Common Health Problems

Backaches

Backaches become more common as pregnancy progresses. There are two main causes for back aches. The first is the increased presence of progesterone which softens the ligaments that support the uterus, and thus forces surrounding back muscles to strain. The second cause is that women try to compensate for their additional weight by straining back muscles to allow themselves to maintain their normal upright stance. Preventative measures include wearing low-heeled shoes, resting frequently, avoiding standing for extended periods, exercise to strengthen the abdominal muscles, and maintaining a general level of fitness. Treatment can include ice, massage, stretching, more rest, and aspirin if necessary.

Bleeding Gums

With the increased volume in maternal blood and hormones during pregnancy, tissues such as gums become saturated with blood. This makes the gums softer and more susceptible to injury. Gums can become inflamed which allows plaque to build along the base of the teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. A common symptom of this condition is the persistent bleeding of the mother's gums after brushing. She can lessen the bleeding and chances of infections and gum disease through proper dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing thoroughly after every meal is advised. This condition is common in all three trimesters of pregnancy.

Breathlessness

As the baby grows, the mother's uterus expands upwards placing pressure on her diaphragm, preventing the mother from breathing freely and without laboring. It can also be caused by anemia, which can also be brought on by pregnancy. The mother can alleviate feelings of breathlessness during exertion and speaking by getting as much rest as possible, crouching when feeling short of breath, maintaining good posture, breathing deeply and slowly, and using pillows to prop herself up when sleeping. This condition is typical in the third trimester when fetal growth is large. It is often relieved during the last month of pregnancy when the baby's head moves into the pelvic cavity, readying himself for delivery.

Constipation

Less frequent and harder stools that are difficult to pass are common during pregnancy. This is greatly a result of the increased levels of the hormone progesterone which relaxes the intestinal muscles in an attempt to slow down bowel movements to ensure proper absorption of nutrients. In later pregnancy, as the baby grows, constipation is more attributable to the increased pressure the growing fetus places on the mother's digestive system. Iron supplements are also a leading cause of constipation. This condition is common throughout pregnancy. Consumption of high-fiber foods, exercise, and plenty of fluids can all aid in promoting bowel movements. Laxatives however, should be avoided as they could harm the baby.

Dizziness and Faintness

During pregnancy the mother's blood pressure tends to be lower thus making the mother susceptible to fainting and dizziness. Progesterone tends to dilate major blood vessels causing blood to tend to pool in the extremities, slowing its return to the heart and eventual arrival at the brain. These symptoms can be avoided by not staying still for extended period of wakefulness, by sitting and standing slowly, and laying down when these feelings are present. This condition is most typical during the first and third trimesters.

Edema

Edema is the accumulation of fluid in bodily tissues indicated by visible swelling. This condition is common during pregnancy, and typically occurs in the feet, ankles, and legs during the third trimester. It is caused by hormonal changes which affect blood vessels, and by the increased venous pressure in the lower extremities due to the growing uterus. Most often there is no lasting remedy to the problem and symptoms will not subside until after birth. Elevating her feet periodically, changing positions regularly, and getting plenty of protein and fluids during the day can all help the mother to reduce swelling. Salty foods and diuretics should be avoided. Laying on her left side one or two times daily will also help the mother to increase circulation and reduce marked swelling.

Emotional Sensitivity

Emotional sensitivity is very common during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can render the mother overly emotional and prone to mood swings. Bursting into tears for no real reason or provocation is common. It should be understood that this symptom is common in most pregnancies and should be treated as such.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common ailment of pregnancy during the first and third trimesters. It is due to the extra demands placed on the mother's body, high levels of estrogen, and a slowed metabolic rate. The mother will find that fatigue sets in easily and that she will sleep for longer periods. Extensive rest is the most obvious solution. The mother can prevent fatigue by going to bed early and guarding against overexertion.

Frequent Urination

Frequent urination occurs in the earlier stages of pregnancy due to the softening of the pelvic floor muscles by hormones, which then leads to the enlarged uterus falling on and applying pressure on the bladder. As the uterus grows upward pressure is removed, but returns later in the pregnancy when the baby's head moves into the pelvic cavity and places pressure on the bladder. This is why frequent urination is common in the first and third trimesters. Fluid intake should not be reduced in an effort to control urination as such actions are dangerous to the health of both the mother and the baby. Fluid intake should be concentrated in the early day so that urination does not interrupt sleep. Frequent urination may be a sign of a urinary tract infection and should be monitored.

Headaches

Headaches are common in pregnancy. They can be initiated by circulatory disturbances, hormone changes, and tense neck and scalp muscles. In early pregnancy headaches are normal, but when accompanied by swollen hands and face or visual disturbances, they can allude to pre-eclampsia in the latter stages of pregnancy. Lying down may be the mother's best remedy. Massages and ice too are good solutions. Pain relief drugs such as acetaminophen should be avoided when pregnant.

Hair Loss

Hair loss is not uncommon after pregnancy. It is caused by the premature cessation of growth in the hair follicles following birth. The condition is temporary and may last up to one year. Pregnancy can trigger hair follicles to move from a growing to resting state in which they readily fall out.

Heartburn

Heartburn is caused by increased levels of progesterone which relaxes the valve that separates the entrance to the mother's stomach and esophagus, allowing the acid contents of her stomach to escape. Heartburn tends to be most common and severe in the third trimester when the baby is too large and places pressure on the stomach pushing acid out. The avoidance of large meals, spicy and fried foods, and the elevation of the head and chest when lying down can reduce and prevent heartburn. Antacids should be avoided because some can cause dangerous levels of fluid retention.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are common in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. They are typically caused by two sources: the softening, dilation, and downward movement of blood vessels in the anus by progesterone; and by the pressure exuded by the growing uterus in the later stages of pregnancy. Mild to moderate cases tend to disappear without treatment after birth. The symptoms can be identified as itching, soreness, pain, and possibly bleeding during bowel movements. Relief can be found through the prevention of constipation, warm water sitz baths, creams, suppositories, and the avoidance of straining. In the later stages of pregnancy, the mother should also try to avoid standing for any moderate or long amount of time.

Insomnia

Sleeping difficulty is a common condition in all three trimesters of pregnancy. Difficulty sleeping can be brought on by the baby kicking, the mother's frequent need to urinate, heartburn, shortness of breath, worry, and discomfort in bed due to the mother's size. There are not many steps that can be taken to cure pregnancy related insomnia. To avoid insomnia the mother can try to completely eliminate caffeine from her diet, avoid alcohol, not eat close to her bed time, take a warm shower before bed, and drink a glass of warm milk. Over-the-counter sleeping aids are not recommended unless prescribed by the mother's physician. Reading and relaxation techniques can also help the mother fall asleep.

Itching

Itchiness of the arms, legs and abdomen are common conditions of pregnancy. Typically this is experienced late in the second or early in the third trimester. Abdominal itching is typically caused by the stretching of the skin due to the growing uterus. It may also be caused by a partial blockage of the liver which results in the release of bile salts into the blood stream. In the skin these salts can cause mild itching which can be soothed with over-the-counter creams or prescribed medication if the symptoms are more severe.

Leg (Muscle) Cramps

Leg cramps are due largely to circulatory disturbances in the legs and pelvis, and pressure placed on the nerves which run through the pelvis by the enlarged uterus. These painful contractions are most common in the calves and feet, and during night. The cramps can be relieved by massaging the affected area gently, walking on the leg, or stretching. Adequate consumption of calcium, potassium and vitamin C are all essential in preventing cramping. These cramps are particularly common during the third trimester when maternal weight has increased and comfort is minimal.

Lower Abdominal and Thigh Pain

Pain in the lower abdomen is common in pregnancy. It becomes prominent around the 20th week of pregnancy and is attributed to the stretching of the uterine support muscles, or round ligaments. This pain is related to the mother's positioning and can usually be relieved by changing her position or lying on her side.
Pain and numbness in the upper thighs is also common. It is believed to be the result of pressure placed on nerves by the growing uterus. The pain is similar to that of hitting one's funny bone. The mother can relieve this symptom by lying on her side or back. The condition is typically eliminated after birth.

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is most common during the first trimester, between the fourth and fourteenth week of pregnancy. The nausea is likely caused by high levels of estrogen and human chorionic gonadotrophin. Nausea is most common in the morning hours but it can occur during any time of the day, causing a loss of appetite and vomiting. There is no evidence that indicates that the resultant decreased food intake is harmful to the development of the baby. Relief can be gained by eating small and frequent meals; increasing protein intake levels; eating dry crackers or toast when feeling nauseous; consuming a vitamin B-6 supplement before bed and during the early afternoon; supplementing diet with powdered ginger; and rest.

Nosebleeds

The tendency for nosebleeds seems to be higher among pregnant women. Again, as a result of the increased hormones during pregnancy, the vascular inner lining of the nose becomes even more saturated with blood than usual. This increased presence of blood means nosebleeds are more likely. The majority of nosebleeds can be stopped through the application of sustained pressure on the outside of the nose for five to ten minutes. If the bleeding does not cease, the aid of a physician should be sought as soon as possible. This condition is common in all three trimesters of pregnancy.

Skin Rashes

There are a number of rashes that commonly appear during the third trimester. The first is a rash that is common among overweight women whom are more prone to unregulated perspiration. The red rash usually develops in the sweaty folds of skin under the breasts, armpits, and groin. The only steps that can be taken to relieve irritation is regular washing of the affected areas, soothing the areas with lotion, and wearing loose cotton clothing.
The second type of rash is known as polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, or PEP. PEP occurs in only 0. 5% of the pregnant population. The rash is characterized by blotchy, red bumps on the abdomen, arms, thighs and buttocks. The rash disappears after birth but there is no known treatment for the condition other than mediation of the itching.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks typically occur in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. When the mother's skin has grown past its elasticity due to excessive weight gain, opaque or red lines will appear on the skin - typically on the thighs, stomach, hips, buttocks, and breasts. In many women they disappear completely after pregnancy, while in others they are a permanent reminder of pregnancy. It is common for stretch marks to fade, but it is unlikely that they will completely disappear. There is no proven method of prevention for stretch marks. Controlling the rate at which weight is gained during pregnancy, and moisturizing regularly are the best preventative and healing measures that the mother can take.

Sweating

Excessive sweating becomes common in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the skin. The mother may begin to notice that perspiration after the slightest exertion, or that waking during the night hot and sweaty, are common. Excessive sweating can be combated by wearing clothing made of natural materials such as cotton, drinking plenty of water, and opening a window at night to keep the mother's room cooled.

Upper Abdominal Pain

Pain in the upper abdomen is a sign of a greater problem. This type of pain should be cause for contacting the mother's physician. The causes may be as simple as heart burn, and as serious as gallstones or preeclampsia.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections can be very common in pregnancy. Relative slowing of urine flow between the kidneys and bladder predisposes pregnant women to infection and makes treatment difficult. Both the upper and lower tract can become infected. Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain are all symptomatic of an upper urinary tract infection. A lower urinary tract infection is characterized by pain and burning accompanied by frequent and urgent urination. Infection of both the upper and lower tracts can occur simultaneously; however, upper tract infections are more serious. Treatment of infections is typically done by antibiotics. Infections are more common in the first and third trimester.

Urine Leakage

During the third trimester, the weak pelvic floor muscles and increased bladder pressure caused by fetal growth can cause urine to leak. Urine is more likely to leak when running, coughing, sneezing or laughing. Some control can be gained by urinating frequently, practicing pelvic and kegel exercises, and avoiding heavy lifting which may force urine out.

Vaginal Discharge

During all three trimesters of pregnancy it is not uncommon to notice a marked increase in the amount of mucus produced and secreted by the vagina. This increased level of discharge is directly attributable to the hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy. This condition is not accompanied by any pain or discomfort. The mother should avoid vaginal deodorants, wear a light sanitary pad, and monitor the discharge to ensure that there are no changes that may signal a greater problem.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are common developments in all three trimesters of pregnancy. They are caused by the pressure placed by the growing fetus on the vena cava, which is responsible for the return of blood from the legs and pelvis. This causes veins in the legs to enlarge and become more prominent along the surface of the skin. As a result the legs and feet often ache as the swollen veins become painful. The primary concern with varicose veins however is cosmetic. Regular exercise, particularly swimming is known to help prevent and relieve the symptoms of varicose veins. As well, loose pants, low heeled shoes, and regular elevation of the mother's legs throughout the day can all aid in preventing and relieving the symptoms.

Yeast Infections

Vaginal infections, caused largely by yeast, are common during all stages of pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy tend to increase the chances of attaining a yeast infection. Itching, burning and a white vaginal discharge are all symptoms of yeast infections. Pain and discomfort during urination may also point to a possible infection. Yeast infections can be treated locally through various antifungal drugs. Symptoms may also be ameliorated by keeping the genital area dry, wearing cotton underwear, avoiding tight clothes and vaginal deodorants. This ailment can be picked up by the baby during birth, affecting his mouth and throat - this condition is known as thrush.

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