Pregnancy Symptoms and Discomforts

Pregnancy usually comes with all kinds of discomforts. There are ways of dealing with most of them, but for some, you will just have to grin and bear it for a while. Nobody said pregnancy would be easy, and most things that are worth doing require some sacrifice. Once your bundle of joy arrives, you will feel that it was all worth it.

The first symptom of pregnancy is a delayed or missed menstrual cycle. Another sign is implantation bleeding, which generally happens one to two weeks after conception when the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus. This results in a small amount of blood coming from the vagina known as spotting, and possibly cramps as well.

There are several other early symptoms you may experience shorlty after conception, including:

-swollen and tender breasts

-abdominal cramping

-nausea and vomiting

-fatigue

-aches in the back

-headaches

A few weeks later, you may get the following symptoms:

-frequent urination

-darkening of the nipples

-certain food cravings

Of all the early symptoms of pregnancy, morning sickness (which can actually occur at any time of the day) is probably the most difficult one to deal with. The good news is that it doesn't tend to last much  beyond the first trimester, and usually peaks in the 5th to 7th week. The best ways to deal with it are to avoid having an empty stomach and eat many small meals throughout the day instead of 3 large ones. The fatigue should also go away after the first trimester, as you get a burst of energy in the second trimester.

Later on in the pregnancy, you will have aches and pains as you gain weight and your hormones increase. By continuing to eat more small meals during the day, you can alleviate some of the discomfort. Also, walking in shady areas for about 20 to 30 minutes a day, drinking 9 glasses of water, juice or milk daily (avoiding caffeine, carbonation and artificial coloring), and resting on your side for an hour in the morning and evening can also help.

If you get round ligament abdominal pain, then applying warmth with a heating pad may help. The same goes for any other aches, cramps and pains you have in your body. For leg cramps, standing and stretching can help.  For back pain, wear low heeled shows, sit in chairs with good support, and try to get the occasional back rub.

You may get heartburn in the second trimester. The best way to deal with this is to avoid spicy, fried or acidic foods and stick to the pattern of eating smaller meals frequently instead of 3 large ones daily.

In the third trimester, you may get swelling and varicose veins. Avoiding standing to much and resting with your feet above your hips for a while each day can help with both of these issues.

With the elevated hormone levels and the approaching due date, it's only natural to feel a little stressed out. Warm baths may relax you if you feel anxiety, just make sure they are not too hot! For help with sleep, try to sleep on your left side and use body pillows. Take naps during the day if necessary, and avoid drinking fluids just before bed time. 

Although there are a few lucky women out there who don't experience much discomfort during pregnancy, for the vast majority of women, being pregnant comes with many aches, pains and discomforts. Just remember, before taking pain killers or any other medication, always consult your doctor first.