Abdominal Pain

There are many causes of abdominal pains. Some twinges and tightening feelings are to be expected, as the area expands to hold the growing baby. This should not be very painful. You may also feel mild discomfort if the baby kicks and moves around. However, if the pain is severe, does not go away, and is accompanied by bleeding, the cause may be miscarriage or premature labor. Contact your doctor as soon as possible.

To relieve pains or cramps particularly, use a hot water bottle on the affected areas. You can also gently massage the areas with lavender oil. If you exercise during pregnancy regularly, you will strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles.

Back Ache

Almost all pregnant mothers experience backaches during the second or third trimester. Backaches are usually caused by poor posture. Since you now have more weight in front of your body, you may be leaning back to compensate. If you have gained more than the recommended amount of weight, this pain may be worse. Also, hormonal changes in your body loosen your joints, which further worsens your posture. A second cause of backache is your baby, who may be pressing on your spine. Backache late in the third trimester may actually be your contractions beginning.

Backache in the first trimester may be a sign of a kidney infection if the backache is accompanied by painful urination and an increased need to urinate. If you experience these warning signs, contact your doctor.

Breast Tenderness

One of the first things you notice about pregnancy is the change in your breasts. They will grow and become tender. Your nipple areas may also darken.

In the second and third trimesters, your breasts may continue to grow, but may become less tender. And you may even notice that your breasts are slightly lumpy. This is normal - what you are feeling are the milk ducts and glands developing. You may also leak a thin , yellow, early milk, called colostrum.

Constipation

Constipation is very common during pregnancy. Your body absorbs more fluids, which makes your stools harder. Your pregnancy hormones also relax your intestinal walls, so its contents do not move very quickly. Later in the pregnancy, the baby may also press on your intestinal tract, making intestinal movement difficult. Finally, constipation is a common side effect of iron pills.

To avoid constipation, you should drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods like brown rice, fruits and vegetables. Mild exercise will also help, as will natural fiber laxatives like Metamucil®. Drinking a warm beverage at a regular time each day also encourages regular bowel movements. However, you should not use any suppositories without consulting your doctor or other healthcare provider.

Groin Pain

Later in your pregnancy, as your body prepares for labor, your pelvic joints soften so the baby can easily pass through them. However, softer joints can make it painful to stand for long periods of time, especially in one position. If you must stand for long periods of time, change positions often. The only true cure for this pain is delivering the baby.

Dizziness

There are five main causes of dizziness. One cause is anemia. If you are anemic, your doctor can prescribe iron supplements or other health supplements to improve this condition. A second cause is high blood sugar. You may have high blood sugar if you are diabetic and do not take your insulin. A third cause is low blood sugar, created by skipped meals. This disappears if you eat a balanced diet. A fourth cause is low blood pressure. This can be especially noticeable if you stand up suddenly. This causes your blood pressure to drop briefly because gravity pulls blood away from your brain. Finally, dizziness can be caused by the baby and uterus putting pressure on major blood vessels, especially if you lie on your back. This decreases circulation of your blood, and makes you feel faint. To cure this type of dizziness, learn to sleep on your side.

Heartburn

Heartburn is usually worst in your third trimester, but it may happen earlier. It can feel like a burning sensation in your esophagus, or pain in your heart area. It is caused when stomach acid, normally present after a meal, surges back up into your esophagus. Heartburn is more of a problem when you are pregnant because your baby presses on your stomach, making it easier for the acid to flow back up the tube. Pregnancy hormones also relax the entrance to your stomach, making it easier for stomach acid to flow backward.

To help prevent heartburn, don't lie down after a large meal. You can also try to eat several small meals rather than one large one. You can take most antacids for heartburn .Your doctor can suggest other remedies.

Fatigue

Tiredness is very common during the first trimester. Your body is adjusting to important changes, which may increase fatigue, especially if you are caring for other children. This tiredness should improve by the second trimester.

During the second and third trimesters, tiredness is also common as your body adjusts to important changes. But tiredness may also be a sign of anemia. Anemia occurs when there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. This type of anemia can be improved with iron supplements given to you by your doctor or other healthcare provider.

Headaches

Pregnancy does not cause headaches, so you should not have more headaches than you had before pregnancy. However, if you have a very severe headache that will not disappear, or if your headache is accompanied by blurred vision, contact your doctor. This may be a sign of preeclampsia.