Pregnancy is a natural condition and should not be treated as a sickness or ailment. The female body is designed to deal with the changes that are part of pregnancy and to protect both the mother and the unborn child. That said, the fact remains that the mother’s body has a lot to do during the months of pregnancy and this can cause medical problems. While any major issues must be diagnosed and treated without delay to protect the mother and child, several common problems do arise that can be dealt with without the need for medical intervention. However, it is important to note that if the home remedies for the problems listed below are not effective, you should contact your doctor without delay.
Home Remedies for Pregnancy-Realted Ailments
These are the most common medical issues that pregnant women face. There is no need to allow these issues to cause alarm or stress which could affect the health of the mother and child. Try the treatments given for the various problems which often provide quick and effective relief. If you feel that they are ineffective, then do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
Constipation: The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy often cause constipation. To prevent this from developing you should:
- Eat fiber-rich foods such as whole-meal cereals, pulses, vegetables and fruits.
- Get enough exercise to keep your abdominal muscles strong.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid iron and other dietary supplements that cause constipation. Talk to your doctor before changing any supplements. You may be advised to take the supplements in another form.
Also Read: Common Misconceptions About Gynecological Health
Cramps: Cramped muscles can develop in any part of the body, but during pregnancy, cramping occurs most commonly in the feet and calves, especially at night. Alleviate this problem with this gentle exercise to keep the muscles of the ankle and feet strong and flexible:
- Rotate each foot 8 times in one direction and 8 times in the other.
- Bend and stretch each foot vigorously in an up-and-down movement 30 times.
- Pull the toes on each foot up towards the ankles to stretch the muscles, tendons and ligaments and keep them flexible.
Feeling Faint: Because of the new and increasing demands being placed on your body, hormonal changes occur and because of this, the blood flow to the brain may be affected. This could make you feel faint. This commonly happens when you stand up too quickly, just after a bath, or when you rise from a prone position. To reduce the chances of fainting:
- Get up slowly when rising from a sitting position.
- If the feeling comes on while standing, sit down immediately and rest for a few minutes till the faintness passes.
- If the faintness develops while lying on your back, turn on your side till the feeling fades away. If you are in the habit of sleeping on your back, talk to your doctor about the problems this could cause in the later part of the pregnancy.
Also Read: Understanding High-Risk Pregnancies
Frequent Urination: This common problem usually starts early in the pregnancy. In the later stages, this is the result of the baby’s head pressing on the bladder.
- The problem is often worse at night. If so, try to reduce the intake of liquids before going to bed. However, this reduction must be balanced by an increase in the consumption of water, fresh juices and other healthy beverages during the day.
- When on the toilet, rocking backward and forwards in a steady rhythm can help reduce the pressure on the womb so that the bladder is able to fully empty itself.
- Avoid alcoholic and caffeine-rich drinks as these, besides being bad for you, have a diuretic effect and increase the desire to urinate.
- If you feel any pain or burning when urinating, that could be a sign of an infection. Contact your doctor without delay.
Incontinence: This is a common problem both during and after pregnancy. Leakage of urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, move suddenly or rise from a sitting position, occurs frequently. The cause is usually due to the pelvic floor muscles starting to relax in preparation for the baby’s delivery. The problem can be alleviated by exercise. Talk to your doctor about the exercises you should do.
Varicose Veins: This is the name for the swollen veins that are visible under the skin. The condition can be uncomfortable and painful but is not a serious one. The most common place for this to occur is the legs, but varicose veins can also develop around the vagina. The problem often fades away after the baby is born. If you have varicose veins you should:
- Not stay standing for long periods of time
- Cross your legs when sitting
- Control your weight (while maintaining nutrition levels as advised by your doctor) to reduce the weight placed on your legs
- Sit with your legs up on a stool or chair whenever possible
- Sleep with a pillow under your legs to raise them higher than the rest of your body so blood flows away
- Ask your doctor about foot exercises you can do during your pregnancy
Being pregnant is a cause for joy. It is also a time when your body undergoes changes and is subjected to stress. Although the female anatomy is designed to deal with these natural and normal issues, there are times when medical intervention may be required to prevent a problem from escalating into one that could have serious consequences for both, the mother and the unborn child. The best way to avoid the stress that uncertainty causes is to go for scheduled OB/GYN checkups and to discuss any problems or doubts with your doctor. Going to the obstetrics and gynaecology department of a multispecialty hospital will ensure that you have access to the most modern medical treatment and care facilities along with access to the best OB/GYN specialists. The biggest advantage of being treated at a multispecialty hospital is that if any other health problems should arise that could affect the pregnancy, they can be diagnosed and treated at the same place, placing less strain on you and your unborn child.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes constipation during pregnancy and how can I relieve it?
Hormonal changes slow digestion and iron supplements can add to it. Eat fiber‑rich foods (whole grains, fruits, veggies), stay active, drink plenty of water, and talk to your doctor about supplement forms.
What helps ease cramps in my feet and calves at night?
Rotate each foot in both directions, bend and stretch up and down, and gently pull toes toward your ankles. These simple exercises keep muscles flexible and reduce cramps.
Why do I feel faint when pregnant and what should I do?
Rising blood volume and hormone shifts can lower blood flow to your brain. Stand up slowly, sit down if you feel dizzy, or lie on your side until it passes.
How can I manage frequent urination during pregnancy?
Reduce fluids before bedtime, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and try rocking gently on the toilet to fully empty your bladder. Drink more healthy fluids earlier in the day.
What can I do about incontinence while pregnant?
Strengthen pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises as advised by your doctor. Consistent practice helps control leaks when you cough, sneeze, or move suddenly.
How do I reduce discomfort from varicose veins during pregnancy?
Avoid long periods of standing, elevate your legs when sitting or lying down, control weight gain, and ask your doctor about gentle leg exercises.