Pregnancy Discomforts and Solutions

In nine months you will bring life into this world. In order to do so your body will be going through a lot of changes. Read more about common pregnancy discomforts and solutions to ease your mind and your body.

Being pregnant comes with the excitement of starting, or growing, your family, and the joy of beginning a new chapter in your life. However, pregnancy bliss is also accompanied by many discomforts, most of which have accessible solutions. Pregnancy symptoms can range from fatigue and backaches, to heartburn and changes in your mental health. It is unlikely that you will experience all of these symptoms at once, but you will probably encounter more than one of these typical problems throughout your 9 months of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Symptom: Fatigue

You are no longer just functioning for one, but instead, you are now functioning for two. You might find that you are overexerting yourself trying to complete everyday tasks, and the influx of hormones will also take a toll on your system.

SOLUTION: Revel in naptime. Take it easy and make sure you get plenty of rest. Before you know it you will be running around after your little one trying to keep up, so listen to your body and rest now.

Pregnancy Symptom: Breast Tenderness

Regardless of how small or large your breasts were before, pregnancy will change your breast size. Your breasts are preparing to feed your child and they will swell and feel tender throughout the pregnancy.

SOLUTION: Wear clothes that are as comfortable as possible, including a bra that does not contain an underwire.

Pregnancy Symptom: Edema

Edema, other wise known as swelling, can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Most of the time edema occurs in a woman’s ankles and feet, due to access weight and hormones.

SOLUTION: Make sure you elevate your feet by lying down and placing pillow underneath your legs to bring your feet above the level of your heart. This will reduce some of the swelling and provide relief.

Pregnancy Symptom: Heartburn

Because hormones can slow some of the body’s normal functions, such as digestion, and your uterus is putting pressure on your stomach, you might experience some heartburn.

SOLUTION: All you need to do is slow-down when you eat. You might also find chewing calcium tablets, such as Tums, reduces your heartburn as well.

Pregnancy Symptom: Changes in Emotions

The influx of hormones, drastic physical changes, and the major life event that is about to happen, can take you on an emotional rollercoaster.

SOLUTION: Mood swings are quite common and can be soothed by keeping active and openly speaking with your partner about your feelings. However, if sever anger, sorrow or anxiety takes over your emotional state you should consult a therapist to address your possible depression.

Pregnancy Symptom: Itchy Skin

As your skin grows to accommodate your growing belly and swelling breasts, it is possible that your skin will feel itchier than before your pregnancy.

SOLUTION: To stay as itch-free as possible, wear loose clothing and refrain from using scented body washes or lotions. Instead, lather your skin with unscented, soothing lotion and take an oatmeal bath to calm your skin.

Now that you know what to expect, enjoy your unique experience as a pregnant mom-to-be. And know that when discomfort arises you are not alone and there are solutions to calm you.