10 Problems of pregnant women that often occur and how to overcome them

During pregnancy, you may experience a number of irritating problems that are harmless but still need attention. These problems include cramps, repeated urination and incontinence, heartburn and indigestion, varicose veins, back pain, constipation, hemorrhoids, and canker sores. Fortunately, a few simple changes can often relieve symptoms. Always contact your doctor or midwife if you have any specific concerns about this or any other health problem during your pregnancy.

1. Cramps

Cramps in the legs are the most commonly reported problem for pregnant women during the second half of your pregnancy, and they usually occur at night.

Although the exact cause of cramping during pregnancy is unknown, you can prevent it by:

• Calf stretch. Stand one arm apart from the wall, facing the wall. Place your right foot behind your left. Slowly, bend your left leg forward while keeping your right knee straight and your right heel steady on the floor. Hold the position for 30 seconds, keeping your back straight and hips forward. Don't turn your feet inward or outward, and avoid stretching your toes. Switch legs and repeat
• Stay active throughout the day
• Take magnesium supplements
• Get enough fluids
• Choose comfortable footwear

If you have cramps, stretch your legs out on the mattress and pull your toes toward your knees. This position will stretch your calf muscles and help relieve pain. If this doesn't work, try standing up and making a big step forward with the leg that isn't cramped to stretch the muscle in the other leg that is cramped. Keep your feet flat on the floor to increase the intensity of the stretch.

When the pain fades, you can massage or compress the area with warm water or a warm patch.

2. Constipation

You may experience constipation very early in pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the body. There are several things that can help you prevent and treat constipation, including:

• Eat foods high in fiber, such as whole grain breads and cereals, fruit and vegetables, and nuts and seeds - at least 30-40 grams of fiber daily.
• Exercise regularly, to keep your muscles tight - walking is the right choice.
• Increase your body fluid intake - at least 6-8 glasses of water every day
• Avoid iron supplements, as they can make you constipated - ask your doctor whether you should take this supplement and can you change to another type.
• Take laxatives that are safe for pregnant women, such as lactulose. If you need other options, consult your doctor

Try to prevent or treat constipation. This way, you will feel more comfortable and will be able to avoid hemorrhoids.

However, if you are already suffering from constipation which has led to hemorrhoids…

3. Hemorrhoids

To relieve pain from hemorrhoids during pregnancy:

• Place a cold compress or ice cube wrapped in a clean cloth on your anus to reduce swelling and irritation
• Keep your anal area clean by gently washing each time you have a bowel movement

If these suggestions don't help or your hemorrhoids get worse or start bleeding, contact your health care provider. For many women, hemorrhoids heal on their own after giving birth. If the hemorrhoids persist, surgery may be recommended.

4. Back and forth urinating

Back and forth urination is normal and a common problem for pregnant women in the first 12-14 weeks of pregnancy. After that, frequency of urination is usually not a problem again until the last week of pregnancy, when your baby's head descends lower toward the pelvis ready for labor.

If you often complain about the hassle of commuting to the bathroom at night, try to limit drinking water and other fluids at night before bedtime. However, don't cut back on the amount of fluids you consume - you and your baby will still need plenty of fluids. Make sure to drink non-alcoholic, caffeine-free fluids throughout the day.

Later in pregnancy, some women find that swinging from front to back when urinating in the bathroom helps reduce pressure from the uterus on the bladder, so that you will be able to empty the urine properly.

Talk to your doctor or midwife if you experience a burning sensation, stinging pain, or back pain when you go to the bathroom. These can be signs of a urinary tract infection, which must be treated quickly to avoid complications.

5. Bedwetting

Incontinence, or bed-wetting, is a problem pregnant women have both during and after pregnancy. Pregnant women are sometimes unable to prevent sudden urine spikes or small leaks when they cough, laugh, or sneeze, or when they move suddenly, or just get up from a sitting position. This may be temporary, as the pelvic floor muscles (the muscles around the bladder) loosen slightly to prepare for childbirth.

Treat bedwetting by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles using Kegel exercises. In addition, a physiographer will teach pelvic floor exercises during antenatal classes.

Talk to your doctor or midwife if you have persistent bedwetting.

6. Bloating and Ulcer

Indigestion in early pregnancy is partly due to hormonal changes, and as pregnancy gets older, it is caused by the growing uterus pressing on your stomach.

In some cases, diet and lifestyle changes may be sufficient to control digestion, especially if symptoms are mild. If you have severe indigestion, or if diet and lifestyle changes are not working, your doctor or midwife may suggest using medication to help relieve symptoms. Some indigestion drugs that are safe to use during pregnancy, such as antacids, omeprazole, ranitidine and alginates.

You can also try to avoid bloating by:

• Eat small meals, and avoid fatty and spicy foods.
• Bloating can get worse if you lie down after a big meal.
• Increasing the rest of the head during sleep by about 15 cm can help treat bloating at night.
• Sometimes, drinking a glass of milk or eating a few spoonfuls of yogurt can help prevent and relieve heartburn.

Talk to your doctor or midwife if you still have persistent heartburn.

7. Feel like passing out

Pregnant women often feel like fainting, because of the fluctuation of hormonal changes in the body. Fainting occurs when your brain doesn't get enough blood and oxygen. You are more likely to faint when you stand up quickly and suddenly after sitting or lying down.

To get over the feeling of fainting:

• Try to get up slowly from sitting or lying down
• If you still feel like passing out, immediately find a seat or lie down on your side
• If you feel like you might pass out while sleeping on your back, change the position to sleep on your side.

It is better not to lie on your back in late pregnancy or during labor.

8. Hot

Pregnant women often feel hot and hot, due to fluctuating hormonal changes in the body and increased blood supply to the skin. You will also sweat more than usual.

To deal with overheating:

• Wear loose clothing that is made of natural fibers, such as cotton, because natural fibers are more absorbent and provide room for your skin to breathe.
• Keep the room cool
• Shower more frequently to keep you feeling refreshed

9. Changes in hair and skin

The hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy will darken the nipples and the surrounding area. Your skin tone may also darken a little, either in small patches here and there or all over.

Birthmarks, moles, and freckles can also darken. Some women develop dark lines along the diameter of their stomach. These changes will gradually fade after the baby is born, even if your nipples remain dark.

Hair growth can also increase during pregnancy, and your hair may become oilier. After the baby is born, it may seem as if you are losing a lot of hair, but you are only losing extra hair.

10. Varicose veins

Varicose veins are swollen blood vessels. The leg vessels are the most commonly affected parts. You can also develop varicose veins on the vulva, although these will usually gradually improve after delivery.

If you have varicose veins, try the tips below:

• Don't stand too long
• Avoid sitting with your legs crossed
• Avoid putting most of your weight on at one point to avoid excess stress
• Sit with your legs up as often as possible, to relieve pain
• Try using special support leggings for pregnant women, which will also support your leg muscles
• Try sleeping with your feet higher than your body - prop under your ankles or place a pile of books under the end of your mattress.
• Do leg exercises and other antenatal exercises, such as walking and swimming, to help improve blood circulation.