Relief for common pregnancy problems
- posted: 19 June 2007
- scrollspecial@byui.edu
There are many pains and bodily changes that occur during pregnancy and every woman who wants to be a mother must endure them, but there are many ways to relieve them.
During the first few months of pregnancy, it is common for women to feel nauseous, dizzy or light-headed and prone to vomiting. These common ailments are more commonly referred to as “morning sickness.” The “morning sickness” many pregnant women experience can last throughout the day, not just in the morning hours, according to www.babycenter.com.
“‘Morning sickness’ is really a misnomer. In fact, the technical medical term is ‘nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.’ For some pregnant women, the symptoms are worse in the morning and ease up over the course of the day, but they can strike at any time and last all day long.”
Nausea usually begins during the first six weeks of pregnancy and can last until week 14. The Web site suggests several ways to relieve the nausea associated with “morning sickness,” such as staying away from smells that aggravate the nausea, keeping crackers or bland foods by the bed to snack on when you first wake up. Stay away from foods that are high in fat or are rich, since these foods may increase the nausea a woman experiences.
Naps may also be beneficial since the body is going through so many hormonal and physical changes. Ginger, a root derived herb, can also help to calm a nauseated stomach, according to www.babycenter.com. Ginger can be found in capsule, powder and root form at most grocery stores.
Other common concerns women have during pregnancy might be eating right and exercising. Women who exercise regularly before and during pregnancy are less likely to have difficult labors.
“Regular exercise is associated with shorter labor and faster postpartum recovery, although safety remains an important consideration,” Gay Frankenfield, a registered nurse, wrote in an article for www.webmd.com.
Frankenfield also says that regular low-impact, aerobic exercise can decrease the imbalance created by subtle hormone changes while a woman is pregnant which can lead to joint weakness.
It is important to keep hydrated while exercising. Babies cannot sweat to keep cool, so drinking water every 10-15 minutes while exercising is very important.
Pain in the lower back, calves and hips experienced during pregnancy can be relieved by stretching and aerobic exercise. Consult a doctor before beginning a diet or exercise program.
Other common annoyances include forgetfulness, overactive bladder, swollen ankles and the all too noticeable third
trimester “waddle.” 
