Getting pregnant can be so exciting, but learning about the realities of pregnancy can make you wonder, “What is going on with my body?” Your OBGYN is the best person to ask about the aches and pains, digestive and urinary issues, vascular and skin changes, sleep issues, and other random sensations you experience as your baby grows. Learn how to navigate common pregnancy discomforts with the guidance of your team at West Des Moines OBGYN Associates.
Aches and Pains
During pregnancy, hormones, the growth of the fetus in your stomach, and added weight can factor into feeling pain throughout your body, including:
- Breasts
- Feet
- Back
- Groin
- Uterus
- Joints
- Pelvis
- Headaches
In most women, the breasts feel tender very early in pregnancy, and the back will become achy and sore. Some women have headaches, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications, but they may be associated with gestational high blood pressure. Uterine contractions can be felt—sometimes quite randomly—so talk to your doctor about how to know the difference between twinges from the baby moving versus the actual labor contractions.
Did you know that pregnancy hormones change the flexibility of ligaments that contribute to a natural, vaginal birth? It’s true. The ligaments in the hips, pelvis and groin need to be looser to allow for childbirth. Unfortunately, the hormonal process that makes childbirth easier can also contribute to pain.
The best approach to aches and pains is to educate yourself about the possible cramps, spasms, and throbbing pains, and to address them as they come. You know your body, so you are the best person to determine whether a shooting stab of pain needs medical attention. Get in touch with your OBGYN if pain is acute or persistent, or if you have a question about a weird pain you’re experiencing. You may even benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy throughout your pregnancy.
Digestive/Urinary Issues
While morning sickness is the best-known of the gut issues that accompany pregnancy, there are several problems to watch out for, most of which are minor, but could be embarrassing:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Hemorrhoids
- Bladder urgency
More than 70 percent of pregnant women feel ill with morning sickness, usually in the first trimester. The nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of day as your body adjusts to the changes. Morning sickness can continue through the first months of pregnancy.
Other digestive and urinary issues can continue as the baby grows and places pressure on your bladder, colon, and other organs. That may mean you go #1 and #2 more frequently—and you may experience bladder leakage, gas, or heartburn. To maintain regular bowel movements and avoid hemorrhoids, drink water, eat fruits and vegetables, exercise, and go to the bathroom when the urge strikes. You may wish to address leakage by seeing one of our pelvic floor physical therapists. Most women’s bodies recover from these issues after the baby is born, but always talk to your OBGYN if problems are persistent.
Other Changes
Pregnancy can result in other changes that affect your lifestyle, including sleep issues, dizziness, minor skin changes, and vascular changes:
- Sleep/Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Vascular — swelling, bleeding gums, bloody nose, varicose veins
- Low or no sex drive
- Skin — stretch marks, acne, dark spots and lines
Fatigue and dizziness may be problematic for some pregnant women. Dizziness should initially be evaluated by a physician, as there may be issues with blood pressure or blood sugar. Remember to take it easy and not stand too quickly.
Fatigue can slow you down, but it is normal. Sleep issues can add to the fatigue. Again, later in the pregnancy, you may find it difficult to be comfortable in bed. Consider pregnancy pillows and other physical supports to help you get the sleep you need to function well and stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. Benadryl, Unisom and Magnesium are safe to take during pregnancy and can help you achieve better sleep. Prenatal yoga designed for pregnant women may be calming while also helping stretch and ease your bodily aches and pains.
Finally, the systemic changes to the body include changes to the vascular system. With another life growing inside, the blood vessels are working harder to pump blood, so they may be closer to the skin and more prone to bleeding. For example, flossing your teeth may result in bleeding when it didn’t before, but it is very important to continue good oral hygiene to avoid gingivitis and possible infections. Consider more gentle flossing options, such as a water flosser or rubber dental picks.
Another possible vascular issue with pregnancy is varicose veins. The extra pressure and more sedentary stage of the final trimester can contribute to blood pooling, which results in varicose veins. These often resolve after the baby is born, like many of the other pregnancy discomforts.
During the 38 weeks of gestation, a woman’s body experiences an influx of hormones as the fetus develops, and the tummy grows exponentially, so it’s normal to feel pregnancy pains. Use your best judgment in dealing with these everyday aches and pains, and keep your scheduled visits to your obstetrician so you can ask her any questions.
Patients at West Des Moines OBGYN Associates can message using Klara to ask questions of the staff when pain or immediate issues arise. We can also coordinate your care with in house pelvic floor physical therapy to further address specific issues. We look forward to providing you professional, compassionate care from our all-female OBGYN and physical therapy team.
