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Pregnancy is a transformative experience, but very few women go through it without some level of discomfort. While Hollywood often portrays effortless pregnancies, the reality is quite different. Common issues like nausea, heartburn, bloating, and body aches affect many pregnant women. To help you navigate these challenges, we’ve compiled a list of common discomforts along with practical tips to ease symptoms and improve your well-being.
Increased salivation is caused by the expansion of salivary glands during pregnancy. To manage this:
Many women experience nausea and vomiting, particularly during the first trimester. This is primarily due to hormonal changes, especially fluctuations in HCG and estrogen levels. Try the following tips to ease nausea:
Eat small, frequent meals. Start your morning with dry crackers or sip warm lemon water. Ginger (tea, capsules, or candies) is known to help reduce nausea.
Low levels of vitamin B6 are linked to nausea. Supplementing with vitamin B6 may help. Vitamin C and vitamin K can also reduce nausea frequency, but do not exceed 75 mg of vitamin C and 5 mcg of vitamin K together. (Recommended doses: Vitamin C - 250 mg twice daily, Vitamin K - 5 mcg daily).
Lemon, lavender, and petitgrain oils may help. Place 4-5 drops on a cloth and inhale gently.
Remedies such as Ipecac CH5, Nux Vomica CH5, or Cocculus Indicus 30CH may provide relief.
Need more support? The Motherisk Israel initiative provides direct assistance for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Click here for more information.
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid irritates the esophagus, often worsening as the fetus grows and exerts pressure on the stomach.
How to Reduce Heartburn:
Craving specific foods during pregnancy is common, though the cause is unknown. To maintain a balanced diet, try substituting high-calorie cravings with nutrient-dense alternatives. A dietitian can provide guidance if cravings feel overwhelming.
Hormonal changes, an expanding uterus, and iron supplements can contribute to constipation.
Persistent constipation can lead to hemorrhoids—swollen blood vessels in the rectal area that may cause pain, irritation, and bleeding.
Pregnancy can cause breathing difficulties due to diaphragm pressure. Try sleeping in an elevated position and practicing relaxation exercises.
As your body's center of gravity shifts, hormonal changes loosen ligaments, causing pelvic instability and lower back strain.
Breasts enlarge as they prepare for milk production. Wearing a well-fitted bra with wide shoulder straps can help alleviate discomfort.
Increased blood volume, hormonal changes, and genetics can contribute to varicose veins in the legs.
Many pregnant women struggle with falling asleep due to discomfort, frequent urination, or fetal movements.
Common causes include anemia, hormonal changes, weight gain, and disrupted sleep.
From week 28 onwards, Braxton Hicks contractions may cause abdominal tightness but are typically painless. If contractions become painful, consult your doctor.
In the first trimester, weight gain stands at approxemately 1-2 kg. Many mother to be find that they lose weight due to nausea.
In the second and third trimesters, women typically gain around 5 kg per trimester.
Dieting is not recommended during pregnancy, but if weight gain feels excessive, consult a dietitian.
Stretch marks form as the skin stretches rapidly. Genetics play a role, but applying wheat germ oil, lavender oil, or rose oil daily can help minimize their appearance.
Most headaches are due to stress, dehydration, or hormonal changes. However, pregnancy-induced hypertension can also cause headaches.
Pregnancy-related nerve compression or circulation changes can cause numbness.
Move your limbs regularly and step on a cool floor if numbness occurs.
Lightheadedness is often caused by low blood pressure or anemia.
