Backache in pregnancy

Overview: Suggestions on how to avoid backache in pregnancy.



During pregnancy ligaments become softer and stretch to prepare you for labour. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis, which can cause backache. As the baby grows, the hollow in your lower back may increase and this may also cause backache.



To avoid backache:

avoid heavy lifting;

bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting or picking something up from the floor;

if you do have to carry something heavy, hold it close to your body;

move your feet when turning round to avoid twisting your spine;

wear flat shoes as these allow your weight to be evenly distributed;

work at a surface high enough to prevent you stooping;

try to balance the weight between two baskets if you are carrying shopping;

sit with your back straight and well supported.

A firm mattress can help to prevent and relieve backache. If your mattress is too soft, a piece of hardboard under its length will make it firmer.



Massage can also help, or you might like to try a support corset, which can be prescribed by your doctor. Make sure you get enough rest, particularly later in pregnancy.



If your backache is very painful, ask your doctor to refer you to an obstetric physiotherapist at your hospital. He or she will be able to give you some advice and suggest some helpful exercises.



If during or after birth you have pain in the hips, groin, lower abdomen and inner thighs and have difficulty walking or climbing stairs you should inform your GP, midwife or hospital doctor. This may be due to a gap in a joint in the pelvic girdle, which gaps naturally during the birth to allow for the baby's head, not closing up. This condition is known as Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction (SPD). It affects very few women but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment will help to minimise the pain and avoid long term discomfort.

 

Constipation in pregnancy

Overview: Suggested ways to prevent constipation during pregnancy.



You may become constipated very early in pregnancy because of the hormonal changes going on in your body. It will help to:

make sure you include plenty of fibre in your diet through eating foods like wholemeal breads, wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, and pulses such as beans and lentils

exercise regularly to keep your muscles toned up

make sure you drink plenty of water

avoid iron pills if they cause constipation. Ask your doctor whether you can manage without them or change to a different type; if not, you may have to accept having constipation

 

What causes bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy?
What causes bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy?
Bleeding is a sign that cannot be ignored. If a woman bleeds at any time during pregnancy she should tell her doctor or midwife straight away.

The bleeding can be caused by quite harmless changes in the cervix (neck of the womb) called an ectropion. This is the commonest cause of vaginal bleeding in the second half of pregnancy.

It can also be the type of bleeding that occurs immediately before labour and looks like bloody mucus (a 'show').

But bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy can also be caused by one of two potentially serious complications.

If the placenta, which nourishes the baby, is coming away from its attachment to the inside of the wall of the womb (a condition called placental abruption), bleeding will occur . Abdominal pains and a tense, sore uterus are other symptoms of this problem.

The bleeding may originate from a low placenta that is actually blocking the opening to the cervix (a condition known as placenta praevia).

What should a woman do if she starts bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy?
If bleeding starts suddenly, the woman should lie down and arrange to be taken to hospital immediately.

What will the doctors do?
The woman will be examined and looked after on the maternity ward. If she is close to the expected date of birth the doctors will decide whether it is best for her and the baby if the baby is delivered immediately.

If the placenta is breaking away, the doctor or midwife, will break the baby's waters and induce the labour.

If, on the other hand, the placenta is blocking the opening to the vagina, the mother will probably need delivery by Caesarean section.

If the symptoms are less severe or the expected date of birth is a long way off, doing nothing other than monitoring the mother and baby's condition may be more appropriate. This will enable the pregnancy to continue and allow the development of the baby to proceed further.

Bleeding should never be ignored. If in doubt please contact a doctor - or the maternity ward at your local hospital immediately. A woman bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy should never have a vaginal examination outside a hospital as such an examination may cause further brisk bleeding.

some pregnancy advice

How long is a normal pregnancy?

Usually, a pregnancy is 40 weeks in length, counting from the first day of your last menstrual cycle period. Pregnancy is broken down into three phases, which are called trimesters. The first trimester lasts 12 weeks, the second from 13 to 27 weeks and the third from 28 to 40 weeks.

Do I need tests?

Routine tests are offered to all women after their pregnancy has been confirmed by their doctor. These include blood tests to check for anaemia (lack of red blood cells), your blood type and any infections or blood disorders you may have now or had in the past. You are also offered a urine test to see if you have a kidney infection. Other special tests are available to women who may be at risk for an abnormal pregnancy.

Who will care for me during my pregnancy?

See your doctor as soon as you know or suspect you are pregnant. You can continue to see your doctor throughout your pregnancy or you can see a midwife. To increase your chances of having a healthy baby, you will be asked to visit the antenatal clinic on a regular, but flexible basis. The nurse or midwife checks your weight, urine and blood pressure at each visit, and you will also be examined by a doctor or midwife. Be sure to discuss any changes or questions you have with them.

What can I do about morning sickness?

Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting you may have during pregnancy. Although called 'morning' sickness, it can happen throughout the day. Usually, it begins in early pregnancy and goes away by the fourth month. To relieve morning sickness, try to eat several, smaller meals and healthy snacks throughout the day. Beside your bed have a small snack that you can nibble before you get up in the morning. Avoid rich, fatty foods or cooking smells that bother you, and try to eat more carbohydrates like dry toast or a plain baked potato.