Pregnancy complaints

Pregnancy complaints (A to Z)

Important to know

Hemorrhoids/varicose veins

Due to the pregnancyhormone progesterone the walls of the veins weaken. Also, at the end of the pregnancy the heavy uterus presses on the blood veins that run through the groins. As a result, it becomes harder for the blood in the lower part of the body to go back up. This can cause varicose veins in the legs, but also in, for example, the labia. If this is bothering you, it is important not to stand up too long or sit with your legs crossed. Sometimes it is necessary to have support-stockings made. Hemorrhoids are also a form of varicose veins but around the anus. Several different creams are in existence to counteract this. You can ask us for advice. It is important when you have hemorrhoids to make sure you don’t develop constipation complaints. Pushing makes hemorrhoids worse (see ‘constipation’).

Vaginal discharge

During the pregnancy it is normal that you will suffer from more vaginal discharge. This is because during the pregnancy all genital organs have increased blood flow. As a result, more fluid is released from the tissue. In case the discharge is no longer clear or white, smells funny or when it itches, it is smart to have your general practitioner check if you have an infection.

Ligament pain

The uterus is connected to the pelvis by ligaments. Due to the fact that the uterus grows during pregnancy, the ligaments come under increased strain. This can cause (stinging or continues) pain. Especially in the groins. At the end of the pregnancy, when the child descents, the strains on the ligaments increases once again.

Pelvis- and back-pain

During the pregnancy, hormones make it so that the pelvis-joints become flexible and moveable. This is necessary to make the pelvis wide enough to allow the baby to go through during delivery. This process can sometimes cause pain complaints. The pelvis consists of two halves that are connected at the level of the pubic-bone and the lower part of spine. This is the place where the pain is often localized. This pain can radiate to the buttocks and the upper-legs. This is often called pelvic instability. However, these complaints are very normal during your pregnancy. We can advise you about what to watch for while you move. Sometimes, we will advise you to make an appointment with a physical therapist.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A pregnant woman is more likely to develop a urinary tract infection (UTI). This is due to the fact that, during pregnancy, it is less easy to completely void your bladder. As a result, bacteria have a chance to develop. Outside of pregnancy the symptoms of a UTI are generally pain in the underbelly, a burning sensation while peeing and having to pee often for very small amounts. During pregnancy the symptoms are often unclear. A symptom that can sometimes point to a UTI is having Braxton Hicks contractions. In case you doubt whether or not you have a UTI it is wise to seek the council of a general practitioner.

Dizziness

Especially during the beginning of their pregnancy a lot of pregnant women experience dizziness and can sometimes even faint. This is the result of falling blood-pressure during pregnancy. This occurs to make sure that the uterus receives enough blood. Also, your sugar levels will drop more rapidly after you’ve had a meal. The dizziness cannot hurt you or your baby.

Advice when you experience dizziness:

Drink plenty of fluids
Eat small amounts during the day to keep you sugar-level up
Take it slow

Braxton Hicks contractions

The uterus is a muscle that can contract. At the end of the pregnancy it does this to induce labor. But during your pregnancy it is also possible for the uterus to contract; Braxton Hicks contractions. This is normal and part of the pregnancy. However, if Braxton Hicks contractions are bothering you a lot this might also be a sign from your body that you have to take things slow. A full bladder, overactive child or a UTI can also cause Braxton Hicks contractions. If you have contractions with a certain frequency that are becoming increasingly worse, please contact us.

Palpitations

During pregnancy more blood is being pumped around your body. This is done to ensure enough blood goes to your uterus. The heart has to work harder and, as a result, can sometimes ‘go wild’. This can’t hurt. Sit down and relax, generally the palpitations will go away on their own.

Headache

During pregnancy you can suffer from headaches. These can come into existence as a result of changing hormone levels in the body. The body also requires more fluid during pregnant and a headache can point to a shortage of fluid. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty.

If you suddenly get a headache during the second part of your pregnancy it is important to always contact us.

It is possible for there to be other causes of the headache, such as stress or the flu. A regular paracetamol can be taken without problems. If the headache persists, please contact us.

Incontinence

As a result of pregnancy-hormones the pelvic-floor-muscle can become significantly weaker. This can sometimes cause unwanted loss of urine. After pregnancy this generally goes away on its own. However, it is important to start training the pelvic-floor-muscle after delivery. During the post-partum period we will explain how you can best do this.
If you suffer from fluid loss, convince yourself that it’s urine and not amniotic fluid. In case of doubt, always contact us.

Itch

During pregnancy itch symptoms can arise. Often the itch is localized on the stomach and caused by the stretching of the skin. Try not to scratch, keep this skin moisturized by using, for example, mentholgel.
Sometimes itch can be a sign that the pregnancy hormones are causing congestion of the liver. The itch will than spread across the entire body, especially on the inside of the hands and soles of the feet. If this happens, it can be necessary to do further examinations.

Let us know if you have itch symptoms.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath and loss of breath, even after minimal exertion, is something that can occur during pregnancy. It is caused by pressure from the uterus again the lungs. In addition, your body gives you the idea that you require more oxygen (while this is actually not true). As a result you will inhale deeper, the child will receive more oxygen and it loves that.

Shortness of breath can’t hurt. Relax yourself and the symptoms will generally subside.

Cramps

At night your blood circulation decreases and you might wake up with cramp in your legs, which can be very painful. The exact cause of this is unknown. Sometimes it helps to apply counter-pressure. Stand up or push your feet against the edge of the bed.

Reflux

Acid-reflux is a burning feeling behind the sternum and sometimes in the throat as a result of an acidic stomach contents that comes up through the esophagus. This can be extra common during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that the muscle that closes-off the stomach works less well because of the pregnancy hormones. Additionally, at the end of the pregnancy the uterus presses on the stomach.

Advice that can help when you suffer from acid-reflux:

   •   Eat small amounts during the day instead of 3 big meals
   •   Don’t eat food that is too spicy or greasy and stay away from carbonated drinks
   •   Elevate yourself while laying in bed
   •   Milk, vanilla-pudding, dry oatmeal or a peppermint

In case you are still bothered by acid-reflux after applying this advice, you can get some medicine at the pharmacy.

Nausea

Nausea is the most common symptom at the start of the pregnancy. The cause of this is still not totally clear, but hormones are likely to play a large part. Vomiting, especially in the morning, is something a lot of pregnant women are bothered by.

Tips against nausea:

• Eat something before you get up, for example a biscuit
• Eat small amounts during the day
• Don’t eat food that is too spicy or greasy
• Ginger, for example draw tea from fresh gingerroot, or gingercookie

If you suffer from extreme nausea or you can’t keep anything inside, please contact us.  If you become nauseated again during the second half of your pregnancy, always contact us.

Constipation

Because of hormones during pregnancy your intestines can start working slower. This can cause symptoms of constipation. When you suffer from constipation it is wise to drink a lot, a minimum of 2 liters a day. Additionally, you have to watch what you eat. It’s important to eat fiber rich food like brown bread en plenty of fruit. Doing exercise is also important: get coffee for your colleagues or go for a half hour walk every evening.

Other things that can help are flax seed (available at homeopathic stores, but also in the form of bread) and Roosvicee laxo. If symptoms of constipation persist, medication can be prescribed.

Insomnia

Especially, sleeping continuously throughout the night can be a big problem during pregnancy. You will have to go to the bathroom more often, the child can be very active at night sometimes and finding a comfortable position to sleep in is difficult. Sometimes you’re awake for no apparent reason. Try not to worry. Drink a cup of warm milk, do a chore or grab a book. Relaxation exercises that are thought to you during a pregnancy-course can also help you.

Remember that this is a symptom a lot of pregnant women have and try to catch up on the sleep you missed at night during the day.

Striae

Abdominal striae or stripes are caused by the stretching of the skin. At the spots where the skin stretches a little too far small scars occur: the striae. They’re generally located on the belly, but can also occur on the breasts. In the beginning they are red-blue in color, but after the pregnancy they will become less apparent. They will never disappear completely.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to avoid striae. Sometimes it’s nice to rub the skin with lotion and keep it smooth this way.

Tiredness

Tiredness is very common among pregnant women, especially in the first and third trimester of the pregnancy. Hormones play a role in this, the child taking away energy from the mother and the physical stress of pregnancy. The only thing you can do, is give in to the tiredness. Take a nap more often or make an agreement with your boss about your work-time.

Forgetfulness

A lot of pregnant women suffer from forgetfulness. A lot is happening in a short time, emotionally as well as hormonally. As a result, your memory gets the better of you. Writing important things on pieces of paper can help with this. Pregnant women are often also a little clumsy. Watch out, an accident can easily occur.

Retaining fluid

A lot of pregnant women retain fluid, especially during the final period of the pregnancy. This causes swollen feet, ankles, and hands. Sometimes the fingers can have a tingling sensation. Sit with your legs up during the evening to keep the fluid streaming upwards. You can also sleep with the lower side of your mattress somewhat higher. Try not to stand up too long during the day. To avoid tingling hands, it helps to splint your wrists, for example with the use of wristguards used in roller-skating. Drinking a lot is also important to flush the body.

As long as there are no other symptoms, retaining fluid is not a bad thing. If you are known to have high blood pressure, if the fluid retention occurs suddenly, or you have additional symptoms, always contact us.

Pre-labor contractions

At the end of the pregnancy the uterus starts to prepare itself for the delivery. This can occurs weeks prior to the delivery and may cause pre-labor contractions. You can also be bothered by descending-contractions. This usually occurs at night.

Characteristics of pre-labor contractions are that they are irregular and go away after a while. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re dealing with pre-labor contractions, or you believe you may have gone into labor, it helps to get into a warm bath or taking a hot shower. Pre-labor contractions go away as a result of relaxation, while real contractions increase.