Minor Pregnancy Complications - What you can do about them

Every pregnant woman will experience some degree of minor pregnancy complications. If you just sail through pregnancy without even the smallest problem, then very well done! You are probably one in a million.

If you do suffer with any problems while you're pregnant, do see your doctor or midwife before using any over the counter medication, although most chemists here in the UK won't sell you things that could harm your baby if they know you are pregnant.

When I was pregnant with Lauren it was winter and I had a terrible cold and blocked nose, the chemist wouldn't sell me any cold or flu products, the best they could advise me to do was, olbas oil in a bowl of hot water and inhale!Please do follow their advice, you don't want to take anything that could harm your baby (even without realising)

Ok let's take a look at some minor pregnancy complications, and if there's anything you can do about them.

Nausea & Vomiting

This can be a very common pregnancy problem especially in those first few weeks. Morning sickness symptoms can be eased with some basic guidelines. When you wake in the morning, avoid getting out of bed too quickly, maybe eat a dry cracker (or someone advised me) a ginger biscuit before you actually get up. Try not to leave to long between meals (so avoid having an empty stomach) Eat smaller more frequent meals, 5 or 6 smaller meals may well suit you better than 3 larger ones (this can also help to ease heartburn)Drink something half an hour or so after eating.And one tip I found while searching around (not sure if it works - please let me know if it does) Try smelling a freshly cut lemon!

Back Ache

This is a very common pregnancy complication. I had back ache, and I found it more annoying than anything else. Mild exercise can sometimes help, or a gentle massage. Try using a wheatie (one of things that you warm up in the microwave) or a hot water bottle and placing it on your back, or leaning back onto it.Check with your doctor if you can use a mild paracetamol, you don't want to be taking these too often.

Heartburn

Oh how I hated heartburn! This is an extremely annoying pregnancy complication. I had it all day every day. Don't just use any antacid remedy that you find, make sure you check the box as some cannot be used while you're pregnant. If you see your doctor he may prescribe something if you're really suffering. I was given Gaviscon (funnily enough I used it that much while I was pregnant, that I can't use it now, it makes me feel sick!) Again try smaller more frequent meals rather than 3 large meals a day. Try not to lie down within an hour of eating, you will just be working against gravity!

Hemorrhoids or Piles

This depending on how look at things, is probably the most embarrassing pregnancy problem! Everybody's least favourite thing to talk about! They can be painful. So don't suffer just because you don't want to see your doctor about it. Get advice from either your pharmacist or midwife, they can tell you which creams to use.

Constipation

Drink plenty of water, and eat lots of fresh fruit and fibre with your diet. If you really are struggling, an old tip that I picked up was, while you re sitting on the loo, try gently rocking backwards and forwards (I don't know why, but this really did work!) If this pregnancy complication is really persistent, visit your doctor who may prescribe something.

Dehydration

Now you're pregnant it is really important to keep up a good fluid intake, drink as much water as you can to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration while your pregnant can lead to other minor pregnancy complications, uterine contractions being one of them.

Abdominal pain

Some abdominal pain will be experienced during pregnancy. The idea is that if you are at all worried by any pain, see your GP as soon as you possibly can. Some abdominal pain can be ligaments stretching around your ever growing uterus, but this shouldn't be severe. I sometimes had it, and it felt more like stitch (you know that feeling you get when you walk too fast just after a meal) Any cramping pain, severe abdominal pain or contraction like pains should be checked by a professional (these may not be minor pregnancy complications) Don't take any chances that they will go away on their own. Even if it is only something minor, its always best to be 'safe than sorry'!

Varicose viens

Something we all dread (and one of least wanted pregnancy complications), if these do start to appear, then try sitting with your legs up. You could buy some of those pressure socks or stockings, these are also a very good idea if you intend to fly while pregnant, I had a lovely navy pair when we went abroad and I was around 30 weeks pregnant (not very sexy, but reduces the risk of DVT) Get help to put them on if you need it, with a bump sticking out in front, and with how tight they are, it could take a while. I was in the airport toilets for about 20 minutes trying to get mine on :-) And again follow the instructions carefully.

Well that's about it, there are a few other minor pregnancy complications but not as common as these. As always if problems during pregnancy that you experience are any cause of concern for you, or if you suffer any pain or severe discomfort, DO see your doctor or midwife. They won't think you're wasting their time, and it could be something serious, don't leave it to chance!

Minor pregnancy complications and any pregnancy problem is just part of the pregnancy cycle, we would probably wonder what was wrong if we didn't have the odd few twinges or sickly feelings :-)

Have you read enough? or would you like to take a look at some of the Minor pregnancy complications that I didn't mention.

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