Saudi- Pregnant 10 symptoms and their treatments

(MENAFN- Arab News) Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. Dr. Susan T House an obstetrician at the Brigham Hospital in the US listed out the following common discomforts among pregnant women and their treatments:

1. Back pain

Back pain is a common occurrence because of the weight of the fetus. It can be dealt with in the following ways:

- Avoid any increase in weight during the first months of pregnancy.

- Wear padded and flat shoes.

- Use iced/cold compresses on the lower back.

- Do light exercises such as walking and swimming.

- Avoid lifting heavy objects.

2. Bleeding gums

Bleeding and swollen gums occur due to inflammation caused by hormonal changes. To avoid further gum complications follow the below:

- Brush and floss twice a day.

- Periodic follow-up with the dentist.

- Dental examination before conception to avoid any treatments during pregnancy.

3. Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath in the first stage of pregnancy is very common due to the effect of the hormone progesterone on the nervous system with the possibility of its occurrence in late pregnancy because of the increasing size of the uterus and the pressure on the diaphragm which in turn puts pressure on the lungs.

Doctors advise a comfortable position during sleep as well as comfortable sitting postures to relieve the symptoms. In case of severe breathing concerns such as apnea accompanied by chest pain it is recommended to consult a doctor.

4. Constipation

Constipation affects over half of all pregnant women and it frequently occurs in the first three months due to the effect of progesterone on muscle relaxants which in turn leads to slowing down of the process of intestinal muscle contractions.

Doctors recommend to increase the fiber content in food drinking at least eight glasses of water a day and exercising or practicing light sports regularly only after the approval of a physician.

5. Stress

Stress or fatigue is a common complaint among pregnant women. This is because the body's energy is directed to support the growth of the fetus in the uterus. Sleep disorder is also a common occurrence in the last few months of pregnancy.

When feeling constantly unwell doctors recommended pregnant women to ease daily activities and to increase the hours of sleep during the night along with regular exercise.

6. Fecal incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a case of lack of control over urination which affects some women during the last stage of pregnancy.

Doctors attribute this occurrence to the pressure on the bladder in addition to the laxity of the pelvic muscles that control urine during the pregnancy.

7. Heartburn

Heartburn is a common symptom that affects the majority of pregnant women because of the increase in the secretion of progesterone which causes the sphincter muscle to relax. As a result of this food mixed with digestive enzymes could return toward the esophagus causing irritation with a burning pain in the chest. This can be avoided by standing for nearly two hours after a meal and eating a variety of food in limited quantities.

8. Vaginal secretions

Vaginal secretions occur due to an excessive production of hormones. It is a must to distinguish between non-harmful secretions which are thin and white without odor that may increase as the pregnancy progresses and the green or yellow secretions accompanied by itching or a foul smell which require a doctor's checkup. Physicians advise the following:

- Maintaining the cleanliness of the genitals.

- Bathing/showering regularly.

- Drying genitalia fully.

- Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight ones.

- Refraining from the use of chemical products for the vaginal area.

9. Water retention

Some pregnant women experience swollen feet and ankles as a result of water retention in the body.

In most cases it may be harmless but you should consult your doctor if it is accompanied by a swelling in the face an eye disorder or a headache as the case may be a type of pre-eclampsia.

To alleviate water retention trouble lift the feet high on a pillow while sitting or sleeping and avoid standing for long periods and wearing strong socks.

10. Skin changes

Hormonal changes in pregnant women cause the emergence of dark skin patches which get worse when exposed to sunlight. There is also redness or blueness on the hands and feet in addition to the appearance of stretch marks in the abdominal area which results in itching.

The following is therefore recommended:

- Maintain clean and dry skin.

- Use lotions which do not contain chemicals. To hide skin defects consult your doctor.

- Use soft materials to relieve itchy skin.

- Excercize regularly after giving birth to flatten the tummy and reducing sag.

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