Common pain during pregnancy and causes

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by an Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital

The developments during pregnancy are not the same for every woman. Some people will experience some pain at some point during their pregnancy. But someone else didn't. Therefore, if you notice any changes during your pregnancy, you should see your doctor for examination and advice.

1. Chest pain during pregnancy

Most pregnant women will feel some changes in their breasts. Because, at this time, the breasts will increase in size as the milk glands expand and the fatty tissue also increases. When this happens, your breasts will be firm and sore will occur during the first pregnancy and for a few months after. In addition, blue veins may also appear due to increased blood volume. The nipples may also be darker in color and sometimes there will be a fluid called colostrum.
Some tips to overcome this situation:
Should use a maternity bra with cotton or natural fibers, medium size and do not irritate the nipples. Use a pad to absorb the leaking liquid. Wash your breasts with warm water and mild soap that won't dry them out.

2. Tired

A woman feeling tired during pregnancy may be because the baby is growing and needs to provide more energy for both mother and baby. Sometimes this is also a sign of anemia, mainly iron-deficiency anemia, which is very common during pregnancy.
Some tips to overcome this situation:
Get plenty of rest, go to bed early and take a nap. Exercise daily in moderation. Health check especially blood test.

3. Nausea or vomiting

Nausea or vomiting is quite common for women during pregnancy. Besides, women may also experience abdominal pain during pregnancy. These symptoms are related to the hormonal changes of pregnancy. It usually occurs early in pregnancy, when the body is adjusting to high hormone levels.
Some tips to overcome this situation:
Use dry foods like cereal, toast or cookies before getting out of bed in the morning. Eat a protein-rich snack like lean meat or cheese before bed. Ginger can fight nausea.

4. Headaches during pregnancy

Headaches can occur at any time during pregnancy. They can be caused by stress, congestion, constipation, or in some cases preeclampsia (which is detected after 20 weeks).
Some tips to overcome this condition:
Putting an ice pack on the forehead or back of the neck will help relieve the pain. Rest and lie still in a dimly lit room. Close your eyes and try to relax your back, neck, and shoulders. Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as Acetaminophen, Tylenol. However, if the headache does not go away and may become more severe along with symptoms of nausea and loss of vision, you need to see a doctor for an examination.

5. Bleeding and swollen gums during pregnancy

During pregnancy can affect dental problems. At that time, due to blood circulation and hormone levels, it can make the gums soft and swollen, and it is easy to bleed, even nosebleed.
Some tips to overcome this condition:
Get a dental check-up early in pregnancy to ensure healthy teeth and mouth. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and rinse your mouth daily with an antiseptic mouthwash.

6. Constipation during pregnancy

Hormones as well as vitamins and iron supplements can cause constipation. Or it is possible that the pressure on the rectum from the uterus is also the cause of constipation during pregnancy.
Some tips to overcome this situation:
Use more fiber in your diet such as whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables... Drink plenty of water daily (at least 6- 6 ). 8 glasses of water and 1-2 glasses of fruit juice) Drink warm liquids, especially in the morning. Daily exercise. Talk to your doctor about using a laxative or stool softener.

7. Dizziness during pregnancy

Dizziness can happen at any time during mid to late pregnancy. The first reason this happens is because the hormone progesterone dilates blood vessels, so blood tends to pool in the legs. The second is because more blood goes to the uterus, which can cause a drop in blood pressure, especially since changing positions can make you dizzy. If your blood sugar is too low, you may feel faint.
Some tips to overcome this situation:
Move often when standing for long periods of time. Lie on your left side to rest, which will help circulation throughout the body. Avoid sudden movements. Move slowly when changing positions from standing to sitting and vice versa. Eat more often to prevent low blood sugar.

8. Hemorrhoids during pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that appear as painful lumps on the anus. During pregnancy, they can be formed due to increased circulation as well as pressure on the rectum and vagina from the growing baby in the belly.
Some tips to overcome this condition:
Try to avoid constipation, because they can cause hemorrhoids and will make pregnancy more painful. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time; Please change positions often. Avoid wearing tight underwear such as pants or panties.

9. Cramps during pregnancy

Pressure from the growing uterus can cause leg cramps or a sharp pain down the leg.
Some tips to overcome this situation:
Use calcium rich foods (like milk, broccoli or cheese). Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes. Elevate your legs when possible; Avoid crossing your legs. Daily exercise. Stretch your legs before going to bed. Avoid lying on your back, as the weight of your body and the pressure of the expanding uterus can slow circulation in your legs, causing cramps. Massage the cramp or apply heat to the painful area.

10. Back pain during pregnancy

Back pain is often caused by stress placed on the back muscles, changes in hormone levels, and changes in posture.
Some tips to overcome this situation:
Wear low heel shoes. Avoid lifting heavy objects. Squat down with knees bent when picking up items instead of bending at the waist. Sleep on the left side with a pillow between your legs.

Apply warmth to the painful area on your back with a hot pack or low-temperature heating pad on your back, or take a warm bath with a shower. Perform exercises, as directed by your doctor, to strengthen your back muscles and help relieve pain. Maintain good posture. Standing up straight reduces stress on your back.

11. Abdominal pain during pregnancy

Stiff, painful sides of the stomach can be caused by the stretching tissues that support the growing uterus. These pains can also travel down the thigh and into the leg.
Some tips to overcome this situation:
Change positions or activities until you feel comfortable; Avoid spinning or fast movements. If you have sudden pain in your abdomen, lean forward to relieve tension and relax the tissues. Use a heating pad or warm pad, or take a warm bath in addition to the shower. Contact your doctor if the pain is severe or constant or if you are less than 36 weeks pregnant and are in labor (Signs of labor include repeated cramping like contractions.)

12. Braxton-Hicks . Contractions

The uterine muscles will contract (tighten) starting as early as the third to sixth month of pregnancy. Irregular, infrequent contractions are called Braxton-Hicks contractions (also known as "false labor pains"). This is normal during pregnancy.
Some tips to overcome this situation:
Try to relax. Change position. Sometimes this can relieve contractions. Discuss your condition with your doctor.

13. Shortness of breath during pregnancy

Dyspnea can occur due to increased pressure from the uterus and changes in physiological lung function.
Some tips to overcome this situation:
Walk slowly and rest while walking. Raise your arms above your head (this will help lift the rib cage and allow you to take in more air). Avoid lying on your back and try to sleep with your head up. If shortness of breath persists or you feel sharp pain when you inhale, contact your doctor, because in special cases you may have a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).

14. Swollen feet during pregnancy

Pressure from the growing uterus acts on the blood vessels that carry blood from the lower body causing fluid retention. The result is swelling (edema) in the legs and feet.
Some tips to overcome this situation:
Try not to stand for too long. Drink plenty of water (at least 6-8 glasses of fluid per day). Avoid foods high in salt (sodium). Elevate your legs and feet while sitting. Avoid crossing your legs. Wear loose, comfortable clothing; Tight clothing can slow circulation and increase fluid retention. Do not wear tight shoes; Choose supportive shoes with low, wide heels. Stick to a high-protein diet, as too little protein can cause fluid retention. See your doctor if your hands or face are swollen. Because, this could be a warning sign of preeclampsia. Rest to help increase blood flow to your kidneys.

15. Heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn is a burning sensation that begins in the stomach and seems to rise up to the throat. During pregnancy, changing hormone levels slow down the digestive system, weakening the stomach and uterus sphincters, which can clog the stomach, pushing stomach acid up.
Some tips to overcome this situation:
Eat several small meals a day instead of three large meals and eat at a slow pace. Drink warm liquids. Avoid fried, spicy foods. Do not lie down immediately after eating. Keep your head higher than your feet to prevent stomach acid from backing up your throat. Fatty foods should not be mixed with sweets in one meal. The pain that can be experienced during pregnancy is often caused by many factors. Accordingly, if the pain occurs for a long time with a continuous frequency, pregnant women should soon go to medical centers to examine and find out the cause for appropriate treatment.
To protect the health of pregnant women and their babies during pregnancy, Vinmec International General Hospital provides a package of maternity services as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team. doctor throughout pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of highly qualified doctors. Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormal problems. Maternity package helps to facilitate the birthing process. Newborns receive comprehensive care.

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