What to Expect During Pregnancy
Great news! You are pregnant, one of the most amazing milestones women experience in their lifetime. If you are a first-time mother-to-be, no doubt your stomach is in knots at the prospect of all the changes which are to occur over the course of the next nine months. Even if you have read every book recommended on pregnancy, labor, and parenthood, nothing can quite prepare you for the firsthand experience.
Thankfully, the woman's body is naturally equipped to go through the stages of pregnancy with little interference. However not every woman is fortunate enough to have a trouble-free pregnancy. Oftentimes complications can arise which make for a bumpy road and which can have long-term consequences for the mother and child.
In reality, however, the picture is not all that bleak because many complications are common occurrences and a natural outcome of being pregnant. Knowing what to expect while you are expecting is thus essential in order to avoid unnecessary panic and worry. In most cases, if you catch a problem early on, there are many steps you can take to eliminate or reduce any potential damage or discomfort.
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms pregnant women can expect on their road to delivery:
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy have a significant impact on women. High levels of the hormone HCG are common during the first trimester and give rise to the all-too-familiar experiences of morning sickness, nausea, and mood swings. Raging hormone levels are known to induce emotions on the opposite ends of the spectrum, such as depression versus elation. However hormones are also responsible for many vital processes, such as how quickly the fetus develops and whether or not labor occurs at the right time.
High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure or "gestational hypertension" which develops near the end of pregnancy is typically non-problematic and typically goes away once the baby is born. However there are some serious risks associated with high blood pressure occurring earlier on, as hypertension can prevent food and oxygen from reaching the baby and interfere with the baby's growth. Untreated hypertension can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called preeclampsia. Pregnant women with high blood pressure should therefore expect more frequent doctor's checkups.
Low Iron: It is not uncommon for expectant mothers to suffer from low iron levels, also known as anemia. Iron deficiencies can be treated by taking iron supplements and eating an iron-rich diet including dark leafy green vegetables, red meat, dates, and prunes.
Hemorrhoids: External hemorrhoids during pregnancy are swollen blood vessels in the areas of the anus and rectum. They are the result of increased blood pressure or pressure from the growing fetus on the lower abdomen and buttocks. Hemorrhoids cause uncomfortable symptoms such as severe pain during bowel movements, blood in the stool, bleeding from the rectum, and an itchy bum. There is debate about how to treat hemorrhoids. Some women recommend over-the-counter anti-hemorrhoid creams and ointments. Other women advocate time-proven home remedies for hemorrhoid relief. To prevent the condition from occurring in the first place women should eat fiber-rich foods and drink plenty of water and fruit juices to decrease the likelihood of constipation. During pregnancy, Kegel exercises are helpful as they strengthen rectal muscles and increase blood flow to the area
Braxton-Hicks Contractions: In the eighth month of pregnancy Braxton-Hicks contractions or false labor pains may occur as the body prepares for labor and delivery. Women can get relief from Braxton-Hicks contractions by changing positions.
