Some women may put on about 20 pounds during pregnancy but still look radiant. They even glow and exude happiness, always in a sunny disposition.
If you are the opposite, you feel fat, clumsy, uneasy and generally just uncomfortable, don’t worry. You belong to the majority of women who have these pregnancy symptoms.
We will share some advice on how to handle pregnancy hormones. Fortunately, not all of it should be endured since they can be dealt with cheerfulness, self-confidence, and creativity.
1. Weight Gain
Whatever body you have pre-pregnancy, you will always end up gaining 15-25 pounds during the entire pregnancy.
Expert Advice: Eating should be done in moderation despite eating for two. You should always avoid food that is high in sugar to monitor your weight gain and food intake.
Sex during pregnancy is safe but must be refrained from 36 weeks onwards. After 32 weeks, orgasm may induce premature labor and if you have a low-lying placenta, placenta previa, a history of miscarriage or premature labor, make sure that you consult your OB regarding sexual relations.
2. Dark Underarms
Pigmentation is caused by increased production of estrogen and progesterone.
Experts Advice: moms-to-be to just wait out till your skin lightens again. Pigmentation in pregnancy is normal. Putting bleaching creams is not advisable since this is absorbed by the skin and the chemicals can harm your baby’s development.
3. Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are caused by ruptures of muscle fibers as weight fluctuates They can reddish/purplish at first but will turn silvery white.
Expert Advice: Stretch mark creams and lotions can be tried to lessen the lines. Products with cocoa butter can help a lot.
4. Flatulence
An enlarged uterus can compress the intestines which eventually causes gas or air to accumulate.
Expert Advice: Gas inducing foods like spicy foods and broccoli should be avoided.
5. Bloating
Hormonal changes in pregnancy cause water retention which impairs the ability to excrete sodium.
Expert Advice: Salty food should be avoided and drink lots of fluid instead. Support stocking should be worn to help lessen manas and keep your feet elevated at night. Do not stay in one position for more than an hour. Exercises like walking are also recommended to increase blood flow to your body.
6. Pimples
Breakouts are pretty common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
Expert Advice: Topical ointments with strong chemicals like tretinoin can harm fetal development so it’s better that you consult with our dermatologists for alternative treatments before applying anything to your face.
7. Heavy Discharge
Leucorrhea or commonly known as the vaginal discharge is common in pregnancy due to heightened levels of estrogen that increases mucus formation by the cervical glands.
Expert Advice: Vaginal discharge may be common in pregnancy but it still pays to consult your OB-GYN and get a Pap smear to check any bacterial or yeast infection. If the wet feeling makes you uneasy and uncomfortable, you may wear panty shields but always change your pads every two hours to avoid bacteria build-up and odor.
8. Frequent Urination
Enlargement of the uterus can push down the bladder which makes it difficult for the bladder to hold urine for longer periods.
Expert Advice: If you are to stay in a single place for a long time like the movies, avoid too much fluid intake.
