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Health During Pregnancy – Problems & Care (Part 2)

By Super

Pregnancy
These are a few other health problems faced during pregnancy. Know the importance of health care during pregnancy. Have a look at these prenatal health issues.

Health problems during pregnancy -

1.Constipation: Constipation, is a common health problem during pregnancy. It occurs in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the body. This condition can be avoided by eating vegetable and fruits that are high in fibre content. Drinking lots of water will also help. Regular exercises also help reduce this condition.

2.Lower Back Pain: The ligaments in your body stretch to accommodate the growing baby. This causes lower back pain. Sitting straight, not standing for too long periods and taking rest whenever possible will prevent the pain from worsening. Proper health care is a must during pregnancy.

3.Pre-eclampsia / high blood pressure: High blood pressure is a sign of pre-eclampsia. This is usually called as pre-eclamptic toxaemia or pregnancy-induced hypertension. Headaches, vomiting, abnormal swelling of face, hands and feet, pin below the ribs and blurred vision are some of the symptoms of this condition.

Some women might not face any symptoms at all. However, if it is not detected, it can be very fatal to the mother and baby. If the problem starts in the early stages of pregnancy, it can be severe. This might require the mother to take complete rest or even getting hospitalised. One way to keep a check on this condition is to have regular antenatal check-up.

4.Swelling in fingers, feet and ankles: Since the accumulation of water in the body increases during pregnancy, your fingers and feet tend to swell. Doing some simple exercises will reduce this problem. Bending and stretching the finger and feet will reduce the swelling. Similarly, rotating each feet and hand, about 8-10 times (both clockwise and anti-clockwise) will help. Do not stand for long periods and prob your feet on a pillow when you lie done.

5.Varicose veins: Veins on the leg and vulva swell if you have varicose veins. This condition reduces after childbirth. Avoid putting on too much weight, not standing for a long time and avoid crossing legs while sitting can prevent the condition from worsening. You can wear support tights, sleeping with your feet propped on pillows and doing foot exercises will reduce the swelling.

6.Vaginal bleeding: Vaginal bleeding can be normal or dangerous. So, it is always better if you check immediately with your doctor. If it happens in the early stages, if can be sign of miscarriage. If the bleeding occurs during mid-pregnancy (around 5 months), it can mean that the placenta has moved to the lower part of uterus or has prepared for separation from the uterus.

Other reasons of vaginal bleeding can be intercourse or vaginal infections. If the bleeding (mixed with mucus) occurs towards the end, it might be a sign to show that you are ready for labour. Whatever is the stage, it is better to report to the doctor to avoid conplications. Keep a check on your health during pregnancy.

7.Small babies: Some babies grow slowly. This may be due to the reason that the mother has high blood pressure or is a heavy smoker. So, it better to keep a check on the baby's growth in the womb. Once you start feeling the baby's movements, keep a close watch. If for any reason you do not feel the baby's movements at any stage contact your doctor.

Even though these problems are not commonly faced by all pregnant women, keeping a check on your health is something that every to-be-mother has to do during pregnancy.

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Story first published: Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 9:36 [IST]