Congratulations on your pregnancy! While carrying a baby can be a wonderful experience, it can also be a bit challenging. Pregnancy symptoms can be overwhelming, but rest assured, everything you’re experiencing is completely normal and can be managed with a few simple steps.
If you’re like most expectant mothers, you may find yourself trying to cope with the following conditions:
- Nausea and Vomiting. This is often referred to as “morning sickness,” but in reality, it can happen at any time of the day. To alleviate nausea, try eating smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day, drinking ginger tea, and avoiding greasy or spicy foods. If vomiting is persistent, consult your doctor to rule out any underlying issues.
- Feeling tired and drained is another common symptom pregnant women experience. You can combat fatigue by getting enough rest and napping when you feel the need. Make sure you’re getting enough iron by taking supplements or including iron-rich foods like spinach in your diet.
- To minimize heartburn, avoid eating large meals, eat slowly, and avoid spicy or acidic foods. Try sleeping with your head elevated by using extra pillows or elevating the head of your bed as it may help reduce acid reflux.
- Back pain is common during pregnancy because of weight gain and the shift in your center of gravity. You can manage backaches by practicing good posture and avoiding movements that cause strain. Exercise also helps manage back pain during pregnancy. However, consult with your doctor before you start any exercise program.
- Frequent Urination. Pregnant women may feel the need to urinate more frequently because the uterus is pressing on the bladder. To manage this problem, reduce fluid intake before bedtime and avoid caffeine and other diuretics. You should also double-check with your doctor to make sure that frequent urination isn’t caused by a bladder infection.
- Food cravings. Cravings for certain foods, especially those that provide energy and calcium, such as dairy products, are quite common in pregnancy. Oddly enough, you may also notice a sudden distaste for foods you usually like. It’s a good idea to avoid grocery shopping when you’re hungry and to keep your refrigerator and pantry stocked with heathy, low glycemic index (GI) foods such as wholegrain breads, baked beans, and fresh fruit.
In addition to these widely common symptoms, you may also other symptoms that are also somewhat common during pregnancy, such as:
- Breathlessness
- Constipation
- Hemorrhoids
- Headaches
- Itchy skin
- Leg cramps
- Mood changes
- Tingling and numbness in your hands
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginitis
- Varicose veins and leg swelling
If you experience these symptoms, consult with your obstetrician for appropriate treatment.
Obstetricians in Syracuse, New York
Pregnancy symptoms can be uncomfortable, but these tips should help make things a little easier. Just remember to stay positive and focus on taking care of yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your healthcare provider, friends, or family for support.
At University OB/GYN Associates, our goal is to enable you to have a happy and healthy pregnancy. Our board-certified obstetricians, maternal and fetal medicine specialists, midwives, and nurses are here to guide you through your pregnancy with the highest quality prenatal care, labor and delivery, and post-partum care. We also have multiple providers who are specially trained to handle high-risk and multiple pregnancies, as well as genetic testing and lactation consulting.
For more information about our comprehensive obstetrics services, contact University OB/GYN Associate in Syracuse, New York at (315) 464-5162 to schedule an appointment.
