Common Pregnancy Issues and How to Deal with Them

Pregnancy can be both exciting and trying for women. Your body goes through many changes as you nurture a growing baby, and pregnancy issues may arise along the way. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can help ease any bumps along the road; in this article we explore some of the most frequently occurring pregnancy problems and provide tips for dealing with them smoothly.

Morning Sickness

Up to 80% of pregnant women experience morning sickness at some point during gestation. While morning sickness can strike at any time of the day, nausea and vomiting often worsen before noontime. While its exact causes remain unclear, rapidly fluctuating hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) could play a part. Luckily, most mothers report significant improvement by weeks 14-16 of gestation.

To effectively combat nausea, try eating small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day to keep your stomach from emptying completely. Focus on bland, protein-rich foods like yogurt, eggs, nuts, lean meats or lean seafood as these may help ease symptoms. Be wary of spicy, fried and overly sweet items which may trigger nausea; stay hydrated by drinking water, diluted fruit juice or ginger tea and sip plenty of fluids like water or ginger tea throughout your day; rest well and don't allow yourself to become too hungry or tired; consider taking vitamin B6 supplements which may ease symptoms further; consult with your physician if necessary about taking an antinausea medication prescription in addition.

Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn affects up to 80% of expecting moms at some point during their pregnancies, due to hormonal effects that relax muscles between the esophagus and stomach and allow stomach acid to rise upwards. Furthermore, an expanding uterus presses on the stomach further intensifying this issue. To combat heartburn symptoms during gestation, try eating smaller meals more frequently rather than large ones; avoid excessive liquid consumption during meals; wait two hours after eating to lie down; limit acidic food such as citrus fruits or tomatoes along with fried or spicy foods which contribute to acidic reflux problems during gestation.

Antacids containing calcium carbonate are considered safe during pregnancy. You could also try papaya enzymes, aloe vera juice or slippery elm bark tea as possible alternatives. Stay away from products containing sodium bicarbonate, magnesium trisilicate or aluminum; these may not be appropriate. See your physician if severe or persistent heartburn persists despite lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medicines.

Back Pain

Over 60% of pregnant women will experience back pain at some point during their pregnancies, due to weight gain, posture changes with an expanding belly, loosening ligaments due to hormones or carrying additional weight. Heavy lifting or activities which strain or jar your back should be avoided in order to minimize back discomfort; for optimal health during gestation it's also beneficial to wear supportive shoes and perform gentle stretching activities regularly. To decrease risk and ensure comfort during this journey gentle stretching activities may help.

Heat or ice packs may help relieve muscular back pain. Pregnancy pillows provide additional support and comfort during sleeping, while massage, physical therapy or chiropractic care may provide relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen are generally safe during pregnancy while stronger medications may be prescribed as short-term solutions if necessary. Postpartum, hormonal levels will generally normalize as weight is shed off; if severe radiating back pain persists seek medical advice immediately.

Constipation

Up to 40% of pregnant women can experience constipation, which is defined by hard and dry stools with difficulty going more than three days without passing stool. Hormones like progesterone may slow the muscular contractions needed to move food through your system while your growing uterus compresses intestines physically - while iron supplements prescribed for anemia may also cause constipation.

Drink plenty of water and consume foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains; prunes and psyllium supplements are particularly helpful in adding bulk to stool; daily exercise stimulates bowels as well; respond quickly when natural urges arise to have a bowel movement and take stool softeners containing docusate for short-term relief of severe constipation or stimulant laxatives with Senna or Bisacodyl for immediate short-term relief of severe constipation -- prior to taking any laxatives or enemas while pregnant consult your healthcare provider prior to taking any laxatives or stimulant laxatives/enemas as they could affect pregnancies differently and may have different impacts than anticipated on individuals with other medical conditions that cause constipation issues when taking medications that contain stimulant agents; also, consult your physician prior to taking any laxatives/enemas during gestation before using any laxatives/enemas or taking them while pregnant as these may interfere with normal bowel movement resulting in regularity of bowel movement.

Conclusion

Pregnancy can bring many unexpected changes and challenges. Although symptoms like morning sickness, heartburn, back pain and constipation may be unpleasant, they're generally manageable with effective coping strategies. Staying active, eating a nutritious diet, practicing good posture and listening to your body are all great ways to ease through gestation. Any persistent or severe symptoms should be reported promptly to an obstetrician for prompt attention - having this knowledge and care at your disposal will allow for a smooth gestation experience and set you up for an easy labor experience!