Top Ten Pregnancy Complaints and the BEST Solutions- Part 1

We asked you what was ailing you and it turns out that the responses we got were a lot of the same pregnancy complaints- things that top the list for pregnant women all over the world. You are NOT alone! So we made our list, did the research, and we are excited to give you all the details about how you can find relief.

Because we wanted to cover the solutions to these common ailments in detail, we decided to split this topic up into 2 episodes. Here's what we covered in Part 1:

Heartburn/Acid Reflux

-About half of pregnant women experience this sometime throughout their pregnancy

-Caused by the hormones Relaxin & Progesterone

-Valve between esophagus and stomach that allows food to pass through and cuts off stomach acid from coming back up gets relaxed from those hormones.

-Things move more slowly through body

-Big meals can especially cause it

-Baby getting bigger and creating more pressure on stomach, moving it higher

SOLUTIONS

-Eat smaller, more frequent meals, sit up after eating, sleep on left side (right side can put stomach above esophagus) and stay inclined using pillows + more ideas given in episode!

WATCH OUT & TALK TO PROVIDER IF...

-It’s keeping you up at night

You may be diagnosed with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). This is rarer but can occur when acid reflux is bad enough that it’s causing damage to the esophagus.

THE GOOD NEWS

-This typically resolves itself very shortly after giving birth! 

Pelvic Pain/SPD

-SPD (Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction) or PGP (Pelvic Girdle Pain) occurs in about 20-25% of pregnancies or 1-5/1-4 women experience some form of pelvic pain during pregnancy.

-They believe it’s a bit more than 20% because many women are likely undiagnosed.

-Walking, rolling over in bed, lifting one leg (like going up stairs), exercise, getting in and out of the car, every day things become very painful.

-Most often described as pain in the pubic area but can be felt in the perineum and thighs as well.

-Relaxin is to blame in part - sometimes it works too well and too quickly!

SOLUTIONS

-No heavy lifting - generally we say no heavy lifting anyways, do things that allow both legs to be able to move in sync instead of separate + more ideas given in episode!

WATCH OUT & TALK TO PROVIDER IF...

-You are finding yourself in tears or unable to live life somewhat normally, especially if you’ve already done all the things listed above

-They may decide to use medicine for pain or give you a referral to a physical therapist/pelvic floor therapist if you are not seeing one already

-Do NOT wait too long. If you have pain, don’t suffer in silence and write it off as a normal pregnancy complaint

-You may still have to deal with this during pregnancy and perhaps you find little relief but reach out. There may be some help waiting for you!

THE GOOD NEWS
-Just like with heartburn/acid reflux, this tends to go away pretty quickly after baby is born!

Tiredness/Exhaustion

-Fatigue and exhaustion affect upwards of 60% or more women during pregnancy

-More common in 1st and 3rd trimesters, but some women experience it throughout

-Caused by the fact that you’re growing a baby! :) Your body is doing so much physical work, not to mention hormonal changes like increasing progesterone & estrogen.

-Stress/Anxiety, poor habits, not having much of a routine, less exercise, more eating, your body producing more blood, lower blood pressure and blood, low iron levels (anemia), and not sleeping as well at night or through the night are also common culprits.

SOLUTIONS

-Eat iron-rich foods (red meat, leafy greens) and take an iron supplement, exercise regularly even if you’re tired, drink lots of water, limit caffeine + more ideas given in episode!

WATCH OUT & TALK TO PROVIDER IF...

-You experience sudden waves of fatigue

-You have fatigue with any of the following: dizziness, shortness of breath, vision changes, sudden swelling in hands, ankles feet, especially with pitting, pain in upper abdomen, heart palpitations

-Always bring up what you are feeling at your appointments

-Do not wait to reach out, you can still call your provider and talk to the on-call nurse

THE GOOD NEWS

-Once you have your baby you’ll be dealing with a different kind of fatigue!

Nausea & Vomiting

-About 70% of women experience “morning sickness”

-Some women have it their whole pregnancy which we feel is pretty unfair!

-Primarily caused by levels of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). HCG peaks at around 12-16 weeks which is why nausea begins to alleviate at that time for most women

-Estrogen and progesterone rising may contribute to nausea as well since this slows down digestion. Increased saliva, sensitivity to smells, having an empty stomach, having a metallic taste in your mouth, & certain medications like anti-depressants may contribute as well. 

SOLUTIONS

-Eat small, frequent meals, seasick bands, anything peppermint + more ideas given in episode!

WATCH OUT & TALK TO PROVIDER IF...

-You cannot keep food down

-Losing weight

-Dehydrated

-Cannot work/function normally

-Have them check for Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Some women need IV fluids and medication to be able to eat and drink

THE GOOD NEWS

-This typically subsides between 12-16 weeks

-For moms that have to deal with it through the whole pregnancy, it will go away right after baby is born!

Hip Pain

-About 1 in 3 women will experience hip pain during pregnancy

-Caused by hormone Relaxin, weight gain, posture & position, sitting in chairs for long periods of time

SOLUTIONS

-Pillows in-between legs, peanut ball (may not be as comfortable to sleep with), pelvic tilts + more ideas given in episode!

WATCH OUT & CONTACT PROVIDER IF...

-Limping/unusual pain, sudden pain, sharp/shooting pain, contractions/tightening of abdomen with hip pain, hip pain that comes in waves

THE GOOD NEWS

-Hip pain tends to alleviate on its own in just a few weeks after birth!