Pregnancy Complaints

Fatigue

Many women suffer from fatigue early in the pregnancy. Your body is working hard to give the pregnancy a good start, which is why less energy is left for you. Fortunately, these complaints will usually go away after three months, and you will feel stronger and fitter in the months that follow. If you do suffer from prolonged fatigue after the first three months, please let us know during your pregnancy check, so that we can see together what we can do about it.

Constipation

Constipation means that you have hard stools and that you can no longer go to the bathroom in a relaxed and normal way. Constipation can also cause abdominal pain, which is why it is very important to do something about it. Eat high-fibre foods, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and make sure you have a balanced diet. When all of this does not work, it might help to add a couple of teaspoons of flaxseed or unprocessed wheat bran (available at health food stores) to your food or to use lactulose. During consultation we can give you further advice.

Abdominal pain

In early pregnancy you will often feel pain in your abdomen because your uterus is growing. Some women experience more abdominal pain than others. Later on in the pregnancy, you will feel more pain in your sides and in your groin. We call this round ligament pain. This is very natural: your uterus is bigger and heavier and your ligaments have to carry more weight. Be aware of positioning and do not lift heavy things. From the 20^th week onward it is better not to sit up straight when you are getting out of bed, but to roll over on your side first. Constipation can also be a cause of abdominal pain. It is wise to do something about this. If you experience a nagging pain in your abdomen it might also be a sign of a bladder infection. Please consult us if you have complaints of this kind.

Vaginal bleeding or spotting

One in five pregnant women experience bleeding or spotting in the first three months of pregnancy. Usually, the bleeding is innocent and it will disappear in a day or two. But sometimes, it is a sign of an early miscarriage. Then the bleeding will continue and you will get additional stomach cramps, as if a heavy period is coming on. You may have some spotting after you have had sex, but this is harmless. Later on in the pregnancy when you are reaching your due date you may experience vaginal bleeding caused by hard belly (or “Braxton Hicks”). Vaginal bleeding is always a good reason to call us. If you are losing a lot of blood, please call the emergency line.

Vaginal discharge

It is quite normal for pregnant women to have more vaginal discharge than usual. Normal discharge is clear or light coloured and looks a little slimy. If you have green, brown, or frothy discharge possibly in combination with an itchy feeling, you should contact us during the telephone consultation hours.

Heartburn

From around 30 weeks, you may experience heartburn. This is mainly caused by your baby who is pushing aside your stomach a little, so that stomach acid can rise up in your oesophagus more easily. It may help to drink a little milk or to slowly chew on raw almonds. It might also help to sleep a little more upright than you do normally. You can use heartburn medication, as long as they are suitable for pregnant women. During consultation we can give you further advice.

Pelvic pain

Many pregnant women experience lower back pain or pelvic pain. Most of the time this is only natural. Your muscles and connective tissue are softening, and your pelvis is widening a little so as to make it easier for your baby to be born. Be aware of positioning, avoid lifting heavy things and take care when you are getting out of bed: from the 20^th week, always roll to your side first and use your arms to push yourself up. It is also a good idea to exercise to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic area. Some women experience so-called pelvic instability, which may cause a lot of pain. When this happens, it is necessary to consult a pelvic physiotherapist. At the practice we work together with some physiotherapists, so we can always recommend one to you.

Heartbeat

Your heartbeat may increase a little when you are pregnant. Your heart is having a hard time pumping around the 1.5 litre of extra blood that flows through your body when you are pregnant. The result of this is a higher heart rate. This is no cause for concern. It will help to try and breathe through your nose when you feel your heartbeat rising.

Stress incontinence

When you are pregnant, you might find that you are leaking urine every now and then. This is caused by weaker pelvic floor tissue and muscles, and also sometimes by the baby who is pushing on your bladder. Tell us about your complaints during your checks, and we will give you some exercises that might help. We can also refer you to a physiotherapist.

Swelling or fluid retention

Especially near the end of you pregnancy, your body will retain fluids. During the summer months, this is usually a little more problematic than during winter. Your hands and feet are swelling and your jewellery and shoes do not fit you as well as they used to. This is all perfectly normal. There is no need to eat less salt or to drink less, because this will have the opposite effect. If your body retains excess fluids in a short period of time, or when you gain a lot of weight, please contact us.

Itching

During pregnancy, there are certain conditions that may occur that can make you feel itchy. Itchy skin is a common pregnancy complaint, which often occurs in combination with pimples. Sometimes you will only experience an itch on your belly, which is caused by the stretching of the skin of your growing belly. It may help to use menthol gel or oil. If your entire body or your extremities feel itchy, and there is no rash, you should come in for examination. Please contact us to make an appointment.

Hard bellies (Braxton Hicks)

From around 30 weeks of pregnancy, your uterus will start contracting every now and then. We call this “hard bellies”. It is your body’s way to prepare for the delivery of your baby. Some women feel these hard bellies very clearly, but others do not even notice them. Hard bellies are innocent as long as they do not hurt and are not regular. If they do become painful or regular, please call the emergency line.

Sleep problems

Many women have trouble sleeping when they are pregnant. Sometimes the problem is that you have to go to the bathroom all the time, sometimes your growing belly prevents you from finding a comfortable position. Or you have hard bellies at night, or a restless baby. It often helps to take a nap in the afternoon. If you cannot sleep because you are anxious or stressed, we can help you find a solution. A foot massage or a glass of warm milk and honey before you go to bed might help. Sleeping pills should only be used on prescription.