Common Pregnancy Discomforts and Their Remedies
Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, full of many joys. But it can also come with some not-so-pleasant side effects. Our Pregnancy Discomforts and Remedies blog post will give you the lowdown on the most common pregnancy complaints as well as their potential remedies.
In general good nutrition, a healthy balanced diet, and adequate hydration are the most important factors for preventing and alleviating common pregnancy discomforts.
Here are some great remedies for the most common pregnancy discomforts:
Breast Tenderness
Is your bra feeling a little tight? It is completely normal to have some changes in breast size during pregnancy, which may make it hard for you to fit into your pre-pregnancy bras. It’s time for some bra shopping!
Let your healthcare provider know if you notice any lumps or strange breast changes!
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
You may feel a tingling, numbness, or strange sensation across your palm, thumb, and first 2 or 3 fingers due to swelling.
Carpal tunnel syndrome often causes the muscles in your hand to become less responsive over time making them more susceptible to injury from repetitive movements like typing on a keyboard all day long.
Make sure you’re getting enough protein and water. Exercise regularly as well and try taking a B6 supplement. If restricting movement helps it feel better try wearing a splint. This condition should go away after delivery though!
Constipation
Constipation can be a really frustrating and uncomfortable feeling. But don’t fret, there are ways to fix it! If you’re straining to make bowel movements that are hard or infrequent (you should have one per day!), then chances are high that you’re constipated.
One issue might just be how hydrated you’ve been lately- especially in the summertime when water intake is so important for staying healthy all around. Drinking more water will help get things moving again. Add more fiber into your diet nutritionally through an apple every day or 1 Tbsp of coconut oil. Supplements like psyllium husks and magnesium can do wonders if drinking enough water each day and increasing your fiber intake won’t do the job.
Edema (Swelling):
Swelling in pregnancy is very common but if you’re noticing severe swelling or puffiness, please call your healthcare provider or midwife.
In most pregnancy swelling can be controlled or prevented with the following remedies:
- You’ll want to make sure that you are getting plenty of protein and water while also eliminating regular table salt from your diet and replacing it with sea salt instead.
- Exercise regularly as well because this will help reduce the amount of fluid retention throughout your body which can be very uncomfortable. If you are sweating a lot add electrolytes to your water.
- In addition, spend time every evening elevating your feet – preferably higher than chest level. This should help improve circulation by helping bring fluids back up through the legs into other parts of the body where they belong.
- Decreasing your sugar and carb intake can also help prevent fluid retention in your body.
- Compression socks can help women who need to stand a lot.
- Flush out extra fluids with a gallon of strong lemon water (4 lemons/1gallon). Drink the gallon over 24h.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a very common symptom of pregnancy. Your body’s working hard to grow the baby and it can eventually wear you out, so take naps when you need them!
You might be experiencing anemia if your fatigue doesn’t go away after getting more rest. Talk to your midwife at the next appointment and she will help you find treatment solutions!
Headache
Most of the time, headaches are caused by low blood sugar or dehydration. If you have mild headaches, make sure to eat smaller, more frequent high-protein meals throughout the day and drink plenty of water.
You may take Tylenol if needed when feeling like your headache is going on too long.
If you experience sudden severe headaches that don’t go away after trying those remedies, there may be something else wrong. Please call your healthcare provider immediately.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a common occurrence during pregnancy. Try to eat smaller and more frequent meals, as well as finish your last meal 2-3 hours before going to bed each night.
Take walks after eating or drinking anything if you have heartburn frequently. Digestive enzymes, like papaya enzymes, for example, can also help with digestion.
If none of those remedies help, please talk to your midwife.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are most often caused by constipation, so relieving the condition may resolve symptoms. If hemorrhoids persist throughout pregnancy, take Rutin supplements only after your first trimester is completed.
Sitz baths improve circulation and provide relief for discomfort- try adding witch hazel or Epsom salt to a warm bath as well! You can also use Tucks pads at night if you have any swelling in order to reduce them before bedtime.
Elevating your legs above chest height every evening will help decrease pressure on that area of the body until it feels better again too!
Here is an in-depth article about pregnancy hemorrhoids.
Insomnia
It is very common to struggle with sleeping during pregnancy. A good diet, hydration, and daily exercise will help you a lot.
Here are some easy remedies for better sleep:
- Take a warm bath before bed.
- Use plenty of pillows to support your legs and belly.
- Don’t take long naps during the day as this will make it harder when trying to sleep at night.
- Avoid taking stimulants such as caffeine.
- Finish your last meal 2-3 hours before bedtime.
- If those tips do not work you should speak to your midwife at the next appointment for suggestions that may be more beneficial.
Leg Cramps
Leg cramps are a common ailment that can be prevented with good nutrition, hydration, and plenty of exercise. There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night to grab your leg because it is cramped and painful!
Try doing some stretches before bed or take Calm Magnesium powder supplement an hour before bed for better results.
Elevate your legs periodically during sleep using pillows as support if needed.
Nausea & Vomiting
Morning sickness is one of the most common pregnancy discomforts, but it can be alleviated by eating a high-protein diet throughout the day. Try to eat small, frequent meals while avoiding sugary or starchy foods.
Extra B vitamins may help–dissolvable B vitamins are available so you don’t have to swallow them! Peppermint oil aromatherapy and sipping ginger tea are easy remedies that might work for nausea relief as well.
Nausea should resolve by week 12 of your pregnancy and normally won’t progress further.
However, if you find yourself experiencing more than two episodes of severe nausea per day lasting over three days in a row with no food intake whatsoever we recommend contacting your midwife.
Our experienced team of midwives is looking forward to hearing from you!
Photo by Michelle Monk Photography
