Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Minor discomfort during pregnancy (2nd trimester)

 Minor discomfort during pregnancy (2nd trimester)

At the second trimester of pregnancy the pregnant woman will notice some physical changes in her body, at this time the woman experience some discomforts, - but not like the first trimester – this because of the progressive hormonal changes during pregnancy. 

Heartburn During Pregnancy - Nabta Health

1- Heart burn

Heartburn is a burning pain in the throat or chest, behind the breastbone, caused by stomach acid coming up the esophagus and irritating the lining

What Causes Heartburn during Pregnancy?

Pregnancy hormones are largely responsible for the heartburn that plagues many women. High levels of progesterone cause the muscle that sits between the esophagus and stomach to relax. "When this happens, acids from your stomach can move upward more easily,"

In pregnant women, indigestion and heartburn can be caused by:

1. Eating a big meal

2. Eating high-fat foods

3. Eating chocolate or peppermint

4. Drinking fruit juice or caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, cola drinks)

5. Doing physical activity soon after eating

6. Bending over

7. Feeling anxious

Strategies for Pregnancy Heartburn Relief

1-Eat Less, More Often Overeating exacerbates heartburn Sitting upright while eating, and not lying down after a meal 

2-Eliminate Trigger Foods 

-Identify the foods that intensify your heartburn common heartburn triggers include acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, greasy or fried foods, spicy foods, chocolate, coffee and carbonated beverages.

3-Stop smoking 

4-Chewing gum, produce more saliva to help neutralize the acid 

5-Focus on Fluids 

6-Look for liquids that offer plenty of protein, such as milk and drinkable yogurt.

7-Sleep Smart: 

-To avoid nighttime heartburn during pregnancy, don't eat anything for at least three hours before bedtime. 

-Elevate the head of your bed 

-Sleep on your left side 

8-Take Antacids:

-Antacids can help neutralize the acid in your stomach and bring relief to your heartburn fast.

-Avoid antacids that list aluminum (such as aluminum hydroxide or aluminum carbonate) as an ingredient; it can cause constipation and can even be toxic in large doses.


2- Indigestion 

 It’s called dyspepsia, it’s a mild discomfort in the upper abdomen. 

Causes:

1. Trouble swallowing 

2. Bleeding 

3. Weight loss 

4. Rarely, the discomfort of a heart attack is mistaken for indigestion 

5. Indigestion may be triggered by: 

- Eating spicy, fatty, or greasy foods 

- Eating too much 

- Eating too fast 

- Stress or being nervous 

- Drinking too much caffeine 

- Smoking tobacco 

- Eating high- fiber foods 

6. Baby push up the stomach 

7. Hormonal changes 

Changing the way you eat may help your symptoms, steps you can take:

1 -Allow enough time for meals

2 -Chew food carefully and completely

3 - Avoid argument during meals

4- Avoid exercise right after meals

5- Relax and take rest if indigestion caused by stress

6 - Avoid aspirin and other NSAIDs, if you must take them, do so on full stomach

7- Antacids may relieve indigestion


3- Hemorrhoids and constipation 


Hemorrhoids are swollen veins at the end of the large intestine (anus). They often stick out from the anus. They can also be located on the inside of the lower intestine 

Piles (Haemorrhoids) in PregnancyHemorrhoids can result from constipation. Bowels slow down during pregnancy. When stool is hard, the extra straining to eliminate it can put pressure on veins in your rectal area, causing them to become inflamed and bulge.

 - Bleeding, itching, and pain are common hemorrhoid symptoms. 

Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy because:

The enlarged uterus places extra pressure 

Constipation, a common problem during pregnancy, 

- causes less frequent and more strained bowel movements. The bowels commonly move more slowly during pregnancy. 

- And iron in prenatal vitamins also can cause constipation. 

To prevent or ease constipation and hemorrhoids:

• Eat a high-fiber diet (lots of whole fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). 

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. 

• Don't strain (push hard) during a bowel movement. 

• Increase the amount of exercise you get every day. 

To treat the itching or pain of hemorrhoids: 

• Keep the anus clean by wiping carefully. Gently wipe from the front to the back. 

Baby wipes or hemorrhoid pads are usually gentler than toilet paper. 

• Take warm soaks in a tub or a sits bath. Warm water can help shrink or soothe hemorrhoids. Add baking soda to the water to relieve itching. 

• Apply ice pack compresses. 

• Avoid sitting for long periods, especially on hard chairs. 

• An over-the-counter or prescription medicine to apply to hemorrhoids to relieve the itching. 

• A stool softener to prevent straining.






4- Braxton hicks contractions

These are mild, intermittent, usually painless, uterine contractions.

a) These are normal contractions: 

b) Get plenty of rest. 

c) Change position as often as possible. 

d) Practice breathing techniques when contractions are bothersome.

palmar erythema - pictures, photos

5- Palmar erythema: Is reddening of the palms and itching caused by hyperemia of superficial capillaries 

How to relief? 

- This is normal during pregnancy. 

- Calamine lotion to the rescue the itchiness. 

- Disappears naturally. 

Palmar erythema would naturally disappear once the body has adjusted to the increased estrogen.




6- Nasal stuffing and epistaxis

Nosebleeds During Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment And PreventionStuffiness in nose and sometimes even the nosebleeds that accompany it, usually start around week 16 of pregnancy and usually stick with you (and sometimes get worse) to the very end. So keep a tissue handy. 

High levels of the pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow to all of your body's mucous membranes — including the nose, the mucous membranes swell and soften, leading to a stuffy nose.

The constant blowing and sneezing produces the occasional nosebleed. 


 How to prevent? 

Use the right blow technique. Use your thumb to close one nostril, and blow gently out the other side. Repeat with the other nostril until you can breathe again. Make sure you use a soft tissue to prevent chafing. 

Take OTC relief. Medications like antihistamines and most decongestant nasal sprays may be safe for short-term use.

Moisten the air. 

Get more vitamin C after asking your doctor, this may make capillaries stronger, which reduces the chance of nosebleeds during pregnancy. Or just drink more OJ and eat more vitamin C-rich fruits and veggies like kiwis, bell peppers and tomatoes. 

Lean forward. When get a nosebleed, lean slightly forward rather than back, and pinch the area right above your nostrils and below the bridge of your nose closed for five minutes. If the bleeding continues, repeat. If nosebleeds become frequent during pregnancy, consult your practitioner. 






References: 

  1. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/indigestion-and-heartburn/

  2. https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/pregnancy/week-by-week/2nd-trimester/week-14/#anchor-tabs

  3. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/nosebleeds-while-pregnant


By: Muhammad Shabaan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamedshaaban55/




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