7 problems that make you awkward during pregnancy

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Truong Thi Phuong - Doctor of Ultrasound - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.
Pregnancy is one of the times of great physical and emotional change in a woman. Fetal development and hormonal changes affect a woman's body and can cause discomfort.
Here are 7 symptoms that can make you awkward during pregnancy:

1. Bloating

Almost every pregnant woman suffers from bloating. That's because pregnancy brings a hormonal surge that can slow down your digestive tract.
Slow digestion of food causes gas in the intestinal tract and anal muscles which are often more difficult to control when you are pregnant.
When you are not pregnant, you can know when you are bloated and want to fart, so you can completely control and choose the right position to relieve it. But when you're pregnant, it's more difficult to control, and often they come on a whim that's hard to handle.
While you can't eliminate this problem, you can reduce the likelihood of it occurring by exercising and changing your diet.
Exercise strengthens the gastrointestinal tract, allowing food to move faster. Food will be less fermented, less gas is produced. Certain foods are gas-generating, so it's best to avoid them altogether: Carbonated drinks, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and dried fruit.
Dairy products can also impair gastrointestinal motility during pregnancy, leading to bloating. Many women start drinking milk every day during pregnancy thinking that it is good for them. But you may not be able to tolerate the lactose found in milk as an adult. Try lactose-free milk or other calcium-rich foods if you're lactose intolerant.

2. Difficulty controlling bladder function

You may have heard stories of pregnant women sneezing and leaking urine when standing among friends or colleagues. Most pregnant women have difficulty controlling bladder function, easily leaking urine from coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Although it may be just a few drops, it can still feel embarrassing.
Many doctors recommend that women wear underwear to prevent leakage during the last few months of pregnancy when decreased bladder control is likely. Going to the bathroom often can also help.
As the fetus grows larger and the uterus expands, the position of the fetus gradually puts more pressure on the bladder. You can pee more often, taking the initiative to urinate every two hours, even if you don't feel the need to go, will make it less likely to leak.

3. Hair grows more

During pregnancy, hormones cause hair to grow in unwanted places. Most of the places where hair grows are unwanted places like the chest, abdomen and face. You may feel shy and lack confidence because of these changes. Waxing or plucking are the safest methods of hair removal during pregnancy.
Whenever it's an outpatient cosmetic procedure that's not medically indicated, most dermatologists and plastic surgeons won't do it until you're no longer pregnant. During pregnancy, laser facial treatments can affect skin pigmentation, and it can cause scarring.

4. Smell

During pregnancy, women may have a stronger sense of smell than usual. Many people have an aversion to foods with strong odors, such as poultry or seafood. A small percentage of women catch don't like their own scent, which can put them to shame.
Sometimes you can smell yourself in the vagina, especially towards the end of pregnancy. Maybe it's because then you secrete more mucus. Some people worry about odors and carry wet wipes wherever they go. But no one else can know. Your scent doesn't get stronger; Your sense of smell has improved.
Tell your doctor about any new noticeable vaginal odor to rule out a yeast infection, which can be safely treated with antifungals during pregnancy.

5. Hemorrhoids

Ask any new mom about hemorrhoids, and they'll likely have an uncomfortable story to share, if they want to tell you about it.
Hemorrhoids almost always occur in pregnant women. This condition usually occurs when a woman is constipated and strained when trying to have a bowel movement. And we all know that constipation is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy.
You can reduce your risk of hemorrhoids during pregnancy by avoiding constipation. Stay hydrated, eat plenty of fiber, and use over-the-counter stool softeners.
Consult your doctor about fiber supplements. If hemorrhoids develop, witch hazel pads and anti-inflammatory creams can help, and they're safe during pregnancy.

6. Acne

Pimples and unsightly flare-ups often happen - especially during the first trimester - due to extra hormones moving through your system. Some acne medications, such as Retin-A, are restricted during pregnancy, but other treatments are allowed.
Most acne cleansers are safe because the product doesn't stay on your skin for a long time. But ask your doctor before using any acne product. Use less topical acne medication, only applying it to the affected areas. Products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid are safe to use in small amounts.

7. Sexual problems

Weight gain and other physical changes can make you feel unattractive around your partner. Don't let that lead to your communication and sexual problems.
Some people feel embarrassed being intimate. The discharge will change. May cause vulvar swelling. They feel very uncomfortable and do not feel attractive.
If you're having trouble discussing this topic with your partner, consider inviting your partner in for a checkup, especially if you've discussed your intimacy issues with your doctor at your appointment prior to.
For women who are pregnant for the first time, it is inevitable that they will have doubts and worries in taking care of themselves during pregnancy. How regular and scientific antenatal check-ups can be will be the concern of expectant mothers. To help mothers be confident and stay healthy throughout the pregnancy until the birth of their baby, Vinmec International General Hospital offers a comprehensive maternity care program with a full range of examination benefits. , testing,... along with the exchange and sharing with doctors and midwives through prenatal classes. At Vinmec, on the day of labor, pregnant women will not be alone, but always have doctors and a relative who can enter the delivery room so that the mother can feel secure to have a gentle labor.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com