Nausea and vomiting
These problems very often appear at the beginning of pregnancy, most often in the morning or due to certain odors. It is necessary to understand and accept their physiological and temporary nature. You can try to treat them with antiemetic drugs, although their effectiveness in this case is low. Nausea and vomiting usually disappear in the third month of pregnancy. Hospitalization is necessary only in case of very severe vomiting. In order to avoid morning sickness, do not get up immediately after you wake up, try to have something to eat before getting out of bed. Try also dividing your meal— go from three meals a day to five.
Excessive salivation (ptialism)
Consists of a sharp increase in salivation associated with pregnancy, and in some cases continuing until the end of pregnancy.
Constipation
They often occur in pregnant women, and they need to be eliminated in simple and non-aggressive ways: with vegetable and paraffin oil, a balanced diet containing large amounts of herbs and vegetables. Try to go to the bathroom regularly. Laxatives are not recommended.
Oral hygiene
Pregnancy contributes to the appearance of gingivitis of "pregnant women", hypersensitivity of teeth and caries. Therefore, careful oral care is recommended, regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush, and dentist's consultation.
Heartburn
Heartburn is very common and is associated with the discharge of gastric juice into the lower esophagus. Treatment consists of lifting (15 cm) the head from the bed and taking antacid medications an hour after each meal. In the case of heartburn that cannot be treated, the need for special medications should be considered.
Edema
The accumulation of fluid in the arms and legs, which appears at the end of the working day, can be considered an absolutely normal physiological process during pregnancy. Edema accompanied by high blood pressure can lead to the development of gestosis in pregnant women. In any case, you should not treat edema; a salt-free diet is contraindicated in pregnant women, the only thing that can be recommended is lifting your legs above the bed and wearing compression underwear.
Varicose veins
Pregnancy can provoke the appearance of varicose veins (in 1 out of 2 cases) or worsen the condition of the veins. Varicose veins appear very quickly and in the early stages of pregnancy.
Varicose veins should not be neglected, because in addition to provoking discomfort and unsightly appearance, it is a risk factor for phlebitis.
Symptoms of tonic changes in the veins are heaviness in the legs. In such cases, physical activity (walking), massage, which the pregnant woman can perform herself (lying down, massaging her legs from bottom to top), lifting her legs during rest and wearing compression tights or stockings are recommended. In the case of minor vein dilation, tights with a moderate degree of compression will be sufficient (20 mmHg per cm2); in serious cases, tights with a stronger degree of compression (from 30 to 40 mmHg) should be worn.
Clothes
Pregnant women are advised to wear a special bra that is designed to increase breast volume. Moreover, failure to follow this simple advice while breastfeeding can lead to sagging breasts in the future.
Clothes should fit perfectly, but at the same time they can not restrict movement and be elegant.
Shoes should have medium-high heels and wide soles. High heels can increase the curvature of the spine in the lumbar region, but the complete absence of heels helps to reduce the arch of the foot.
Accessories that should be completely excluded:
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Any objects that can pinch the lower extremities - they interfere with the outflow of blood: stockings with a garter, tight socks or knee socks;
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Belts and bandages for pregnant women that can contribute to atrophy of the anterior abdominal wall.
Body care
It is allowed to take showers and baths, provided that the water is not too hot. Frequent visits to saunas are not recommended.
Douching of any kind is completely contraindicated.
Prevention and treatment of stretch marks with the help of ointments and creams of various kinds is useless. The appearance of stretch marks is caused by an abnormality of the fibroblast of the intercellular substance, which is manifested in every second pregnant woman.
Sexual relations
Relationships are not contraindicated. On the contrary, some positions may even be recommended at the end of pregnancy.
Although each woman has her own individual characteristics, most women experience an increase in libido and sexual satisfaction during pregnancy.
Trips
Night trips are not prohibited, but they should be made rarely, because a pregnant woman needs a good night's sleep. For the most part, travel is allowed, but there is a risk of premature birth. If possible, it is better to choose a train over a car. It is recommended to fasten seat belts that fix the passenger at three points at any stage of pregnancy, as this will reduce the risk of death of the expectant mother from traumatic brain injury, as well as the risk of fractures of the pelvic bones. The seat belt can only harm the fetus in the event of a very dangerous accident. The fastened seat belt should not pass over the mother's stomach, but under it — at the base of the thigh.
Currently, most airlines take pregnant women on board before the 8th month of pregnancy, sometimes even longer if necessary. Flight attendants who have received basic knowledge in obstetrics have a minimum of necessary material. Your gynecologist will issue a certificate with a flight permit starting from the 6th month. Make sure to wear compression underwear during the flight, and do not forget to walk around the cabin from time to time.
Sports activities
Competitive and hard-core sports should be avoided, as well as those sports that pose a risk of injury, such as horse riding, skiing, tennis, mountaineering, diving, etc. It must be remembered that muscle swelling in pregnant women increases the risk of injury during sports. However, moderate physical activity is even recommended. You can practice walking, swimming, cycling, and gymnastics.
Work
It is known that the most common cause of premature birth is excessive fatigue. Of course, the work of some women is pleasant and tireless, such women will be able to work as long as possible without any problems, rightly believing that "pregnancy is not a disease." However, if the work is difficult, it should be stopped. Officially, maternity leave in France is given 6 weeks before delivery (8 weeks starting from the third pregnancy), in Russia — starting from 32 weeks of amenorrhea.
You can get answers to all your questions during pregnancy from our specialists within the framework of Mom's schools.
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