Health & Pregnancy

Common Pregnancy Pains and Their Causes

Pregnancy Constipation

Constipated? It can happen during pregnancy for a couple of reasons.

Your hormones, as well as vitamins and iron supplements, may cause constipation (difficulty passing stool or incomplete or infrequent passage of hard stools). Pressure on your rectum from your uterus may also cause constipation.

Recommendations:

• Add more fiber (such as whole grain foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables) to your diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids daily (at least 6-8 glasses of water and 1-2 glasses of fruit or prune juice).
• Drink warm liquids, especially in the morning.
• Exercise daily.
• Avoid straining when you have a bowel movement.
• Discuss the use of a laxative or stool softener with your health care provider.

Pregnancy Dizziness (Feeling Faint)

Dizziness can occur anytime during middle to late pregnancy.  Here's why it happens:

• The hormone progesterone dilates blood vessels so blood tends to pool in the legs.
• More blood is also going to your growing uterus. This can cause a drop in blood pressure, especially when changing positions -- and that can make you dizzy. If your blood sugar levels get too low, you may feel faint.

Recommendations:

• Move around often when standing for long periods of time.
• Lie on your left side to rest. This helps circulation throughout your body.
• Avoid sudden movements. Move slowly when standing from a sitting position.
• Eat regular, small meals throughout the day to prevent low blood sugar.

Difficulty Sleeping During Pregnancy

Finding a comfortable resting position can become difficult later in pregnancy. 

Recommendations:

• Don't take sleep medication.
• Try drinking warm milk at bedtime.
• Try taking a warm shower or bath before bedtime.
• Use extra pillows for support while sleeping. Lying on your side, place a pillow under your head, abdomen, behind your back and between your knees to prevent muscle strain and help you get the rest you need.
• You will probably feel better lying on your left side; this improves circulation of blood throughout your body.

Pregnancy Heartburn or Indigestion

Heartburn is a burning feeling that starts in the stomach and seems to rise up to the throat. During pregnancy, changing hormone levels slow down your digestive system and your uterus can crowd your stomach, pushing stomach acids upward.

Recommendations:

• Eat several small meals each day instead of three large meals.
• Eat slowly.
• Drink warm liquids.
• Avoid fried, spicy, or rich foods, or any foods that seem to give you indigestion.
• Don't lie down right after eating.
• Keep the head of your bed higher than the foot of your bed. Or, place pillows under your shoulders to prevent stomach acids from rising into your chest.
• Don't mix fatty foods with sweets in one meal, and try to separate liquids and solids at meals.
• Try heartburn relievers such as Tums, Maalox, Titralac, Mylanta, Riopan, or Gaviscon.