Pregnancy Week By Week (Week 17)

Week 17 Fetus

Must-ask Questions this Week (Week 17)

I am barely into my second trimester and am already experiencing back aches. What is going on?

Back pain during pregnancy occurs for a number of reasons. Firstly progesterone (the hormone responsible for your aches and pains) causes your ligaments and connective tissue holding the pelvic bones together to soften in preparation for birth process which also causes pain around the pubic bone as well. Second, the heavy uterus throws off a pregnant woman's centre of gravity, something that can cause a change in posture and back pains. Third the muscles that run from the rib cage to the pubic bone can separate during pregnancy leading to back ache. While it is useful to know why you suffer back pain, it is equally important to know how to manage the situation. Tips include:

• Wear low heeled (but not flat) shoes with good arch support

• Ask for help when lifting heavy objects. Lift by bending your knees rather than your waist

• To reduce your chances of injury, make gentler rather than jerky motions when reaching or stretching

• Sit in chairs that support the back or place a small pillow between the chair and your lower back

• Pay attention to your posture. Keep your pelvis tucked in and your shoulders back when sitting or standing

• Place one foot on a step stool if you are going to be standing or sitting for long

• Get up and walk around every half hour if you are on a sedentary job

• Take the pressure off your back when you are sleeping on your side (the position right now) by placing one pillow under your abdomen and another between your knees

My hips are so sore that I am not able to sleep well at nights. How do I deal with this problem?

Hip pain and stiffness are common complaints. Unfortunately it is hard to avoid when your growing belly limits you to sleeping on one side or the other some find that putting a pillow between their knees and tucking a pillow under their abdomen provides some relief. Fortunately this is a temporary discomfort which disappears once the baby appears!

Sometimes when I roll over I feel this ripping sensation in my abdomen. Is this normal?

This sounds like round ligament pain - the shooting pain in the lower abdomen that many women experience when they change position suddenly. It is caused by the sudden stretching of the ligaments and muscles that support the expanding uterus. It tends to be worse between weeks 14 and 20 when the uterus is big enough to exert its pressure on the ligaments yet not big enough to rest some of its weight on the pelvic bones. You can manage the pain by moving slowly and supporting your belly when you are changing positions. If you experience tenderness after moving too quickly one day, warm baths can also help to ease some of the discomfort. Round ligament pain can be very painful but this too is temporary.

What causes painful leg cramps and what can I do to avoid it?

Painful leg cramps during the second and third trimester are common. These cramps which occur mostly while you are sleeping are believed to be caused by the pressure of the uterus on the nerves in the legs or by a calcium deficiency. Some tips to on preventing and managing cramps in your calf muscles:

• Stretch your calf muscles before you hit the sack. Point your toes up toward your knees while pushing your heel away from you. You should repeat this exercise at least 10 times for each leg in order to really stretch the muscles out

• Ask your partner to massage your calf muscles

• As your cramp starts, aim your toes upward toward your knees. Whatever you do don't point your toes as this will intensify the pain

• Ask your caregiver to recommend calcium supplement. Getting adequate amounts of calcium in your diet can help prevent leg cramps

Heartburn is causing me lots of problems. What can I do to prevent it?

Heartburn a burning sensation in the middle of your chest or upper digestive tract is another common ailment. It happens because progesterone

• relaxes the muscle that is responsible for controlling the opening at the top of the stomach and

• causes the stomach to empty more slowly so that as many nutrients as possible are absorbed from the food eaten

Some tips on preventing heartburn:

• Avoid fatty and greasy foods, carbonated drinks, processed meat and junk food

• Eat slowly. The more slowly you eat the more time the enzymes in your saliva have to break down the food before it reaches your stomach

• Eat less. Heartburn is more likely to flare up if you overfill your stomach, particularly an overload of carbohydrates

• Don't eat too close to bedtime

• Avoid lying flat on your back when you are resting or sleeping because this will only intensify your heartburn. Try propping yourself up with pillows

• If heartburn is a pushy concern with you, check with your doctor on antacids


Too much of dizziness of late - is this a normal part of pregnancy?

Many pregnant women experience low BP and this is what causes the dizzy feeling or feelings of faintness - particularly if you stand in one spot for longer periods (e.g. standing in a bank queue). If you find yourself stuck in such situations and start to feel faint, you should shift your weight from foot to foot or sit with your head between your knees. Looking silly should be the least of your worries. Just do what has to be done to get over that lousy feeling.
I have been noticing some swelling in my hands and feet of late. What causes this and how do I minimize it?
Edema occurs during a normal pregnancy for 2 reasons: the growing uterus places pressure on the veins carrying blood back from the lower extremities forcing water into tissues around your feet and ankles; and the increased levels of progesterone in your body encourages fluid retention. You will recognize fluid retention at the sight of swollen feet and puffy fingers. Here are tips with coping with edema:

• Lying on your side will help reduce fluid retention by allowing gravity to pull fluid from your tissues back into your bloodstream so that it can be flushed out through your kidneys. If you can't lie down, then sit with your feet up

• Warm (not hot) baths can help reduce swelling

• Avoid diuretics (water pills). Not only are they ineffective, they also affect your body's fluid balance and can be dangerous during pregnancy

• Increase your fluid intake and this can, believe it or not, have a diuretic effect and help reduce water retention and swelling

• Watch your salt intake but don't eliminate it from your diet entirely. Salt is necessary to maintain normal fluid balance

Some Basic Pointers (Week 17)

Increased Vaginal Discharge

It is normal to have an increase in vaginal discharge or secretions called leucorrhea. This discharge is usually white or yellow and thick. It is not a sign of an infection. It is caused by an increase in blood flow to the skin and muscles around the vagina which causes a violet or blue coloration of the vagina. This change is visible to your doctor early on in pregnancy and is called Chadwick's sign. You many have to use sanitary pads if you have heavy discharge. Avoid wearing pantyhose and nylon underwear; choose cotton ones to allow more air circulation. Vaginal infections can do occur during pregnancy. The discharge is often foul smelling. It is yellow or green and causes irritation and itching around or inside the vagina. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor. Many creams and antibiotics used to treat these infections are safe to use during pregnancy.

Douching during Pregnancy

Most doctors advise not to douche during pregnancy. Using a douche can cause bleeding or even more serious problems such as air embolus which is a situation when air enters into your bloodstream from the pressure of the douche. It is not common but it has serious consequences to it. It is best to avoid douching altogether during your entire term.

Round Ligament Pain

Round ligaments are attached to each side of the upper uterus and to the pelvic side wall. During pregnancy these ligaments are stretched and pulled. They become longer and thicker. Your movements can stretch and pull these ligaments causing pain and discomfort called round ligament pain. It is indicative of a growing uterus and not a problem. You may experience pain on one side or both sides, or it may be worse on one side than the other. The pain does not harm you or your baby in any way; it is just an uncomfortable feeling to bear with. Lying down and resting will make you feel better. Talk to your doctor if pain is unbearable or if any other symptoms arise. Signs that there could be trouble include vaginal bleeding, fluid loss from the vagina or severe pain.

Your Nutrition (Week 17)

Some pregnant women choose to eat vegetarian diet due to religious or personal reasons. Hence being vegetarian for some time already, you are equipped with the knowledge of how to get many of the nutrients you need. The question is, is a vegetarian diet ideal during this condition. It can be if you watch closely the types and combinations of foods you eat. Since meat is eliminated from your diet, you have to ensure sufficient calories are consumed to meet your energy needs. Calories need to be the right kind such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Empty calories have to be avoided since they have little or zero nutritional value to it. Your goal is to eat sufficient protein to provide energy for the fetus and you. Vitamins and minerals are another concern; by eating a wide variety of whole grains, dried beans and peas, dried fruits and wheat germ, you will be providing your body with iron, zinc and other trace minerals required. You must find other sources of calcium, and vitamins B2, B12 and D. On the other hand, if the reason for laying off meat is poor tolerance or meat simply nauseates you during pregnancy, ask your physician to refer you to a nutritionist. You will probably need help in developing a good eating plan.