Common Discomforts in Pregnancy

Mar 19

Chest Tenderness

The breasts/chest feel sore or tender, and the nipples are sensitive; breasts/chest size may increase; veins may become more visible; breasts/chest may feel heavy; and stretch marks may develop.
Avoid constrictive clothing; Epsom salt baths; massage with a warm or cool compress
There is any nipple discharge (colostrum may present around 20 weeks); you feel any masses; or develop signs of infection.

Bleeding Gums

Increase in blood flow to the mouth may cause gums to swell. This causes sensitivity to gums resulting in bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating.
Warm salt water rinses; routine dental care; brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush; and floss gently.
The condition worsens or you develop signs of preterm birth (contractions, rupturing of water); preeclampsia (high blood pressure, swelling); or HELLP Syndrome.

Dyspareunia

Pain during intercourse with vaginal penetration.
Communicate with your partner that intercourse is painful; try different positions; use a water based lubricant; empty bladder; discontinue vaginal penetration until you find relief.
You experience any bleeding; you are experiencing any abuse.

Edema

Mild swelling caused by excess fluids. May present in the legs and sometimes hands and face. May cause discomfort and limit movement.
Epsom salt bath; exercise; compression socks; elevate legs; stay well hydrated; foot massage; and eat an adequate amount of protein.
You are experiencing headaches or visual disturbances (stars, streaks, etc.), are experiencing high blood pressure, and pitting. These may be signs of preeclampsia.

Headaches

Headaches may be brought on for a number of reasons including stress, tension, fatigue, dehydration, low blood sugar, and insufficient nutrition.
Rest and take a nap during the day; get enough hours of sleep at night; modify your schedule; eat every couple of hours; get adequate amounts of protein and iron each day; get a massage.
Massage; acupuncture; warm compress; exercise; rest; stay well hydrated and nourished (lots of protein); avoid caffeine.

Hemorroids

Any itching, aching, severe pain inide or around the rectum; hemorroids may be felt from the outside; light bleeding while wiping.
Stay well hydrated and avoid constipating foods; do not push strenuously; sitz bath; witch hazel pads.
Bleeding or pain increases; avoidance of having a bowel movement; relief measures listed above are not working.

Leg Cramps

Also called a "Charlie Horse," where muscles in the calf or foot tighten and wake you from sleep or keep you awake.
Massage the cramped area; stretch legs; stay well hydrated; Calcium Magnesium supplement; exercise; Epsom salt bath.
Swelling or varicose veins occur while the leg is cramping.

Nausea

Severity ranges from mild to extreme. "Morning sickness" can occur anytime during the day or last all day. Starts around 6 weeks gestation, peaks between 9-11 weeks gestation, and may resolve between 12-20 weeks.
Staying well hydrated; add electrolytes to water; eat small meals every 2-3 hours making sure you have protein and fat in the meal; get enough sleep; ginger ale or ginger candies; Vitamin B complex supplement; acupuncture; IV therapy.
Vomiting occurs more that 6 times/ day; cannot keep any liquids or foods down; feel dizzy or faint.

Abdominal Pain

Spasms of sharp pain usually after moving around. This may be round ligament pain that occurs as a result of the round ligaments stretching with the growing uterus.
Avoid sudden, fast movement; apply warm compress to the area; wear a supportive belly band; bend towards the area/side that is giving you discomfort.
Spotting, contractions, and other symptoms of preterm birth or miscarriage arise; if ectopic pregnancy signs present; or if pain is constant with signs of appendicitis.

Back Pain

Aches or pain that affect the upper, middle, and lower back.
Exercise, yoga; belly band support; acupuncture; chiropractic care.
You experience contractions; have pelvic pressure; have symptoms of an UTI; or any recent injury.

Constipation

Infrequent or difficulty in passing bowel movements. Stool may be hard and dry. Stomach may hurt or feel bloated and feeling of not being able to have a bowel movement.
Staying well hydrated; probiotics; high fiber diet; Magnesium supplement; exercising 30 minutes minimum per day.
Bleeding occurs or inability to use the bathroom despite all efforts and relief measures taken.

Dizziness

Feeling weak or lightheaded while standing. Fainting is when you loose consciousness.
Staying well hydrated and nourished; standing or changing positions slowly.
You are in the first trimester of pregnancy; the dizziness or fainting is accompanied with an abnormal heart rate, blood pressure reading, nausea, vomiting, headache, shortness of breath, chest pain; or if you are injured.

Fatigue

Feelings of needing more sleep and not having a lot of energy. You're growing body parts!
Rest and take a nap during the day; get enough hours of sleep at night; modify your schedule; eat every couple of hours; get adequate amounts of protein and iron each day; get a massage.
You are experiencing symptoms of anemia (shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, are pale, and have cold hands) or symptoms of depression (lack of motivation, irritability, sadness, inability to focus/make decisions, insomnia).

Heartburn

A burning sensation that starts from the stomach up the esophagus. May be at the onset of eating greasy foods or spicy foods.
Avoid greasy, spicy or triggering foods; eat slowly and smaller meals frequently; do not lay down immediately after eating; try taking papaya enzymes before or after eating.
Heartburn does not subside; disruption to sleep occurs; you have difficulty swallowing; are experiencing weight loss; spitting up of blood; or have black stool.

Insomnia

Difficulty falling asleep, and/or staying asleep.
Dim lighting; avoid foods that may cause heartburn; do not nap near end of day; exercise; avoid caffeine; meditation; yoga.
Lack of sleep is affecting daily life routine or you are experiencing signs of depression.

Itchiness

As the skin begins to stretch with the growing pregnancy skin may become itchy.
Use a mild, organic soap; exercise regularly; stay well hydrated; eat a nutritious diet of fruits and vegetables; Omega-3 fish oil supplement.
The itchiness gets worse especially on hands and belly; this could be a sign of Cholestasis.

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