Feeling of Growth and Stretching in Breasts: Due to hormonal changes, blood flow to the breasts increases, milk ducts grow and develop. The breast should always be supported by using a suitable bra. Starting from the 20th week, a milk-like liquid may come from the nipple. It should not be stimulated by squeezing the breast.
Nausea and/or vomiting: It is generally thought to be due to the effect of the βHCG hormone secreted during pregnancy. It decreases and disappears spontaneously after the 12th week. It is recommended not to leave the stomach empty, to eat small and frequent meals, to consume dry foods, and to avoid spicy, fatty and fried foods. You should also drink plenty of water. The condition in which nausea and vomiting are very severe and reduce food intake is called hyperemesis. Sometimes it may be necessary to be hospitalized and treated. It is not right to use nausea medication without consulting a doctor.
Weakness, Feeling of Fatigue and Desire to Sleep: In the first trimester, when the body is trying to get used to pregnancy, the desire to constantly sleep, feeling of fatigue and weakness are considered normal. Sleep patterns return to normal after the first three months.
In the last period of pregnancy, insomnia may occur due to the baby's movements and frequent urination. It may be beneficial to take a warm shower, drink a warm glass of milk, or read a book before going to sleep. Beverages such as tea, coffee and cola should be avoided.
Increase in Urination: It is common especially in the first and last three months of pregnancy. The reason is that the capacity of the bladder decreases due to the pressure of the growing uterus on the adjacent bladder. With less urine than normal, a feeling of fullness in the bladder occurs. If you experience complaints such as burning or stinging while urinating, consult your doctor, thinking that you may have a urinary tract infection.
Appetite Changes: As pregnancy progresses, there is an increase in appetite due to the increased nutritional requirement. When this occurs especially towards a certain group of foods, it is colloquially called "craving". There is no medical explanation for this. The expectant mother may experience cravings for a food she normally does not like or may feel disgust for a food she loves.
Weight Gain: It is one of the most obvious changes during pregnancy. A pregnant woman who eats a balanced diet and starts her pregnancy at a normal weight ideally gains between 10-14 kg.
Stomach. Intestinal Complaints: During pregnancy, the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines relax under the influence of the progesterone hormone. The sphincter between the esophagus and stomach remains loose. It becomes easier for acidic stomach contents to escape into the esophagus. The time it takes for food to pass from the stomach to the intestines is prolonged. Therefore, heartburn, heartburn and bloating are common problems in pregnant women. It is necessary to eat small amounts and frequently, and stay away from fatty and acidic foods and drinks. One should not move to a lying position for at least 2 hours after eating.
Another important problem is constipation. It occurs as a result of slowing of gastrointestinal movements during pregnancy and the pressure of the uterus on the rectum. Plenty of liquid food (water, soup, fruit juice, stew) should be consumed and pulpy foods (vegetables, legumes, fruit, salad, whole wheat bread) should be eaten. If constipation is long-term, it may cause hemorrhoids: A painful and bleeding swelling occurs in the anal area. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Gum Changes: During pregnancy, there is swelling and pain in the gums due to textural changes. It bleeds easily when brushing. Teeth should be brushed frequently, massaged and a toothbrush of appropriate softness should be chosen.
Palpitation-Blood Pressure Problems: During pregnancy, the fluid (serum) and blood cells that make up the blood increase significantly. The load on the heart increases by 50% compared to the pre-pregnancy situation. All these changes occur so that sufficient nutrients and oxygen can be delivered to the fetus. Thus, the heart rate increases slightly. In the first half of pregnancy, there may be a slight drop in blood pressure, resulting in a feeling of fainting. If the palpitation is very severe and long-lasting, the cause, especially anemia, should be investigated.
Varicose veins: The increase in intra-abdominal pressure during pregnancy slows down the rate of return of blood from the feet to the heart through the veins. Varicose veins, which become more visible especially in the last months of pregnancy, can be seen in the legs and genital area. It is necessary to avoid standing motionless for long periods of time. Sitting with feet elevated is beneficial. Small movements and regular exercise can be done to exercise the legs. Special compression stockings prepared for pregnant women can be used.
Edema: Due to the increase in the amount of fluid in the body. Especially in recent months, edema (swelling) may occur on the back of the feet and legs. Standing for long periods of time increases this condition. If edema is also evident in the hands and face, caution should be taken for preeclampsia (pregnancy poisoning). A doctor should be consulted to measure blood pressure and investigate the presence of protein in the urine. For relief, it is recommended not to stand for long periods of time, to lift the legs while resting, and not to wear tight underwear and elastic socks.
Headache: It is a little more common, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. Its severity may change during pregnancy. Painkillers should not be used unless necessary and without consulting a doctor.
Cramps: It is one of the complaints that appear after the first half of pregnancy. Less physical activity, more load on the legs may be due to less calcium and magnesium intake. Appropriate exercises and consuming plenty of milk and dairy products reduce cramps. Massaging the legs and applying heat relieves the cramp.
Waist and Back Pain: Increasing weight with the advancing pregnancy period causes a change in position in the spine. Waist and back pains are very common due to the formation of an inward curve in the lumbar and back vertebrae and the muscles around the spine remaining contracted for a long time in order to maintain this situation. Supporting the waist area with a pillow of appropriate size while sitting, wearing orthopedic shoes (must have a light heel), and sleeping on an orthopedic or not too soft bed can reduce these complaints.
Discharge: There is a significant increase in the amount of vaginal discharge during pregnancy. This normal discharge is colorless and odorless. If the discharge is yellow-green in color and foul-smelling, or if there is a milky discharge along with burning and itching in the vagina, a physician should be consulted. Vaginal infections during pregnancy can cause undesirable conditions such as premature birth and premature water breaking of the baby. During pregnancy, underwear should be changed every day, toilet cleaning should be done from the chamber to the anus, the inside of the vagina should not be washed, deodorant and perfumed products should not be used.
Skin Changes: Skin changes may be seen in some areas due to the regional increase in the melanin pigment that gives the skin its color. It is necessary to protect from sunlight. These spots are It will decrease and disappear after birth. There may be an increase in the size and darkness of the moles on the skin.
Stretch marks may occur due to rapid weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. The depth and amount of these cracks are closely related to the skin's ability to stretch. Drinking plenty of water and using creams that increase elasticity can reduce these.
The cause of skin itching is usually skin stretching. Taking a warm shower or using a moisturizer may be beneficial.
Numbness-Tingling in Hands and Fingers: It occurs as a result of compression of the nerve fibers in the wrist due to edema (carpal tunnel syndrome), and is especially evident in the mornings. Its severity decreases during the day.
Psychological Changes: There may be problems such as extreme sensitivity, sadness, irritability, and sleep disorders, which are thought to be caused by hormonal changes. The support of the family in this regard is greatly comforting.
Things to Consider During Pregnancy
Medication Use During Pregnancy: Between the 30th and 60th days after the last menstrual period, organ development takes place and external factors are most effective. affected teratogenic period. During this period, medication should not be used unless it is absolutely necessary and your doctor deems it necessary. For medications used in the first month, the all-or-nothing law generally applies. In other words, pregnancy either results in miscarriage or is not affected.
Pregnancy and Sexuality: Except for certain situations, there is no prohibition on sexual intercourse until the last three weeks during pregnancy. Sexual intercourse is prohibited in cases such as vaginal bleeding, threat of premature birth, premature opening of the gestational sac, and if the partner is a carrier of sexually transmitted diseases. Pregnant women who do not have vaginal infections or post-coital complaints may be allowed to have sexual intercourse at most 3 times a week.
Pregnancy and Travel: Pregnancy is not an obstacle to traveling. During the travel, you should take frequent breaks, take a walk and drink plenty of water during the break. There is no harm in traveling by plane. After the 28th week, you must get a report from your doctor stating that there is no harm in traveling.
Pregnancy and Magnetic Field: The devices used for security reasons at the entrances of buildings may not be suitable for pregnancy. There is no danger. When necessary, pregnant women can undergo MRI for diagnostic purposes.
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