Backache growing uterus, a shifting center of
gravity, and loosening ligaments add up to back
pain for many pregnant women, especially in
the third trimester. [2]
Maintaining a good posture, practising
regular antenatal exercises and wearing
comfortable flat-heeled shoes can all help to
prevent problems and relieve symptoms.
Lift with your legs, not your back. And
don't lift heavy objects – ask for help.
If you have to stand for a long time, put
one foot up on a step stool or box.
When picking things up, squat down and
keep your back straight instead of bending
from the waist.
When getting up, roll onto your side first,
then use your hands to push up.
Choose chairs with good lumbar support or
put a little pillow behind the small of your
back when sitting. [2; 3]
Cramps is a sudden, sharp pain, usually in
your calf muscles or feet. It is most common
at night.
Regular, gentle exercise in pregnancy,
particularly ankle and leg movements, will
improve your circulation and may help to
prevent cramp occurring.
To ease a cramp, it usually helps if you
pull your toes hard up towards your ankle or
rub the muscle hard.
If you get a cramp, keep your leg straight
on the mattress and pull your toes back
towards your knee. This will stretch your calf
muscle and should help the pain. If this
doesn’t work try standing up and stepping
forward with the other foot to stretch the
cramped muscle. Keeping the foot flat on the
floor will increase the stretch.
When the pain eases, you can massage the
area or place a hot water bottle or heat pack
on the area. [3; 4]
Swollen ankles, feet and fingers. Ankles,
feet and fingers often swell a little in
pregnancy because your body is holding more
water than usual.
Try to avoid standing for long periods.
Wear comfortable shoes - avoid tight
straps or anything that might pinch if your
feet swell.
Put your feet up as much as you can: try to
rest for an hour a day with your feet higher
than your heart, for example propped up with
cushions as you lie on the sofa.
Varicose veins usually appear as swollen,
knotty, bluish veins that may develop on your
legs during pregnancy.
Try to avoid standing for long periods of
time and not to sit with your legs crossed
Try not to put on too much weight as this
increases the pressure
Sit with your legs up as often as you can,
to ease the discomfort
Wear supportive stockings or pantyhose
Try sleeping with your legs higher than the
rest of your body; use pillows under your
ankles or put books under the foot of your
bed.
Do foot exercises and other antenatal
exercises, such as walking and swimming,
which will all help your circulation. [3; 4]
Tiredness and sleep
It's common to feel tired, or even exhausted,
during pregnancy, especially in the first 12
weeks and later on in pregnancy because of the
extra weight you are carrying. Hormonal
changes taking place in your body at this time
can make you feel tired, nauseous and
emotional. The only answer is to try to rest as
much as possible. Make time to sit with your
feet up during the day, and accept any offers of
help from colleagues and family. Being tired
and run-down can make you feel low. Try to
look after your physical health by eating a
healthy diet and get plenty of rest and sleep. [4]
Blocked nose
Many women find their nose becomes blocked
up and runny, and sometimes bleeds for no
obvious reason.
If your nose does become blocked, try not to
blow it too hard, as this can cause nosebleeds.
2; 3]
References
1. http://8monthspregnant.org/pregnancy-five-common-problems-solutions/
2. http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=5346&channel_id=2062&relation_id=84105
3. http://www.cyh.com/healthtopics/healthtopicdetails.aspx?p=438&np=462&id=2780
4. http://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/common-problems-during-pregnancy