Common Symptoms During Pregnancy
Morning Sickness
Most women feel nauseated during pregnancy, usually during the first trimester. Symptoms usually start to improve around 11–13 weeks, and most symptoms resolve by 16 weeks. Rather than getting hungry in between large meals, it is important to eat several small meals or snacks of bland food throughout the day. Ginger supplements, Vitamin B-6, and acupressure bands, such as Seaband, have been shown to improve morning sickness. If these interventions are ineffective or you are vomiting every day, your doctor may prescribe Zofran, also known as ondansetron.
Feeling Tired
Fatigue during pregnancy is very common. Try to avoid napping for more than one hour during the day, as this may disrupt normal sleep patterns. Thirty to forty-five minutes of cardiovascular exercise may be beneficial. If you are taking progesterone supplementation prescribed by your doctor, take it only at night, as it can cause drowsiness.
Leg Swelling / Varicose Veins
If swelling develops much more in one leg than the other, you should contact your doctor. Generalized swelling of the hands and feet is relatively common. Avoiding salt- and sodium-rich foods and drinking more water should help. Elevate your feet above your heart when you are resting. For some, support or compression stockings (hosiery) may be necessary. Notify your doctor if swelling develops suddenly and you also have changes to your vision, headaches, or severe upper abdominal pain.
Back Pain
As pregnancy hormones loosen the ligaments of your joints and your body adjusts to the growth of pregnancy, you may experience back pain. You can improve these symptoms by stretching and doing back or core body exercises. Additionally, massage, heating pads, chiropractic care, and maternity belts are safe during pregnancy.
Leg Cramps
Leg cramps may worsen during the third trimester. Taking magnesium gluconate 500 mg tablets twice daily or before bedtime may help. You should also increase your water intake and your intake of foods rich in potassium and calcium, such as bananas and certain dairy products. Try to avoid high heels.