Waiting for a baby is a period full of enthusiasm and positive emotions, during which every mother-to-be takes a closer look at her body and takes care of her physical and emotional health. What are the most common challenges during pregnancy and how to properly take care of your health?
Health challenges during pregnancy: What to expect?
Morning sickness or vomiting
Symptoms of nausea and vomiting usually appear at 4-7 weeks and end by 12-16 weeks of pregnancy. The reasons are still not exactly clear. Morning sickness and vomiting can be caused by an increased concentration of hormones in the blood and slowed down movements of the digestive tract. Nausea and vomiting are common in young women during their first or unplanned pregnancy, as well as multiple or female pregnancies, increased body mass index, or eating disorders.
Breast tenderness
It is characterized by hormonal changes that lead to increased blood flow, as the breast tissue begins to prepare for feeding.
Rapid fatigue and drowsiness
It’s not exactly clear what causes these sensations, but they can be linked to increased progesterone levels. The greatest fatigue is felt during the first trimester.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is another condition that disrupts women and creates additional challenges. This diagnosis forces you to change your lifestyle and diet while expecting the baby. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed by obstetricians, gynecologists, or family doctors in the first or second trimester of pregnancy.
If the diagnosis of gestational diabetes is confirmed, women are referred to an endocrinologist for consultation. The risk can be reduced by preventive measures: including at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine, as well as controlling your weight and taking care of a complete, healthy diet.
Mood changes
Occurs due to drastic changes in hormones, characterized by mood swings. Mood swings bother not only future mothers but also their relatives who do not know how to behave. A pregnant woman should explain to her loved ones and other relatives why her mood changes so quickly. If you find it difficult to talk about it, suggest that they read some articles or books about pregnancy.
Knowing the reason, they probably won’t take things so personally, so there will be fewer misunderstandings due to mood swings. If you suffer from severe anxiety during pregnancy or suspect that you may have developed depression, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate any mood stabilizers, including herbs.
Frequent urination
This symptom occurs due to natural changes in the body related to the effects of hormones, the increase in blood volume and the uterus, and the growth of your future baby.
Melting limbs and constipation
It is a symptom of the physiology of pregnancy, related to a decrease in the body’s muscle tone and changes in the circulatory system.
Be aware of these signs
Pregnant women are usually worried about abdominal pain because they are afraid of complications: ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. The most attention of all mothers-to-be should be given to the fact that you should see a doctor as soon as possible if you have severe abdominal pain or bloody discharge from the genitals, this is a sign that cannot be ignored.
Take extra care of yourself during this sensitive period of your life
Pregnancy is counted from the first day of the last menstrual period, so you can start taking folic acid and call your doctor as soon as you suspect that you are expecting. hCG levels calculator also might help you make sense of your hCG levels at home during early pregnancy and keep track of how they are progressing by week. Read more articles about pregnancy and talk to your loved ones.
Health challenges during pregnancy
It is true that pregnancy is not just an easy phase of life. You may face many challenges during pregnancy. Many women in the world give birth to children and you can absolutely do it too, despite all the challenges. Take care of yourself, visit the doctor, and don’t forget to enjoy this beautiful moment in your life.