Treating pregnancy niggles

Many women say the second trimester is their favourite, and there’s a good reason for it. The tiredness and nausea that were so hard on you in the first trimester have mostly gone away, and you feel more energetic. However, this doesn't mean you’ll be completely free of discomfort – you might still experience some other minor issues.

• Constipation is a common complaint. Dr Hlengane Maluleke, a gynaecologist and obstetrician at Mediclinic Limpopo, explains that it’s due to an increase in the hormones that relax the smooth muscles. “This is meant to prevent the uterus from pushing out the unborn baby,” Dr Maluleke says. If you're affected, make sure to drink more fluids and eat more dietary fibre to help with bowel movements.
  Besides easing discomfort, treating constipation can help prevent haemorrhoids. Dr Maluleka points out that pregnant women are prone to these swollen veins around the anus, because the growing uterus increases pressure on your abdomen. This leads to congestion of the veins in the rectum.
• Oesophageal reflux is another digestive issue that happens when your uterus grows quickly and pushes your stomach upwards. At the same time, the valve between the stomach and oesophagus relaxes, leading you to reach for the antacids. It’s best to consult your doctor or pharmacist before medicating, though. While most antacids are considered safe in pregnancy, some are not. Avoid antacids that contain sodium bicarbonate and magnesium trisilicate.
  Other treatment methods include eating four to six small meals a day instead of three large ones, avoid eating within three hours of bedtime or of lying down, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and avoid foods that exacerbate the problem such as coffee, citrus fruits, chocolate and tea.
• Nose bleeds may happen because of pregnancy hormones that relax the veins in your nose. To prevent this and avoid stuffiness, try using a saline nasal spray.
• Bleeding gums are common and can be eased by using a softer toothbrush. Mouthwash may also help.
• Leg cramps also occur frequently, says Dr Maluleke. Stretching your legs and drinking more fluids may help, although leg swelling might still occur. This happens because of increased blood volume, but it’s nothing to worry about as long as your blood pressure is normal. Avoid standing for long periods, keep your legs elevated when possible, and if you haven’t done so already, switch from high heels to flat, comfortable shoes.
  Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about a magnesium supplement, which has been proven to help reduce leg cramps.
• Headaches are normal during pregnancy and there are several causes. At the start, changing hormones (yet again) may be at play, along with changes in your blood volume. Nasal congestion may also give rise to sinus headaches. However, headaches can also be a red flag, warning of pre-eclampsia, so be sure to ask your doctor if your pain is severe or doesn’t go away, or if it is accompanied by symptoms like blurred vision and dizziness. Keep hydrated, reduce your stress levels and get as much rest as possible. A cold compress on your forehead may also be soothing.
• Pigmentation is another symptom you may notice during pregnancy. This might cause darker areas on your face (called chloasma), the middle line of your abdomen (linea nigra), and breast areola. While the linea nigra and darker areola will fade after pregnancy, you can reduce facial pigmentation by using sunscreen and avoiding direct sun exposure.
• Backache occurs when your uterus grows and, in the process, stretches your back muscles. It could also feel worse as your breasts grow. Look for bras designed to give extra support. Dr Maluleke suggests that backaches might be eased by sitting in a comfortable chair and placing cushions behind you.