CONDITION

CAUSE

SELF-HELP

Swelling in the legs

·         Hormonal changes

·         Increase blood volumes

·         Compression  stockings (supports section)

·         Avoid prolonged standing

·         Elevate feet when lying or sitting

·         Rest  frequently 

Muscle cramps / Restless legs

·         Pressure of the uterus on nerves and blood vessels

·         Blood vessels become vasodilated (wider ) during pregnancy

·         May be a calcium deficiency

·         Calf stretches prior to going to bed

·         Foot pedalling exercises

·         Support stockings (see supports section for compression stockings)

·         Massage your legs

·         Heat packs (see pain relief section)

·         Seek medical advice if you think there is a calcium deficiency

·         Avoid pointing your toes when exercising as this may bring on a cramp

·         Place a couple of large (European ) pillows under your legs

Varicose veins

·         Hormonal changes

·         Increased blood volume

·         Compression  stockings (supports section)

·         Avoid prolonged standing

·         Elevate feet when lying

·         Rest  frequently 

Tingling and Numbness in the legs

·         Growing uterus can push on nerves

·         Swelling in the legs compresses nerves

·         Wear compression stockings (see supports)

Diastasis Recti (splitting of the abdominal muscles) may occur in up to 67% of pregnancies.  It feels like a hollow gutter down the middle of your stomach when pregnant, and looks like a bulging down the middle of your stomach post-natally

·         Stretching of the abdominal muscles due to the expanding uterus and the softening effects of the hormones

·         More common if weak abdominals prior to becoming pregnant

·         Abdominal Supports

·         Core muscle strengthening(Physiotherapy pregnancy DVD)

·         DO NOT PERFORM SIT UPS until recommended by your Physio

Constipation

·         Inadequate fluid

·         Bowell activity slows due to increased progesterone

·         Increase fluid and soluble fibre intake

·         Walk regularly

·         See the books section to purchase a women’s waterworks to learn optimal positions to help ease constipation when toileting

Haemorrhoids

·         Constipation

·         Increased weight of uterus pushing on veins in the lower body

·         Increased blood volume

·         Increase fluid and fibre

·         Ice packs (see pain relief section)

·         Correct toileting position (see the books section for Women’s waterworks)

·         Avoid excessive weight gain

·         Support with a wad of toilet paper when toileting

Nausea/vomiting

·         Hormonal changes

·         Eat small frequent nutritious meals

·         Drink plenty of fluids

·         Avoid greasy high sugar and rich foods

·         Add fresh ginger to food

·         Get out of bed slowly, you may need to sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes

·         Avoid strong odours

·         Get plenty of rest

·         **If you have persistent vomiting please see your doctor**

Heartburn

·         Pressure of uterus on stomach

·         Hormonal changes relax the valve at the top of the stomach

•  light frequent meals
• eat slowly and chew well
• drink fluid between meals
• sleep with a couple of pillows
• avoid fatty, fried and spicy foods
• avoid lying down immediately after eating
• take antacids (see your doctor)

• blood vessels dilate
• uterus pushes on the blood vessels
• may be a deficiency in your blood - please see your doctor for tests

• Avoid overheating
• Do not change positions quickly
• Avoid prolonged standing
• Lie down on your side at first indication of feeling faint

• discomforts of pregnancy
• anxiety
• vivid dreams
• needing to go to the toilet frequently
• an active baby

• relaxation techniques
• visualisation
• exercise regularly
• take a warm (not hot) bath prior to bed
• sleep with support pillows

• hormones cause breasts to become larger and tender

• firm supportive bra

Disclaimer  

Tummies, Mummies and Bubbies have provided these articles for general information only and they should in no way be considered as a substitute for the advice and information your physiotherapist and or doctor will supply about your particular condition. It is recommended that you always seek professional advice.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, Tummies, Mummies and Bubbies accept no responsibility and cannot guarantee the consequences if you choose to rely upon these contents as your sole source of information.