

Swollen hands and feet

Around 80% of women experience swelling in their hands and feet during pregnancy. The body holds more water during pregnancy which can get collected in the lowest parts of the body like hands and feet. One way to avoid this is to not stand for long hours. Some stretching and taking your feet higher than the head many times during the day can offer some relief.

Tiredness

It is quite normal for a woman to experience tiredness during pregnancy. During this time, the body is working overtime, producing new hormones and making more blood in order to provide nutrition to the foetus. All of this, coupled with the increased weight, leaves the woman tired and wanting to take a rest. Aim for a good eight hours of sleep every night and take adequate rest during the day.

Nausea and vomiting

Feeling of nausea and vomiting is very common in pregnant women, with the feeling at its peak during the morning. Some women may get the urge to throw up and some may actually throw up. This is due to hormonal changes in the body and is more likely to happen in the first trimester, while some may experience this throughout the pregnancy. Try to avoid taking stress, travelling, and eating food that is spicy and oily.

Stretch marks

Now, as the foetus grows, the uterus expands, the body prepares for the baby, and the weight increases. This leads to stretch marks around breasts, thighs, arms, and stomach. This is not something to worry about as these marks generally disappear after pregnancy.

Some women may find it very difficult to cope up with these changes in the body. They may experience a lot of unease and discomfort. If you are one of those, you might want to consider searching the web for “chiropractor near me” during pregnancy and can hope to find some relief. Rest, this is undoubtedly a very beautiful phase of life,  and one should take proper care of oneself to give birth to a healthy baby.