Saturday 24 September 2016

7 tips on how to manage common minor disorders of pregnancy

Image result for picture of a pregnant black womanThe period of pregnancy is no doubt usually an exciting period for the expecting mother as well as her partner.A woman's body changes during pregnancy(most of the time the changes are normal)and she might experience some minor disorders,inability to manage these disorders well may make this period very uncomfortable and frustrating for the woman.The  minor disorders that can be experienced during pregnancy are numerous but below are 7 common disorders and useful tips on how to manage them easily.

  1. Nausea and Vomiting: Many pregnant women experience a degree of nausea and few vomit.This complaint occurs mostly during the first 3 months of pregnancy usually referred to as morning sickness but gradually disappears at the end of this time. The cause is usually a form of sensitivity  to the hormones released during pregnancy.It occurs usually when the woman wakes up in the morning or gets out of bed. Some women have severe vomiting called hyperemesis gravidarum which means excessive vomiting during pregnancy which requires hospitalization.
  Tips
  •  Eat meals in small portions
  •  Drink fluids between meals
  •  Eat at times of the day when nausea is less severe
  •  Eat a few dry meals like biscuit,snacks before getting out of bed in the morning
  •  Consume more of foods that contains protein e.g beans,nuts,cheese 
   2. Leg Cramps :This is quite common in late pregnancy and occurs mostly at night
       Tip 
  • Eat more foods high in calcium and potassium e.g carrots,milk,cheese,yam,green leafy vegetables,soybeans.
  3. Heart Burn : This is very frequent in late pregnancy as well.It is a burning feeling or pain in the stomach or between the breasts. It is often worse at night.
       Tips
  • Eat small meals more frequently
  • Take a glass of milk when the heart burn occurs
  • Sleep propped up with one or two extra pillows
  • Try antacid tablets or liquids as prescribed
 4. Constipation and haemorrhoids : Difficulty in passing stools occur in some pregnant women because there is reduced peristalsis(muscular movement that pushes food along the intestines) resulting from hormonal changes.Constipation and straining to empty the bowels overtime can lead to haemorrhoids(piles) which are swollen veins around the anus which can bleed during bowel movement.
   Tips
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables
  • Drink lots of water
  • Do light exercises everyday like walking
5. Frequency of urination : Increased frequency of urination is usually experienced in the early months of pregnancy and then comes back during the last months of pregnancy because the baby's head presses against the bladder. It's unavoidable and the woman should not be worried about it except it is accompanied by itches, burns or pains in which case a urinary tract infection might be suspected and then she needs to visit the hospital.

6. Swelling of the ankles and legs : This is called oedema and it is as a result of retention of fluid in body tissues during pregnancy. An average expectant mother is said to retain about 3 to 6 litres of fluid hence,oedema is a common occurence in pregnant women. Swelling of the feet in the evening is usually not serious but severe swelling during the day especially when the woman wakes up in the morning is a warning sign of pre-eclampsia which is a life threatening condition that requires hospitalization of the woman for proper medical care.
  Tips
  • Sit with your feet raised as often as possible.
 7. Sweating : Especially during late pregnancy, many women find that sweat more easily and feel hot as well which can be accompanied by night sweats. There's nothing to worry about.
  Tips
  • Avoid stressful activities
  • Take frequent rest periods
  • Have frequent cool baths
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Dress in cool and comfortable clothes.

PLEASE IF YOU EXPERIENCE SEVERITY OF ANY OF THESE DISORDERS,VISIT THE HOSPITAL

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