Pregnancy and Childbirth

First Signs Symptoms Of Pregnancy Article

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How To Deal With Pregnancy Signs And Symptoms

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When a woman is pregnant, her body undergoes a number of changes to allow it to support an entirely new life inside the uterus. These changes are not unfelt by the woman and can bring about various pregnancy signs and symptoms, most of which are uncomfortable to verying degrees.

The majority of women experience nausea and vomiting as one of the pregnancy signs and symptoms, thought to be linked to hormonal changes. Some experts say that taking ginger capsules, ginger tea, or ginger biscuits can help. Some women also suggest eating dry crackers before getting out of bed in the morning.

A woman should go see her doctor if the nausea and vomiting continue for an extended amount of time. She could have a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which interferes with nutrition and causes dehydration and could require hospitalization.

As another of the pregnancy signs and symptoms a woman could experience is a more frequent urge to urinate. This symptom is most common during the first three months and the last month of pregnancy. Throughout most of the pregnancy, a woman will have an increased risk of developing a urinary infection because hormones and the growing uterus could slow the passage of urine out of the body. Women must drink plenty of fluids and make sure to go to the bathroom as quickly as possible when they feel the need to urinate. Drinking cranberry juice is also recommended.

The extreme tiredness a woman feels during pregnancy is another of the very normal pregnancy signs and symptoms. Due to the new stresses placed on her body; fatigue is especially felt during the first 12 to 15 weeks. Women must take care of themselves, taking naps whenever possible and going to bed early.

Women must be careful, however, to make sure that the tiredness they feel is not symptomatic of anemia, which is often the case for women who do not experience adequate prenatal care. Any woman suspecting anemia should contact her doctor.

Another of the pregnancy signs and symptoms is itchy skin, which is present in about 20% of pregnant women. Often, itchy skin occurs over the abdominal area and is simply a result of the skin stretching as the uterus expands to accommodate a growing baby. Hormone levels, however, could also cause itchy palms and soles of feet. Experts suggest simply applying a common moisturizer, such as aqueous cream, to relieve the itchiness.

Women again should be careful because in very rare cases, itchiness in the third trimester can be symptomatic of the liver condition, obstetric cholestasis. A woman with generalized itching over her entire body should consult her doctor.

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