Link to video on YouTube in Hindi on the topic by Dr Harita Kothia
https://youtu.be/KwMRA4GI0cY
Pregnancy is not a disease but a physiology, a natural phenomenon. It's an amazing journey. But many of the common problems and symptoms often leave the pregnant women worried and full of questions. Here are a few tips to deal with the most common problems in pregnancy
Nausea, vomiting and morning sickness are extremely common symptoms and tips to deal with them have been described in my previous article with video.
Heartburn or acidity is a common symptom in pregnancy.
It occurs due to hormonal relaxation of lower food pipe muscle and reflux of acidic foods.
Avoid spicy food.
Eat small proportions frequently.
Sleep a little propped up with pillows.
Try to have dinner early so there is a gap of a few hours before you lie down.
Take antacid as advised by your doctor.
Stretch marks
Some women have more stretch marks, some have less.
They lighten in due course after delivery.
Applying some moisturiser from 4th month of pregnancy onwards may help in reducing these.
Don't waste money on costly stretch marks preventing products.
Constipation can occur due to hormones of pregnancy.
It is best to take some medication or it can cause painful fissures or piles.
Drink 3-4 litres of water per day.
Eat high fiber foods like fruits and vegetables.
So some exercises.
Swelling of feet
You can keep pillows under your feet while sleeping.
Take adequate rest.
Your doctor will check your blood pressure at every visit.
If it's normal, swelling is because of pregnancy.
Backache
The curve of the back gets exaggerated due to growing uterus which causes back pain.
Do back exercises.
Use local hot bags and pain killer cream or oral medication as advised by your doctor.
Do not bend from your waist, bend with knees folded.
Check your posture.
Sit upright and with good back support.
Massage your back.
Leg cramps may occur in pregnancy, more common at night and disturb sleep.
Dehydration is the cause usually.
Drink 3-4 litres of water per day.
Massage your legs.
Itching in body
Some women complain of mild or excessive itching with red rashes all over the body.
It's called pruritus of pregnancy.
It may require local moisturiser or creams or oral antihistamines.
It gets completely cured after delivery.
Relax and enjoy your pregnancy!!!
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Disclaimer- These are the views of a qualified doctor and author. These are general suggestions and do not replace actual check up by a doctor. Any resemblance to anybody is coincidental.
Author information - Dr Harita Kothia, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Mumbai.