There is a degree of uncertainty in the mind of a woman, during early pregnancy, as to whether conception has occurred. In fact, she may not know until her enlarging abdomen makes the situation obvious. There are three common clues of early pregnancy: 1) the missing of a regular menstrual period, 2) "morning sickness", and 3) tenderness and beginning enlargement of the breasts.
The reason for some doubt about whether a woman is pregnant, even though she misses a menstrual period, is that factors other than pregnancy can account for a missed period. Some examples of the factors that can interfere with menstruation are excessive emotional strain, a serious illness, or disturbances of the endocrine organs. In some women, "morning sickness" occurs soon after pregnancy begins. They experience nausea and some vomiting typically in the morning, although these may also occur at other times of day. This symptom usually disappears after the third month. As for tenderness and beginning enlargement of the breasts, these are natural responses to the hormones that control the events of pregnancy. The gland tissue within the breasts must develop gradually in preparation for producing milk after the child is born.
During pregnancy, certain discomforts and limitations of activity cannot be avoided. Here are the twelve usual discomforts and complications that a woman may experience at any time during her period of pregnancy:
1) Backache – This is common in pregnancy because of the necessary change in posture. It can usually be relieved somewhat by changing to low-heeled shoes or by wearing a well-fitted maternity girdle. Your doctor may likewise recommend certain exercises that can be of help.
2) Changes in the skin – When the abdomen and breasts are enlarging during pregnancy, pale red streaks commonly appear on them. These are due to the stretching of the skin. The red color fades soon after childbirth. Blotches may appear on the skin on such parts as the nose and breasts. These usually disappear promptly too after childbirth. They are more common in dark-complexioned women than in those with fair skin.
3) Fatigue – It is normal to feel tired especially during the first three months of pregnancy. During this period, your body is making new adjustments. Make sure that you get enough sleep each night. Also, try to lie down for a brief rest during the day, preferably about the middle of the afternoon.
4) Food cravings – A woman may have a strong desire for certain foods during pregnancy. Usually this does not mean the body needs any particular food element; rather, it results from some unsolved emotional problems.
5) Frequent urination – At certain times of pregnancy, the enlarging uterus exerts pressure against the bladder, producing the urge to urinate. If the symptom becomes extreme, or there is a burning sensation, let your doctor know about it immediately.
6) Heartburn – During the latter part of pregnancy, the pressure of the large uterus against the digestive organs may interfere with their normal function. This causes a pain in the lower chest or near the heart. But this does not mean you have heart trouble. Nevertheless, if the discomfort is severe, ask your doctor’s advice. Other women make the mistake of taking baking soda for relief. Taking baking soda will only change your body’s chemical balance.
7) Hemorrhoids – Enlargement of the veins inside the anus is more common during pregnancy than at other times because the pressure of the uterus on the veins interferes with the return of blood from the legs. Try to avoid straining at stool during pregnancy. To help control the problem, place a small amount of petroleum jelly or other mild lubricant inside the anus before a bowel movement.
8) Morning sickness – As mentioned earlier, a certain amount of nausea is normal during the first three months of pregnancy. Your doctor can use some of the modern methods to relieve the symptom; therefore, it should not cause major discomfort. However, there are a few cases in which the condition becomes extreme, so that food can scarcely be taken and weight is lost. Such a case should be under the doctor’s supervision.
9) Muscle cramps – Leg cramps may occur during pregnancy because of reduced circulation of blood in the legs. Massaging the muscles that cramp and warming them with a heating pad or hot-water bottle may be of some help. In occasional cases, muscle cramps are due to some deficiency in the diet, particularly a lack of calcium or certain vitamins. The symptom should be mentioned to the doctor. In some other cases, women experience some contractions of the uterus. While these are uncomfortable, they are not serious unless they become intense or occur rhythmically. In this latter case, inform the doctor immediately.
10) Toxemias of pregnancy (including eclampsia) – Your doctor will confirm that toxemias of pregnancy are serious illnesses occurring during the latter part of pregnancy. Three symptoms are evident: rise in blood pressure, an increase in the amount of tissue fluid, manifested by a sudden gain in weight and swelling of the loose tissues beneath the skin (especially of the face and fingers), and the presence of protein in the urine. Some of these symptoms occur in 5 to 10 percent of all pregnancies. With good professional medical care, the condition can be kept under control. Unless there is high blood pressure or disease of the kidneys, the symptoms will disappear soon after childbirth. Doctors warn of the more serious condition, called eclampsia, which is characterized by headache, disturbances of vision, vomiting, pain in the stomach, and possibly convulsions or coma. Fortunately, eclampsia is now rare. In some instances, the doctor in charge of such a case may choose to deliver the child early as a means of ending the disorder which endangers the mother’s life.
11) Vaginal discharge – The tissues of the vagina become more elastic during pregnancy in preparation for childbirth. Likewise, the glands located in the vagina and cervix become more active, and a mucous discharge may issue from the vagina. This is normal, unless it is accompanied by stinging, burning, or itching.
12) Varicose veins – Varicose veins in the legs may occur in pregnancy for the same reason that hemorrhoids are more common. Resting at short intervals throughout the day with feet and legs elevated will help. Elastic stockings may be beneficial in troublesome cases. Also, avoid wearing circular garters or crossing your legs when seated because these customs interfere with the return of blood through the veins.
Happiness and security mean more during pregnancy than at any other time of life. If you understand and make allowance for the various pregnancy discomforts, you will be less fretful or apprehensive and live happily during pregnancy and even enjoy the experience.