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Treatment, Home Remedies, and Prevention

Pregnancy isn’t always a cakewalk. Sure, we hear how beautiful it is (and it is!), but your first months may have been filled with morning sickness and heartburn. And just when you think you’re out of the woods, leg cramps come along.

Leg cramps are a common pregnancy symptom that usually occurs in the second and third trimester. In fact, nearly half of all pregnant women report muscle spasms by the third trimester.

You may experience these cramps mainly at night — just when you’d like to get the sleep you’re probably craving — and feel tightness in your calf, foot, or both areas. Some women also experience them after sitting in one position for an extended amount of time.

It may not be possible to entirely prevent leg cramps. But preventative and relief measures like stretching, staying active, and drinking plenty of water may help ease your symptoms and get your mind back on the true joys of pregnancy.

Let’s start by talking about what causes these cramps, because knowledge is power when it comes to getting relief.

Circulation changes

During pregnancy, circulation slows — this is totally normal and not a reason to worry. It’s due in part to overactive hormones. (You probably know by now that hormones are gifts that keep on giving for the whole 40 weeks — and beyond.)

During later trimesters, your body also experiences an increase in blood volume, which also contributes to slow circulation. This can lead to swelling and cramping in your legs.

Tips for improving circulation while pregnant

• Try sleeping on your left side.
• Elevate your legs as often as possible — literally, find the time to put your feet up and relax if you can.
• At night, place a pillow under or between your legs.
• During the day, stand up and walk around every hour or two — especially if you have a job that keeps you at a desk all day.

Dehydration

Quick check: Are you drinking enough water?

During pregnancy, you’re ideally drinking 8 to 12 cups of water each day. Watch out for symptoms of dehydration, like dark yellow pee (it should be clear or nearly clear).

Dehydration can cause and worsen leg cramps. If you’re experiencing them, try upping your daily water intake.

Weight gain

The pressure from your growing baby can take a toll on your nerves and blood vessels, including the ones that go to your legs. This is why you’re more likely to experience leg cramps as your pregnancy progresses, especially in the third trimester.

Gaining a healthy amount of weight and staying active during your pregnancy may help prevent leg cramps. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned.

Fatigue

It’s the norm to feel tired during pregnancy — you’re growing a tiny human! — and this is especially true as you gain more weight in the second and third trimester. As your muscles get fatigued from the added pressure, too, it can lead to leg cramps.

Try drinking plenty of water, going for a walk during the day, and stretching before bed to prevent leg cramps due to muscle fatigue.

Calcium or magnesium deficiency

Having too little calcium or magnesium in your diet may contribute to leg cramps.

But if you already take a prenatal vitamin, you likely don’t need to take an additional supplement. A 2015 review of studies of 390 pregnant women found that taking magnesium or calcium supplements made little to no difference when it came to experiencing leg cramps.

If you’re concerned you aren’t getting enough of these nutrients, speak to your doctor. You’re probably getting labs done occasionally anyway, so it doesn’t hurt to have these levels checked.

DVT blood clot

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) blood clot can occur in the legs, thigh, or pelvis. Pregnant women are 5 to 10 times more likely to develop a DVT than non-pregnant women. While there’s no need to panic that you’ll get one — it’s pretty uncommon to start with — we can’t say enough that knowledge is power.

Bottom line: Keep moving. We’re not talking marathons here, but the best way to prevent DVT during pregnancy is to avoid hours at a time of inactivity.

If your job requires a lot of sitting, you could set a quiet alarm on your phone to go off every hour to remind you to get up and walk — perhaps to the water cooler to add to your water intake for the day! Two birds, one stone.

Also take extra care to get up during long flights. You may want to check with your doctor before flying while pregnant.

Symptoms of a blood clot are similar to leg cramps, but a DVT blood clot is a medical emergency. Seek medical care right away if you experience symptoms like:

• a lot of pain in your legs when you’re standing or moving around
• severe swelling
• warm-to-the-touch skin near the affected area

Stretching before bed

Performing a calf stretch before getting into bed at night may help prevent or ease leg cramps. Follow these steps:

1. Stand facing a wall, an arm’s length away.
2. Place your hands on the wall in front of you.
3. Step your right foot back. Keep your heels on the floor the whole time and bend your left knee while keeping your right leg straight. Keep your left knee bent as so you feel the stretch in your right calf muscle.
4. Hold for up to 30 seconds. Switch legs, if needed.

Staying hydrated

Drinking plenty of water during pregnancy is important to prevent dehydration — and dehydration can also lead to those awful leg cramps.

Try to drink 8 to 12 cups of water each day during pregnancy. Easier said than done, sure — but super important for a lot of good reasons.

Applying heat

Try applying heat to your cramping muscle. It may help loosen up the cramp. No need to buy a fancy heating pad: You can also use a microwave-safe cloth bag (or a sock) filled with rice.

Massaging the area

When you get a leg cramp, performing a self-massage may help ease your pain. Use one hand to gently massage your calf or wherever your leg is cramping. Perform this self-massage for 30 seconds to a minute to ease your cramp.

You can also get a prenatal massage, which can be a positively divine experience. Look for an experienced therapist in your area who specializes in working with pregnant women.

Exercising

It’s a smart idea to stay active throughout your pregnancy, even though you don’t want to overdo it.

With your doctor’s OK, pregnancy-safe activities like prenatal yoga, walking, and swimming can benefit you and your baby-to-be.

Staying active can prevent excess weight gain, promote circulation, and yes — help prevent leg cramps. Always stretch and warm up before and after exercising so your muscles don’t cramp up afterward, though.

Avoiding inactivity

So, perhaps you don’t have the time or energy for a challenging hike or run. That is more than OK — you need to listen to your body and know your limits, especially during pregnancy.

But sitting for long periods of time can lead to leg and muscle cramps. To avoid this, make sure you stand up and walk around every hour or two. Set a timer on your phone or watch if you tend to forget to get up during the day.

Leg cramps are a common pregnancy symptom. (That doesn’t make having them any easier, but hopefully it turns down the stress dial a bit.)

If you’re concerned about your pain or they’re causing too much lost shut-eye, mention it at your next prenatal checkup.

Also call your doctor and let them know if your leg cramps are severe, persistent, or worsening. You may need supplements or medication.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience severe swelling in one or both legs, pain walking, or enlarged veins. These may be symptoms of a blood clot.

The straight answer here is that there is no straight answer. (Great.)

Leg cramps are most common in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, not the first. But changing symptoms are a valid reason to wonder if you’re pregnant.

Some women do report aches and pains during the first trimester. This is likely due to your hormonal changes and your expanding uterus.

Leg cramps alone can’t tell you if you’re pregnant. If you suspect you’re pregnant or miss your period, take an at-home pregnancy test or see your doctor to confirm.

To prevent leg cramps, try the following:

• Drink between 8 and 12 cups of water per day.
• Stay active throughout your pregnancy.
• Stretch out your calf muscles.
• Wear comfortable shoes — leave the heels at home!
• Eat a balanced diet with calcium- and magnesium-rich foods like yogurt, leafy greens, whole grains, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds

Experiencing leg cramps during pregnancy isn’t pleasant. But it’s a common symptom, especially at night. Try our tips — we think they’ll help.

And as always, let your doctor know if you have any related worries. Never feel bad or self-conscious about phoning or emailing your clinic — helping you through a healthy pregnancy is the number one concern of OB doctors and nurses.

Early pregnancy | Shchelkovsky perinatal center

Pregnancy is a wonderful period! However, the changes taking place in the body at this time can greatly frighten you. The phenomena characteristic of pregnancy are different for all women, and will not necessarily be repeated during each subsequent gestation. Let's analyze the most common symptoms, their causes and possible methods of correction.

1. Frequent urination.

Frequent, painless (!) urge to urinate is one of the signs of pregnancy. This is due to increased secretion of progesterone (pregnancy hormone), changes in metabolism and pressure from the growing uterus on the bladder. nine0005

Be sure to see a doctor if:

• painful urination (this may be a sign of an infection)
• urine of strange color (stained with blood, brown)
• the amount of urine excreted per day is much less than the liquid drunk per day

Life hack! Under no circumstances should fluid intake be restricted! To alleviate the condition and reduce the frequent urge to urinate, it is necessary to exclude products that have a diuretic effect: tea, coffee, zucchini, watermelon; as well as salty, spicy and fried foods. It is better to drink water or juice. Wear comfortable cotton underwear that does not squeeze the lower abdomen. nine0005

2. Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, increased susceptibility to smells.

Nausea is one of the common symptoms of early pregnancy. The range of issues related to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is quite wide. From "it's good, I don't even feel sick" (with relief), "I don't feel sick, what's wrong with me?" (with anxiety) to "when will this nausea pass" (with hope). Indeed, these symptoms are not at all a mandatory accompaniment of gestation, they can manifest at 7-8 weeks and last up to 12-14 weeks. The duration of this condition can sometimes be delayed, but rarely persists throughout pregnancy. nine0005

Life hack! For nausea, eat before feeling hungry. Solid, non-hot food and drinks at a cool temperature are best. With heartburn, you should eat small portions of food and often, and most importantly, sit, stand or walk for at least 30 minutes after eating, but do not lie down.

You should definitely consult a doctor if:

• vomiting occurs even after drinking water
• vomiting is exhausting, accompanied by dizziness, weakness
• dryness, jaundice and flaking of the skin appear
• Nausea and vomiting interfere with proper nutrition, accompanied by weight loss

To reduce nausea and vomiting in the morning, try eating something before you get out of bed. It can be a cracker, a cookie, a piece of hard cheese. And salty food is preferable to sweet. You can have a snack in the same way at night when you get up to go to the toilet. Do not lie down immediately after eating, this will only increase nausea. Vitamins for pregnant women with nausea should be taken in the evening after meals. Cool water with lemon, ginger, mint tea, or ginger or mint candies can alleviate the condition. It is necessary to exclude those foods, drinks and smells that are unpleasant to you. Brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth often can also reduce nausea. nine0005

3. Pain or cramps in the lower abdomen, constipation, pain in the lumbar region.

The simplest and most easily controlled cause of pain is delayed and incomplete bowel movements. An increase in the concentration of progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles, which are located not only in the uterus, but also in other hollow organs. In this case, the correction of the diet and the restoration of the passage of feces will help. If the measures are ineffective, the doctor may prescribe safe drugs for you. A special type of pain that occurs during exclusivity in pregnant women is pain in the round ligament of the uterus. This acute, rather intense pain occurs, as a rule, on the one hand with a sharp change in body position (for example, when getting up from a chair or leaving a car). This pain occurs due to stretching, and then a sharp contraction, like a spring, of the round uterine ligaments. The pain quickly passes if you immediately take a comfortable position and does not require special treatment. nine0005

You should definitely consult a doctor if:

• pain is accompanied by spotting bloody discharge from the external genitalia
• increasing duration and intensity of pain
• abdominal pain accompanied by dizziness, fever, loss of consciousness

Life hack! To normalize bowel movements, eat more vegetables and fruits, drink water and move more during the day. Try to eat often and in small portions. nine0005

4. Enlargement and soreness of the mammary glands.

Hormonal restructuring of the body during gestation is accompanied, among other things, by an increase in the size of the mammary glands and an increase in their sensitivity. By the end of the first trimester, the soreness usually disappears, no additional methods of treatment are needed.

Life hack! Choose comfortable supportive underwear (it should not leave marks on the skin at the end of the day). You may need a larger size or a sports bra. Pain in the mammary glands is relieved by a warm shower at the end of the day. nine0005

You should definitely see a doctor if:

• the pain is intense
• mammary glands are very dense with redness and body temperature is increased
• discharge from the nipples appears (purulent, bloody)

5. Increased body temperature.

In early pregnancy, an increase in body temperature to 37.5 ° C is not necessary, but is possible due to the peculiarities of the action of progesterone. Because of this, it is difficult for pregnant women to endure stuffy, hot rooms. Self-medication is dangerous: an attempt to bring down the temperature even with a seemingly harmless folk method - tea with raspberries - can mask the true cause of hyperthermia and delay the diagnosis. Due to the increased body temperature, pregnant women should dress in layers and avoid stuffy and hot rooms and spaces so that they can always “adjust” their temperature on their own. nine0005

• temperature above 37.5 °C
• along with fever, any pain occurs
• runny nose, cough, body aches appear

6. Nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, nosebleeds.

These symptoms can be explained by the individual reaction of the vascular system to the increase in blood volume that occurs during pregnancy. Another possible reason is dry air in the room, the operation of central heating batteries. nine0005

Life hack! The easiest way to deal with nasal congestion is to use a humidifier. If you don't have one, you can put a damp towel on the battery - less effective, but better than nothing. It is possible to use sprays with sea salt, but you need to carefully read the instructions and especially the "Indications" section, it should contain information about the safety of the product during pregnancy.

You should definitely see a doctor if:

• symptoms of a cold occur
• nasal congestion accompanied by ear congestion
• These symptoms appeared after exposure to the allergen known to you

7. Blood pressure fluctuations.

An ideal option for the course of any pregnancy is the stability of the blood pressure throughout the gestation. However, this is extremely rare. A small (up to 10 units) increase in pressure from the usual reference may be due to an increase in the load on the cardiovascular system as a result of changes in body weight, hormonal changes, and uterine pressure on the vessels. Normal pressure: systolic below 130 mm Hg, diastolic no more than 85 mm Hg. Blood pressure in the range of 130-139/ 85–89 mm Hg considered high to be normal. High numbers are often observed in patients of older reproductive age, suffering from diabetes mellitus and kidney disease, obesity, etc. However, it is imperative to tell the doctor about all these concomitant pathological conditions at the first appointment and, if necessary, consult a neurologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist and other related specialists . Reasonable physical activity, adherence to sleep and wakefulness, a balanced diet, and the rejection of coffee and strong tea allow you to keep pressure within limits. Of the completely exotic for our days, but no less significant - the prevention of stress. nine0005

Life hack! If you first discovered that you have high normal pressure, repeat the measurement after 15 minutes. If the pressure remains elevated, see a doctor.

Be sure to see a doctor if:

• your blood pressure is above 140/90 mmHg.
• pressure increased by more than 10 mm Hg. relative to your regular
• an increase in the pressure indicator is accompanied by edema, the appearance of "flies" before the eyes

NB! You should also pay attention to lowering blood pressure. Numbers less than 90/60 mmHg - an excuse to see a doctor.

Life hack! Keep a blood pressure diary, especially if you are prone to hypertension. Show your diary to your doctor at every appointment.

8. Heaviness and pain in the legs.

Heaviness and pain in the legs, especially in the evening, are frequent companions of pregnancy. There is an explanation for the occurrence of symptoms: an increase in load due to growing weight and a shift in the center of gravity of the body. nine0005

Life hack! Ask your partner/husband to give you a foot massage, relax with your limbs elevated (not too much!) A therapeutic pedicure, dousing the legs with cool water, a contrast shower, a cream or gel for legs with cooling components (menthol, essential oils), as well as compression stockings or stockings of the lightest degree of compression will help.

You should always see a doctor if:

• one or both legs are very swollen or discolored
• previously diagnosed varicose veins, family history of thrombosis

9. Skin changes.

During pregnancy, you may notice dark spots on your skin. Especially often such darkening (hyperpigmentation) is observed in the nipple area, along the white line of the abdomen. Stretch marks (stretch marks) may appear on the skin of the abdomen and thighs. These are normal signs and do not require any treatment. In most cases, skin color will return to normal after breastfeeding ends, and stretch marks will shrink and fade. Itching can be associated with stretching of the skin, especially in the abdomen and mammary glands. This symptom occurs infrequently and is usually successfully stopped by the use of special products to moisturize and soften the skin. By the way, these same remedies usually help in the fight against stretch marks. nine0005

Life hack! Oils and moisturizing creams to increase skin elasticity, contrast showers, massage with a hard brush will help reduce the likelihood of skin changes.

You should definitely consult a doctor if:

• along with itching there are areas of redness, spots, peeling
• itching increases

10. Bleeding gums.

Changes in the characteristics of blood circulation in the body of a pregnant woman can cause bleeding gums. The appearance of minor blood impurities during brushing your teeth, when eating solid foods (for example, an apple) is acceptable. However, the key provision is "insignificant". If you find it difficult to assess your own condition, consult a specialist. nine0005

You should definitely consult a doctor if:

• you have loose teeth, sore gums, bad breath
• bleeding in the gum area increases

11. Fatigue, mood instability.

Tearfulness, lack of strength, forgetfulness, distraction, the whole palette of feelings "here and now"... The list can be continued, and there is only one explanation for this - pregnancy. The most common early symptom is severe fatigue. There is no universal recipe, just as there is no single picture of these states. The main recommendation for all pregnant women is to rest often, relax and even sleep during the day. Most importantly, you need to remember: pregnancy is not a disease, but a great time to prepare for motherhood. nine0005

The first symptoms and signs of pregnancy: how to understand that a miracle is near

There are many signs that may indicate pregnancy. These first signs of pregnancy are individual for each woman and the case of pregnancy. During pregnancy, you may find one or more of these signs. Don't worry, it's unlikely you'll have all the symptoms at the same time. In addition, you should not worry in their absence. It is possible to be pregnant and not see any signs of pregnancy. Regardless of whether you show the first signs of pregnancy or not, the only reliable way to determine pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test. nine0005

1. Missed period

If you normally have a regular menstrual cycle, this is the first physical sign of pregnancy. Remember that during pregnancy, light bleeding or discharge is possible both during the expected period and when the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus. If your cycle is irregular, you may notice other pregnancy symptoms before you notice the absence of your period.
Some women, after having had perfectly regular periods for many years, may experience prolonged absence of menstruation. In this case, the first step is to exclude the possibility of pregnancy by performing a home pregnancy test. The medical term for not having a period for more than 6 months is amenorrhea. There can be many reasons for the unexpected cessation of periods, including rapid weight gain and loss, excessive exercise, and stress. If you are experiencing hot flashes and a decrease in interest in sex, these may be the first signs of menopause (perimenopause). Whatever the symptoms, it's a good idea to check with your doctor if your periods change or stop. nine0005

2. Changes in the mammary glands

The main hormonal changes occur differently for everyone, depending on the individual characteristics of the organism. The timing of when such restructurings begin to occur is also individual for each.

Breast volume

Breast swelling is the first and earliest sign of pregnancy. Usually, the breasts begin to increase in volume in the first 10 weeks, as well as in the period before childbirth. Sometimes the breast in the process of carrying a baby does not increase much. It all depends on the initial size and characteristics of the woman's body. But it also happens that the breast begins to gradually increase only by the sixth or seventh month, at the moment when the body begins to prepare for the upcoming birth. The growth of the milky tract occurs due to estrogens, while the glandular tissue begins its active growth thanks to progesterone. nine0005

Glandular tenderness and pain

Discomfort and pain can accompany a woman throughout her pregnancy. But it is chest pain that women begin to feel at the very beginning of pregnancy. The glands can hurt or itch even when the nipples come into contact with underwear. At the same time, expectant mothers note swelling, weighting, tingling of the chest.

Discoloration of the nipples

Nipples and areolas in women at an early stage darken, increase in diameter. Such changes are an important step in preparing for the birth of a baby and breastfeeding. It is believed that it is thanks to the dark color of the areolas that it is easier for a newborn to find his source of nutrition. In addition to changes in color and diameter, small pimples may also appear on the areolas. nine0005

Discharge from the nipples

Colostrum is the first food of a newborn. Thanks to him, the baby in the first minutes of its existence receives useful substances that help strengthen the immune system and protect it from the negative effects of the environment. Colostrum is a thick, sticky yellow mass that is released before milk appears. In early pregnancy, a drop of colostrum can also be released from the breast, which indicates the preparation of the breast for birth and future feeding of the baby. To ensure breast hygiene at this stage, it is recommended to purchase special liners that are applied to the nipples in a bra. This will keep the underwear clean and prevent colostrum from getting onto the bra. nine0005

Stretch marks and venous mesh on the chest

All these changes occur due to the increase in the volume of the mammary glands, as well as increased blood circulation in the woman's body. With sufficient levels of collagen, stretch marks can be avoided. With the right care, stretch marks can be less noticeable.

3. Tiredness

You may feel unusually tired during the first few weeks of your pregnancy. This may be due to an increase in the level of progesterone in the body, since it maintains the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity in the state necessary for the development of pregnancy. For the same reason, some patients experience fainting. By the beginning of the second trimester, ailments usually disappear without a trace. However, it is important to be examined and make sure that there are no other health problems. nine0233 Also in the early stages of pregnancy, women experience a decrease in blood pressure. Due to the expansion of blood vessels, small capillaries are included in the blood circulation process. This is necessary for the proper nutrition of the pelvic organs and the proper development of the fetal egg.
If you have low blood pressure (hypotension), you may experience headache, tinnitus, flies before your eyes. What to do in this case, the doctor will tell. Most often, it is enough to adjust the diet and spend more time in the fresh air. Low blood pressure is considered less dangerous during pregnancy than hypertension. nine0005

4. Toxicosis / morning sickness

Between the 2nd and 8th weeks of pregnancy, you may experience nausea and vomiting. As a rule, improvement occurs by the 16th week. Despite the name “morning sickness,” bouts of nausea can recur at any time of the day and it is possible that you will experience it all the time.

5. Hyperemesis gestation (excessive vomiting)

1 in 100 women suffers from hyperemesis gestation. Usually, hyperemesis goes beyond the first trimester (12-13 weeks) and causes such frequent bouts of uncontrollable vomiting that no food or liquid is retained in the body. As a rule, it is treated, and only in very severe cases can lead to pregnancy complications. In case of severe vomiting, consult a doctor for advice. nine0005

Anti-nausea drugs are prescribed by a doctor only for women who are dehydrated - symptoms include increased dryness of the mouth and concentration of urine (dark yellow).

6. More frequent urination

From the first days of pregnancy, a woman's body produces hCG, a hormone also known as human chorionic gonadotropin, which increases the need to empty the bladder. As the pregnancy progresses, the body naturally begins to retain more fluid. This happens under the action of the hormone progesterone. nine0005

You may also need to urinate more frequently 6-8 weeks after conception. This is due to the fact that the uterus increases in size and puts pressure on the bladder. At the end of the first trimester, your uterus rises into your abdomen, which will take some of the pressure off your bladder.

If frequent urination becomes too much of a problem early in pregnancy, follow our advice:

• Avoid coffee or tea as they are considered diuretic drinks.
• Lean forward when you urinate. This simple action will help you better empty your bladder to the last drop. Sometimes the slopes should be repeated 2 times.
• Do not reduce the amount of liquid you drink per day (water, compote, juices, dairy products), thinking that this is a way out of this situation. Your body and baby need constant hydration. Dehydration can lead to the development of a urinary tract infection. nine0018
• Try to drink more during the day, and in the evening and before going to bed, reduce fluid intake to a minimum.
• Do not abuse salty, spicy, fatty foods, alcohol, do not eat smoked meats and other foods that cause increased thirst.
• Constipation can also trigger urination by putting pressure on the bladder, so increase your fiber intake to keep stool regular.
• Daily perform a special set of Kegel exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor. Such gymnastics is also recommended for stress urinary incontinence in pregnant women. Many exercises can be done while watching TV, driving a car, or sitting at a computer. nine0018
• Treat going to the toilet as a normal process, not as a pathology. Don't dwell on the problem.

7. Mood swings

Hormonal changes can cause mood swings in early pregnancy. You may even cry for absolutely no reason.
There are several versions of this condition:

• this is due to an increased surge of progesterone, which causes excitability. Similar to the state during the menstrual cycle. This also adds increased sensitivity of the mammary glands, early toxicosis, which cause not the most pleasant sensations; nine0018
• experts also explain the change in mood by the fact that this is a kind of defensive reaction and the ability to prepare for changes and accept them. A woman needs a lot of time to understand that now she is not alone, that a new life and a new person are developing inside;
• another version, at this moment the primitive instincts of procreation have influence, the expectant mother is trying in this way to protect the child from the negative effects of the environment;
• The main and most common version of nervousness at the initial stage is a sharp change in hormonal balance. But experts disagree and there is no consensus on this matter. nine0018

8. Changes in food preferences (“wishlists”) and sensitivity to smells

You may stop liking some things, such as tea, coffee and fatty foods, while you are craving foods that you usually do not eat. The smell of foods such as coffee, meat, or alcohol can also make you feel nauseous.

9. Cramping

During the first trimester and sometimes later in pregnancy, you may experience pain in your legs or feet. This is due to the fact that the body changes the way calcium is absorbed. nine0005

10. Heartburn

This symptom is due to changes in hormonal levels and can occur at the very beginning of pregnancy, not disappearing until the very birth. The feeling of discomfort is provoked by the reflux of the acidic contents of the stomach and usually does not indicate a serious pathology. The use of chocolate, strong tea and coffee, as well as citrus fruits, increases the frequency of heartburn attacks.

11. Heaviness and pulling pains in the lower abdomen

Pregnancy symptoms such as heaviness and pulling pains in the lower abdomen in the early stages are observed in almost every pregnant woman and are associated with increased blood circulation in the pelvic area during attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall.

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