Discomfort During Pregnancy
When you’re expecting a baby, your body undergoes a lot of changes. Unsurprisingly, you’ll most likely experience some discomfort during pregnancy. Many of the changes you experience have little to do with the size of your belly. Instead, they involve your baby’s development and your body’s ongoing adaptation to pregnancy. Typically the first and third trimesters of pregnancy are the time when discomforts worsen. Some discomforts are minor irritations, while others can be more significant.
Every pregnancy is unique. It’s possible to experience anything from little or no discomfort at all to major discomfort during pregnancy. Hence, we have compiled essential information for you. This section of our website contains a range of information on discomfort during pregnancy and strategies on how to help alleviate it.
Discomfort During Pregnancy Articles
Acupuncture Beats Morning Sickness
Can acupuncture beat morning sickness? Ironically many women suffered from ‘morning sickness’ at any time of the day or night, sometimes constantly. We often described it as a terrible hangover that never relents or constant food poisoning. you may experience it mostly in the early stages of pregnancy between six and sixteen weeks. Although for some unfortunate women, it is a constant presence until they reach full term. Moreover, It is thought that the cause of this often debilitating
Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Up to 80% of women experience nausea in pregnancy. Just over 50% of pregnant women experience vomiting. Known as ‘morning sickness’ the nausea or vomiting can occur at any time of the day. Starting about the 5th week of pregnancy, 50% of women report their nausea and/or vomiting has passed by 14 weeks of pregnancy. By 22 weeks 90% of women have relief. The exact cause of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy remains a mystery. Research indicates that there
Back Pain in Pregnancy
Unfortunately, back pain during pregnancy is a common problem. There are a number of physical reasons for back pain in pregnancy, some of which include: Pregnancy hormones soften ligaments causing joints to move more than usual. In some cases the ligaments can be strained. Postural problems caused by the growing uterus. Position of baby (particularly towards the end of pregnancy) can compress nerves and cause back pain. You need not put up with back pain. There are a number
Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Nausea and vomiting affect 50-90% of pregnancies (1). Beginning from before 9 weeks gestation it most commonly resolves between 10 and 16 weeks gestation (2). Although referred to as 'morning sickness' nausea and vomiting in pregnancy may occur throughout the day. Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are thought to be associated with raised thyroxine levels and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) or suppressed Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels. There is no good evidence to support psychological and behavioural theories (1).
Headache in Pregnancy
Experiencing a headache in pregnancy is very common. The exact reason why women experience more frequent headaches during pregnancy is unknown. However it is possible that headaches are linked to hormonal changes and the natural increase in blood circulation in your body during pregnancy. Although they may occur at any point, headaches are more likely to occur in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to reduce the frequency and severity
Constipation in Pregnancy
About half of all pregnant women report that they suffer from constipation. When you’re pregnant, large amounts of progesterone circulate in your bloodstream. It slows the activity of your digestive tract and may result in constipation. If you take an iron supplement, it may even make your constipation worse. Here are a few suggestions for preventing or dealing with constipation: Adopt good bowel habits. Go to the toilet when you have the urge to open your bowels (don’t put
Leg Cramps in Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a time of great joy. However no matter how over the moon you are about your pregnancy, it can come with its fair share of discomforts. There are the obvious nausea and back pain, but some women also experience leg cramps in pregnancy. Leg cramps in pregnancy seem to occur most commonly at night and more often in the second and third trimesters. This often adds insult to injury by disrupting much needed sleep as your
Heartburn in Pregnancy
Heartburn in pregnancy is a common problem. While harmless heartburn can be quite painful. Heartburn is often experienced as a strong burning sensation in your chest extending up to your throat. The burning sensation you feel is when stomach acids rise into your oesophagus (the muscular tube that food passes through to your stomach). Heartburn in pregnancy is very common, particularly later in pregnancy. After 20 weeks of pregnancy many women experience heartburn though some women experience it early