Get through The Bump-y Ride Part - II

In the previous part of this post, we discussed several problems a woman faces during pregnancy. This post talks about other such problems and how they can be avoided.

• Hemorrhoids or Piles: Almost half of all pregnant women are afflicted with hemorrhoids or piles. Piles in short, are rectal blood vessels that get swollen. Their size varies from a pea to a grape & can be either inside the rectal cavity or may protrude outside the anus. In whichever case, they can be uncomfortable to extremely painful. They mainly occur due to pressure from the enlarging uterus & increase in blood flow to the pelvis. Constipation can be a vital cause behind these little irritants. In some cases hemorrhoids develop postpartum as a result of pushing during labor. This problem goes away post delivery in most cases. However, a few dos & don’ts will help you fight hemorrhoids.
• Avoid CONSTIPATION by following Momsters tips mentioned under the heading “Constipation”. 
• Kegel exercises help aid in better circulation in rectal area thereby reducing the risk of piles.
• Change positions-NO standing or sitting for long periods.
• Make hygiene a priority-keep yourself clean after your trips to the toilet.
• Ice-packs or warm baths help alleviate discomfort.
• Wipes medicated with witch hazel may be used.
• If the hemorrhoids become very painful & bleed, then you must consult your gynecologist.

• Swelling or Oedema: Popularly known as water retention, where too much fluid gets accumulated into your body, is a common problem during pregnancy especially the last trimester. During pregnancy your body goes into a kind of storage mode in order to nourish your baby. Its body fluids increase thereby causing swelling. Sometimes the pressure on pelvic veins lowers blood circulation resulting in blood collecting in your lower body. This trapped blood in-turn forces fluids down to the lower body causing swelling.  However, acute swelling on the face & hands is a cause of concern & should be promptly informed to your gynecologist. Here are a few handy tips to combat Oedema:
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time-change positions. While seated, prop your feet on a stool or a raised object.
• Avoid tight clothes & shoes. 
• While lying down, do so on your left side as it takes the pressure off the pelvic vein
• Opt for support stockings or pantyhose with enough belly room. You must out these on before the swelling starts i.e. early mornings, so fluids have nowhere to accumulate.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid salty foods & drink plenty of water to flush out excess sodium. 

• Cramps, Aches & Pain: No pregnancy comes without its share of cramps, aches & pain which is inevitable as your body adjusts to weight increase & enlargement of uterus. Cramps in your feet, calves, shin, back and abdomen are quite normal during pregnancy. A woman’s muscles have to get accustomed to a different centre of gravity of your body thereby resulting in uneasiness of muscles & pain. Increased pressure on blood vessels is also a culprit. Momsters suggests a few tips to ease out the cramps.
• Take a little rest in between long standing/sitting positions by propping your feet up.
• Hot or cold compress help when done either alone or alternating. 
• A warm bath or a gentle massage always helps
• Aromatherapy may be tried but under professional guidance as some oils are not allowed during pregnancy.
• Mild exercises, that your gynecologist can advice, help prevent cramps.
• Increase fluid intake.
• Have a well-balanced diet. 
• Fatigue: Ladies, we got to give it to ourselves for making pregnancy look & sound like a breeze (well in most cases) but lets not deny the fact that it is HARD WORK. Fatigue levels vary from time to time, mostly being high during the first & last trimester. The first trimester get tiring as your body works tirelessly on building up a life-support system for your baby. Nausea/vomiting too sap the body of energy. In some cases, fatigue occurs due to iron deficiency. Growing demands of the foetus on your body, lack of sleep, etc. cause fatigue during the third trimester.
  This is what you need to do to combat fatigue issues.
• Give yourself some time off. Listen to your body & respect it when it screams out TIRED. A cat-nap can do wonders in replenishing your energy levels. 
• EAT RIGHT! Stock yourself up on energy boosters viz. complex carbohydrates & proteins.
• DRINK UP-Keep yourself hydrated.
• Split meals into smaller 6-7 portions per day, this will keep your blood-sugar levels in check.
• EXERCISE right as adviced by your medical practitioner. The endorphins released during exercise will make you happier & invigorated. 

Momsters wishes all you expectant mommies a beautiful & memorable 9 months & leaves you with something to smile at.

“A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone“ - By Author Unknown