Dossier: Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related complaints: 1st trimester

Expectant mothers are all too familiar with the minor aches and pains that are common during pregnancy. They are mostly harmless, but they can really test the patience of mums-to-be. What are the typical pregnancy-related complaints in the first trimester and what can you do about them?

Mood swings

Around the sixth week of pregnancy, you’ll be hit by symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This is because your hormones are going crazy. Your feelings are intensified. In the first trimester, many mums-to-be feel alternately depressed, irritable, full of anticipation and close to tears.

Tips for relief: Talking openly with your partner, family and friends can help calm you down
and ease your mind. Talking to other pregnant women can also help.

Tiredness

Many women also feel very tired and exhausted during the first trimester in particular. It’s no wonder, because your body is working flat out. However, tiredness can also be caused by low blood pressure or an iron deficiency. Go to bed early and take regular breaks during the day.

Tips for relief: Taking vitamin or iron supplements can help ease the tiredness that is common during early pregnancy. Talk to your doctor.

Bleeding gums

The hormonal changes and increased blood circulation mean that the lining of the mouth is susceptible to inflammation. Now it’s especially important to ensure good oral hygiene and clean your teeth regularly. Use dental floss and gum soothing toothpaste daily.

Tips for relief: It’s a good idea to visit your dentist or dental hygienist before pregnancy or in the first trimester.

Breast tenderness

Your breasts can be very sensitive, especially in the first trimester,  as additional fat layers and mammary glands are formed. Hormones make your breasts grow bigger.

Tips for relief: A soft and supportive bra eases the pain and prevents the tissue from overstretching.

Strong urge to urinate and bladder weakness

Particularly in the first three months of pregnancy and shortly before the birth, you’ll feel how the baby presses down on your bladder. As a result you’ll need to go to the toilet more often. You may also lose urine involuntarily. Increased blood flow during pregnancy stimulates kidney activity, which increases the production of urine.

Tips for relief: Do simple pelvic floor exercises, which you learn in Pilates or antenatal courses.

Morning sickness

Nausea during pregnancy is mainly caused by the surplus production of the pregnancy hormone HCG. A distinction is made between normal nausea and severe, prolonged nausea. Severe nausea generally involves vomiting several times a day over a period of several weeks.

Tips for relief: Eat a rusk before you get up and drink lightly sweetened tea.  

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