| COMPLAINT |
CAUSES |
SYMPTOMS
|
TREATMENTS |
Abdominal
pain
2nd and 3rd trimester
|
The ligaments supporting
the uterus tend to stretch during pregnancy, giving
rise to round ligament pain. |
Dragging pain on one
side only or stabbing cramp-like pain when you attempt
to stand up after sitting or lying down for a while |
None. Since the pains are spasmodic,
painkillers don't make sense. Hot water bottle can
be used to relax muscles. |
Backache
All three trimesters
|
Progesterone causes
the ligaments especially in the pelvic joints to
soften and stretch. Ligaments that support the spine
also relax, placing strain on muscles, joints of
the lower spine, pelvis and hips. Bad posture aggravates
the pain. |
Lower back ache. Sacroiliac
pain across the top of the buttocks and this extends
down into them. |
Good posture, exercises meant for
strengthening the spine; avoid high heels - choose
shoes with moderate heels. Sleep on firm mattress.
Avoid lifting heavy objects. Massage may help. Consult
doctor if pain travels down your leg. |
Bleeding
gums
All three trimesters
|
Pregnancy hormones cause the gums
to thicken and soften - increased blood flow leads
to swelling especially around the teeth. Food tends
to collect at the base of the teeth causing tooth
decay and gum infection.(gingivitis) |
Brushing, hard foods
cause the tender gums to bleed easily. Gingivitis
worsens the bleeding. |
Oral hygiene is important; brush
teeth esp. after eating. Dental visits are important;
your dentist should be informed about your condition
to avoid possible x-rays. |
Constipation
All three trimesters
|
Progesterone causes
the intestinal muscles to relax and in turn slows
down bowel movements. Bowel contents dry out and
this causes stools to harden and painful to pass. |
Pain in the lower abdomen;
infrequent hard stools |
Whenever you feel like emptying
your bowels, obey the call. Take plenty of fiber
rich foods and lots of fluids, preferably water.
Avoid laxatives. Regular exercises help as well. |
Cramps
3rd trimester
|
Thought to be due to
low levels of calcium and in extreme cases due to
lack of salt. |
Extreme pain in the
legs, enough to wake you from your sleep. A shooting
pain followed by a general ache |
Firm massage for a couple of minutes.
For persistent cramps your doctor may prescribe
calcium tablets |
Cravings
All three trimesters
|
Thought to be related
to high levels of progesterone |
Strong desires for
certain kinds of food |
Indulge yourself provided they
are not full of calories |
Fainting
1st and last trimester
|
Accumulation of blood
in the legs and feet together with demands of the
uterus causes the brain to be deprived of blood |
Dizziness, unsteadiness
and need to sit or lie down |
Avoid standing still for long periods.
Keep yourself cool in hot weather. If you feel faintness
coming lie with your head flat and feet elevated |
Flatulence
1st and last trimester
|
Eating certain foods
e.g. pulses. During pregnancy the system is more
sluggish and the wind may be more difficult to expel. |
Frequent passing of
gas, rumbling of the tummy |
Avoid problem foods. Peppermint
and hot water may help |
Hemorrhoids
(piles)
2nd and 3rd trimester
|
Pressure in the pelvis
from baby's head may obstruct the blood vessels
in the rectum causing the veins around the rectum
to balloon. Anything that increases pressure in
the abdomen like constipation, chronic coughing,
lifting will worsen the problem |
Itching, soreness,
severe pain when passing stools, slight blood if
the hemorrhoid is large and prolapses outside the
rectum |
A diet high in roughage, plenty
of fluids, exercises are preventive measures against
constipation; minor cases will improve after delivery
but if it persist you may need creams. Keep the
area clean; if it itches badly apply an ice pack
|
Heartburn
3rd trimester
|
The valve at the stomach
entrance relaxes causing the small amounts of acids
into the oesophagus |
Burning sensation behind
the breast bone and sometimes regurgitation of sour
fluids |
Avoid problem foods and late snack
or meal. Prop yourself up in bed and try a warm
milk drink. Antacid may be prescribed |
Incontinence
3rd trimester
|
Pressure of the enlarging
uterus on the bladder, thus reducing its capacity
and the inability of the pelvic floor muscles to
stop leakage. |
Leakage of urine when
you increase pressure within the abdomen e.g. when
you laugh or bend down or cough |
Empty your bladder often, avoid
heavy lifting and constipation |
Insomnia
All three trimesters
|
The general increase
in metabolism. Baby may kick you night and day.
Perspiration and frequent urination may also wake
you up. |
Difficulty going to
sleep or getting back to sleep after waking |
Wear light clothes to avoid overheating.
Hot milk or warm bath, a good book may all help |
| Itching
2nd & 3rd trimester |
Itching is common and
is caused by increased blood supply to the skin;
troublesome or generalized itching in the later
stages of pregnancy can be due to dangerous liver
problem (obstetric cholestasis) |
Obstetric cholestasis
causes generalized itching, dark urine, pale stools,
jaundice |
Close medical care is essential
- involving regular scanning, cardiographs, blood
tests, placental blood flow scans. Early delivery
is thought to be vital (ard 37-38 weeks) |
Morning
sickness
1st trimester
|
Sudden high levels of
hormones HCG in particular; its production closely
parallels the time of nausea. A diet before conception
that is low in vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates
increases the chances of morning sickness. Tiredness
contributes to this feeling too. |
Feelings of nausea
at the sight and smell of food or cigarette smell;
accompanied by vomiting |
Eat small frequent meals. Avoid
getting exhausted. Suck peppermints, nibble dry
fruits or dry crackers, keep up your fluid intake. |
| |
| Nasal
discomfort All three trimesters |
Oedema
3rd trimester
|
Fluid retention in the
lower parts of your body and fingers. Pressure of
the uterus on the blood vessels that carry blood
back to the heart from the lower parts of the body.
Can be associated with preeclampsia |
Swelling of hands and
ankles; shoes feel tight and fingers may feel stiff
in the mornings |
Avoid standing too much in hot
weather. Rest with your legs up during the day.
Avoid food with high salt content. Those with severe
condition may be restricted from taking salt and
may have to use diuretics to get rid of excess fluid. |
Pelvic
discomfort
3rd trimester
|
Baby's head presses
upon nerves causing pain in the groin especially
when the head is engaged in the pelvic cavity at
the end of the pregnancy |
Pain in the groin especially
after walking or some exercise. Pins and needles
spreading down the back of legs |
Rest and avoid violent exercise.
Consult your doctor before taking any analgesic
such as paracetemol |
Pigmentation
2nd & 3rd trimester
|
Increased production
of melanocyte stimulating hormone. Exposure to strong
sunlight worsens things |
Darkening around the
nipple area, down the center of abdomen, deepening
of birthmarks, mask across the face and down the
sides |
Use sunblock when you are in the
sun. avoid bleaching skin; pigmentation will fade
shortly after birth |
Rashes
3rd trimester
|
Excess weight gain,
poor hygiene and perspiration in the skin folds |
Red skin rash occurs
in the heavy folds of skin. Usually occurs under
heavy breasts or in groin areas |
Keep the areas clean; apply calamine
lotion and dust with talcum powder after baths. |
Shortness
of breath
3rd trimester
|
Pressure on diaphragm
prevents easy breathing. Lying down can also push
the uterus and bay up against the diaphragm. |
Shortness of breath
on exertion. |
Rest in the day and go to bed early.
If breathlessness is accompanied by pain or swelling
consult your physician. |
Stretch
marks
2nd and 3rd trimester
|
Depends on your skin
type and its elasticity. Nevertheless this can occur
regardless because of excess weight gain |
Silver marks on the
thighs, abdomen and breasts |
Creams and ointments have little
effect. Eventually the marks fade but don't totally
disappear. Avoid excess weight gain |
Sweating
2nd and 3rd trimesters
|
Increased blood supply
causes the blood vessels beneath skin to dilate |
Intense perspiration
after walking or some light exercise |
Wear light cotton clothes and underwear.
Drink plenty fluids. |
Taste
disturbances
All three trimesters
|
Related to hormonal
changes |
Metallic taste; appreciation
of certain foods changes - food becomes less palatable.
Increased preference for sweets |
None. |
Thrush
All three trimesters
|
Yeast infection of the
vagina. Reason for it being common in pregnancy
is not known. Can affect baby's mouth at birth |
Thick, white curdy
discharge accompanied by intense itchiness. Pain
when passing urine |
Antifungal creams and pessary prescription
- infection clears up in 2-3 days. If baby gets
it, course of medicines will clear it up quickly.
Avoid tight underpants |
Tiredness
All three trimesters
|
Tension, insomnia, poor
nutrition and the sheer burden of carrying your
baby plus taking care of both of you. |
Desire to sleep at
odd times, in need of more rest in the nights. Leg
pain in the later part of pregnancy |
Avoid overactivity. Sleep and rest
wherever possible. Eat nutritious meals frequently
and in small portions to keep your energy levels
up |
UTI
All three trimesters
|
High level of progesterone
causes muscles to slacken and relax, predisposing
the bladder to infection |
Frequent urge to pee
accompanied by pain and discomfort. Dull discomfort
at the lower abdomen; blood in the urine |
Drink plenty of water. Your doctor
will prescribe anti-infective to cure you of this
infection. |
Vaginal
discharge
All three trimesters
|
Increased blood supply;
softening and thickening of the mucous membranes
result in a normal increase of discharge. Brown
or yellow discharge could be cervical erosion. Heavy
or smelly discharge could be caused by an STD. |
Slight increase over
normal of the clear white discharge with no soreness,
pain or irritation. Discolored or smelly discharge. |
If discharge is above normal mucous,
don't worry. Don't douche or use deodorant; wear
cotton underwear and change it often. If it is smelly,
discolored or has blood spots inform your doctor. |
Varicose
veins
All three trimesters
|
Family history may mean
you develop them too. Baby's head pressing down
on pelvic veins, standing for long periods, sitting
with tightly crossed legs, excess weight gain all
contribute to this problem. |
Skin becomes irritated
or itchy followed by dull aching pain. Veins start
to appear as dark purplish lines on the legs. |
Avoid standing too long. Wear support
stockings. Lie down with your feet raised; sleep
with your feet on pillow. Exercise for circulation
in your legs and feet. |
Visual
disturbances
All three trimesters
|
Fluid retention; if
contact lenses feel different, this is due to change
in eyeball shape |
Long or short sightedness
may develop, contact lenses may be uncomfortable
to wear |
Visit an optician if you feel different;
you may have to discontinue using contact lenses |
