Understanding and Managing Health Challenges during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time for you, but a challenging time for your body. As your body works hard to make your baby, you may face 5 common health challenges.

1. Acidity

The symptom of acidity is a burning sensation in the chest, stomach and mouth. During pregnancy, hormones relax the muscles between the stomach and food pipe. This results in acid moving up into the food pipe. This is made worse by the slowing of your digestive system which results in food staying in your stomach for longer periods. To manage acidity during pregnancy –

• Eat small meals of easily digestible food every two hours
• Eat slowly and chew well
• Do not use antacids without prescription

2. Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Blood sugar levels increase in this condition, and can create serious health challenges for both the mother and the baby. The increased blood sugar is a result of the metabolic changes caused by the hormones of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after delivery. What to do for gestational diabetes during pregnancy –

• Report to your doctor if you have symptoms like frequent urination or increased thirst
• Do the Glucose Tolerance Test which will be advised by your doctor to detect gestational diabetes
• Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet through small frequent meals
• Take the medicines your doctor prescribes regularly
• Follow up with your doctor after delivery to ensure that the condition has resolved.

3. Stretch marks during pregnancy

Stretch marks are red or brown streaks that appear on the abdomen, upper thigh and breasts during pregnancy. They do not cause any medical problems. They are caused by breaks in the middle layers of the skin due to the sudden increase in the size of the abdomen which causes stretching of the skin or sudden weight gain. They are a cause of concern only when they are considered cosmetically unappealing. To cope with stretch marks during pregnancy

• Eat a balanced diet to keep your skin healthy
• Keep your skin moisturized
• Drink lots of water.
• Do not rub or scratch the stretch marks

4. Backache

Backaches are common during pregnancy because of the increasing weight of the baby, but they must not be taken lightly.

• Always consult with your doctor when you have a backache
• Avoid standing or walking for long periods
• Wear comfortable shoes without heels
• Avoid lifting heavy weights
• Do simple prenatal exercises after asking your doctor

5. Disturbed sleep

Many pregnant women have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. This is due to the stress caused by the rapid changes in the body that happen during pregnancy.

To sleep better –

• Take a leisurely 10-minute walk twice a day
• Avoid fizzy drinks, coffee, tea and chocolates after lunch
• Talk to someone about your worries before you go to bed
• Start writing a journal
• Make yourself comfortable with pillows

Health challenges are like a bumpy patch in your journey towards motherhood. Manage them well and you will have a healthy and happy pregnancy.