Some Pregnancy Concerns.I have terrible morning sickness. When will it end?
By the end of the 1st trimester, most women experience an improvement in morning sickness.
I have terrible morning sickness. When will it end?
As your uterus grows during pregnancy, you may feel slight cramping or even pain in your lower abdominal area on your sides. Your uterus tightens or contracts throughout your pregnancy. If you don't feel this, don't worry. However, if contractions are accompanied by bleeding from the vagina, call your doctor immediately!
A friend mentioned Braxton-Hicks contractions. What are they?
They are painless, non rhythmical contractions you may feel when you place your hands on your abdomen. You may also feel them in the uterus itself. These contractions may begin early in your pregnancy and are felt at irregular intervals. They are not signs of true labor.
I have a weird feeling in my pelvic area sort of a "pins and needles" feeling. Is there something wrong?
Not usually. This is another feeling associated with increased pressure as the baby moves lower in the birth canal. Tingling, pressure and numbness are common at this time.
Can I do anything to alleviate any of this pressure?
Lie on your side to help decrease pressure in your pelvis and on the nerves, veins and arteries in your pelvic area.
Round Ligament Pain
When I move or get up, it hurts on the lower part of my sides. Should I worry?
What you are describing is usually called round ligament pain. There are ligaments on either side of the uterus; as your uterus gets bigger, these ligaments stretch and get longer and thicker. Quick movements can stretch the ligaments, and that hurts. This is not harmful to you or your baby, but it can be uncomfortable.
What can I do for round ligament pain?
Be careful about quick movements. If you experience discomfort, you may feel better if you lie down and rest. Most doctors recommend shifting or changing your position, or taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) if the pain still bothers you. Tell your doctor if it gets worse.
Sciatic Nerve Pain
What is sciatic-nerve pain?
Sciatic-nerve pain is an occasional excruciating pain in your buttocks and down the back or the side of your leg. You may experience it as your pregnancy progresses. The sciatic nerve runs behind the uterus in the pelvis to your legs. We believe pain is caused by pressure on the nerve from the growing uterus.
What can I do about sciatic nerve pain?
The best remedy is to lie on your opposite side. It helps relieve pressure on the nerve. Don't do any heavy lifting. If you have to stand for any length of time, rest the toes of one foot on some object that is 3 to 4 inches off the ground, such as a thick book (the phone book or a dictionary works great!) to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Heat (or cold) may help. Mild pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, are also OK.
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