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Common
Pregnancy Symptoms
by Elizabeth Geiger
http://thebabycorner.com
Women go through many
changes during pregnancy both physically and emotionally. Here are some common
symptoms and how you can make yourself more comfortable during these nine
months of pregnancy:
1. Fatigue
Fatigue is common in early part and at the end of pregnancy. You body is going
through many changes, both physically and emotionally, to build this tiny human
being growing inside you. You may feel extremely fatigued after doing things
you are use to doing every day. Try to take naps. Also, starting an exercise
program during pregnancy will also help to increase your energy levels.
2. Morning Sickness
In the beginning months, some women experience morning sickness due to hormone
changes that occur in your body during pregnancy. Symptoms include vomiting,
nausea, or you may just feel like you have the flu. Unfortunately there is no
cure for morning sickness, but eating small frequent meals may help. Anne
Sommers, The Baby Corner's own midwife, has some tips for "Putting
The Breaks on Morning Sickness".
3. Heartburn
A burning feeling in your chest and stomach, is a common complaint during
pregnancy. As your baby grows inside you, and organs get pushed around to make
room for baby, there is less room in your body to digest foods. You stomach may
produce more acids to digest the foods you eat. To ease heartburn during
pregnancy, try eating small frequent meals throughout the day. This will make
it easier for your body to digest the foods you eat. Try to avoid any foods
that you know upset your stomach. Also be sure to check with your doctor about
taking an antacid to relieve any symptoms you may have.
4. Back Pain
To carry the growing baby inside you, you will notice a change in your posture,
and the way you walk. Towards the end of pregnancy, with the added weight of
baby on your hips, you can expect to feel some back pain. This is common in
pregnancy. Long back massages from your partner and warm baths may help. (Make
sure the bath water is not hot) Check with your doctor about taking
acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help ease your headaches.
5. Headaches
Many women experience headaches throughout their pregnancy. Most likely it
has to do with hormone levels and blood circulation, both of which increase
throughout pregnancy. Stress may contribute to headaches as well. Discovering
that you are pregnant is a life-changing occurrence, and will cause some stress
and maybe some uncertainty. Exercise and cutting down of caffeine may help to
reduce headaches. Check with your doctor about taking an over the counter pain
reliever as this will help ease your headaches and help other aches and pains
of pregnancy as well.
6. Sciatica
Beginning in the second trimester, some women experience a sharp shooting pain,
which runs from their hip down the buttocks and the back of the leg. This pain
is called Sciatica. It is caused from the weight of the uterus on the sciatica
nerve. To relive the pain, try wearing a maternity belt. This will help lift
the uterus off the nerve. Also, try lying on your left side to relive any
pressure the uterus is putting on the nerve. Lying on your left side also helps
with circulation and oxygen flow to the baby.
7. Constipation
Another common symptom of pregnancy, constipation can be very bothersome for
pregnant women. Drink plenty of water, and eat whole grains fruits and
vegetables to stay regular. Ask your doctor about taking an over the counter
medication to help with constipation.
Elizabeth
Geiger is a Stay at Home Mother of two children. She is also the Editor and
Founder of The Baby Corner (http://www.TheBabyCorner.com),
which she runs out of her home with her husband Scott. Together they enjoy
spending time together as a family, cooking, and offering advice and support
for new Moms and Dads.
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