MINOR AILMENTS IN PREGNANCY
Another week and it’s the next chapter of my blog, minor ailments in pregnancy affecting other body systems.
- Oedema/ Swelling
Swelling of the feet and ankles is very
common in pregnancy, especially in the afternoon. It is due to oedema,
the retention of fluids in the body tissues. Under the force of gravity, the
retained fluid tends to sink down the body and collect in the feet. If swelling
of the hands and face at any time, can be signs of pre-eclampsia (high BP),
which is a very serious (even life-threatening) condition.
Management: Swelling in the feet may improve you put your feet up for a few minutes at least two or three times a day, avoids eating packaged foods that are very salty, and drinks more water or fruit juices.
- Frequent urination/ Peeing a lot in pregnancy
Needing to
pee a lot often starts in early pregnancy and sometimes continues until the
baby is born. In later pregnancy, it's caused by the baby's head pressing on
your bladder.
Management: If you find you need to get up in the night to pee, try cutting out drinks in the late evening. However, make sure you drink plenty of caffeine-free drinks during the day. If you have any pain while peeing or you pass any blood in your pee, you may have a urine infection, which will need treatment.
- Vaginal discharge
Discharge is the wetness all women have
from the vagina. Pregnant women often have a lot of discharge, especially near
the end of pregnancy. It may be clear or yellowish. This is normal. However,
the discharge can be a sign of an infection if it is curdy white, grey, green,
lumpy, or has a bad smell, or if the vagina itches or burns, then you should
consult immediately.
- Feeling hot/ Sweating a lot
You're likely to feel warmer than
usual during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes and an increase in
blood supply to the skin. You're also likely to sweat more.
Management:
Wear loose clothing made of natural fibres, as these are more absorbent and
breathable than synthetic fibres. Wash frequently to help you feel fresh.
- Difficulty in getting up and down
You should also be careful
how you get up. Do not sit up straight instead try roll to the side and push
yourself up with your hands.
- Sudden changes of feelings and emotions
Pregnancy can make women very emotional. Some women laugh or cry for no clear reason. Some feel depressed, angry, or irritable. Odd laughing or crying, and other sudden mood changes or strong feelings, are normal. They usually pass quickly. But do not ignore a woman’s feelings simply because she is pregnant. Her feelings are real.
- Sleep problems
Some pregnant women feel sleepy much of the day. This is normal
during the first three months. Their bodies are telling them to slow down and
rest. There is no need to intervene unless the woman also feels weak, which may
be a sign that she has a more serious problem, like a sickness, depression or
anaemia. Sometimes pregnant women have problems in sleeping; they may find it
difficult to get to sleep, or they wake up after a short time and cannot get
back to sleep. This problem is called insomnia.
Management:
Acquire comfortable position while sleeping by lying on your side with a pillow
or a rolled blanket between your knees and at lower back.
I have tried to summarize the minor ailments of pregnancy in
these three chapters, still with more doubts feel free to consult me.
P.S – Upcoming topic being nutrition in pregnancy.
Pregnancy changes you as a person, it is an amazing journey shifting
your focus and pushes you to re-evaluate your life and priorities !!!
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