
There are quite a few discomforts that you may or may not experience during your pregnancy. Count yourself blessed if you only have some or none at all! But in the likelihood that you do struggle with some of these annoyances and pains, take heart! There are some simple strategies and ideas for what to do to bring relief.
Leg Cramps
Has anybody had leg cramps before? They are not fun! Why do mamas get them in pregnancy anyway? The extra pressure in your belly can contribute to decreased blood circulation and oxygen which may cause that annoying cramping.
What to do – Increase blood circulation by getting plenty of exercise (without overexertion), alternating between hot and cold hydrotherapy and keeping your limbs warm. Try straightening your cramped leg and flexing your ankle without pointing the toe. Make sure to eat plenty of leafy greens, and consider taking alfalfa tablets to increase your oxygen supply. Magnesium is also super helpful for leg cramps! Don’t forget to rest often and elevate your feet.
Varicosities
Varicosities can form or get worse during pregnancy. These swollen, knotted veins usually form in the legs or labia. The hormone, progesterone, which is high during pregnancy relaxes many parts of the body including veins and arteries which makes blood flow less efficient.
What to do – Walk regularly to get your blood moving, elevate your feet and keep good posture. Avoid standing for long periods of time, crossing your legs (I know that’s hard!), and doing knee highs. Stay within the proper weight gain for pregnancy (20-32 lbs. is an ideal average) and have regular bowel movements. Leafy greens, garlic and onions are all great additions to your diet, and witch hazel can be applied topically.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a frustrating part of pregnancy for some mamas. It could be caused by low blood sugar, stress, hyperstimulation, exercise before bed or bladder pressure.
What to do – Exercise daily for 20+ minutes before late afternoon, and supplement with magnesium. Decrease light and noise towards the end of the day, avoid caffeine and other stimulants, and don’t overeat, especially dinner. Implement a regular sleep/wake schedule by going to bed and getting up around the same time. You can train your body and your baby in utero to sleep at the right time.
Breast Tenderness
Breast tenderness is one of the first signs of pregnancy. Your body produces hormones that prepare your breasts for lactation. As your milk ducts grow and stretch, your breasts and nipples may be sore.
What to do – Wear a bra with good support. Wide shoulder straps and adjustable closure can help too. Avoid wearing underwire bras that cut off circulation. If breast tenderness affects sleep at night, consider wearing a bra to bed.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is common towards the end of pregnancy as the uterus pushes up on your diaphragm. Your baby is growing quickly, and your uterus is stretching to accommodate it. In the last few week of pregnancy as you get closer to your due date, your baby will descend lower towards your pelvis which will make breathing easier. When the time for your labor and delivery comes, breathing should no longer be difficult. Praise God for this design!
What to do – In the case of experiencing shortness of breath, try lifting your arms above your head and concentrate on good posture. Standing up or laying down can make breathing easier. Some women don’t realize the reason for this temporary difficulty in their breathing and start to hyperventilate. Take a deep breath and remember that this won’t last for very long. Research shows that despite the shortness of breath, your body is still getting the same amount of oxygen as always!
Fatigue
Fatigue – Pregnant mamas often struggle with fatigue, especially in the beginning weeks of their pregnancy. If fatigue persists well past the first trimester, alert your care provider so they can help you determine what might be causing it. Your body is going through a lot of work and changes as it grows your baby so feeling tired is normal.
What to do – Get a full night’s sleep, rest during the day, eat a nutritious diet and exercise daily. Consider getting your iron levels tested to make sure they are not too low.
Heartburn
Heartburn – If you have ever experienced a burning sensation in your chest, it was probably heartburn. This burning feeling is caused by stomach acid that comes up into the esophagus. Heartburn may be caused in pregnancy due to the hormone, progesterone, which relaxes the cardiac sphincter of the stomach, allowing stomach acid to escape.
What to do – Avoid fried, fatty and spicy foods, and sit upright when eating. Drink apart from meals as water during meals dilutes the food and can slow digestion. Wait for 20-30 minutes before laying down after meals to allow gravity to keep the stomach acid down. Sodium-based antacids can make things worse and should be avoided in the case of heartburn. See this helpful article on heartburn remedies to try.
What Did You Do?
Which pregnancy discomforts have you experienced? What remedies have you tried? Did they work? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
~Hannah