Written By: Dr Anitha Anchan | Updated : January 23, 2017 12:10 PM IST
After gaining all that pregnancy weight, you may be desperate to get back to exercising to feel healthy and fit again. However, getting back to your regular exercises may not be easy. Gynaecologist Dr Arundhati Dhar talks about the problems you might face while exercising after pregnancy.
When you get pregnant, your body gives you certain hints. Your body undergoes several physiological and psychological changes, your metabolism and hormonal levels increase and your baby s major organ developments also happen simultaneously. A rapidly rising blood level of a hormone called the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is responsible for most of your pregnancy niggles. Some women might face severe symptoms while for others their pregnancy may be a breeze. Some symptoms may be subtle while some are blatant that could work you up. Knowing what is normal can help you deal with them. Here are 20 symptoms that are absolutely normal during pregnancy:
1. Morning sickness and smell aversion
Do you have an increased awareness of how things smell? You are not alone. Increased smell perception is experienced by a vast majority of pregnant women. Some pregnant women may even have abnormal smell and taste perception. They may detect an odor that isn t there! And are you experiencing the sickening phase of nausea and vomiting? Most pregnant women go through what s called the morning sickness (nausea gravidarum) during the early months of pregnancy, and it s absolutely normal. Unlike the suggestive term, morning sickness can affect women anytime of the day. There are a few tips to deal with morning sickness. For most women, the sickness may stop around the 12th week of pregnancy and mostly without the need for treatment. But some women could continue to experience it throughout their pregnancy. The raising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) cause not only this sickness but also the increased sensitivity to odors. An increase in progesterone hormone may also play a role in nausea and vomiting. While it s tough, take comfort in the fact that morning sickness is believed to be an evolved feature to protect you and your baby against toxins ingested by you [1]. And don t worry about the baby being compromised. Your body has reserves to fulfill your baby s nutritional needs. However, the sickness can get nasty for a few. The severe, persistent nausea and vomiting, termed hyperemesis gravidarum, can cause dehydration, weight loss, and decreased potassium levels. While morning sickness is normal, hyperemesis gravidarum is not. Admission to the hospital may be required to receive fluid and nutrition through an intravenous line, and certain medicines may also be prescribed.
2. Food craving and hunger pangs
You may have a sudden urge for a particular food during pregnancy. And you may also experience weird food cravings! The cravings experienced can range from none at all, to normal, to downright bizarre. Your body requires more energy and appropriate nutrients are needed for proper growth and development of your baby. Hunger pangs can get the better of you during your pregnancy, more so as you approach your due date. But make sure not to overeat.
3. Dizziness
Vomiting coupled with improper diet during the early stages of pregnancy can cause fluctuations in your blood pressure, and that is why fainting during pregnancy is normal. Making corrections to your diet can alleviate the symptom. Dizziness that continues through the later stages of pregnancy could mean that you are anemic. Consult your doctor as it could also be a sign of other underlying health conditions like cervical spondylitis, visual defects, and sinusitis.
4. Weight loss during the first trimester
Losing weight? Don t fret. Weight loss up to 2 kg is quite common and normal too, but only during the first trimester. Nausea and the fear of puking can prevent you from consuming food. The significant reduction in caloric intake leads to weight loss during pregnancy, in the first trimester that is. But be aware that losing more than 3 kg is not normal and will need a visit to your doctor.
5. Weight gain
You wouldn t complain about putting on a weight of 11 kg to 14 kg during your pregnancy. On an average, it is said to be an ideal weight gain during pregnancy. It helps nourish your baby and accumulate calories to produce milk for breastfeeding. But pay attention to diet and calorie intake. How much weight you should gain depends on your body mass index (BMI). The weight gain should be consistent and gradual. Too little weight gain can lead to premature delivery and low birth weight and may also cause developmental delays and other health problems in your baby. Too much weight gain increases your risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure) and gestational diabetes. You may have an overweight baby necessitating a C-section. And of course it will also make it harder for you to shed those extra kilos post-pregnancy. So aim to gain around 0.5- 2 kg in the first trimester for the optimal growth of your baby. Rarely, it could also go up to 3 kg. You should be gaining two to three kg per month during the second trimester and between 1 to 2 kg every month during the third trimester.
6. Frequent urination
A frequent trip to the loo is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. It starts early in the first trimester as the uterus presses against your bladder giving it little room to store urine. Hormonal changes are to be blamed too as they fill your bladder more often by increasing the blood flow through your kidneys. The rise of the uterus into your abdominal cavity during the second trimester may provide you some relief. But frequent urination gets particularly bad late in pregnancy at around week 31 when your baby s head presses on your bladder. You might also leak while you sneeze, cough or laugh out loud.
7. Tender, swollen breast
Your breasts change throughout your pregnancy in preparation for the breastfeeding phase. As they grow, they can also be sensitive and tender in the first trimester. Your breasts are swollen and full and can leak more often by week thirty.
8. Heartburn and constipation
Digestive issues are another set of changes you will need to deal with. You could suffer from heartburn and bouts of constipation. Your bulging out belly pushes your stomach upward and aggravates heartburn. Also, long gap between meals increases acid levels and causes heartburn and indigestion. An increased level of progesterone in the body coupled with iron supplements taken during pregnancy slow down your bowel movements. Hemorrhoids are quite common too. They are not harmful but can be very painful and can worsen during labor.
9. Vaginal bleeding and discharge
Light vaginal bleeding or spotting is common for some women during the early weeks of pregnancy. Spotting could be a sign of pregnancy! But remember that at times, spotting can also indicate problems like ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. An increased estrogen and blood flow in the pelvic area causes vaginal discharge which helps keep the vaginal healthy bacterial balance intact. A heavier flow of vaginal secretion by week 38 indicates that your cervix is dilating in preparation for the labor.
10. Skin problems Acne, pigmentation, stretch marks, etc.
Skin problems like acne, dark circles, pigmentation, etc. are all too common during pregnancy due to the activation of various hormones. A harmless bluish discoloration of the cervix and vulva (Chadwick's sign) can be observed around 6 to 8 weeks is an early sign of pregnancy. A dark vertical line termed linea negra runs up your belly which fades after pregnancy. Skin tags, annoying but harmless, may develop on your face, neck, chest and groin. Acne and dark spots can show up on your face by week fourteen. Dark patches, or chloasma, appear mostly on the cheeks and bridge of the nose of many women. Noticed those whitish, pink lines on your abdomen, thighs or breasts? Very fast weight gain during pregnancy and stretching out of your uterus can leave you with those itchy stretch marks. These marks are unavoidable but moisturizing your skin can help reduce their effects. There are various home remedies for your skin problems during pregnancy.
11. Increased hair volume and luster
There are positive changes too. The hormonal changes arrest hair fall during your pregnancy. Your hair will gain volume and luster.
12. Baby bump
Now, this one sign is but obvious. Most women do not develop the bump until the second trimester. By week fourteen, your uterus starts to bulge pushing your tummy out. If you show signs of a bump much earlier, it could be due to bloating. You could be carrying high, low, wide or narrow depending on your tummy muscle tone and your height. Big bump doesn t mean a big baby. Likewise, a small bump doesn t mean a small baby. Stop worrying about the size and shape of your baby bump and start bonding with it. Gently caress your belly talk to your baby, often. Doing so helps you bond with your baby, and stimulates its senses too.
13. Backache
Pelvic and back aches are way too common during pregnancy. Headaches and hand and feet pain are common too. The growing uterus puts pressure on the surrounding ligaments that support it leading to lower belly pains. Your protruding belly shifts your center of gravity and a bad posture only adds to your existing backache. But beware; a backache during the later stages of pregnancy could also be a sign of preterm labor.
14. Swollen feet
Do you notice ballooned feet or puffy face? Swelling, or edema, during pregnancy isn t a matter of concern and usually resolves soon after delivery. At twenty-one weeks, your ankles and feet, sometimes palms and fingers too, swell due to excess water retention triggered by hormones. But swelling accompanied by other symptoms like pain, breathing difficulties, vision changes, etc. may be a cause for worry.
15. False contractions
False contractions called the Braxton Hicks contractions are common during second or third trimester of pregnancy. They happen due to the uterus muscles tightening and subside within no time. They are like rehearsal before the actual labor. In the later months, they are also a sign of preparation for the real impending action.
16. Pregnancy tumors
Don t be alarmed by the word tumor . Pregnancy tumors (pyogenic granuloma) are red swellings or lumps that form on inflamed gum tissue along the gum line. These lumps are harmless and usually disappear on their own after pregnancy. They may bleed and cause discomfort, though. Bleeding gums is due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy.
17. Experiencing fetal movements
Did you just feel the baby kick? Isn t it amazing? The kicks are a result of all the acrobatics of your baby inside your womb. Baby kicks during pregnancy start as early as nine weeks, but you can sense the first kick after 18 or 19 weeks if you are a first-time mother. You may feel it as early as 13 weeks in consequent pregnancy. Your baby's movements in your tummy, termed quickening, may surge during week 28. The little one may get active during the nights and disrupt your sleep. With less space to move around, the kicks get stronger by week 35. It is important to feel your baby s movements throughout the day. Reduced kicks mean reduced activity and can be a cause for concern.
18. Mood swings
Fatigue, weight gain, stress or the infamous hormonal surges can drive you over the edge and dampen your spirits. Having mood swings is perfectly normal in pregnancy, but they can be very disturbing for both you and your loved ones. A healthy diet, prenatal yoga, meditation, and exercise can help you deal with those out-of-control emotions. Some simple steps can ease stress during pregnancy.
19. Sleeplessness
Sleep. You need it the most, but may not be able to get enough! Be ready for sleepless nights during the third trimester. The bulging belly, excess weight, fatigue, increased fetal movements, frequent trips to the loo, etc. do not let you sleep for hours at a stretch in a comfortable position.
20. Blurry vision
Is your vision less sharp than it usually used to be? Fortunately, the blurry vision that you may discover by week 34 is temporary and settles on its own. Other problems related to the eye that is prevalent in many women are dark circles, itching, burning sensation, reddening, drying, etc.
Reference1. Weigel MM, Coe K, Castro NP, Caiza ME, Tello N, Reyes M. Food aversions and cravings during early pregnancy: association with nausea and vomiting. Ecol Food Nutr. 2011 May-Jun;50(3):197-214. doi: 10.1080/03670244.2011.568906. PubMed PMID: 21888579.
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