Includes constipation, cramp, feeling faint, feeling hot, incontinence, skin & hair changes and varicose veins.
Constipation in pregnancy
You may become constipated very early in pregnancy because of the hormonal changes in your body.
Avoiding constipation
There are a few things you can do to help prevent constipation.
These include
- eat foods that are high in fibre, such as wholemeal breads, wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, and pulses such as beans and lentils
- exercise regularly to keep your muscles toned
- drink plenty of water
- avoid iron supplements as they can make you constipated – ask your doctor if you can manage without them or change to a different type
Pregnancy-safe laxatives
You should check with a doctor, pharmacist or midwife before taking a laxative if you are pregnant.
If lifestyle changes are not working, they may recommend a laxative, such as lactulose or Fybogel. These laxatives are quite commonly used during pregnancy.
Cramp in pregnancy
Cramp is a sudden, sharp pain, usually in your calf muscles or feet. It is most common at night. Nobody really knows what causes it, but there are some ideas about causes of cramp and why it can happen in pregnancy.
Avoiding cramp
Regular, gentle exercise in pregnancy, particularly ankle and leg movements, will improve your circulation and may help to prevent cramp occurring. Try these foot exercises:
- bend and stretch your foot vigorously up and down 30 times
- rotate your foot eight times one way and eight times the other way
- repeat with the other foot
How to ease cramp
It usually helps if you pull your toes hard up towards your ankle or rub the muscle hard. You can find out more about treatment of cramp, but remember always to consult your midwife, GP or pharmacist before taking painkillers in pregnancy.
Feeling faint in pregnancy
Pregnant women often feel faint. This is because of the hormonal changes occurring in your body.
Fainting happens if your brain is not getting enough blood and therefore not enough oxygen.
You are most likely to feel faint if you stand too quickly from a chair or out of a bath, but it can also happen when you are lying on your back.
Avoiding feeling faint
To prevent fainting
- try to get up slowly after sitting or lying down
- lie down on your back with you legs raised or find a seat quickly and put your head between your knees
- drink water
- eat something
- take deep breaths
It’s better not to lie flat on your back in later pregnancy or during labour.
Signs of fainting
Signs that you are going to faint include
- dizziness
- cold skin and sweating
- feeling warm or hot
- feeling sick
- changes to your vision
Feeling hot in pregnancy
During pregnancy you’re likely to feel warmer than normal. This is due to hormonal changes and an increase in blood supply to the skin. You’re also likely to sweat more.
It helps if you
- wear loose clothing made of natural fibres, as these are more absorbent and breathe more than synthetic fibres
- keep your room cool – you could use an electric fan to cool it down
- wash frequently to help you feel fresh
Incontinence in pregnancy
Incontinence is a common problem both during and after pregnancy.
Sometimes pregnant women are unable to prevent a sudden spurt of urine or a small leak when they cough, laugh or sneeze, or when they move suddenly, or just get up from a sitting position.
This may be temporary, because the pelvic floor muscles (the muscles around the bladder) relax slightly to prepare for the baby’s delivery.
When to get help
In many cases incontinence is curable. If you have got a problem, talk to your midwife, doctor or health visitor.
Urinating a lot in pregnancy
Needing to urinate (pass water, or pee) often may start in early pregnancy. Sometimes it continues throughout pregnancy. In later pregnancy it is the result of the baby’s head pressing on your bladder.
How to reduce the need to pass urine
If you find that you need to get up in the night to pass urine, try cutting out drinks in the late evening. But make sure you drink plenty of non-alcoholic, caffeine-free drinks during the day.
Later in pregnancy, some women find it helps to rock backwards and forwards while they are on the toilet. This lessens the pressure of the womb on the bladder so that you can empty it properly.
When to get help
If you have any pain while passing water or you pass any blood in your urine, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI), which will need treatment.
Drink plenty of water to dilute your urine and reduce pain. You should contact your GP within 24 hours of first noticing these symptoms.
Don’t take any medicines without asking your midwife, doctor or pharmacist whether they are safe in pregnancy.
Skin and hair changes in pregnancy
Hormonal changes taking place in pregnancy may have an effect on your hair and skin.
Your nipples and the area around them will go darker. Your skin colour may also darken a little, either in patches or all over.
Birthmarks, moles and freckles may also darken. Some women develop a dark line down the middle of their stomach. These changes will gradually fade after the baby is born, although your nipples may remain a little darker.
Hair growth can also increase in pregnancy, and your hair may be greasier. After the baby is born, it may seem as if you are losing a lot of hair but you are simply losing the extra hair.
Sunbathing
If you sunbathe while you are pregnant, you may find you burn more easily. Protect your skin with a high-factor sunscreen and don’t stay in the sun for a long time.
Varicose veins in pregnancy
Varicose veins are veins that have become swollen.
The veins in the legs are most commonly affected. You can also get varicose veins in the vulva (vaginal opening). They usually get better after the birth.
If you have varicose veins you should
- try to avoid standing for long periods of time
- try 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
- try support tights, which may also help to support your leg muscles – you can buy them at most pharmacies
- 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
Foot Exercise
- Bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times
- Rotate your foot eight times one way and eight times the other
- Repeat with the other foot
Preventing varicose veins
- Try to balance the weight between two bags when carrying shopping
- Sit with your back straight and well supported
- Make sure you get enough rest, particularly later in pregnancy
A firm mattress can also help to prevent and relieve backache. If your mattress is too soft, put a piece of hardboard under it to make it firmer. Massage can also help.
When to see a GP
You should see a GP if
- you have symptoms such as pain, itching or swelling in your legs
- you get a sore on your leg that has not healed after 2 weeks