We took some time and found out the most common issues that women battle in pregnancy labeling them as embarrassing. But don’t worry, you are in a way entitled to them even if accidents happen.
I Have Gas and Burp All the Time:
The Cause: As the baby grows, space becomes tight in your belly. “Your bowels become crowded and your digestion may become more erratic, leaving you gassy and bloated,” says Bayles. Plus, you may be eating differently (e.g., more healthfully) now that you’re pregnant. All those good-for-you foods like apples, pears, cauliflower, beans, brussels sprouts, and broccoli can contribute to gassiness. Cravable foods like ice cream and greasy snacks may make you gassy, too. All that extra air has to escape from one end or the other.
The Relief: Eating smaller, more frequent meals often does the trick. It’s also a good idea to avoid fatty foods like burgers and fried chicken, as well as carbonated soda — especially ones with artificial sweeteners. A brisk, 20-minute walk after dinner (with your doctor’s okay) can also stimulate digestion and relieve gas. For indigestion that keeps you up at night, try sleeping with your head propped up on an extra pillow or with your legs elevated to relieve some of the pressure on your intestines and to help you digest more easily. If none of this works, ask your doctor to recommend an anti-gas medicine.
My Nipples Itch All The Time:
The Cause: Blame it on your new cleavage. As you’ve probably noticed, your breasts and nipples are becoming super-sized in preparation for breastfeeding. As your breasts grow, the sensitive skin in this area stretches, which can trigger a persistent itch.
The Relief: Moisturize! “Dab a thick, emollient lanolin cream like Lansinoh on your nipples when you feel the need to scratch,” suggests Sheri Bayles, RN, a New York City-based childbirth expert and creator of the Laugh and Learn childbirth education DVD series. Slathering on a cocoa butter or vitamin E body lotion after showering can keep your skin supple and prevent itching. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing potentially irritating fabrics like wool or cashmere blends. For extra comfort, swap the bras you’re rapidly outgrowing for soft cotton nursing bras or camisoles with built-in support (you’ll have to stock up in a few months anyway).
I’m Throwing Up Everywhere:
The Cause: Welcome to the all-day-sickness club. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, while as many as 85 percent of women experience some degree of nausea during pregnancy, some expectant moms feel queasy around the clock. The verdict’s still out on what exactly causes morning sickness, but experts believe it’s linked to soaring levels of pregnancy hormones — specifically estrogen and progesterone — that hit you hardest in the first trimester.
The Relief: There’s no one silver bullet for easing morning sickness for everyone, so you may have to try several strategies to see what works, says Dr. Greenfield. For early morning queasies, some moms-to-be swear by nibbling something light and bland, like saltines, before getting out of bed. Other remedies include sucking on ginger candy (the root is often effective as a nausea soother) or eating a light snack at bedtime to keep the tummy from becoming empty and unsettled overnight. As for puking in public, stow plastic bags and plenty of breath mints in your purse so you’ll be prepared should a wave of nausea strike. You may also want to confide in a close friend at work, who can cover for you if you need to ditch a meeting or come in late. On the upside, most women start feeling better after 12 or 14 weeks. Trust us — when the nausea finally lifts, you’ll feel like a whole new person.
When I Sneeze, Cough or Laugh, I Pee Myself:
The Cause: Talk about loosening up. “When you’re expecting, certain hormones signal your pelvic muscles to relax so you can eventually deliver your baby,” explains Marjorie Greenfield, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Case School of Medicine and University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, and author of The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book. This makes you more prone to little leaks — known as urinary incontinence — while sneezing or giggling. What’s more, during the second trimester, your growing baby starts to put pressure on your bladder, which resides right in front of your uterus. Many women experience some leaking during pregnancy, according to ACOG.
The Relief: Doing Kegel exercises (contracting your pelvic floor muscles as though you’re trying to hold in your pee) in sets of 10, several times a day, can minimize the leakage by strengthening the muscles around your bladder. It also helps to take bathroom breaks every hour or two so your bladder doesn’t get too full, Dr. Greenfield says. Try wearing a pad or panty liner late in your pregnancy to help absorb accidents.
The Constipation is Killing Me:
The Cause: Feeling like you’re spending way too much time in the bathroom? You’re not alone. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), most pregnant women get constipated at some point during their pregnancy. Soon after you conceive, ramped-up pregnancy hormones slow your digestive tract to a crawl (this allows more nutrients to be absorbed and passed on to your baby), which can throw off your digestion as early as eight weeks. Plus, over time, your growing baby also starts crowding your bowels, making it harder to process even tiny meals.
The Relief: Upping your fiber intake may get things moving, says Dr. Greenfield. Start eating more fresh fruit, veggies, beans, and whole grains. For a small change that can make a big difference, switch to a high-fiber cereal (like Kashi GOLEAN or Barbara’s Bakery Ultima Organic High-Fiber Cereal). Also, remember to drink plenty of water. Guzzling prune juice (we know, ick) may do the trick, too. You could also talk to your doctor about trying a fiber supplement, like Metamucil, which is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re still uncomfortably backed up, your doctor may suggest a gentle laxative like Milk of Magnesia. Just be sure to avoid stimulant laxatives, such as Dulcolax, Ex-Lax, and castor oil, which can cause contractions.
Um, I Think I Have Hemorrhoids:
The Cause: Hemorrhoids are dilated blood vessels around the anus — sort of like varicose veins in your butt, according to Dr. Riley. They may appear as itchy, burning bumps and occasionally they’ll bleed, which is why blood in your stool or on toilet paper is one of the most common hemorrhoid symptoms. Many pregnant women suffer from hemorrhoids, since they’re often caused by the baby’s weight pressing on veins in the groin. And chronic constipation doesn’t help, since it forces you to strain more during bowel movements, aggravating things even more.
The Relief: Keeping constipation in check is your best defense against hemorrhoid flare-ups. Sip lots of water and nosh on fiber-rich foods like high-fiber cereals or bran muffins. (See slide 3 for more tips.) When you experience an episode, keep the area clean and dry, and swab it with witch hazel pads to soothe the swelling, suggests Laura Riley, MD, director of labor and delivery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and author of You and Your Baby: Healthy Eating During Pregnancy. If they really hurt or don’t seem to be getting better after a few days, your doctor may recommend a hydrocortisone cream to ease inflammation.
My Breasts are Leaking:
The Cause: Leaky breasts are yet another sign that your body is getting baby-ready. “High levels of prolactin — the hormone that preps your breasts for nursing — at the end of pregnancy can sometimes cause fluid to leak from your nipples when they’re stimulated,” says Dr. Greenfield. Everyday things like showering, changing your clothes, or having sex can be enough to trigger sudden nipple secretions.
The Relief: You can’t turn off the leakage, but you can prevent noticeable damp spots from appearing on your clothes. Stick nursing pads inside your bra to absorb the wetness. You’ll need them in a few months anyway, when the baby comes. Extra perk: They’ll also make your boobs look fuller.
My Acne is Worse Than It Was During Puberty:
The Cause: Pregnancy — and its roller-coaster hormones — can be like nine long months of PMS for some women, triggering bumps and blemishes you haven’t seen regularly since age 14.
The Relief: Studies have yet to determine the safety of over-the-counter acne products like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy (although prescription Accutane has been linked to birth defects and should never be used during pregnancy). The best thing to do is avoid them entirely and talk to your doctor about safe alternatives. She may recommend that you use a mild facial cleanser and a pore-clearing clay mask once a week. Luckily, the acne usually goes away shortly after delivery or when your hormones rebalance during pregnancy.
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