Pregnancy Symptoms and what you can do about it.

Backache – Hormonal Changes and the extra weight you are carrying may cause your back to ache. You should:

• Watch your posture when sitting or lying down.
• Use bed and chairs that support your spine firmly.
• Stay out of the high-heeled shoes and avoid long periods of standing or sitting.
• Stand up straight. Do not slouch.
• Bend your knees instead of your back when picking things up.
• Do not lift heavy objects.

Super mommy Jem Notes: During my pregnancy, I regularly rest at noontime by sleeping with my body lying down. I didn’t experience backache.

—————-Bleeding gums———————–

Bleeding gums – normally very sensitive and soft during pregnancy and may bleed or become inflamed.

You should:

• Brush you teeth after eating.
• Have your regular dental check-ups and tell your dentist that you are pregnant. (This ensures that the routine X-ray, which are harmful to your baby are omitted from your check-up.)

————–Frequent Urination—————-

Frequent Urination – Hormonal Changes and expanding womb pressing on your bladder will make you want to urinate more often.

• If you are getting up at night, try drinking less in the evenings and more during the day.
• If you feel any pain when you pass urine, see your doctor – you may urinary tract infection.

Super mommy Jem Notes: During my pregnancy I used Betadine feminine wash to avoid itchiness and I drink a lot of water at daytime and a glass of water before sleeping. I didn’t experience having a urinary tract infection (UTI).

————-Breathlessness–——–

Breathlessness – You may feel shortness of breath when pregnant because of your increase need for oxygen. During the late pregnancy, the pressure of your growing baby on your diaphragm may make it harder for you to breath.

You Should:

• Rest as much as possible.

Super mommy jem notes: I sleep with my head on propped-up pillows.

——-EDEMA———-

Edema –  is swelling due to water retention. During pregnancy, it usually occurs in the legs and ankles. Although it is quite common, you should still inform your doctor about it.

You should.

• Put your feet up as much as possible.
• Avoid salty foods.

————HEATBURN AND INDIGESTION———

Heartburn and indigestion – In the latter months of pregnancy, indigestion or heartburn may trouble, especially at night. Heartburn is the regurgitation of your stomach acid or contents resulting in a burning sensation. Indigestion is a difficulty in digesting food, often accompanied by abdominal pain, heartburn and belching.

You should.

• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Avoid coffee and oily, spicy foods.
• Small sips of milk or hot water may give some relief.
• Sleep with our head on propped-up pillows.
• Check with your doctor before taking antacids.

Super mommy jem notes: I ate fiber-rich foods like sweet corn, sweet potato, bananas and oranges for a good digestion.

———-LEG CRAMPS————

Leg Cramps – Cramps of the thigh and calf muscles usually occurs during the last few weeks of pregnancy. These cramps may be caused by a deficiency in Calcium.

You should.

• Massage the cramped muscles.
• Straighten your legs and flex your feet.
• Ensure your daily intake of Calcium which is adequate by consuming plenty of milk or a Calcium supplement

Super mommy jem notes: I regularly ate oranges which is a good source of vitamin C and Calcium. I hav avoided experiencing leg cramps.