COMMON PREGNANCY AILMENTS

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STRETCH MARKS form during pregnancy, usually during the last trimester, and usually on the belly, but also commonly occurring on the breasts, thighs, hips, lower back and buttocks, they are known medically as striae gravidarum.. It is a form of scarring of the skin of the abdominal due to sudden weight gain during pregnancy. These off-colour blemishes are symptoms of pregnancy caused by the tearing of the deep layers of the skin called the dermis  These scars often appear as reddish or bluish streaks on the abdomen, and can also appear on the breasts and thighs. Some striae disappear with time, while others remain but usually turn to a pale silvery colour. They can cause a burning and itching feeling, as well as emotional distress. They are harmless, and thought of as a cosmetic nuisance.
It has been suggested that relaxin and oestrogen combined with higher levels of cortisol during pregnancy that may lead to stretch marks. Younger women seem to be at higher risk of developing striae during pregnancy, As are overweight women and those carrying big babies.  Genetic factors such as family history and race also seem to play a part in the appearance of stretch marks. Evidence on treatments for reducing the appearance of the scars after pregnancy is limited. To date, nothing appears to definitely prevent stretch marks from forming.  

  VARICOSE VEINS are bulging, purple or blue veins that appear just under the surface of your skin. They most commonly happen in the legs, mainly calves, though they can also appear in other areas. Veins have valves which stop the blood that is going back to your heart, from flowing backwards. Varicose veins develop when the valves don't work properly, and the vein walls become weak. This causes blood to collect in the weak area and the vein starts to stretch and sag, making it visible under the skin.
The weight of your growing baby, the placenta and your womb, all weigh down on the veins in your pelvis, as well as on the larger veins. This pressure makes it difficult for the blood from your legs, to return to the heart.
You also have more blood circulating round your body, as well as the pregnancy hormone progesterone, which relaxes your blood vessel walls. All of these things join together to make varicose veins more likely. They usually improve, once baby arrives.


Things that can help are:
* Try to keep your weight gain to a healthy level. your Midwife will advise you about this.
  • * Lying down or sleeping on your left side, can take the pressure off your large blood vessels. Put your feet on a pillow, but not under your calves as this causes further pressure. 
  • * Don't sit or stand for long periods of time. Move around at least once every 30 minutes to get your circulation going.
  • * Don't cross your legs. Put your feet up whenever you can, on a footstool or box.
  • * You can to try to prevent blood from pooling in your legs by using maternity support tights, or ask your doctor or midwife about compression stockings.

CONSTIPATION is very common in pregnancy, about 4 in 10 women will suffer whilst pregnant. The two main reasons are the hormone progesterone, has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the bowel making it work less efficiently. Also, many pregnant women take iron supplements which can cause constipation.


INDIGESTION AND HEARTBURN 8 out of 10 pregnant women will suffer from this while pregnant. Pregnancy hormones cause a relaxing of muscles in the throat, making it more likely for stomach acid to flow up into the throat causing a burning sensation. Also as the baby grows it causes pressure on the stomach pushing it upwards, forcing stomach acid up into the throat. Symptoms disappear once baby is born. Always let your Midwife know about any new symptom you experience so that she can rule out any other causes.


LEG CRAMPS are caused mainly by the same cause as varicose veins. Hormonal changes in the blood vessels makes circulation not as efficient to the lower limbs. 
They may also be caused by a lack of Magnesium or calcium in your body. Ask you specialist or Midwife before taking supplements.


ANAEMIA - there are a few causes and types of anaemia in pregnancy, but iron deficiency anaemia is the most common. The body uses up lots of iron growing your baby and can leave your body with a low amount. Iron is used to make haemaglobin in your blood, which carries and stores oxygen around the body.  However, it is not advisable to take iron tablets, without the advice from your Midwife.