Common pregnancy problems and solutions
By Inga Grasmane
As in our ESOL course there are some
pregnant students and in Dundee and Angus
College there are many, I have decided to write
about some pregnancy problems and suggest
the solutions.
Any healthy pregnancy takes about nine
months or 40 to 42 weeks. This is the most
crucial time of any woman’s life. She goes
through various changes within her body inside
and outside. Many times if it is the first
pregnancy, it becomes difficult for her to
identify as to what exactly is happening with
her. But in general these changes are in the
form of physical appearance and pains that any
pregnant women go through.
Here, I am going to talk about a few
common symptoms and problems pregnant
women usually suffer. Although these are
common and sometimes inevitable, with a little
care and the right advice the complete phase of
9 months will become more pleasant.
Hormonal changes are very common and
natural during pregnancy which results is some
pregnancy problems. [1]
Heartburn is an irritation or burning sensation
of the esophagus caused by stomach contents
that reflux (comes back up) from the stomach.
A number of lifestyle changes may help
improve the symptoms of heartburn such as
eating smaller meals or cutting out certain
foods fried, spicy, or fatty foods, coffee, cola.
[2; 4]
Raising the head of your bed by about 15
cm may help with heartburn at night.
Sometimes, drinking a glass of milk or
eating some yoghurt may help prevent and
relieve heartburn. [3]
Morning sickness Most pregnant women will
experience morning sickness, usually in their
first trimester.
Have small amounts of fluids several times
a day. But don't drink fluids during or just
before or after a meal.
Before you get out of bed in the morning,
eat a small nutritious snack like crackers or a
granola bar (keep it by your bed), then rest in
bed for 15 minutes.
If you're having trouble finding foods you
can keep down, try bread, noodles,
watermelon, crackers, cereal, mashed
potatoes, clear soup, apple slices, pretzels, or
pickles. [2]
Faintness. Pregnant women often feel faint.
Fainting happens if your bramin is not getting
enough blood and therefore not enough oxygen.
Try to get up slowly after sitting or lying
down
If you feel faint when standing still, find a
seat quickly and the faintness should pass - if
it doesn't, lie down on your side
If you feel faint while lying on your back,
turn on your side (it's better not to lie flat on
your back in later pregnancy or during
labour). [4]
Frequent urination is when you need to
urinate (pass urine) more often than usual.
Avoid caffeine.
Avoid fluids in the early evening and
before bedtime – drink more fluids during the
rest of the day to make up for this
Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge
When you urinate, lean forward to help the
bladder empty more. [2]
Constipation During pregnancy, food moves
more slowly through the body to give you a
better chance to absorb nutrients. Iron
supplements can also make you constipated.
eat foods that are high in fibre, such as
wholemeal breads, wholegrain cereals, fruit
and vegetables, and pulses such as beans and
lentils and get plenty of fluids
stay active, exercise regularly to keep your
muscles toned .
go to the bathroom when you feel the urge
– don't wait
avoid iron supplements as they can make
you constipated: ask your doctor if you can
manage without them or change to a different
type. [2; 4]