Pregnancy and Childbirth
Early Pregnancy Signs Article
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Pregnancy Signs Caused By Weight Gain
from:Besides the most common signs of pregnancy, women can experience other early pregnancy signs, some of which can be very uncomfortable, if not painful. During pregnancy the uterus and breasts increase in size and weight, and there are consequences for the body of the extra weight being carried around during pregnancy.
Hormones released during this time loosen ligaments that attach the spine to the pelvic bone. Because of this, back pains are frequent early pregnancy signs. These pains can be relieved by resting, warm baths, and/or massages. If the pain is severe and persistent, doctors may be able to prescribe painkillers. Women should not take anything before first checking with their doctors.
Another consequence of the extra weight being carried around during pregnancy is the occurrence of leg cramps. Some experts claim that leg cramps could also be due to changes in the blood circulation in the legs. These cramps are felt most often in the second and third trimesters and can be relieved by stretching, walking, warm baths, and/or massages.
The growing uterus also puts pressure on the veins that come up from the legs, causing the accumulation of fluid around the ankles. This accumulation leads to edema (swelling), which can often be relieved by elevating the ankles while seated, wearing waist-high support tights and/or exercising.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is also one of the early pregnancy signs. Essentially, a woman feels "pins and needles" in her hands, accompanied often by pain, numbness, and weakness in the fingers. What is actually happening is that fluid builds up around the wrists and the nerves that run to the hand muscles and skin becomes compressed. If the pain does not go away, a doctor may suggest a molded wrist splint.
Another of the early pregnancy signs caused by the growing uterus is varicose veins, which are enlarged veins in the legs. Pressure is put on the veins in the pelvis and legs and hormones cause the walls of blood vessels to relax, thereby causing the development of varicose veins.
Women can help prevent the development of varicose veins by gently exercising on a regular basis, not crossing their legs while seated, putting their feet up often, and putting on support tights or stockings as soon as they wake up. More often than not, varicose veins disappear after the birth of the baby.
Hemorrhoids can also be one of the early pregnancy signs, occurring as a result of constipation, caused by changes in the circulation of blood around a woman's body. Women can try to avoid getting hemorrhoids by trying to avoid getting constipated. Relief can come from over-the-counter creams and/or taking warm baths. More often than not, hemorrhoids will disappear after the birth of the baby. If they don't, it may be necessary to surgically remove them.
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