One Stop Shop For Kids - Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy Symptoms

There are lots of different symptoms when it comes to pregnancy but the most complained about are gas, constipation, headaches, backaches, lack of sleep and weight gain.

Backaches during pregnancy

When you watch TV or see a pregnant woman on the street, they normally have their hands on their back. One reason is for support and the other reason is because it aches. Backaches during your pregnancy are very common because let's face it, your body is not used to carrying around excess weight on the front so you stand, walk, sleep and sit differently. This causes excess strain on your backside.

Things you can do to help alleviate some of the pain.

  • Try to gain slowly and if at all possible keep it between 25-35 pounds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. We know you want to look cute and sexy but heels or chunky shoes can make your back sore and you could also risk falling down and hurting yourself or your baby.
  • Sit down when ever you get the chance so you can take the pressure off of your back and your feet.
  • Do not cross your legs. I know that seems un-lady like but crossing them can cause circulation problems for you and cause spider veins and varicose veins.
  • Ask for help reaching items, lifting items and bending over.
  • Stay relaxed and happy. We all know stress adds to strain on our bodies including our backs.

If these simple steps do not improve your backaches, consult your physician.

A Humorous Guide to Being a First Time Mom: Tips on Pregnancy, Labor and the First Year of Motherhood.

Remember that the pregnancy discomfort only lasts for nine months and then your beautiful baby is born. They are uncomfrotable but a small price to pay for creating a precious life.

Lack of Sleep

 Lack of sleep is a common pregnancy symptom for many reasons. Aches and pains, anxiety, excitement, planning, heartburn and more. You and your growing baby need adequate sleep so you need to find something that helps you relax or wears you out so you sleep soundly at night...you will have plenty of nights in the future with lack of sleep.

lack of sleep while pregnant Sleepy mom-to-be

Some things that can help you:

  • Relax- read a book, take a warm bath, ask your spouse to rub your back or feet, listen to music
  • Exercise- if you exercised before you were pregnant you can continue the same. Always consult your physician about exercise but a walk around the block can help you wind down.
  • Eat small meals for dinner or at bedtime. Large meals can cause your stomach to get upset or cause heartburn.
  • Make your bed comfortable. More or less blankets/sheets.
  • Open the window for fresh air.
  • Urinate- keep your fluids down at bedtime to help yourself not having to get up and down to go to the bathroom frequently at night.
Headaches during pregnancy

Headaches can be frequent during pregnancy so if it becomes a recurring problem you will need to speak to your doctor. One thing that most doctors allow you to take is Tylenol. I will admit that as a pregnant woman I did not want to take any type of medicine so there are other things that I learned to do to help myself.

  • Relax- You are constantly worried about your eating, what you can and can not do, is my baby ok? etc. Well, women deliver healthy kids every day and as long as you have no symptoms or warning signs of a problem you should be perfectly fine so relax because stressing out can trigger a headache.

  • Stay healthy- Your nose can become stuffy during pregnancy so do yourself a favor and stay away from those who are sick. Constantly having to blow your nose can cause headaches.

  • Eat healthy and often- Eat healthy small meals throughout the day so that your blood sugar does not drop. It can trigger a headache.

  • Get good rest at night- The last thing you want to do is wear yourself down and have to lay down due to a headache that could have been prevented.

  • These steps can help you lower your chance of a headache. If they do not, please consult your physician.

Gas and Constipation during pregnancy

No woman wants to deal with gas or constipation on a normal day much less for nine months while pregnant. They are never comfortable and of course they always seem to happen at the most inappropriate times. One good thing for you know is that it happens to every pregnant woman so you are not alone! One of the main reasons women suffer from constipation during pregancy is because there is a high level of hormones that cause your bowels to relax which slows down your ability to go to the bathroom.

To help prevent gas and constipation:

  • Eat slow and small feels regularly rather than large meals because then your system will go into overload.

  • Drink slowly. You will be thirtsy while pregnant but guzzling large amounts of fluid can cause gas.

  • Eat fiber rich foods and drink lots of fluid to help prevent constipation.

  • Exercise- If your doctor has approved exercise, do it moderately to help stimulate your system into going to the bathroom.

  • Do not hold it in- When you have to go...GO!