Frequent Urination

It caused by the pressure on the bladder as the uterus enlarges during the pregnancy.

1. Recommend urinating as soon as you feel the urge.
2. Increase liquid intake during the day and try cutting back on fluids after dinner to reduce urination at night.

Constipation

Constipation during pregnancy can be caused by the iron supplementation or the enlarged uterus make the small intestine shift and suppress the rectum, which slows down the bowel movements.

1. Drink enough water. About 2000cc a day.
2. Get adequate exercise. Walk in the morning and evening.
3. Eat fibrous vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
4. Get into the habit of having a daily bowel movement.
5. Take a stool softener prescribed by a doctor if necessary. Do not take over-the-counter medication on your own.

Nausea and vomiting

In the early stage of pregnancy, the hormonal change results in nausea and vomiting. But symptoms will naturally disappear at the end of the third month for most cases, and only very few will last until delivery.

1. Consume dry starchy foods, such as crackers, toast, or cereal, in the morning before you get out of bed.
2. Eat small frequent meals and avoid an empty stomach.
3. Try not to drink soup or water during meals, don’t lie down flat or move vigorously after eating.
4. Avoid food that is oily, not easy to digest or with heavy seasonings.
5. If vomiting occurs with morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water to get rid of the taste. You may drink some water to wash the gastric acid away from the esophagus to reduce the burning sensation.

Cramps, swelling on the lower limbs and varicose veins

1. Keep the lower limbs warm.
2. Increase intake of calcium-rich foods, such as milk, dark green vegetables, dry beans, and anchovies.
3. When having cramps, try to straighten the legs. Massage your sole and push toward the calf with hands.
4. Do not eat food with high sodium content.
5. It is better to rest sideways on the left and elevate your legs to improve blood circulation.

Hemorrhoids

Diarrhea, constipation, and straining during bowel movements which can increase pressure on veins, or the enlarged uterus may block blood flow through veins, which contributes hemorrhoids in pregnancy.

1. Develop the habit of regular bowel movement and avoid constipation. Avoid squat hard, or sitting or standing for a long time.
2. Take a warm sitz bath.
3. A stool softener or topical cream may help to relieve the pain, consult your health care provider when the pain is severe.
4. Opt for more whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, water in your diet to prevent constipation.

Backache

As the baby grows, the mother's belly enlarges, to maintain balance, the mother's posture shifts, which leads to lower back pain.

1. Maintain proper posture. Keep the back straight and do not slouch.
2. Try not to carry anything heavy, stand, or sit for a long time or get too tired.
3. Use a maternity support belt to support the belly and lighten the load on the back.
4. Use a hot compress, massage for waist or back to increase blood circulation.

Heartburn

During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone causes the esophageal sphincter to relax which allows stomach acid to pass into the esophagus and results in a burning sensation.

1. Take multiple meals with a small amount of food for each meal. Avoid eating too fast or too much.
2. Avoid eating desserts and greasy, heavy, or fried food.
3. Avoid wearing tight clothes or belts to decrease the chances of gastroesophageal reflux.
4. It is appropriate to keep a semi-Fowler's position after dinner instead of lying down immediately.
5. You can take antacids or antiemetic (anti-sickness) drugs under a doctor's guidance.

Tooth and Gum Disease

Tooth decay, gingivitis, gingival hyperplasia during pregnancy, the periodontal (gum) disease worsens because during pregnancy, the Estrogens in the body increase, causing swelling of the mucous membranes, which is prone to bleeding from the mouth or gums.

1. Practice good oral hygiene.
2. Visit your dentist regularly (teeth cleaning to remove plaque and - tartar for pregnant women) and talk to your dentist as soon as any oral health conditions occur.
3. Use the soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently.
4. Include enough fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet to ensure adequate vitamin C intake to protect your gum health.