Common Pregnancy Pains and Their Causes

Your body is constantly changing now that you are pregnant, which may cause discomfort. Some pregnancy discomforts may occur in the early weeks, while others occur only as you get closer to delivery. Other pregnancy discomforts may appear early and then go away, only to come back later. This is normal and usually does not mean something is wrong.

Every woman's pregnancy is unique, and some of the discomforts described in this article may not affect you. Discuss any concerns about pregnancy discomforts you are having with your health care provider.

Pregnancy Breast Changes

Most pregnant women will feel some changes in their breasts. Your breasts will increase in size as your milk glands enlarge and the fat tissue increases, causing breast firmness and tenderness in the first and last few months of pregnancy. Bluish veins may also appear as your blood supply increases. Your nipples will also darken and a thick fluid called colostrum may leak from your breasts. All of these breast changes are normal.

Recommendations:

Wear a bra that provides firm support.
Choose cotton bras or those made from other natural fibers.
Increase your bra size as your breasts become larger. Your bra should fit well without irritating your nipples. Try maternity or nursing bras, which provide more support and can be used after pregnancy if you choose to breastfeed.
To ease discomfort and maintain support, try wearing a bra during the night and day.
Tuck a cotton handkerchief or gauze pad into each bra cup to absorb leaking fluid. Nursing pads, which you can buy in a pharmacy, are also available. Make sure to change these pads as needed to prevent irritation to the underlying skin.
Clean your breasts with warm water only; do not use soap or other products since they can cause dryness.

Pregnancy Fatigue

Your growing baby requires extra energy, which may make you feel tired. Sometimes, feeling tired may be a sign of anemia (low iron in the blood), which is common during pregnancy.

Recommendations:

Get plenty of rest; go to bed early at night and try taking naps during the day.
Maintain a regular schedule when possible but pace your activities; balance activity with rest when needed.
Exercise daily to increase your energy level.
If you think anemia may be a concern, ask your health care provider to test your blood.

Pregnancy Nausea or Vomiting

An upset stomach is one of the most common discomforts during pregnancy. Nausea is a result of hormonal changes and most often occurs early in pregnancy until your body adjusts to the increased production of hormones.

Nausea can begin in early pregnancy, but is usually gone by the fourth month. It can occur at any time of the day but may be worse in the morning when your stomach is empty (this is often called "morning sickness") or if you are not eating enough.

Recommendations:

If nausea is a problem in the morning, eat dry foods like cereal, toast or crackers before getting out of bed. Or, try eating a high-protein snack such as lean meat or cheese before going to bed (protein takes longer to digest).
Eat small meals or snacks every 2-3 hours rather than three large meals. Eat slowly and chew your food completely.
Sip on fluids throughout the day. Avoid large amounts of fluids at one time. Try cool, clear fruit juices, such as apple or grape juice.
Avoid spicy, fried, or greasy foods.
If you are bothered by strong smells, eat foods cold or at room temperature and avoid odors that bother you.
Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin B6 or other treatments.
Contact your health care provider if your vomiting is constant or so severe that you can't keep fluids or foods down. This can cause dehydration and should be treated right away.

Pregnancy Frequent Urination

During the first trimester, your growing uterus and growing baby press against your bladder, causing a frequent need to urinate. This will happen again in the third trimester when the baby's head drops into the pelvis before birth.

Recommendations:

Avoid tight-fitting underwear, pants, or pantyhose.

Pregnancy Headaches

Headaches can be caused by tension, congestion, constipation, or in some cases,preeclampsia. They can occur anytime during pregnancy.

Recommendations:

Apply an ice pack to your forehead or the back of your neck.

Rest, sit, or lie quietly in a low-lit room. Close your eyes and try to release the tension in your back, neck, and shoulders.

Try Tylenol (acetaminophen) occasionally. Ask your health care provider before taking any other medications for your headaches.

Contact your health care provider if you have nausea with your headaches, if your headache is severe and does not go away, or if you have blurry vision, double vision, or blind spots

Pregnancy Bleeding and Swollen Gums

The increase in your circulation and supply of certain hormones may cause tenderness, swelling and bleeding of gums.

Recommendations:

Take proper care of your teeth and gums. Brush and floss regularly.

Get a dental checkup early in your pregnancy to make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy. See your dentist if you have a problem.

Pregnancy Constipation

Your hormones as well as vitamins and iron supplements may cause constipation (difficulty passing stool or incomplete or infrequent passage of hard stools). Pressure on your rectum from your uterus may also cause constipation.

Recommendations:

Add more fiber (such as whole grain foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables) to your diet.

Drink plenty of fluids daily (at least 6-8 glasses of water and 1-2 glasses of fruit or prune juice).

Drink warm liquids, especially in the morning.

Exercise daily

Set a regular time for bowel movements; avoid straining when having a bowel movement.

Discuss the use of a laxative with your health care providers; they may recommend natural fiber laxatives or stool softeners.

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