POSSIBLE PROBLEMS DURING PREGNANCY
During pregnancy, your body will experience many changes, some of which may cause you some discomfort. If you think that something is wrong or if something is worrying you, trust your own judgement and contact your GP or midwife immediately.
The information in this section will explain more about some of the possible problems experienced during pregnancy.
SOME COMMON MINOR PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED DURING PREGNANCY
Backache
During pregnancy, your ligaments become softer and stretch to prepare you for labour. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis which can cause backache.
If during or after birth you are experiencing pain in the hips, groin, lower abdomen and inner thighs and have difficulty walking or climbing stairs, you should consult your GP, midwife or hospital doctor immediately.
During pregnancy, take the following measures to try and avoid backache:
- Sit with your back straight and well supported
- Bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting or picking up something from the floor
- Avoid lifting heavy items
- If you do need to carry something heavy, hold it close to your body, and move your feet when turning around to avoid twisting your spine.
- Wear flat shoes, which will allow your weight to be evenly distributed
HeartburnHeartburn is caused by the muscle between your stomach and the oesophagus (the tube leading from your mouth to your stomach) relaxing in pregnancy. This causes stomach acid to pass into the oesophagus.
Heartburn is often brought on by lying flat. Try the following to avoid a heartburn:
- Keep yourself in a 'propped up' position during sleep, using pillows
- If you are suffering from heartburn, try drinking a glass of milk
- Ask your GP or midwife for advice
- Don't take any antacids before checking with your GP or midwife as to whether they are safe to take during pregnancy
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are veins which have become swollen. The legs are the most commonly affected. You can also get varicose veins in the vulva (vaginal opening). Try to avoid:
- Standing for long periods of time
- Sitting with your legs crossed
- Sitting with your legs down, rest with your legs up as often as possible to ease the discomfort
Nausea and Morning SicknessNausea is very common in the early stages of pregnancy. Some women feel sick, whilst others are physically sick, at different times of the day. The reasons behind nausea and morning sickness are not fully understood, but hormonal changes may well be a cause.
Around 75% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness. Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day and lasts from a few weeks to a few months.
Try the following, these are practical suggestions may help relieve morning sickness:
- Get plenty of rest, and sleep whenever you can
- Eat small amounts often, rather than a few large meals (but don't stop eating)
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Experiment with different foods to see which have the most settling effect on the stomach
- Try to avoid foods and smells that make you feel worse; sometimes it helps if someone else does the cooking for you
- Don’t let yourself get too hungry
- Eat a dry biscuit before getting out of bed
- Ginger tea or foods containing ginger may help (ginger may have a settling effect on the stomach). Tip: grate fresh root ginger into boiling water to make a great ginger tea.
- Wear comfortable clothing - tight waistbands can make you feel worse
If you are finding it difficult to keep your food down and find you are being sick all the time, consult your GP or midwife as some women can experience severe nausea and vomiting.
Piles
Piles (also known as haemorrhoids) are swollen veins around the back passage which may itch, ache or feel sore. Piles may also bleed a little and can make going to the toilet uncomfortable. Piles may occur in pregnancy because the veins relax under the influence of pregnancy hormones and will usually go shortly after delivery.
If you suffer from piles try to:
- Eat plenty of food that is high in fibre, (as this will help to soften the stools) for example wholemeal bread, fruit and vegetables
- Drink plenty of water as this will help prevent constipation, which can make piles worse
- Avoid standing for long periods
- Take regular exercise to improve your circulation
- Consider giving birth in a position where the pressure on your back passage is reduced (e.g. by kneeling)
- Ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist if they can suggest a suitable ointment
SOME OF THE MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED DURING PREGNANCY
High Blood Pressure and Pre-Eclampsia
During pregnancy, your blood pressure will be checked at every ante-natal appointment. This is because a rise in blood pressure can be the first sign of a condition known as pre-eclampsia, often called 'pregnancy-induced hypertension' (PIH) or 'pre-eclamptic toxemia' (PET).
Symptoms usually include::
- Headaches
- Visual disturbances
- Swelling and abdominal pain
- Fits
- Acute Heartburn
Pre-eclampsia usually happens towards the end of pregnancy, but problems can occur earlier. The earlier in pregnancy it starts, the more severe it is likely to be, with symptoms not only affecting mother but affecting the baby's growth as well.
If in any doubt, please contact your GP or midwife immediately.Vaginal Bleeding
Bleeding from the vagina at any time in pregnancy can be a danger signal, especially in early pregnancy as this could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or lead to miscarriage. Although many women experience bleeding during early pregnancy, many go on to have a normal and successful pregnancy.
Some causes of vaginal bleeding are more serious than others, so it is important to find the cause straight away. The most common sort of bleeding in late pregnancy is the small amount of blood mixed with mucus. This is called 'a show' and is a sign that the cervix is changing and becoming ready for labour to start. It may happen a few days before contractions start or during labour. You should always tell your GP or midwife as soon as it occurs.
If you experience bleeding with or without pain after about five months, contact your GP or midwife straight away.
