Discomfort during pregnancy

Many pregnant people suffer from nausea and vomiting, especially in the first few weeks. Although this can be very uncomfortable, it usually has no harmful effects on the fetus. However, if you feel so sick for so long time that you vomit for days on end, you should talk to your doctor or midwife. You may lose so much fluid from vomiting that you need treatment. Sometimes medication is even necessary. In milder cases, however, proven home remedies such as ginger often help. You can take ginger as a tea as well as powder or in a capsule.

Bleeding can occur at all stages of pregnancy, often for harmless reasons. However, you need to take action if your bleeding is as heavy as or heavier than your period, if it is associated with pain or cramping, or if your abdominal wall hardens. In the worst case, the bleeding may be an indication that a premature birth or a miscarriage is imminent. If in doubt, it is best to talk to your gynaecologist or midwife.

Heartburn is a common complaint during pregnancy. About half of all pregnant people are affected, especially during the third trimester. Most often, the heartburn symptoms begin around the twelfth week of pregnancy. Over time, it often becomes stronger and stops after birth. Heartburn is very unpleasant, but luckily it’s harmless. Typical symptoms are pain and burning behind the breastbone and in the oesophagus. In addition, sour and bitter belching can occur. The reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus or mouth is also particularly unpleasant.

Hormonal changes in your body can cause back pain and discomfort in the pelvic area even during the early months of pregnancy. Your growing belly also plays a role in this during the third trimester. It puts stress on the muscles and ligaments in the spine. Exercise, heat and gymnastics help with this kind of discomfort. A supportive pregnancy belly band can also give you relief.

Many people struggle with dizziness early in pregnancy. Dizziness is usually a sign that your blood pressure is lower than usual. This is completely normal, because the cardiovascular system must first adapt to the new situation. During the second and third trimesters, the uterus presses on blood vessels and blood cannot flow freely. Again, dizziness can be a result. Dizziness is an unpleasant side effect of pregnancy. As a rule, however, there is no particular cause for concern. If you feel dizzy, first try lying down and putting your legs up a little higher. In most cases, the dizziness then goes away. To be on the safe side, you should contact your gynaecologist or midwife if you experience this discomfort for the first time or if it does not go away after lying down. Iron deficiency, pregnancy anemia or a thyroid disorder can also cause dizziness.

Pregnancy doesn’t just have strong effects on the body, but also on thoughts and feelings. This is true whether you've wanted to get pregnant for a long time or got pregnant unexpectedly. One of the causes for this is the hormones that your body is releasing more of now. This may cause your mood to shift unusually quickly. Irritation can suddenly turn into strong joy, worry into confidence and vice versa.

Many pregnant people sleep worse than usual during pregnancy. Some can hardly fall asleep, others keep waking up during the night or wake up especially early in the morning. Sleep disorders can have psychological and physical causes. Many pregnancy symptoms also interfere with sleep, for example heartburn, increased urination, leg cramps or restless legs syndrome. But insecurities and fears that are in the background during the day can also cause pregnant people to lie awake at night. Please take your fears and worries as seriously as your physical ailments. It's important that you get enough sleep.

Fatigue is a complaint that starts very early during pregnancy. Many people notice it as the first sign of pregnancy, even before they’ve missed their period. The fatigue usually subsides in the second trimester. It often returns in the third trimester as physical exertion increases. The big changes your body is dealing with are responsible for this unusual sleepiness.

Many pregnant people suffer from cramps in their calves. Or they report experiencing twitching, tingling or pulling in their legs. This is called restless legs syndrome. This can be very uncomfortable and lead to excruciating sleep disturbances. You may find some relief using simple measures, such as stretching exercises or hydrotherapy (specifically, alternating showers with hot and cold water).

More than half of all people suffer from varicose veins during pregnancy. The veins are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They appear as snake-like bluish lines and sometimes form palpable nodules. Varicose veins develop because the walls of the blood vessels become softer due to the influence of pregnancy hormones. These dilated blood vessels then become prominent. Many pregnant people dislike the appearance of varicose veins. However, they can also be itchy and painful and are especially uncomfortable if they occur in the genital area. If this happens, it’s called vulva varices, which are often noticeable by a dull pain. Hemorrhoids are also dilated veins and thus can be called a kind of varicose veins. Varicose veins usually disappear again, usually within six months of delivery.

Many people suffer from frequent urination during pregnancy. This complaint occurs mainly in the first trimester and in the third trimester. Pregnant people often also have to go to the toilet more frequently at night. Sleep problems are therefore an unpleasant side effect of this condition. However, an increased urge to urinate can also be a sign of infection or inflammation, which you should definitely have treated.

Many pregnant people suffer from constipation or irregular bowel movements. Often hormonal changes are the cause. There are many home remedies that can help stimulate your digestion. You should also take care to drink enough and keep moving. Digestive problems can also have psychological causes. Perhaps your discomfort is a sign that you are suffering from anxiety, stress, and sadness and that is affecting your body.

About half of all pregnant people suffer from discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are collections of vessels that are usually located between the rectum and the anus. They often dilate in the course of pregnancy and move outward. This is usually associated with itching, burning and wetness. Bleeding during bowel movements or when wiping is also possible. You should talk to your doctor or midwife if you are suffering from hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be treated easily.

Many people suffer from swollen legs, feet and ankles during pregnancy. This is especially true during the third trimester of pregnancy. The cause of swollen legs and feet is water retention, which occurs when water from the bloodstream leaks into the surrounding tissue. Up to two litres more blood must be pumped through the body than usual towards the end of pregnancy. However, during pregnancy, the blood vessels are more slack and wide, and their walls are more permeable. This allows fluid from the blood vessels to enter the tissues and become lodged there. Swollen legs and feet are uncomfortable, but there is usually no reason to worry. However, you should take action if only one of your legs suddenly swells. Then you should get checked out by a doctor immediately.