Pregnancy Guide

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Admin2025-11-18
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Common Pregnancy Symptoms Management: From Morning Sickness to Back Pain ​

The body undergoes various changes during pregnancy, producing a series of discomfort symptoms. Understanding the causes of these symptoms and effective treatment methods can help pregnant women better get through this special period.

Digestive System Symptoms ​

Nausea and Vomiting (Morning Sickness) ​

Symptoms ​

  • Nausea, especially in the morning
  • Vomiting, which may affect eating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sensitive to smells

Occurrence Time ​

  • First Trimester: Most common at 6-12 weeks
  • Second Trimester: Gradually relieved
  • Third Trimester: A few people will experience it again

Management Methods ​

Diet Adjustment

  • Small frequent meals, avoid empty stomach
  • Choose light, easy-to-digest food
  • Avoid spicy, greasy food
  • Eat a small amount of biscuits or bread before going to bed
  • Eat ginger-flavored food or drink ginger tea

Lifestyle

  • Move slowly when getting up
  • Maintain adequate sleep
  • Avoid strong smell stimulation
  • Ventilate properly to keep the air fresh

Severe Cases

  • Hyperemesis gravidarum: Severe vomiting leading to dehydration
  • Requires hospital fluid replacement therapy
  • May require medication intervention

Heartburn ​

Symptoms ​

  • Burning sensation behind the sternum
  • Acid reflux
  • Belching
  • Swallowing discomfort

Causes ​

  • Uterus enlargement compresses the stomach
  • Progesterone relaxes the esophageal sphincter
  • Gastric acid reflux

Management Methods ​

Diet Adjustment

  • Small frequent meals, avoid overeating
  • Avoid spicy, greasy, acidic foods
  • Avoid coffee, chocolate, mint
  • Do not eat 2-3 hours before going to bed

Posture Adjustment

  • Maintain an upright posture after meals
  • Elevate the upper body when sleeping
  • Use pillows to elevate the head and shoulders

Medication Choice

  • Safe drugs: Antacids (such as calcium carbonate)
  • Use after consulting a doctor
  • Avoid long-term dependence

Constipation ​

Symptoms ​

  • Difficulty in defecation
  • Dry and hard stool
  • Reduced frequency of defecation
  • Abdominal bloating and discomfort

Causes ​

  • Progesterone slows down intestinal peristalsis
  • Uterus compresses the intestines
  • Iron supplementation
  • Reduced activity

Management Methods ​

Diet Adjustment

  • Increase dietary fiber intake
  • Drink plenty of water, 8-10 glasses a day
  • Eat fruits (such as apples, bananas)
  • Increase vegetable intake

Lifestyle Habits

  • Establish regular bowel habits
  • Moderate exercise, such as walking
  • Do not hold back stool
  • Do not use excessive force during defecation

Safe Medication

  • Fiber supplements
  • Lactulose (under doctor's guidance)
  • Avoid stimulant laxatives

Circulatory System Symptoms ​

Edema ​

Symptoms ​

  • Swelling of hands and feet
  • Mild facial puffiness
  • Depression after pressing
  • Rings become tight

Normal Edema Characteristics ​

  • Mild, tolerable
  • Symmetrical appearance
  • Relieved after rest
  • Not accompanied by high blood pressure

Management Methods ​

General Measures

  • Elevate lower limbs to rest
  • Reduce salt intake
  • Avoid standing for a long time
  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing

Relief Techniques

  • Soak feet in warm water
  • Gentle massage
  • Swimming or water exercise
  • Wear compression stockings

Alert Symptoms ​

  • Severe edema, does not subside
  • Obvious swelling of face and hands
  • Accompanied by high blood pressure, proteinuria
  • Seek medical attention immediately

Varicose Veins ​

Symptoms ​

  • Protruding leg veins
  • Tortuous blue blood vessels
  • Heaviness in legs
  • Aggravated after standing for a long time

Predilection Sites ​

  • Lower legs
  • Thighs
  • Vulva
  • Hemorrhoids

Management Methods ​

Preventive Measures

  • Avoid standing or sitting for a long time
  • Moderate exercise to promote blood circulation
  • Maintain normal weight
  • Avoid crossing legs

Relief Measures

  • Wear compression stockings or tights
  • Elevate lower limbs to rest
  • Heat compress to relieve discomfort
  • Gentle massage

Severe Cases

  • Obvious pain
  • Skin discoloration
  • Ulcer formation
  • Requires specialized treatment

Musculoskeletal Symptoms ​

Back Pain ​

Symptoms ​

  • Lower back pain
  • Persistent dull pain
  • Aggravated during activity
  • Affects sleep

Causes ​

  • Center of gravity shifts forward
  • Ligament relaxation
  • Increased lumbar curvature
  • Weak core muscles

Management Methods ​

Posture Adjustment

  • Maintain correct sitting posture
  • Avoid sitting or standing for a long time
  • Use lumbar support
  • Squat down when picking up things

Exercise

  • Pregnancy yoga
  • Pelvic tilt exercise
  • Cat stretch
  • Pelvic floor muscle training

Relief Methods

  • Heat compress on the painful area
  • Warm bath
  • Gentle massage
  • Adequate rest

Sciatica ​

Symptoms ​

  • Buttock radiating pain
  • Pain in the back of the leg
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Difficulty walking

Relief Methods ​

  • Avoid sitting for a long time
  • Heat compress on the painful area
  • Gentle stretching exercises
  • Left lateral position rest

Respiratory System Symptoms ​

Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath) ​

Symptoms ​

  • Rapid breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty in deep breathing
  • Aggravated after activity

Causes ​

  • Uterus elevation compresses the diaphragm
  • Hormones affect the respiratory center
  • Increased blood volume
  • Increased oxygen demand

Management Methods ​

Posture Adjustment

  • Keep upper body upright
  • Avoid lying flat, adopt left lateral position
  • Use pillows to support the upper body
  • Appropriately elevate the head

Activity Adjustment

  • Slow down activity speed
  • Avoid strenuous exercise
  • Rest appropriately
  • Break down daily tasks

Breathing Techniques

  • Deep and slow breathing
  • Abdominal breathing practice
  • Nose inhalation and mouth exhalation
  • Combine with relaxation techniques

Other Common Symptoms ​

Sleep Disorders ​

Symptoms ​

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Easy to wake up at night
  • Early awakening
  • Poor sleep quality

Management Methods ​

Sleep Environment

  • Comfortable and quiet sleep environment
  • Suitable temperature and humidity
  • Avoid strong light stimulation
  • Use pregnancy pillows to improve posture

Sleep Habits

  • Establish a regular schedule
  • Relaxing activities before bed
  • Avoid using electronic devices before bed
  • Limit caffeine intake

Headache ​

Symptoms ​

  • Mild to moderate headache
  • Tension headache
  • Migraine attack
  • Pain around the orbit

Management Methods ​

General Measures

  • Adequate rest
  • Maintain adequate sleep
  • Avoid excessive fatigue
  • Manage stress

Relief Techniques

  • Cold or heat compress
  • Gentle massage
  • Appropriate rest
  • Keep hydrated

Alert Symptoms ​

  • Severe persistent headache
  • Accompanied by blurred vision
  • Accompanied by high blood pressure
  • Seek medical attention immediately

When to Seek Medical Attention ​

Emergency Situations ​

  • Severe Abdominal Pain: Persistent severe pain
  • Heavy Bleeding: More than menstrual flow
  • Severe Headache: Accompanied by visual impairment
  • Dyspnea: Seriously affects daily activities
  • Abnormal Fetal Movement: Significantly reduced or disappeared

Situations Requiring Consultation ​

  • Symptoms seriously affect daily life
  • Conservative treatment is ineffective
  • Symptoms continue to worsen
  • Unsure if it is normal

Friendly Reminder: Most pregnancy symptoms are normal physiological reactions, but they should not be taken lightly. If symptoms are severe or last for a long time, please consult a doctor in time to ensure maternal and infant safety.