“Common complications of pregnancy and how to overcome them” is a collaborative post.
Pregnancy can be a wonderfully uplifting process – but it’s also one that’s fraught with potential problems. By anticipating these problems, you can often get around them – or, at least, minimise their impact on your life. It’s worth discussing your symptoms with your doctor, or your midwife – since, in some cases, they can indicate a more serious underlying problem that needs to be addressed urgently.
With that said, let’s take a look at a few of the more common side effects that arise during pregnancy.
Hair loss
The condition of your hair can change during pregnancy. In some cases, it might get thicker. In others, it might thin, or even fall out. This might point to a number of causes, including a deficiency in certain vitamins or minerals. Remember, the baby is taking up a portion of the nutrients you take on board, so it might be necessary to adjust your intake. Other culprits can be chronic stress, your thyroid gland, or disease.
In some instances, it might be worth supplementing. Look for biotin, vitamin E, or selenium – which tend to be found in hair loss vitamins. Or, just take a multivitamin that’s been designed and marketed with pregnant women in mind.
Skin changes
Your skin might change, much like your hair. It might appear to darken, or lighten, in patches. Birthmarks, freckles and moles might subside, especially after you’ve given birth. It’s worth being a little cautious about your exposure to direct sunlight during this time since your sensitivity to it might be different than you’re used to. You can also apply topical treatments to address the problem, including azelaic acid, vitamin C, or glycolic acid.
Morning sickness
The most notorious symptom of pregnancy occurs during the first trimester and usually clears up by week twenty. In rare cases, sickness can be a result of a disease called hyperemesis gravidarum. This is much more severe, and doesn’t clear up until much later. You might suffer from dehydration, weight loss and dizziness.
You can limit the problem of morning sickness by working out what triggers it. Certain flavours or smells might cause you to feel sick. For best results, stay hydrated, and stick to bland foods.
Heartburn
The physical presence of the baby inside your body can disrupt your other organs. This can cause a range of symptoms, including heartburn. The baby is pressing against your stomach from beneath, causing feelings of bloating, sickness, and heartburn.
It can be helpful to think of the capacity of your stomach as lower. Limit yourself to smaller, more frequent meals – and avoid overeating!
