Back pain, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, gas pains, frequent urination... Although pregnancy creates great excitement in expectant mothers, it also brings some problems. Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Semavi Ulusoy talked about the way to cope more easily with the problems experienced during pregnancy, which can reach levels that can reduce the quality of life, with some precautions to be taken by expectant mothers.
In addition to weight gain, the heart works harder, body temperature rises and secretions increase, joints and ligaments become more flexible due to changes in body chemistry and functions. While trying to get used to this 'new normal' process, the expectant mother also struggles with increased fatigue as a result of hormonal effects, as well as physical changes and anxieties about parenthood. Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Semavi Ulusoy explained:
1-Nausea and vomiting
Due to hormonal effects, sensitivity to odors is high at the beginning of pregnancy. Known as "morning sickness", this picture usually subsides as pregnancy progresses. Although the problem of nausea and vomiting is mostly harmless, if it causes weight loss and severe restriction in fluid intake, it requires you to seek medical attention.
What to do?
- Try to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Drinks such as soda and mineral water will help you feel good because of their electrolyte content.
Consume low-fat and easily digestible foods. Try to eat small and frequent meals in order not to keep your stomach empty.
- If you feel nauseous when you wake up, have crackers by your bedside for a snack before getting up. Sit in bed for 15 seconds to stabilize your blood pressure, then stand up.
Getting fresh air always helps with nausea and vomiting problems.
- Taking short walks or sleeping with the window open can also be beneficial.
2-Back pain
Back pain is one of the most common problems during pregnancy. The extra pounds gained can cause the body's center of gravity to change and cause tension in the lower back muscles. This can result in muscle stiffness and soreness.
- Lie on your side with a pillow between your legs to support your back.
- Sleeping on a hard bed will be better than sleeping on a soft bed.
- Choose low-heeled shoes as high-heeled shoes create more load on your back.
- When lifting objects below waist level, bend your knees and use your legs instead of your back. Do not be afraid to ask for help from those around you.
- Regular exercises will help strengthen the muscles and maintain the correct posture.
3-Heartburn and indigestion
As a result of the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the stomach wall with the effect of pregnancy hormones, the stomach contents are transmitted to the intestines in a longer time than normal. Often, due to the longer exposure of the stomach to acidic content; Problems such as burning, boiling, heartburn, bloating, gas formation and indigestion develop in the stomach.
- Instead of eating three large meals a day, eat smaller portions more often.
- Chew your food well and consume it slowly without haste
- Keep in mind that foods that disturb your stomach before pregnancy will bother you much more during pregnancy. Therefore, be sure to get treatment for this problem before you get pregnant.
- Avoid oily foods and fried foods.
- Avoid sweet, carbonated and fruity drinks (such as orange juice, pomegranate juice).
- You can consume soda after meals as it will facilitate digestion. But beware! You can drink it once a day at most after the 20th week due to its high salt content.
- Make sure that there is at least 2 hours between meal and bedtime.
- Raising your pillow will make your life much easier as it will reduce the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.
4-Constipation, gas pains, hemorrhoids
Constipation, gas pains and hemorrhoids problems; It can be experienced frequently during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and prescribed iron and vitamin drugs. The pressure of the uterus, which becomes heavier and larger with the progression of pregnancy, on the large intestine and the veins in the pelvis plays an important role in the formation of these problems.
- Make it a habit to consume plenty of fluids and fibrous foods. Seasonal vegetables, whole grain bread and whole grains will be protective against decreased bowel movements.
- Be careful not to gain too much weight, as it can lead to reduced bowel movements, thus causing constipation and hemorrhoids.
- In order to meet your big toilet needs, your stay in the toilet should be at most 3-4 minutes. Because pushing and pushing for a long time increases the risk of hemorrhoids.
- Sitting bath in hot water or cold application relieves the pain associated with hemorrhoids.
- Consuming probiotics such as kefir will alleviate your complaints.
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- Regular exercise helps your digestive system work comfortably.
5- Frequent urination, urinary incontinence
Frequent urination during pregnancy can be caused by many reasons. As the uterus grows, it begins to put pressure on the bladder, as a result, it makes you feel the need to go to the toilet even if the bladder is empty. The problem of frequent urination may decrease somewhat in the second trimester of pregnancy because the uterus is no longer resting on the bladder during this period. However, at the end of pregnancy, the problem can start again as the size of the uterus increases. In this process, urinary incontinence can also occur, as sneezing or coughing can put pressure on the bladder.
- Eliminate carbonated beverages, coffee and tea from your diet, as caffeine will cause you to urinate more.
- Never neglect to consume enough fluids every day so that you and your baby are not deprived of vital fluids.
- Take care to practice Kegel exercises every day for 5-10 minutes before getting out of bed in the morning, due to the strengthening effect of the pelvic floor.
- If you have a urinary incontinence problem, it is useful to take bladder training. Because, going to urinate regularly at certain periods makes your life easier by keeping the bladder empty.
6- Breast enlargement and tenderness
Due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone secretion due to preparation for the lactation period, the breasts become increasingly larger and more sensitive during pregnancy. The precautions you will take in this process will be effective against sensitivity and sagging problems.
- Use bras that fit well and have good support.
- Maternity bras with extra wide shoulder straps will be the right choice.
- Choose a supportive sleep bra to support you while you sleep.