UNUSUAL PREGNANCY COMPLAINTS - My child magazine

Written By: Caroline Meyer

During your pregnancy you body undergoes a lot of changes both internally and externally. Most of these changes are expected such as your belly growing and the hormones changing. Some of these are a little more unexpected. We look at some of the common complaints during pregnancy as well as some that are a little more unusual.

Common complaints include:

Acne: While some women have a clear, glowing complexion during pregnancy, for others the opposite is true. From blackheads, to whiteheads to blind pimples (raised, red, painful bumps) or a combination of these, hormones can trigger flare ups of the skin. This is generally due to an excess production of oil due to hormone fluctuations. These can appear on the shoulders, neck, face and back, an occasionally in other areas. Avoid acne remedies with salicylic acid to treat your acne. Try sticking to drinking water and using a mild cleanser and a moisturiser that does not clog your pores. You can also make masks from common household ingredients such as honey and oats to treat your acne naturally.

Backache: Your ligaments loosen up naturally during pregnancy to prepare for birthing your baby. Your posture is also altered due to the bump you are carrying. Both of these issues can contribute to backache. Try to sit in a comfortable chair which has a backrest to support your back and avoid standing for long periods of time. Rest often and elevate your legs when possible. Do not lift heavy objects while pregnant. A good massage while sitting can also help relieve some of the backache.

Constipation: The increase in hormones in your body can also cause the walls of the stomach and intestines to relax. This means that digestion is slower. Your blood volume also increases. This means you have to drink plenty of fluids in order to keep up. The occasional prune can also help move things along. Do not use laxatives. Speak to your doctor about alternatives if this becomes a problem for you as straining can result in haemorrhoids.

Cramps: Muscle cramps in legs, thighs and feet are very common during pregnancy. While the cause is not established, it is suspected that there is extra pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the lower body which can cause these cramps. You can try stretch the muscle out or massage it when the cramps hit. You can ask your partner to help you with this if you can’t reach. Make sure you have enough calcium, phosphorous and potassium in your diet as this may also affect the muscle spasms.

Urination: This is a constant issue for most women in the last trimester and sometimes even in the first trimester. At the start of the pregnancy it can be caused by hormone changes and nearing the end it is usually due to the baby pressing on your bladder.

Reflux and heartburn: That burning sensation in your chest, usually after eating is most likely heartburn. You may also experience acid reflux as well as pain when you lie down or bend over in the stomach area. More than a quarter of all women experience heartburn during pregnancy. You might also find that you suffer from gas and burp a lot. This can be caused from baby squeezing your digestive tract. Eat smaller meals at regular intervals instead of large meals. Don’t lie down after eating. Avoid acidic and spicy foods. Avoid smoking and alcohol (which is also harmful to your baby). No snacks or meals just before bed. You can also prop yourself up with pillows at bedtime instead of lying flat.

Fatigue: During the first trimester, you will most likely find yourself feeling tired fairly often. Try and get a full 8 hours of sleep every night. If you can, take a midday nap as well.

Swollen feet and ankles: Around 80% of women will have some fluid retention during pregnancy resulting in swollen feet, ankles and even fingers. This is exacerbated by standing for long periods of time. Water retention can also be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, so it is always important to let your medical practitioner know about it.

Headaches: Tension headaches due to fatigue, stress, heat, noise and other issues are common during pregnancy and they can last for an hour or more. This can occur for months at a time. A natural remedy is to tie a 5cm band around your head with the knot at the centre of the headache. The reduction in blood flow often relieves the headache caused by swollen vessels. Your doctor can also prescribe a safe pain medication to use if necessary.

Migraines: Around 20% of women experience a migraine during pregnancy. This can last for a few hours to 3 days of constant head pain. Some natural remedies that may help include drinking ginger root in water 3 to 4 times a day.

Sciatic nerve pain: Pain in the buttocks or down the back of the legs can be severe and debilitating for some women during pregnancy. This pain can be caused by the pressure of the uterus on the sciatic nerve. Pain can be relieved by lying on the opposite side to the pain to relieve the pressure on the never.

Unusual complaints include:

Sneezing: Increased blood flow can cause your nose to become puffy and make you sneeze often.

Abhorrence of certain foods: While some women develop strange cravings, others develop a strange hatred for specific foods. This can even be foods you once enjoyed. This aversion can be so severe that you actually become nauseated even by the smell of the food.

Personality changes: The massive influx of hormones can cause minor personality changes during pregnancy. You can become more unpredictable. Your hobbies and interests may even change.

Heightened sense of smell: You may find that you are extra sensitive to smells. You can smell what your colleague had for dinner or that the lady on the bus had been drinking alcohol the night before. While this is generally not an issue, it can become a bit overwhelming, especially in close quarters.

Breasts that leak: This is to be expected once you are feeding baby, but colostrum can actually leak from as early as 14 weeks. There is nothing to worry about, it is normal. Slot in a nursing pad in to your bra and prepare for later on when they really leak.

Weird taste: A metallic taste in the mouth is another symptom that many pregnant women may experience. It is thought to be a result of increased oestrogen levels. It is usually only experienced in the first trimester. Foods marinated in vinegar and citrus juices will usually help clear the taste from your mouth.

Painful Orgasms: Your uterus usually contracts during orgasm and when you are pregnant, these normal contracts can make you feel uncomfortable. It cannot harm you at all and usually pulls the belly in to a peak. These can be prolonged. There is not much you can do about it except not have orgasms until after baby is born.

Vaginal Varicose Veins: These are caused from decreased blood flow in the lower body even though blood volume is increased. Speak to your doctor about support garments to reduce discomfort. You can elevate your hops lying down and do exercise in water to try improve blood flow. These usually go away within 8 weeks or so after delivery.

Sharp vaginal pain: There are many nerves right by the cervix. If your baby presses up against these, it can stimulate them, causing a sharp, shooting pain in the vagina.

Skin changes: Melasma (dark patches on the face) for many women during pregnancy. This is usually on the neck, upper lip, cheekbones, nose and forehead. This is thought to be related to hormonal changes affecting the pigment in the skin. Linea nigra is a dark line that can appear from belly button to pubic hair. Vascular spiders, which are little red spots surrounded by tiny blood vessels can appear on the limbs, chest, neck and face. Your areolas may also darken in colour.

These are far from all possible changes and complaints of pregnancy, but they do give a fair idea of some of the strange things that are considered normal while you are pregnant.