Table of Content
- Hemorrhoids
- Excess Gas
- Odor
- Incontinence
- Intimacy Issues
- Facial Hairs
Some things happen to a woman's body when she becomes pregnant, bringing changes to her life and body. You'd feel more tired than usual, and you might throw up a few times as your pregnancy progresses. But you may not have expected some of the other physical changes such as hair growth on your belly, belching and constipation, increased vaginal discharge, and hemorrhoids. These are just some of the changes as the can be other ones.
NOTE: As embarrassing as these changes may be, your ob-gyn must know to be sure that the pregnancy is progressing well
1. Hemorrhoids
"Hemorrhoids can occur when a woman becomes pregnant," Hakakha says. "They often occur with constipation and the straining that ensues in an attempt to have a bowel movement. And we all know that constipation is one of the most common complaints in pregnancy."
Reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids by avoiding constipation. Stay well-hydrated, eat more fiber, and use over-the-counter stool softeners.
"Consult your doctor about supplementary fiber as well," Smith says. "Hold your nose and stifle your gag as you force it down."
If hemorrhoids develop, witch hazel pads and anti-inflammatory creams can help, and they're safe during pregnancy, Hakakha says.
2. Excess Gas
Mostly every pregnant woman gets gassy. Pregnancy brings a hormonal surge that can slow down your gastrointestinal tract.
You might not be able to keep it to yourself because you don't have the same control over your muscles during pregnancy.
Though you can't erase the problem, you can reduce your tendency toward gassiness with exercise and changes to your diet. When you're not pregnant, Michelle Smith, author of Taboo Secrets of Pregnancy: A Guide to Life with a Belly, says, "Most of the time, you know it's coming and can keep it at bay until the coast is clear. [But when you are pregnant], you'll think of it coming, and before you know it, it's already out, and this can be very embarrassing, considering that it may happen when you are not alone and reading the minds of those around you they may not want to come around again unless they understand the changes with pregnancy
"Exercise helps increase the motility of the GI tract, allowing food to move through faster," Hakakha says. "The less time it has to sit around and ferment, the less gas is produced. Some foods are more likely to produce gas, so the best bet is to avoid them completely: carbonated drinks, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and dried fruit."
Dairy products can also cause gastrointestinal tract distress during pregnancy, leading to flatulence. "Many women start drinking milk every day during pregnancy and think it's good for them," Sonja Kinney, MD, associate professor in the ob-gyn department at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, says. "But they can't tolerate milk as an adult."
Try lactose-free milk or other calcium-rich foods if you're lactose intolerant.
3. Odor
Some women develop a stronger sense of smell during pregnancy. Many develop an aversion to strong food odors, such as poultry or seafood. A smaller percentage of women begin picking up on their scents, which can be embarrassing.
"Sometimes you can smell yourself vaginally, especially toward the end of pregnancy," Hoover says. "It could be because you have more mucus then. Some people get worried about the odor and bring wet wipes. But no one else can tell. Your scent hasn't gotten stronger; your sense of smell has improved."
Tell your doctor about any new noticeable vaginal odors to rule out a yeast infection, which can be safely treated with antifungals during pregnancy.
4. Incontinence
You may have heard stories about pregnant women sneezing and accidentally emptying their bladders while standing among friends or co-workers. Most pregnant women who experience stress incontinence -- involuntarily leaking urine because of a jarring cough, sneeze, or laugh -- only lose a few drops. But it can still feel embarrassing.
Many doctors recommend that women wear panty liners to catch leaks during the last few months of pregnancy when stress incontinence is more likely. Regular trips to the bathroom can also help.
"As the baby grows and the uterus enlarges, the baby sits right on top of the bladder," Hakakha says. "Making a conscious effort to empty your bladder every two hours, even if you feel like you don't have to go, will make it less likely to leak."
5. Intimacy Issues
Weight gain and other physical changes can make you feel unattractive around your partner. Don't let that lead to communication and intimacy problems.
"Some people get embarrassed about being physically intimate," Kinney says. "The discharge will change. There's a potential for vulvar swelling. They feel very uncomfortable and don't feel they look attractive."
If you're having trouble broaching this topic with your partner, consider inviting your partner to an ob-gyn visit, particularly if you've discussed your intimacy issues with your doctor at a previous appointment.
"Having a provider say that these are all normal things can help," Kinney says.
6. Facial Hair
During pregnancy, hormones are responsible for hair growth in unwanted places.
"Most pregnant women are ecstatic to learn that they'll soon be sporting a beautiful mane of hair," Hakakha says. "But when we start talking about the breasts, abdomen, and face, the excitement soon turns to horror."
Waxing or tweezing is the safest method for hair removal during pregnancy.
"Whenever it's a cosmetic outpatient procedure not medically indicated, most dermatologists and plastic surgeons will push it off until after pregnancy," the University of Alabama at Birmingham obstetrics and gynecology associate professor Kim Hoover, MD, says. "During pregnancy, laser treatments on the face can affect skin pigment, and it may cause scarring."
Hakakha-Dr. Hakakha graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the University of Hawaii At Manoa in 1997. She works in Beverly Hills, CA, and specializes in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Hakakha is affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Source- Webmed.com
