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Early Pregnancy Signs - Coping With Discomfort
In addition to the 10 most common signs of pregnancy, women can experience other early pregnancy signs such as these:
1. Back Pain
During pregnancy, the uterus and breasts increase in size and weight. Hormones released during this time loosen ligaments that attach the spine to the pelvic bone.Because of this, back pains are frequent early pregnancy signs. Resting with the knees slightly elevated, warm baths, and massage can often relieve back pain temporarily.
If the pain is severe and persistent, doctors may be able to prescribe painkillers. Pregnant women should not take anything before first checking with their doctors and we suggest not taking any medication, if possible, so as to avoid any toxicity to the growing baby and taxing the liver.
2. Leg Cramps
Leg cramps are often another consequence of the extra weight being carried around during pregnancy. Some experts claim that leg cramps could also be due to changes in the blood circulation in the legs.These cramps are felt most often in the second and third trimesters and can be relieved by stretching, walking, warm baths, and/or massages.
The growing uterus also puts pressure on the veins that come up from the legs, causing the accumulation of fluid around the ankles. This accumulation leads to edema (swelling), which can often be relieved by elevating the ankles while seated, wearing waist-high support tights and/or exercising.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrom is also one of the early pregnancy signs. Essentially, a woman feels "pins and needles" in her hands, accompanied often by pain, numbness, and weakness in the fingers.What is actually happening is that fluid builds up around the wrists and the nerves that run to the hand muscles and skin become compressed. If the pain does not go away, a doctor may suggest a molded wrist splint.
4. Varicose Veins
Another of the early pregnancy signs caused by the growing uterus is varicose veins, which are enlarged veins in the legs.Pressure is put on the veins in the pelvis and legs and hormones cause the walls of blood vessels to relax, thereby causing the development of varicose veins.
Women can prevent their development by gently exercising on a regular basis, not crossing their legs while seated, putting their feet up often, and putting on support tights or stockings as soon as they wake up. More often than not, varicose veins disappear after the birth of the baby.
5. Hemorrhoids
Finally, hemorrhoids can also be one of the early pregnancy signs. These occurring as a result of straining muscles from constipation, caused by changes in the circulation of blood around a woman's body.Women can try to avoid getting hemorrhoids by trying to avoid getting constipated. Drinking plenty of water is the easiest first step to avoiding constipation and hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Over-the-counter creams and taking warm baths can also provide relief.
As with varicose veins, hemorrhoids will usually go away after the baby is born. In some cases, it may be necessary to surgically remove them, so it's best to try to avoid getting constipated by drinking 10 to 12 glasses of water and eating fresh, high fiber foods such as fruit, raw or lightly steamed vegetables, beans and whole grains.
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