In the late pregnancy, due to the enlargement of the uterus, the body will have a series of discomfort.
The following is a list of some discomfort that occurs more frequently in the middle and late stages of pregnancy and how to deal with it.
Difficulty in falling asleep
In the late pregnancy, because the belly is getting bigger and bigger, it may be uncomfortable to sleep and it is difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.
How to deal with:
- Take a hot bath before falling asleep; Use more pillows as support when sleeping. In the side position, put pillows under the head, abdomen, back and between the knees to prevent muscle tension and help you have a good rest. Before going to bed, you can ask your family to give you a massage to relax, which is more helpful to sleep.
Dizziness
Vertigo can occur at any time in the middle and late stages of pregnancy for the following reasons:
- Changes in hormones during pregnancy will dilate blood vessels. When you suddenly change your body position, such as when you squat down, you suddenly stand up, which may cause insufficient blood supply to your head and dizziness. If the blood sugar level is too low, you will also feel dizzy.
How to deal with:
- Move around when standing for a long time to promote blood backflow; Avoid sudden movement and get up slowly from sitting to standing. Eat regularly, eat less and eat more to prevent hypoglycemia; Drink plenty of water.
Shortness of breath
Later in pregnancy, the enlargement of the uterus may also exert pressure on the chest cavity, and some pregnant women will feel shortness of breath.
How to deal with:
- Slow down when walking and take a rest. When shortness of breath is obvious, lift your arm above your head, which will increase the volume of your chest and breathe more air. If shortness of breath persists, severe pain during inhalation, or hypoxia such as purple mouth and nails occurs, seek medical treatment in time.
Stomach acid regurgitation, heartburn
Heartburn is a burning sensation that originates from the stomach and seems to reach the throat. During pregnancy, changing hormone levels slow down the emptying of the digestive tract, weakening the strength of the upper sphincter of the stomach. The uterus squeezes the stomach and can cause gastric acid reflux. This symptom is more obvious in the early and late stages of pregnancy.
How to deal with:
- Eat less and eat more; Eat slowly and chew slowly. Avoid fried, greasy food, or indigestible food with high starch density, such as rice cakes, sweet potatoes, etc. Don’t sit down or lie down immediately after eating, you can walk for a period of time. The head of the bed can be raised, which is more enough to relieve gastric acid regurgitation during sleep. Under the guidance of doctors, you can take some drugs to protect mucosa and relieve symptoms.
Constipation
Pregnant women often suffer from constipation for the following reasons:
- Changes in hormone levels may affect gastrointestinal motility. Enlarged uterus compresses intestinal tract and affects gastrointestinal movement. Iron, calcium or other vitamins supplemented during pregnancy may also cause constipation.
How to deal with:
- Increase dietary fiber in diet (e.g. Whole wheat food, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.); Drink plenty of liquid every day; According to their own ability to properly carry out physical exercises, such as fast walking, yoga, swimming, etc.; Defecation should be as regular as possible. It is best to defecate regularly every day. If there is no defecation intention, you can try to drink some water. Avoid mental stress and excessive pressure when defecating. If constipation is serious, you can consult a doctor or pharmacist and choose some safe laxative drugs.
Hemorrhoids
During pregnancy, hemorrhoids are very common because venous reflux is affected, rectum is compressed by uterus, constipation and other reasons.
How to deal with:
- Try to avoid constipation; Avoid sitting or standing for a long time; Use drugs to relieve pain under the guidance of doctors.
Varicose veins of lower limbs
Pregnancy affects blood circulation and dilates veins in the legs. Pregnant women with a family history of varicose veins are more likely to occur.
How to deal with:
- Avoid sitting or standing in one place for a long time, and often stand up and move. Avoid keeping in one posture for a long time, which will restrict the blood circulation in the legs. Raise the lower limbs when sitting down or lying down to help the blood of the lower limbs flow back. Exercise properly according to your physical strength.
Swelling of legs and feet
The enlarged uterus compresses the veins and affects the blood reflux of the lower limbs. In addition, hormone changes can lead to fluid retention and swelling of legs and feet, which is most likely to occur in the lower legs and ankles.
How to deal with:
- Try not to stand for a long time. Adequate drinking water; Avoid high-salt diet; Raise your lower limbs when sitting down, do not cross your legs, and choose your side position when lying down and resting. Wear loose and comfortable clothes; If edema cannot be relieved during rest and hand and face edema occurs, timely medical treatment should be required to eliminate hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy and kidney problems.
Leg cramps
Enlargement of uterus and hormone changes may affect nerve and blood circulation in legs, may cause leg cramps or pain, and sometimes indicate calcium deficiency.
How to deal with:
- Intake foods rich in calcium (such as milk, broccoli or cheese); Wear comfortable shoes; Avoid wearing too tight or too restrictive trousers or socks; Before falling asleep, stretch your leg muscles or ask your family to massage your legs. Lie on your side when you sleep.
Low back pain
The patency of back pain is caused by back muscle tension, hormone level changes and posture changes.
How to deal with:
- Wear low-heeled and comfortable shoes; Avoid lifting heavy objects; Bend your knees and squat down instead of bending down to pick up things; Don’t stand for a long time; Sit on a chair with good support on the back, or put a small pillow on the lower back. At the same time, put your feet on the stool; When lying down, take the lateral position with a pillow between your legs and a pillow at your waist as a support. Please ask your family to help you with waist massage. Proper waist and back strength training before pregnancy; Maintain a good posture and straighten your back to reduce back tension. If the waist and back pain migrates to the abdomen, changes the body position or does not relieve for one hour after rest, it may be a sign of abortion and premature delivery, and timely medical treatment is required.
A sharp abdominal pain
When changing positions, sharp stabbing pain may occur on the abdominal side, which is usually caused by sudden stretching of ligaments supporting the uterus. Pain may radiate to the thighs.
How to deal with:
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When changing posture, proceed slowly to avoid sudden turning or movement.
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If the pain is severe or gradually aggravates, uterine contraction or pseudouterine contraction is likely to occur, and relevant examinations should be carried out in a timely manner.
Of course, everyone’s reaction during pregnancy varies greatly, and the above-mentioned symptoms and discomfort will occur to everyone. In addition, if you are particularly worried about physical discomfort, it is recommended to go to the hospital in time and seek help from a doctor.
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