The feeling of being pregnant is wonderful. It is one of the most exciting phases of a woman’s life. While the happiness of bringing a new life on earth is unbound, the whole journey can be quite complex similar to a roller coaster ride with its highs and lows. An expecting mother is way too conscious and nervous about her pregnancy. Add to it, the numerous changes occurring in her body that she might not be able to understand, complicate things further. While it is necessary to take conscious steps for a healthy pregnancy, getting anxious about everything happening is not great for you as well as your baby.
As you get pregnant, a host of changes occur inside your body that may give you unexpected results which are completely normal during that phase. Below are some of the common issues that you may experience, but need not worry about.
Common problems that you face during pregnancy
1.Heartburn and Indigestion
Digestive problems are most common during pregnancy that you need to care about. With the onset of your second trimester, you might start experiencing indigestion troubles due to hormonal imbalance in your body. Further, as your baby grows, the womb expands and exerts more pressure on your stomach causing heartburn or indigestion. To avoid it, take in light meals throughout the day instead of going for heavier meals. Also, avoid eating fried foods that are the prime cause of digestive issues. Take small portions and eat as and when you feel hungry. Your hunger may also result in indigestion, thus remain conscious of your diet.
2.Constipation
Constipation or problems in your bowel movement is quite normal during pregnancy. The changes in the hormonal levels may cause constipation, or there might be much discomfort while you pass out stool. To keep your bowel movements regular drink plenty of water about eight to ten glasses a day. Also, add more liquids to your diet. You can add in more healthy fruit juices during pregnancy to overcome constipation. And drink coconut water which keeps you cool and is great for your overall health.
3.Urinary Incontinence
Though it can be quite embarrassing but urinary incontinence is common during pregnancy. As your pelvic muscles start preparing for the impending birth, they relax, as such you are unable to control the sudden spurt of urination, or there might be instances when you end up leaking some urine while you laugh, cough or sneeze. The condition is common, but if you wish to avoid it, then you can try out some pelvic floor exercises after consulting your doctor.
4.Fatigue and Exhaustion
During pregnancy, it is quite normal to feel tired and exhausted. Most women feel tired during their third trimester, but some may feel extreme tiredness during their first twelve weeks. And the culprit behind it is the hormonal imbalance. You may feel tired even after resting well. Often pregnant women feel faint which is because of insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain. It is necessary to remain active during pregnancy, but give your body adequate rest too. Understand the needs of your body and do not engage in activities that may tire you.
5.Feeling Hot
During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations are accompanied by an increased supply of blood to your skin, both of which result in excessive sweating. You might feel too hot even when the weather is not that hot. Feeling too hot and flushed is normal during pregnancy. To ease the discomfort wear loose fitting clothes made of natural and breathable fibers. Keep your surroundings cools and pleasant and wash frequently.
6.Changes in Skin and Hair
The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy also cause changes in your skin and hair. Your nipples will grow darker, and there might be some slight changes in your skin tone. Your skin may appear dark either in patches or all over the body. Also, your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun during pregnancy. Besides the skin, there are some noticeable changes in your hair too. Some women experience excessive hair loss with hair strands getting thinner while others may find their hair getting thick. Blame it all on the hormones, but you are also likely to experience such changes.
7.Increase in Vaginal Discharge
Another common problem during pregnancy that may worry you out is increased vaginal discharge. When you are pregnant, it is likely that you will experience an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge which may have a different texture or smell, but you need not worry as it is normal. It is because when you are pregnant, the cervix and the wall of the vagina become softer. Vaginal discharge increases to prevent any infection that may travel through your vagina to your womb.
Other problems associated with pregnancy
Some other issues that you might experience during your pregnancy are:
- Pelvic pain
- Morning sickness
- A frequent backache
- Bleeding gums
- Bleeding through nose
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe headaches
- Itching
- Leaking nipples
- Sleeplessness
- High blood pressure
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Varicose veins
With pregnancy there comes a lot of excitement and anxiety. There are significant changes in your body, often accompanied by much discomfort which can make you too conscious. For first-time mothers, things can be much puzzling and daunting.
Further, loads of advice from others makes things quite confusing. From the implantation of the fetus to the delivery, your body undergoes numerous changes, so instead of worrying out stay calm and keep in touch with your doctor. The problems related to pregnancy mentioned above are quite common and are seen in most of the pregnancies. These are normal changes that you need not worry about. Besides them, you might experience some other symptoms too about which you need to be open with your doctor.