Fitness and healthy lifestyle 

Malaise during early pregnancy. Poor health during pregnancy - ailments of pregnant women

Any pregnancy, even one that proceeds normally, without complications, can be overshadowed by ailments, both minor and more serious. As a rule, they do not affect the course of the pregnancy itself, but for the expectant mother they can be unpleasant, and in some cases even painful. Most often feeling unwell during pregnancy makes itself felt at its beginning and at its end. The second trimester is considered the most prosperous in terms of well-being.

What ailments most often haunt women during pregnancy? Unfortunately, there are quite a few of them. With varying intensity, a pregnant woman may experience general fatigue, nausea and vomiting, choking, constipation, back pain, heartburn, urinary problems, bloating and pain in the abdomen, shortness of breath, bleeding gums, varicose veins, muscle spasms, nosebleeds, insomnia, swelling... As you can see, the list of ailments is quite long, but many of them do not occur simultaneously, and their intensity varies depending on the duration of pregnancy.

Many women feel tired and lethargic in early pregnancy. In this natural way, the body reduces the physical activity of a woman with the sole purpose of maintaining the pregnancy. At this stage, the body's need for energy increases dramatically, so even the performance of normal daily duties can cause fatigue at the end of the day. In order to increase the likelihood of maintaining a pregnancy, as well as to provide optimal conditions for its normal course, a woman is advised to rest as much as possible! In the first two or three months, she should reduce the amount of housework, as well as keep communication with friends to a minimum, thereby freeing up time for rest and sleep. As a rule, the feeling of fatigue leaves the woman by the end of the first trimester, and she begins to feel a new surge of strength and energy. However, towards the end of pregnancy, the feeling of fatigue in most cases returns. This is due to the fact that by this time the stomach is already becoming large and quite heavy, which causes a lot of inconvenience.

Most women experience nausea after the fourth week of pregnancy. Most often, it occurs in the morning, but it can also appear at any other time, and in some cases it can cause anxiety to a woman throughout the day, only changing the degree of its intensity. The causes of nausea in early pregnancy are not fully understood. It is only known that it can be associated with the nature of the woman's diet, as well as with her emotional state. There is no simple and reliable recipe for nausea, but minor changes in diet and daily routine can help ease this ailment a little.

In some women, nausea is accompanied by morning vomiting (early toxemia of pregnancy), which is the most classic manifestation of early pregnancy. Every pregnant woman experiences this ailment at least once. Vomiting does not pose an immediate threat to both the course of pregnancy and the normal development of the fetus, but it can lead to significant weight loss. If the weight loss does not exceed 3 kg, then there is no cause for concern.

How to deal with bouts of nausea and vomiting? There are some simple rules:

  • do not get out of bed abruptly; you need to eat a cracker and drink tea (reclining in bed), then rest for another 10 minutes and only then get out of bed;
  • try to drink a small amount of liquid at one time and completely abandon the use of carbonated drinks;
  • eat small meals, with a break of 5-6 hours;
  • try to avoid eating fatty foods, as well as foods that are contraindicated during pregnancy;
  • do not wear, which tightens the stomach.

Many women who have not previously experienced problems with bowel movements (bowels) suffer from constipation during pregnancy. Their cause is pressure on the intestines of an ever-increasing uterus and a decrease in its peristalsis under the influence of a high level of the hormone progesterone. The occurrence of constipation is accompanied by the appearance of pain in the abdomen, hemorrhoids, as well as a general deterioration in well-being, which causes a delay in metabolic products in the body. In such cases, the woman will be advised to follow a diet enriched with foods containing natural fiber, as well as an appropriate amount of fluid intake and a slight increase in physical activity. If the problem is serious enough to be solved only by non-drug methods, laxatives are prescribed. The decision on their need, as well as the selection of the drug that is right for you, always remains with the attending physician!

There are several effective non-drug ways to deal with constipation:

  • drink on an empty stomach 1-2 glasses of boiled water or fresh orange juice;
  • for breakfast, eat cereal flakes, bran, black (rye) bread;
  • eat a lot of fresh or boiled vegetables for lunch;
  • eat a few fresh or dried plums before bed;
  • try to empty your bowels at the same time every day.

Another very common ailment during pregnancy is heartburn. This ailment is a burning sensation below the sternum, that is, in the lower part of the chest, accompanying the release of a small amount of gastric juice from the stomach into the esophagus. High levels of progesterone contribute to such emissions, causing weakening of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy. At the same time, the growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach from below, thereby enhancing this process. If you suffer from heartburn, then you need to eliminate all spicy and spicy foods from your diet, eat more often, but in smaller portions, and also not eat a lot before bed. Also, your doctor may prescribe you medications that neutralize gastric juice and at the same time are absolutely safe for the fetus. You sleep best with a high pillow under your head. If you suddenly have a feeling of suffocation and the attack does not go away or is accompanied by chest pain, cough, chills or fever, then you should immediately call a doctor.

Many pregnant women complain of back pain. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to avoid this phenomenon. The most important thing in this situation is prevention: properly selected, rest, daily conduct. Also, a properly performed massage will help reduce pain.

To prevent the development of varicose veins (varicose veins) during pregnancy, you need to perform daily exercises that improve blood circulation in the legs, such as "biking", alternately lifting and bending the legs at the knees, rotating the feet in a sitting position. You should also avoid prolonged standing on your feet in one position; wearing underwear and clothes that squeeze the waist and hips; Do not cross your legs when sitting.

Remember that most typical pregnancy ailments may not appear at all. In order to avoid feeling unwell during pregnancy, you need to eat right and walk in the fresh air as much as possible.

There are no similar articles on the topic.

TAKE THE TEST (7 questions):

WIFE, MUSE OR LOVE?

Since the expectation of a child is associated with numerous changes in the female body, pregnancy is often accompanied by various ailments. In some way, they contribute to the fact that all systems and organs begin to adapt to the new state of the body. They also help the expectant mother learn to cope with the increasing workload.

Most of the ailments during early pregnancy should not disturb the expectant mother, although they cause her a lot of inconvenience. The presence of unpleasant symptoms in early pregnancy can be explained by the body's response to an increase in physiological stress. However, it is impossible to ignore such dangerous symptoms as high fever, severe dizziness, vaginal spotting, severe pain. They require a mandatory referral to a specialist.

Very often, toxicosis begins in pregnant women in the early stages. If its course occurs without complications, then such a reaction of the body to pregnancy can be considered a completely normal manifestation. The main symptoms of toxicosis include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, drowsiness, changes in food preferences, apathy. With toxicosis, skin diseases often occur, as well as pain in the muscles. Toxicosis in the form of a response of the female body to the development of the fetus, causing discomfort during pregnancy in the early stages, is most often provoked by such factors:

  • active development of the placenta;
  • hormonal changes;
  • chronic diseases of the expectant mother;
  • psychological state of a pregnant woman.

The duration of toxicosis is approximately 20 weeks from the moment of conception, and usually does not pose a danger to the future woman in labor and her baby. Abuse of alcoholic beverages and smoking can increase its manifestations, and can also lead to violations of the course of pregnancy. If the toxicosis is too severe, then the woman needs hospitalization.

Possible types of discomfort in early pregnancy

  1. Fatigue, frequent dizziness, and manifestations of varicose veins are the result of a woman's circulatory system responding to pregnancy.
  2. For the gastrointestinal tract, such manifestations are characteristic: nausea, loss of appetite, sudden intolerance to previously favorite foods, bloating and heartburn.
  3. The genitourinary system is characterized by changes such as a variety of secretions and frequent urination. If these manifestations are painless, and the discharge is not accompanied by an unpleasant odor, then they are completely harmless and temporary.
  4. Pigment spots may appear on the skin in early pregnancy, and the hair on the head begins to get oily very quickly, causing dandruff.

Also during this period, a woman begins to feel soreness and high sensitivity of her mammary glands. This is a kind of preparation for lactation, which is also included in the list of causes of malaise during early pregnancy.

How to feel better

A woman who is expecting a child should walk in the fresh air as much as possible. You should carefully consider the diet, giving preference to protein foods. In general, the menu of a pregnant woman should be useful and varied. It’s good to sometimes perform simple physical exercises that will help oxygenate the blood in the body of the expectant mother.

With frequent dizziness, a woman should be guided by the following tips:

  • refrain from sudden movements;
  • get out of bed very slowly;
  • drink plenty of fluids, use special vitamins prescribed by the doctor;
  • avoid the sun in hot weather.

In order to reduce the manifestations of toxicosis, a woman is recommended immediately after waking up, without leaving the bed, to eat drying or biscuit cookies. Unpleasant symptoms are relieved by decoctions of valerian or mint, as well as hot tea with a slice of lemon.

According to studies, about 70% of pregnant women face the problem of morning sickness in the early stages, while 50% of pregnant women failed to avoid the problem of morning vomiting. Toxicosis in the first trimester of pregnancy is a very common phenomenon, but it manifests itself differently in each woman. Many suffer from malaise throughout the day, and some only in the mornings or evenings. There are women in whom toxicosis manifests itself only when it was not possible to get enough sleep. Often, toxicosis appears in the sixth week of pregnancy and reaches a peak by the eighth to ninth week. Take heart, usually nausea goes away only by the twelfth or fourteenth week of pregnancy.

So, how to deal with this unpleasant phenomenon? We offer you some useful tips.

Give yourself a day off

During morning sickness, does the thought of having to force yourself to get out of bed and go somewhere makes you feel worse? Then don't do it! Get yourself some rest. Take a sick day or just a day off. Rest properly. The load on your body has increased significantly, and you deserve a little break.

Doctors recommend planning a vacation for the seventh to eighth weeks of pregnancy, when toxicosis reaches its peak. In this case, not only will you be able to get some rest, but you will also not have to share the news with your colleagues if you are not ready for this yet. Leisure time will help you feel better both physically and mentally.

Breathe in the fresh scent

During the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman's sense of smell increases, this is due to high levels of estrogen in the body. Some odors can trigger symptoms of toxicosis. You might feel sick when you walk past dumpsters or your colleague's new perfume.

If you can't open a window or go outside to get some fresh air, try sniffing fresh scents. Carry a bottle of lemon extract or a sprig of fresh rosemary in your purse. If you feel that you are getting sick from an unpleasant smell, just breathe in the “soothing” smell.

Morning snacks

Put a plate of light cookies and a glass of water on your bedside table before going to bed. When you wake up, immediately arrange a small snack for yourself. This early breakfast will help raise your blood glucose levels and prevent nausea. Alternatively, you can choose low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese with dried apricots for a snack.

Good help to eliminate nausea pumpkin seeds, still mineral water and hazelnuts. Carry these foods with you and have a snack if you start to feel unwell.

speak up

Many pregnant women endure discomfort, not wanting to talk about it with their partner and loved ones. However, in some cases, you can alleviate your condition by talking about it. Feel free to speak up if you don't like something. Maybe the smell of your husband's new shampoo makes you gag, or the morning kiss your husband gives you without brushing your teeth makes you feel uncomfortable. So tell him about it. A loved one will definitely understand you and will do everything to help you feel better.

Track your condition

Pay close attention to your condition. Surely, you will notice that nausea occurs at certain times of the day or under certain circumstances. Maybe you feel sick while a colleague is eating popcorn in the office, or while you're cooking a meal. By identifying the cause of nausea, it will be easier for you to prevent it.

Drink enough water

Maintaining the water balance in the body helps to cope with the symptoms of toxicosis and gives the body energy. The more dehydrated you are, the worse you feel.

It may seem like a very easy task to drink 8 glasses of water a day. But when, under the influence of hormones, you often experience the urge to urinate, the desire to drink disappears somewhere. Try to trick your body. Some women find it easier to drink water with a couple of ice cubes, and some find it easier to drink warm tea. You can try eating some salted peanuts to increase your thirst.

Find out what foods make you feel better

Even if eating is the last thing you want to do, you still need to force yourself to eat to maintain strength. The body of each expectant mother is unique. What makes one woman feel better may make another woman nauseous. Try to determine which food makes you feel better. Although there are no universal rules, many pregnant women feel better after a refreshing watermelon or ice cream, and biscuits in the morning or dry cereal often help to cope with nausea.

Eat a little - then a little more

When it comes to food, many women think that fasting will help them clear their stomach and deal with nausea. But this is not so, nausea will only intensify if you do not eat anything. On the other hand, overeating increases the load on the stomach, which also leads to malaise. The best option is to always leave the stomach a little full all day, but do not overeat. To do this, eat often in small portions, and also snack periodically between main meals.

eat ginger

Ginger is one of the most beneficial foods for the stomach, which normalizes the production of gastric juice. Studies have shown that this product also helps to cope with toxicosis. Try adding some ginger to tea or warm water. You can make ginger jam and add it to ice cream. Experiment: search the Internet for interesting recipes with ginger, you will definitely like one of them.

Take a break from your computer

Some may find that reading the news in the morning or chatting on social media will help take their mind off the discomfort. But such a solution would be a mistake. But the radiation from the monitor can, on the contrary, only increase nausea. Try to take a break from the computer as often as possible. Take regular breaks. Reduce your screen brightness to reduce eye strain.

Avoid tight clothing

Tight clothing and clothing made from artificial materials can cause discomfort. Choose comfortable outfits made from natural fabrics.

Distract yourself

It is not so easy to distract yourself from nausea, but to switch your thoughts to something more pleasant. Read a fascinating book, take a walk, or call a friend. Some expectant mothers claim that physical education helps them cope with poor health. But before trying this method, consult your doctor.

Carry a "rescue kit" with you

Sometimes it can happen that you feel bad in a public place. Be sure to carry a toothbrush with toothpaste or mouthwash and a clean shirt just in case. In addition, sometimes rinsing your mouth helps eliminate nausea.

If you feel too bad, and nothing helps to cope with the problem, it is time to contact a doctor for help. Your doctor will prescribe vitamins or pills to help you get rid of the discomfort. Usually in such cases, experts prescribe vitamin B6. Don't be afraid to take medicine. If the drug was prescribed to you by a doctor, then the benefits from it will be for you and the child will be much more than harm. You should not avoid taking medication if you feel too unwell. Starvation and dehydration due to nausea and vomiting are much more dangerous than taking medication.

Don't be afraid to experiment

Sometimes remedies that, at first glance, may seem strange, help to cope with the signs of toxicosis. Listen to your body: maybe during bouts of nausea you want to eat something specific. For example, an apple or salted nuts. For some women, minty flavor helps with nausea. You can try rinsing your mouth with menthol rinse or drinking peppermint tea. For one woman, for example, only Coca-Cola helped to cope with nausea.

Try using a motion sickness bracelet

On sale there are special bracelets that help to cope with nausea during motion sickness. According to the developers, these bracelets act on the point located on the wrist, which is responsible for the state of digestion, thereby helping to get rid of nausea. Pressing this point creates a nerve impulse that blocks the feeling of nausea.

Lie down a little

Sometimes the best solution is the simplest. Try to lie down for a while and take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes and relax. Many pregnant women claim that sleep is the best cure for toxicosis, in addition, healthy sleep is now necessary for you and your baby. To make it easier to relax, use a blindfold to block out bright light. If you already have a small child, ask someone to babysit for a while while you rest. A loved one will definitely enter into your position and will not refuse you a small service.

March 28, 2017 Author admin