Common Pregnancy Discomforts & How to Get Relief Easily
Ah, pregnancy! It’s a magical time, right? The excitement of making new life, the joy of feeling those first little kicks within you, the anticipation of finally meeting your baby. But let’s be real for a second: there are certain days when pregnancy can honestly feel, um, not exactly magical. And so whether it’s the endless nausea, the feet that swell and melt like ice in the sun or back pain that makes you feel like the old lady in the shoe, the discomforts of pregnancy are a shared (and sadly, often inescapable) experience.
But don’t worry, mama! You shouldn’t have to endure these discomforts. There are so many simple natural remedies that can give you relief and make this season SO much more enjoyable. So, get comfy, take a deep breath and buckle in, we’re going to look at the most common pregnancy ailments and how to overcome them like the rockstar you are! Learn about common pregnancy discomforts and effective ways to find relief. Tips to help you feel more comfortable throughout your pregnancy journey.
Table of Contents
- Common Pregnancy Discomforts & How to Get Relief Easily
- Morning Sickness (It’s Not Only in the Morning!)
- Fatigue (It’s Not Just You!)
- Back Pain (Oh, the Struggle!)
- Heartburn (That Friendly Little Heat)
- Swollen Feet and Ankles (Dare We Say Puffiness?)
- Constipation (A “Sticky Situation!”)
- Nasal Congestion (Stuffed Up and Stuffy!)
- Round Ligament Pain (Ouch!)
- Skin Changes (That Glow or Not!)
- Mood Swings (The Emotional Rollercoaster!)
Morning Sickness (It’s Not Only in the Morning!)
Morning sickness can happen at any time of the day. For some, it’s an irritating slight hiccup that dissipates by the second trimester. For some, it’s a perennial struggle. But morning sickness can be miserable, no matter how common.
So, how do you tackle it? First, start with small, multiple meals throughout the day. Have bland foods, like crackers or bananas, on hand, and steer clear of strong smells that may trigger your nausea. Ginger is your BFF here — ginger tea or even ginger candies can soothe your stomach. And remember the hydrative effect! Drink lots of water, but only sip it slowly throughout the day, less you upset your stomach.
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Fatigue (It’s Not Just You!)
You know the feeling — you’re tired even after a full night’s sleep. It’s as if your body is putting in extra hours growing a human, and it’s absolutely taking a toll on your energy levels. Fatigue is totally normal in pregnancy, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
The most effective way to combat fatigue is to listen to your body. Nap when you can. It’s OK to pause and rest. Don’t feel guilty about it. And maintain a balanced diet of proteins, fruits and vegetables to keep your energy high. In addition, light exercise, such as a short walk or some gentle stretching, can help energize you without overextending your body.
Back Pain (Oh, the Struggle!)
Your center of gravity shifts as your baby grows. Add to that the extra weight you’re carrying, and you’ve got the potential for some serious back pain. You know, like your back is always hurting, especially when you’ve had a full day. But don’t fret, there’s relief to be had.
Good posture may help ease back pain Make a point of standing and sitting up straight — this will spare your back extra strain. If sitting, keep your feet flat on the ground and your back supported. Gentle stretches such as cat-cow, pelvic tilts, or even a warm bath can also serve to loosen those muscles up. And if your pain is more intense, get a pregnancy massage to release those knots. And remember don’t overdo it with the heavy lifting – always ask for help!
Heartburn (That Friendly Little Heat)
That feeling of fire in your chest is pretty terrible, huh? Heartburn during pregnancy — it’s something you may have very well encountered, thanks to the metabolic changes that occur in your body. Also, as your uterus grows, it pushes on your stomach, which can cause acid reflux.
To keep heartburn at bay, try smaller meals throughout the day instead of large ones. Caution against spicy or greasy foods that may irritate your stomach. If you sleep with your head elevated, that may help keep acid where it belongs, too — and try a glass of milk to quell the burn. Carbonated drinks and citrus fruits that can provoke heartburn are also best avoided.
Swollen Feet and Ankles (Dare We Say Puffiness?)
At day’s end, your feet feel as though they’ve fanned out like balloons. It’s normal to have some swelling during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. Your body’s additional blood and fluid make you feel puffy, but that doesn’t mean you have to endure it.
The most effective treatment for swollen feet is to raise them as much as possible. Lay back, put your feet up on a pillow and let gravity do the work. Drink lots of water to flush out excess fluid, and try not to stand or sit for lengthy stretches. Supportive shoes and compression socks can help, too. And remember to take breaks throughout the day to walk around and get your blood circulating.
Constipation (A “Sticky Situation!”)
However, pregnancy hormones can slow their work down, causing constipation. It is not a fun topic, but a common one.” Fortunately, there are easy ways to address it.
First, ensure you’re getting enough fiber. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help things moving smoothly. Stay hydrated and even try to move around more. Simple activities, such as walking or yoga, can support your digestive system to function regularly. If you’re still having trouble, ask your doctor about using a stool softener or fiber supplement to find some relief.
Nasal Congestion (Stuffed Up and Stuffy!)
Pregnancy hormones can make it hard to breathe through the nose —in addition to the usual sinus congestion. It’s like a stubborn cold that never leaves you! Fortunately, clearing up that stuffy nose is simple.
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, making it easier to inhale. Use a saline nasal spray or a saline rinse to clear your sinuses. Steaming is also very effective — simply position your face over a bowl of hot water (and put a towel over your head to hold in the steam), then inhale. Sleep with your head elevated to alleviate congestion overnight.
Round Ligament Pain (Ouch!)
Those searing, sudden pangs at your sides can take you by surprise. This is round ligament pain, which occurs when the ligaments that support your uterus stretch and grow to make room for your baby. It’s completely normal, though which can be slightly painful!
To alleviate round ligament pain, change positions slowly when getting up from sitting or lying down. Limit sudden movements (and consider using a pregnancy belt that can help stabilize your expanding abdomen). Warm baths or heat pads may also ease the discomfort.
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Skin Changes (That Glow or Not!)
You’re likely to experience all kinds of skin changes during pregnancy. Some women have healthy, glowing skin, others suffer dryness, acne or dark patches. Those changes are often driven by hormones and increased blood flow.
So, for healthy looking skin stay Hydrated! Stay hydrated, use mild skincare products and moisturize often. For any acne blemishing, stick with a gentle, pregnancy-safe cleanser. And just keep in mind those stretch marks? They are a reminder of your lovely expanding belly, and they are totally normal.
Mood Swings (The Emotional Rollercoaster!)
Let’s be real — pregnancy hormones can make you an emotional rollercoaster. One moment, you’re weeping over a commercial and then, suddenly, you’re crying with mirth for no one thing at all. It’s completely natural, but it can be rather overwhelming.
The best course over mood swings is being gentle with yourself. Take time for self-care, whether that be a bubble bath, reading a good book or taking a nap. Talking to your partner, a friend or a counselor can also be helpful when you’re feeling emotional. Keep in mind nothing lasts forever — not even mood swings — and you are doing a great job. To know more, check this .