Minor Discomforts in Pregnancy and Their Remedies

The hormones of pregnancy can loosen the ligaments in your hips and pelvis in expectation of delivery. This loosening allows the pelvis to accommodate the passage of the baby during labor, but, in the meantime, may create pain. Rest and heat help.

Leg Cramps

These tend to occur in mid pregnancy for unknown reasons. Leg cramps also tend to occur at night, often waking you up. A simple exercise of flexing your toes vigorously towards your knees may relieve them. Maternity support hose can also help aching legs, but they must not be too tight. Balance periods of rest with exercise during the day. Leg cramps are not usually caused by a calcium deficiency. If a specific area of tenderness or redness develops, call us.

Nasal Congestion/Nose Bleeds

This can be bothersome and may make you think a cold is coming on. Usually, however, it is due to an increased blood supply in the nasal membrane. As a result, nosebleeds may occur. Try using ice and compression. If nosebleeds persist, call us.

Pressure Under the Rib Cage

This can occur as the rib cage expands to accommodate the growing uterus. This pressure often feels like a sore spot or bruised area, especially under one rib. Sitting in a straight-backed chair with a pillow behind the lower back helps relieve the pressure and facilitates breathing. A warm bath or a heating pad may help.

Shortness of Breath

This often occurs in the last few months of pregnancy and is most likely related to the normal hormonal changes of pregnancy. You may find that you need to take more time to do your usual activities. You should rest more frequently and may need to stop some overly strenuous activities. If this becomes excessive, you should notify your physician.

Skin Changes Dry, Itchy Pigment, Stretch Marks

To relieve dryness and reduce itchiness, us a moisturizer. Some women develop brownish discolorations on their face or skin or a brown line may occur in the middle of their abdomen. These are related to hormone changes and will, in most cases, fade after delivery. Whether you develop stretch marks on your breasts and abdomen is determined by your skin type, heredity and total weight gain during pregnancy. No creams will prevent them.

Swollen Feet, Ankles and Hands

You can help relieve swelling by resting on your left side and elevating your feet several times a day. Remove rings which become too snug. Hands tend to be the most swollen in the morning. Some women develop numbness and tingling in the fingers.

Vaginal Discharge

This increases for most women. It is usually a white, creamy discharge. You should maintain good hygiene. However, you should not douche during pregnancy. If persistent itching or irritation occurs or if your discharge changes in any way, such as color, amount or odor, you should tell us.