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5 domains of health

You have already read the first part of this article, which explains 5 most common health problems during pregnancy. They are morning sickness, fatigue, frequent urination, constipation, and heartburn. Now you will read another 5, and of course, with their solutions.

Here they are:

6. Headache

Headache commonly occurs in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. You get a dull headache in the entire head with or without the pain at backside of the neck.

The exact reason for these headaches is unknown. However, they seem to be related to hormonal changes during pregnancy since they generally get better during second trimester, when your hormonal levels tend to stabilize. Lack of proper night sleep, dehydration, stress, fatigue, sinus congestion or eyestrain might also lead to headaches during pregnancy.

Solutions

• Try finding out the cause of pain. If the headaches are due to lack of enough sleep, bring in naps in your day’s schedule and sleep for 9-10 hours at night. If arguments with family of friends are causing the problem, settle with appropriate solutions. Avoid reading too much and get eyesight checked if eyestrain is causing headache. If tension is the reason, try applying cool or warm compress to your head.

• Take a shower and get a head massage done.

• Never keep your stomach empty and eat frequently

• Use relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation or go for acupuncture.

You must not take any of the painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin during pregnancy. Instead, consult your health care provider and get the medications that are safe during pregnancy.

7. Abdominal pain

From second trimester onwards, you might feel a stretching pain in the lower abdomen. The pain might be brief but sharp or might be dull and long lasting. This pain occurs because of stretching and thickening of ligaments and muscles supporting your uterus to house and hold the new girth of uterus.
Abdominal pain might also occur because of constipation and/or gas and bloating.

Solutions

• If the pain is due to stretching of ligaments, changing your positions while you are discomforted might help.

• In case of the reasons being constipation and/or gas, the remedies are getting rid of these causes. To cure gas:

- Avoid certain foods like broccoli, asparagus, potato and pasta as they cause gas. Some fiber-rich foods like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beans, oat bran, and many fruits might also cause gas but since you need fiber to avoid constipation, you cannot avoid their intake, but reduce it. You can also consider taking wheat bran. It is an excellent source of fiber and does not cause gas.

- Eat small and frequent meals.

- Take the fluids in between the meals instead of taking them along.

- Do not take aerated drinks and avoid chewing gums.

- Practice moderate exercises or yoga.

8. Sleeping problems

Women invariably get insomnia during pregnancy. This probably occurs because of discomforts due to frequent need to urinate, headache, backache, or anxiousness and excitement about new baby’s arrival.

Solutions

• Try taking a warm bath or body massage before your sleep.

• Avoid eating before going to bed.

• Ensure that the temperature of room where you sleep is suitable. Also, ensure there is no light or sound in the room.

• If you are unable to sleep, do not worry; instead relax yourself by reading a book or listening to music.

• When your abdomen is big, sleeping on side with a pillow between the legs and one under the abdomen will comfort you.

Try sleeping on your left side, which is the best position as it allows a better flow of blood and nutrients to your baby through placenta. In this position, your kidneys also are able to eliminate waste and fluids more efficiently reducing the swelling in your hands and feet. Sleeping on back may increase backache, impair your digestion, blood circulation and your breathing. In 2nd and 3rd trimester, it may also affect your blood pressure.

9. Changes in skin color

During pregnancy, some women get brown or yellowing patch over nose and cheeks and around the eyes. These are called ‘chloasma or melasma’. They can occur on other body parts as well.

In many women, a dark line appears on midline of their lower abdomen, this is called ‘linea nigra’.

All these discolorations occur because of increased synthesis of melanin, a pigment that gives color to your skin and hair. They usually go after delivery. However, there are ways to reduce their formation while you are bearing your baby.

Solutions

• Avoid going out in sun. Sunlight further increases melanin formation. Use sun block containing SPF 15.

• Do not bleach your skin to get rid of pigmentation instead use makeup to conceal.

10. Backache

Backache occurs because of many reasons. Your ligaments that join pelvic bones to spine are made loose to facilitate childbirth causing pain when you stand, walk or sit for a long time. Increasing size of uterus also puts a strain on your back. Finally, since your muscles have to carry extra weight, they have to do extra work that makes them exhausted and hence painful.

Solutions

• Sit on a chair, which has a good support for your back.

• Avoid standing for long periods.

• Bend your knees, instead to back

• Do not lift heavy objects.

• Sleep on your left (preferably) side, with a pillow under your abdomen and between your legs

• From early pregnancy, begin an exercise program. Frequently stretch your body. Swimming is also a good exercise to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles.

• Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes and try to stand straight (although it might be difficult).

• You can also consider using abdomen-supporting girdles.

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5 domains of health

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