Pregnancy Pains

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.

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.

Difficulty Sleeping During Pregnancy
Finding a comfortable resting position can become difficult later in pregnancy.
Recommendations:
Don't take sleep medication.
Try drinking warm milk at bedtime.
Try taking a warm shower or bath before bedtime.
Use extra pillows for support while sleeping. Lying on your side, place a pillow under your head, abdomen, behind your back and between your knees to prevent muscle strain and help you get the rest you need. You will probably feel better lying on your left side; this improves circulation of blood throughout your body.
Pregnancy Heartburn or Indigestion
Heartburn (indigestion) is a burning feeling that starts in the stomach and seems to rise to the throat. It occurs during pregnancy because your digestive system works more slowly due to changing hormone levels. Also, your enlarged uterus can crowd your stomach, pushing stomach acids upward.
Recommendations:
Eat several small meals each day instead of three large meals.
Eat slowly.
Drink warm liquids such as herbal tea.
Avoid fried, spicy, or rich foods, or any foods that seem to give you indigestion.
Don't lie down directly after eating.
Keep the head of your bed higher than the foot of your bed. Or, place pillows under your shoulders to prevent stomach acids from rising into your chest.
Don't mix fatty foods with sweets in one meal and try to separate liquids and solids at meals.
Try heartburn relievers such as Tums, Maalox, Titralac, Mylanta, Riopan, or Gaviscon.
Pregnancy Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that appear as painful lumps on the anus. They may form as a result of increased circulation and pressure on the rectum and vagina from your growing baby.
Recommendations:
Try to avoid constipation; constipation can cause hemorrhoids and will make them more painful.
Try to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time; change your position frequently.
Make an effort not to strain during a bowel movement.
Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the area or take a warm bath a few times a day to provide relief.
Avoid tight-fitting underwear, pants, or pantyhose.
Discuss the use of a hemorrhoid treatment with your health care provider.
Pregnancy Varicose Veins
An increased volume of blood and the pressure of your growing uterus can slow your circulation, sometimes causing the veins in your legs to become larger or swollen.
Recommendations:
Although varicose veins are usually hereditary, here are some preventive tips:
Avoid standing or sitting in one place for long periods. It's important to get up and move around often.
Avoid remaining in any position that might restrict the circulation in your legs (such as crossing your legs while sitting).
Elevate your legs and feet while sitting.
Exercise regularly.
Wear support hose but avoid any leg wear that is too tight.

Pregnancy Leg Cramps
Pressure from your growing uterus can cause leg cramps or sharp pains down your legs.
Recommendations:
Be sure to eat and drink foods and beverages rich in calcium (such as milk, broccoli or cheese).
Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
Try wearing support hose but avoid any leg wear that is too tight.
Elevate your legs when possible; avoid crossing your legs.
Exercise daily.
Stretch your legs before going to bed.
Avoid lying on your back, since the weight of your body and the pressure of your enlarged uterus can slow the circulation in your legs, causing cramps.
Gently stretch any muscle that becomes cramped by straightening your leg, flexing your foot, and pulling your toes toward you.
Try massaging the cramp, or apply heat or a hot water bottle to the sore area.
Pregnancy Nasal Congestion
You may have a "stuffy nose" or feel like you have a cold. Pregnancy hormones sometimes dry out the lining in your nose, making it inflamed and swollen.
Recommendations:
Apply a warm, wet washcloth to your cheeks, eyes, and nose to reduce congestion.
Don't use nose sprays; they can aggravate your symptoms.
Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses of fluids a day) to thin mucus.
Elevate your head with an extra pillow while sleeping to prevent mucus from blocking your throat.
Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air.
Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy
Shortness of breath can occur due to increased upward pressure of the uterus
Recommendations:
When walking, slow down and rest a few moments.
Raise your arms over your head (this lifts your rib cage and allows you to breathe in more air).
Avoid lying flat on your back, and try sleeping with your head elevated.
Pregnancy Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a type of scar tissue that forms when the skin's normal elasticity is not enough for the stretching required during pregnancy. They usually appear on the abdomen and can also appear on the breasts, buttocks or thighs. While they won't disappear completely, stretch marks will fade after delivery. Stretch marks affect the surface under the skin and are usually not preventable.
Recommendations:
Be sure that your diet contains enough sources of the nutrients needed for healthy skin (especially vitamins C and E).
Apply lotion to your skin to keep it soft and reduce dryness.
Exercise daily.
Swelling in the Feet and Legs During Pregnancy
Pressure from the growing uterus on the blood vessels carrying blood from the lower body causes fluid retention that results in swelling (edema) in the legs and feet.
Recommendations:
Try not to stay on your feet for long periods of time. Avoid standing in one place.
Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses of fluids a day).
Avoid foods high in salt (sodium).
Elevate your legs and feet while sitting. Avoid crossing your legs.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing; tight clothing can slow circulation and increase fluid retention.
Don't wear tight shoes; choose supportive shoes with low, wide heels.
Keep your diet rich in protein; too little protein can cause fluid retention.
Notify your health care provider if your hands or face swell. This may be a warning sign of preeclampsia.
Rest on your side during the day to help increase blood flow to your kidneys.

Pregnancy Leg Cramps
Pressure from your growing uterus can cause leg cramps or sharp pains down your legs.
Recommendations:
Be sure to eat and drink foods and beverages rich in calcium (such as milk, broccoli or cheese).
Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
Try wearing support hose but avoid any leg wear that is too tight.
Elevate your legs when possible; avoid crossing your legs.
Exercise daily.
Stretch your legs before going to bed.
Avoid lying on your back, since the weight of your body and the pressure of your enlarged uterus can slow the circulation in your legs, causing cramps.
Gently stretch any muscle that becomes cramped by straightening your leg, flexing your foot, and pulling your toes toward you.
Try massaging the cramp, or apply heat or a hot water bottle to the sore area.
Pregnancy Nasal Congestion
You may have a "stuffy nose" or feel like you have a cold. Pregnancy hormones sometimes dry out the lining in your nose, making it inflamed and swollen.
Recommendations:
Apply a warm, wet washcloth to your cheeks, eyes, and nose to reduce congestion.
Don't use nose sprays; they can aggravate your symptoms.
Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses of fluids a day) to thin mucus.
Elevate your head with an extra pillow while sleeping to prevent mucus from blocking your throat.
Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air.
Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy
Shortness of breath can occur due to increased upward pressure of the uterus
Recommendations:
When walking, slow down and rest a few moments.
Raise your arms over your head (this lifts your rib cage and allows you to breathe in more air).
Avoid lying flat on your back, and try sleeping with your head elevated.
Pregnancy Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a type of scar tissue that forms when the skin's normal elasticity is not enough for the stretching required during pregnancy. They usually appear on the abdomen and can also appear on the breasts, buttocks or thighs. While they won't disappear completely, stretch marks will fade after delivery. Stretch marks affect the surface under the skin and are usually not preventable.
Recommendations:
Be sure that your diet contains enough sources of the nutrients needed for healthy skin (especially vitamins C and E).
Apply lotion to your skin to keep it soft and reduce dryness.
Exercise daily.
Swelling in the Feet and Legs During Pregnancy
Pressure from the growing uterus on the blood vessels carrying blood from the lower body causes fluid retention that results in swelling (edema) in the legs and feet.
Recommendations:
Try not to stay on your feet for long periods of time. Avoid standing in one place.
Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses of fluids a day).
Avoid foods high in salt (sodium).
Elevate your legs and feet while sitting. Avoid crossing your legs.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing; tight clothing can slow circulation and increase fluid retention.
Don't wear tight shoes; choose supportive shoes with low, wide heels.
Keep your diet rich in protein; too little protein can cause fluid retention.
Notify your health care provider if your hands or face swell. This may be a warning sign of preeclampsia.
Rest on your side during the day to help increase blood flow to your kidneys.
Braxton-Hicks Contractions
The muscles in your uterus will contract (tighten) as early as the second trimester of pregnancy on. Irregular, infrequent contractions are called Braxton-Hicks contractions (also known as "false labor pains"). These are normal during pregnancy.
Recommendations:
Try to relax
Change positions. Sometimes this can alleviate the contractions.