Quantcast
Channel: BabyMed.com - swelling

Constipation and Diarrhea During Pregnancy

0
0

diarrhea-during-pregnancy.jpgConstipation and Diarrhea
Those same pregnancy hormones that make the muscles and ligaments more lax during the birthing process, will also play games with the intestinal organs. A mom-to-be may find she is either running to the bathroom every hour with diarrhea or unable to make a bowel movement pass, no matter how hard she tries.

  • Drink lots of water.
  • Eating fiber rich foods as the can help keep bowel movements normal and moving. It is important, however, to never push when trying to pass a bowel movement as pushing can lead to hemorrhoids.

Other painful body changes include:

[bmed_ad_r]It is normal for the pregnant woman to undergo many body changes, aches and pains during pregnancy. Most are associated with hormones and the pain will stop when hormone levels return to normal. However, as with any symptom in general, call your doctor if you are concerned about something. Only your doctor can examine you to make sure your symptoms are OK.

You can read about more about body changes that occur during pregnancy by clicking HERE.


Body Aches and Pains

0
0

body-ache-pregnancy.jpgBody Aches and Pains
There will be plenty of aches and pains associated with pregnancy, but the legs and back are often the body parts hit the hardest. Increased fluid retention during pregnancy can lead to swelling in the lower half of the body, which may be painful and irritating. Back pain is associated with increased weight on the front of the body and improper posture. By the end of the pregnancy, the average pregnant woman will be carrying about 30+ extra pounds on the front of her body. These extra pounds, in addition to the relaxed abdominal ligaments, can mean pain from the moment she stands up in the morning until she goes to sleep at night.

  • Elevate feet at least 15 minutes every hour.
  • Belly bands are a good solution for back pain as they can help lift the weight of mom’s growing tummy and disperse that weight throughout the mid-section.
  • Sleep whichever way you are comfortable, for many women that may be on your side for other it's on their backs (and yes, it's safe to sleep on your back as long as it makes you feel better).
  • [bmed_ad_r]Choose a firm mattress to support the back.
  • Wear comfortable low-heeled shoes.
  •  Use a low-heat heating pad to ease pain.
  • Some over-the-counter pain relievers can be used but it is important to check with your physician to make sure the chosen type is safe to use during pregnancy.
  • Other solutions include alternative therapies like massage and acupuncture.

Other painful body changes include:

It is normal for the pregnant woman to undergo many body changes, aches and pains during pregnancy. Most are associated with hormones and the pain will stop when hormone levels return to normal. However, as with any symptom in general, call your doctor if you are concerned about something. Only your doctor can examine you to make sure your symptoms are OK.

You can read about more about body changes that occur during pregnancy by clicking HERE.

Heartburn and Indigestion

0
0

heartburn-pregnancy.jpgHeartburn and Indigestion
Acid escaping from the stomach into the esophagus is often to blame for heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy. Hormones relax the muscles that keep acids in their rightful place and when that relaxation begins, there is no stopping acids from slipping into the throat.

  • Drink more water.
  • Eat small meals, frequently.
  • Ask your doctor about taking over the counter antacids.
  • Don’t lie down immediately after eating.

Other painful body changes include:

It is normal for the pregnant woman to undergo many body changes, aches and pains during pregnancy. Most are associated with hormones and the pain will stop when hormone levels return to normal. However, as with any symptom in general, call your doctor if you are concerned about something. Only your doctor can examine you to make sure your symptoms are OK.

You can read about more about body changes that occur during pregnancy by clicking HERE.

Swelling During Pregnancy

0
0

swelling-in-pregnancy.jpgSwelling
The pregnant woman has more fluid in her body than ever before and it probably feels like her feet will explode. Swelling of the face, hands, legs and feet are all common symptoms of pregnancy, but can cause also serious discomfort and even pain.

  • Swelling hands can lead to carpal tunnel symptoms, so wearing wrist braces may help.
  • Prop legs up above the heart whenever possible.
  • Move around instead of sitting still or standing still for long periods of time.
  • Do not sleep on your back in the later weeks of pregnancy.

Acid escaping from the stomach into the esophagus is often to blame for heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy. Hormones relax the muscles that keep acids in their rightful place and when that relax begins, there is no stopping acids from slipping into the throat.

Other painful body changes include:

It is normal for the pregnant woman to undergo many body changes, aches and pains during pregnancy. Most are associated with hormones and the pain will stop when hormone levels return to normal. However, as with any symptom in general, call your doctor if you are concerned about something. Only your doctor can examine you to make sure your symptoms are OK.

You can read about more about body changes that occur during pregnancy by clicking HERE.

Other Painful Body Changes

0
0

The mother-to-be can also expect her areolas to grow darker, a darkened line to appear from her navel to the pubic bone, a discoloration of the face and her feet to grow larger. Physical changes during pregnancy are commonly associated with hormonal changes. The body typically returns to normal a few months after baby is born.

Other painful body changes include:

It is normal for the pregnant woman to undergo many body changes, aches and pains during pregnancy. Most are associated with hormones and the pain will stop when hormone levels return to normal. However, as with any symptom in general, call your doctor if you are concerned about something. Only your doctor can examine you to make sure your symptoms are OK.

You can read about more about body changes that occur during pregnancy by clicking HERE.

Where Did These Breasts Come From?

0
0

Some women are thrilled to have 40 weeks of expanding breasts, while others are happier with the breasts they had before becoming pregnant. If one thing is certain, expecting women will have to deal with breast growth, pain and milk production as a part of the pregnancy journey. Why and how do breasts grow during pregnancy?

Weeks 4 to 6

Around the 4th to 6th week of pregnancy, breasts will start to feel a bit tender and painful to the touch. This is the effect of pregnancy hormones and often the first sign of pregnancy. Many women write off this pain as being associated with an impending menstrual cycle, but soon realize that baby is the real cause.

[bmed_ad_r]Weeks 8 to Birth

Starting in the 8th week of pregnancy, hormones start changing breast tissue causing the breasts to expand. Most of the growth is associated with increased fluid retention early on. Real milk will not develop in the breast until after birth.

Weeks 12 to Birth

Around the 12th week, colostrum starts being produced. Colostrum is a rich milk that is the most important gift a woman can give her baby. Women who do not plan on breastfeeding often choose to allow baby to nurse for the first few days to pass only the antibodies and healthy nutrients present in colostrum.

Other Breast Changes

Enlarging breast tissue may be enough change for mom in this sensitive area, but those pregnancy hormones do much more than cause growth. The nipple and areola may grow larger as well. Areola changes can also include a darkening of the skin and appearance of bumps around the nipple. Itchy and irritated skin will also result from all the changes in breast tissue and mil ducts during pregnancy.

Finding the Right Bra

Breasts can grow to be one, two or three cups sizes larger during pregnancy. Women who are carrying their first baby often see more dramatic growth. During this time, the woman will need to buy a few new bras to hold in those growing breasts. The first new bras should not be nursing bras if breastfeeding. Growth does not stop until the end of pregnancy, so spending extra money on nursing bras in the second trimester will just be a waste by the time baby is born.

 

How to Enjoy Your Pregnancy During the Holidays

0
0

holiday decorationsThe holiday rush can be difficult for pregnant women. With all the holiday shopping, parties and cooking, treating your body right can take a back seat to holiday activities. Here are helpful tips to remember if you’re pregnant during the holidays:

Don’t Feel Obligated to Attend that Party
Holiday parties are a rite of passage for many couples. If you are pregnant during the holidays, don’t feel pressured to spend hours on your feet mingling with co-workers or family members. Listen to your body and make the right decision for you and baby. If you feel the need to make an appearance, spend an hour at the party and leave when you’re ready. 

Remember to Put Your Feet Up Once in a While
Spending hours on your feet shopping, cooking and entertaining may seem like a great idea until your feet and legs start to swell. You need to sit down and prop your feet up 15 minutes every hour to prevent swelling and lower leg and foot pain. If the house is filled with too much activity to rest for 15 minutes, retire to your bedroom or another comfortable spot where guests are not frequenting and take a much deserved rest.

Leave the Tree Trimming to Other Family MembersChristmas tree ornaments
During the latter months of pregnancy your tummy may get in the way of holiday tree trimming. Instead of trying to hang ornaments and knocking off more than you hang; leave the hanging to other family members. If holiday tree trimming is something you must do to feel complete, replace the physical hanging with a day of holiday crafting. Making new ornaments for the tree may not be the same as hanging ornaments, but it can be just as fun. 

Skip Foods That Cause Heartburn

One of the main events during the holiday season is cooking. Baked treats and fat-rich meals are often served at family get-togethers. Instead of dining on foods you know will cause heartburn later, eat a healthy snack before leaving for a family dinner or party. Eat only a small portion of the foods you love, but know will cause heartburn or stick with fresh fruits and healthy options and skip the heartburn all together

Don’t Cook if You Don’t Feel Like It

For some pregnant women the smell of certain foods or ingredients causes nausea. If you don’t feel up to holiday cooking this year, it’s okay. Ask your spouse, mom or other family members to cook in your place or plan holiday get-togethers where guests bring dishes instead of cooking.

Swollen Ankles: How to Ease the Pain of Ankle Swelling in Pregnancy

0
0

You may not be able to see them by the end of the pregnancy, but your ankles are down there and they are holding the pressure of the world. Well, maybe not the pressure of the world, but the pressure of your pregnancy. Ankle swelling is a part of pregnancy most women experience at some time or another. Slight swelling can be expected, but severe ankle swelling can be caused by something more than the natural effects of pregnancy.

ankle-edema.jpg

What causes ankle swelling?

Ankle swelling is most commonly caused by increased water retention and production. Something that happens normally during most pregnancies. The body needs more fluid during pregnancy so it holds on to more and that means edema or swelling. Ankles tend to show swelling more prominently because walking and sitting for long periods allows water to collect in the extremities.

Other factors that may contribute to ankle swelling include pressure on veins due to uterine growth causing slower blood flow and changes in estrogen, progesterone and other reproductive hormones.

How can I avoid ankle swelling?

If you are experiencing ankle swelling, try are few simple changes to ease swelling – at least temporarily.

  • [bmed_ad_r]Prop up your feet when sitting.
  • Sit down for 15 minutes once per hour.
  • Try to prop up your feet.
  • If you are at home or work (and you have access to a sofa or love seat) try lying down with your feet above your heart for a few minutes every hour. 
  • Drink some more water, but not too much. Water intake does not increase swelling; one of the best natural treatments for swelling is drinking more fluids. Usually 8-10 cups of fluids are recommended. However, stick with water as coffee and soft drinks may contain sugar and caffeine, which should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy.
  • Ask hubby for a foot and leg massage. Prop up those feet and sit back for a little relaxing massage. Not only will the massage increase circulation, but so will the elevation of your feet. Even if the massage does not relieve all your ankle swelling symptoms, it sure feels great.

When is ankle swelling considered dangerous?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

  • Severe ankle swelling
  • Ankle swelling that occurs out of nowhere
  • Swelling of just one ankle
  • Red, irritated skin that feels hot to the touch
  • Headache or abdominal pain 

Most of the time ankle swelling is just one of those annoying symptoms of pregnancy that you just have to live with until the pregnancy is over, but it can also be a sign of an underlying condition like preeclampsia, so keep your doctor informed of all ankle swelling changes.


Hop in the Pool to Reduce Swelling

0
0

Especially in the later stages of your pregnancy, you might notice swelling in many of your ligaments and joints. This swelling can be inconvenient, uncomfortable, and even painful in some cases. Many women experience most of the swelling in their lower limbs, and this condition is known as peripheral edema. The swelling is caused by water retention under the skin, which is especially common soon before labor. Eight out of every ten pregnant women will experience swelling at some point during their pregnancy, so you’re certainly not alone if it has been an issue for you. Usually, it is especially uncomfortable after physical activity, such as walking. To relieve the pressure in their lower limbs, many women put their feet up. However, there might be an even more effective method to alleviate the swelling.

According to the results of a recent study, water immersion is effective in relieving the pressure of edema, especially in the feet. Water immersion is simply the process of completely submerging your body into water. This can be done in a pool, a lake, the ocean, or even a bathtub. In the study, women with swelling were either immersed in water or were treated with elevation of the legs. The women who were submerged in water had significantly reduced swelling in their feet than those who elevated their legs. However, those who elevated their feet on land still did have some relief, so this method of treatment should not be completely disregarded.

Water immersion works to reduce swelling by allowing the body to shed excess water that collects under the skin through the kidneys. Obviously, you will not always have access to a body of water, so there are other everyday ways you should try to prevent the discomfort associated with edema. Make sure you avoid any socks with tight elastic bands at the top, and always wear comfortable shoes. Even if you are not experiencing swelling in your feet when you are relaxing, put your feet up anyway to prevent its onset. Peripheral edema during pregnancy is extremely common, and if you’re looking for relief, you should try all of the different solutions to find which works best for you. If your swelling is accompanied by other unusual symptoms and is not restricted to your arms and legs, contact your health care provider immediately as it could be a sign of a more serious problem.

Source: Jean M Irion et al: Water Immersion to Reduce Peripheral Edema in Pregnancy. Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy Volume 35 Issue 2 pp. 46-49 August 2011

Keyword Tags: 

Nausea and Vomiting as early Pregnancy Symptoms

0
0
Large Image: 
nausea vomiting early pregnancy symptoms

Nausea and Vomiting
Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy.

Check the severity of your nausea HERE.

[bmed_ad_r]And though the name suggests symptoms only occur in the morning, they can really happen at any time of day. Hormones are in high production mode and changes to sense of smell and food taste can leave a newly pregnant woman feeling more sick than glowing. Morning sickness often lasts only a few short weeks and can be tackled by eating small meals, snacking on crackers, and drinking plenty of water. Mints and hard candy may also help curb that  nauseous feeling. If vomiting is severe, contact your physician; dehydration from vomiting can lead to other health concerns.

Other painful body changes include:

It is normal for the pregnant woman to undergo many body changes, aches and pains during pregnancy. Most are associated with hormones and the pain will stop when hormone levels return to normal. However, as with any symptom in general, call your doctor if you are concerned about something. Only your doctor can examine you to make sure your symptoms are OK.

You can read about more about body changes that occur during pregnancy by clicking HERE.





Latest Images