Pregnancy Woes

Head-to-toe relief for the growing pains of pregnancy

By Karen Miles

Before you became pregnant, you probably thought that you had an understanding with your body: You were good to it, it was good to you. Now that you’re expecting, however, you find that all bets are off. Your little bundle of joy is calling the shots, and your body is straining to accommodate. Feet are swelling, ligaments are stretching, veins are bulging, and hormones are raging. Simply put, you need help. Fortunately, Relief is just a page away.

The BT Guide was written by Karen Miles.

LITTLE CURES FOR BIG DISCOMFORTS

ITCHY SKIN
As your skin stretches, it can become dry and itchy.

• Relief: Slather on moisturizer or cocoa butter after bathing, and avoid harsh soaps, which remove your skin’s natural oils.

FREQUENT URINATION
Your growing uterus presses on your bladder.

• Relief: By four months, the uterus moves up, relieving the pressure. Meanwhile, keep drinking liquids and don’t wait to urinate — it can lead to a urinary tract infection.

EDEMA
You may retain some fluid — especially around your ankles and feet.

• Relief: Put your feet up, switch standing and sitting positions often, and don’t cross your legs. If your rings get tight, put them on a chain and wear them as a necklace.

VARICOSE VEINS
Valves that propel blood start to soften, causing the blood to pool and form painful bulges.

• Relief: Avoid crossing your legs, standing in one position for too long, or wearing anything that cuts off circulation (like knee-high stockings). Support hose may also help soothe the aches.

FATIGUE
Hormonal havoc and the energy it takes to create a baby sap your strength.

• Relief: Rest often and avoid sugar and caffeine.

LEG CRAMPS
Sluggish circulation causes painful knots.

• Relief: Gentle massage or stretching (with toes flexed, not pointed) can help relax the muscle. Try stretching your legs before bedtime.

ROUND-LIGAMENT PAIN
Your ligaments stretch to support the growing weight of your womb, causing sharp pains from the top of your uterus down to your pubic bone.

• Relief: Get off your feet, and support your belly with a pillow when you’re lying on your side. Warm baths are soothing too.

HEMORRHOIDS
These swollen rectal veins result from hard-to-pass bowel movements.

• Relief: Try ice packs, sitz baths, or witch hazel compresses, and ask your doctor about a stool softener or suppositories.

BACKACHES
Your shifting center of gravity and the increased natural curvature of your spine strain your back.

• Relief: Stand up straight, and be careful lifting. While sitting, elevate your feet, and use a pillow for the small of your back.

INCREASED VAGINAL DISCHARGE
A clear to yellowish secretion, known as leukorrhea, helps flush bacteria from your vagina.

• Relief: Wear a light panty shield in your underwear to help you feel fresher, but don’t douche or wear tampons.

DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS
Pregnancy hormones slow some bodily functions, resulting in constipation, indigestion, bloating, and gas.

• Relief: Eat a diet high in fiber (whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables), drink plenty of liquids, and try to take a walk every day.

NAUSEA
So-called morning sickness — nausea that ranges from mild queasiness to frequent vomiting — can last all day.

• Relief: Eat small, frequent meals high in protein and carbohydrates, and keep a few crackers by your bed to help settle your stomach before you get up in the morning.

HEARTBURN
Your uterus presses on your stomach, causing acids to back up.

• Relief: Even when you’re ravenous, eat slowly. Avoid greasy foods and stay upright after meals. Also, try eating yogurt or chewable calcium tablets.

TENDER BREASTS
As your breasts rev up for breastfeeding, they may be slightly swollen and feel sensitive or painful to the touch.

• Relief: Buy a comfortable and supportive bra (without underwire is best).

HEADACHES
The sudden surge of hormones may cause migraines.

• Relief: Try hot and cold compresses, temple massage, and fresh air. Acetaminophen is considered safe for pregnant women, but talk to your doctor before taking any drugs.

NASAL CONGESTION
High levels of estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow to the mucous membranes, causing them to soften and swell. Your sinuses may feel extremely dry.

• Relief: Use a humidifier to loosen congestion, and lubricate the inside of your nose with a little petroleum jelly.

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE — OR NOT

Early in pregnancy, levels of estrogen and progesterone soar — increasing blood flow and sensitivity in the breasts, vagina, labia, and clitoris — which may turn you into a sexual dynamo. On the other hand, when you’re dealing with nausea, fatigue, and moodiness, you may find sex as appealing as your annual exam. The key for you and your partner is to expect fluctuations in desire, so that when it wanes, you can stay intimate in other ways — by holding hands, snuggling, or giving each other massages.

By the way, there’s no reason to fear that you’ll harm the baby during intercourse. She’s well-protected in her amniotic bubble, and unless you’re at risk for miscarriage or preterm labor (in which case, you should seek your doctor’s advice), sex generally poses no danger whatsoever.

THE EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER

Consider yourself hormonally challenged: During pregnancy, estrogen can climb to 60 times its normal level. In general, higher levels of both progesterone and estrogen can make you feel good, but sometimes the huge fluctuations can also puncture the euphoria. In fact, a wide range of emotional states is perfectly normal — quiet and withdrawn, scared, anxious, elated and excited, easily angered or tearful, ambivalent, worried, and happy. But you can try to stay on an even keel with enough rest, exercise, and communication with your partner.

On the other hand, if your symptoms include prolonged weepiness, anxiety, sleeplessness, guilt, anger, pessimism, or detachment, talk to a professional about pregnancy-related depression. This potentially serious condition can last anywhere from weeks to months, and it can be treated safely with therapy and medicine. Women who experience severe depression during pregnancy are also at high risk of postpartum depression, so this is one condition you don’t want to wait out.

WHEN WOES ARE SERIOUS

With everything your body’s going through during pregnancy, it can be tough to tell which changes are simply uncomfortable and which are dangerous. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor when in doubt. And be sure to talk to her if you experience any of the following symptoms:

EXTREME FATIGUE
A possible sign of anemia, or iron deficiency in the blood.

PERSISTENT VOMITING OR DIARRHEA OR A HIGH FEVER LASTING MORE THAN 24 HOURS
Any of these conditions can cause dehydration, which in turn can damage the baby’s developing organs.

BLEEDING
A possible sign of a miscarriage or of placenta previa.

CONSTANT ABDOMINAL PAIN OR CRAMPING
Symptoms that may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or pending miscarriage.

SEVERE HEADACHES OR SUDDEN, EXCESSIVE SWELLING OF THE HANDS AND FACE
Possible signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension, and preeclampsia.

TREAT YOURSELF

This is one time when everyone will let you enjoy a much-deserved break. Take advantage!

• Light some candles and soak in the tub.
  
• Get your hair washed at a salon.
  
• Make a "baby tape" of your favorite music.
  
• Rent a tear-jerker and cry your eyes out.
  
• Buy yourself flowers.
  
• Get a pedicure even if you can’t see your feet anymore.

First published in BabyTalk magazine, June/July 1, 1998

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