What Are Some Unpleasant Pregnancy Side Effects?
We’ve all heard about the pregnancy glow, and some women even get to experience it, but what about the things only a girlfriend might tell you? We’ve compiled a list of some of the not so pretty, but very realistic, side effects to pregnancy.
Belching, Bloating, Flatulence. You may feel gassier during pregnancy, a result of the higher levels of progesterone hormone in your body, which leads to indigestion.1 Key to avoiding this is staying away from big meals. Eat smaller and more regular meals throughout the day and avoid acidic or spicy foods. Heartburn aids or digestive enzymes, if recommended by your doctor, may also help.
Bladder Issues. The increased pressure on your bladder means that many women experience a leaky bladder during pregnancy. This translates to frequent bathroom breaks and you may find non-deodorant panty liners useful, for those times when even sneezing or laughing can cause urine to leak.
Hemorrhoids. Not something anyone wants to experience, but common during pregnancy. They occur because of the circulatory changes your body experiences during this time, which can lead to swollen blood vessels (varicose veins) in your rectum, otherwise known as hemorrhoids.2 The use of a sitz bath – a portable tub – can soothe hemorrhoids, alternating this with an icepack. Pre-moistened wipes can be more comfortable to use than toilet paper after a bowel movement. Eat lots of fibre to prevent constipation, which can aggravate the condition. Your health care practitioner may also be able to recommend a topical anesthetic. Luckily hemorrhoids typically go away on their own after you give birth
Swelling. Foot and ankle swelling result from your increased fluid production and retention during this time, and the pressure your uterus puts on your veins.3 Avoid anything tight-fitting, like jewelry or cuffed sleeves, that might dig into these areas. To lessen and alleviate swelling stay off your feet as much as possible. Keep your legs elevated when sitting and even during sleep, when you can use pillows to elevate them.