Health Pregnancy Problems

In the articles series you have found 10 health problems that may arise during pregnancy. Those are morning sickness, fatigue, frequent urination, constipation, heartburn, headache, abdominal pain, sleeping problems, changes in skin color, and backache.

This article which will explain the last six health problems and the solutions.

Here they are:

1. Varicose veins

Varicose veins are highly dilated (swollen), purple veins. Many women get them around their vaginal opening and legs later during pregnancy. They occur because increase in blood volume and the increasing size of uterus during pregnancy exerts pressure on leg and pelvic veins.

Solutions

To prevent varicose veins, avoid putting a lot of pressure on your legs by:

• Do not let your weight increase too much.
• Try to keep your legs in elevated position as far as possible.
• Do moderate exercises like walking to get a better circulation of blood.
• Get a support hose and wear it, especially before you get out of bed.

2. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are the varicose veins in rectal region and may occur during late stages of pregnancy.

A large amount of pressure on perineum and rectum (due to increase in size of uterus) and frequent constipation during pregnancy are the reasons for their cause.

Solutions

• Prevent constipation.
• Try taking sitz bath for 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a day.
• Use of icepack or cold compress containing witch hazel is also good to treat hemorrhoids.
• Consult your healthcare provider to get an effective and safe hemorrhoid-relief medicine.

3. Swelling of Extremities

Swelling (edema) of hands and feet is common during pregnancy, occurring because of changes in chemistry of blood and tendency to retain a lot of water during pregnancy.

Solutions

· Sleep on your left side.

· Wear a supporting hose.

· Keep your legs elevated as far as possible

· Stretching your legs often is also helpful.

· Walking is also good, as it will improve your blood circulation.

· Take healthy diet and drink a lot of water. It may be surprising but if you are hydrated, your body will retain less water.

4. Stretch marks

Pink or reddish-brown stretch marks generally appear on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks or thighs during pregnancy.

They occur because of a fast increase in size of organs causing minute tears in underlying supportive tissues, which eases the expansion of organs.

Solution

· Do not let your weight increase too much.

· Many stretch mark preventing creams are also available. As such, there is not proof about the affectivity of these creams but they certainly keep your belly moisturized and decrease itching.

These stretch marks generally go on their own after delivery.

5. Bleeding gums and nosebleeds

Pregnancy causes the blood vessels to expand and there is an increase in blood supply during pregnancy putting too much of pressure on veins. Thus, many women experience a frequent nose or gum bleeding, especially from the second trimester onwards.

Solutions

· Taking orange juice or foods rich in vitamin C, will strengthen the capillaries, (minute blood vessels), thus reducing this kind of bleeding.

· Use soft toothbrush, it will reduce bleeding of your gums.

· Use a humidifier to ease nasal congestion.

6. Dizziness

Dizziness occurs commonly during pregnancy and there are a number of causes for it. For instance, decrease in your blood pressure because of compression to arteries by uterus. Iron deficiency or blood glucose levels. Quick change of positions also may cause dizziness.

Solutions

• Get an iron supplement prescribed by your healthcare practitioner.
• Eat and drink frequently to prevent lowering of your blood glucose levels and dehydration. Take healthy, balanced diet and 8-10 glasses of water daily.
• Avoid standing up too fast; also avoid quick change of positions.
• Keep your ambient temperature comfortable. Do not get overheated.