How happy are you when you find out that you are having a baby? At the same time, your body starts to change a lot. You probably already know about things like your belly getting bigger, feeling more tired than usual, and sometimes vomiting. But in addition to these things, there are also some uncomfortable things that you can sometimes feel a little embarrassed about and can't tell anyone about. Although these things are a little difficult to talk about, it is very important to talk about these things with your doctor. Because that's when you can really know if you and your baby are in good health.
You don't need to be ashamed of any of these things. These are common conditions that many people experience during pregnancy. Let's take a look at what they are, why they happen, and what you can do about them.
1. Flatulence and flatulence
This is something that almost everyone experiences during pregnancy. Imagine if you were in a place with a lot of relatives, or in an office meeting, how embarrassing would it be if you accidentally let out air? It's a little difficult to control this during pregnancy.
Simply put, this happens because your body's hormone levels suddenly increase . These hormones slow down the activity of your digestive system ( intestines ). This means that food stays in your intestines for longer, which increases gas production.
What do you do about this?
- Exercise: Doing light exercise, especially walking, every day can improve bowel function and reduce gas production.
- Food and drink: Some foods can cause gas. For example, it's best to limit carbonated drinks (like soda), beans, cabbage, cauliflower, and dried fruits as much as possible.
- Dairy products: Some people have difficulty digesting milk and dairy products during pregnancy (Lactose intolerant). If this is the case for you, talk to your doctor about other ways to get your calcium.
2. Incontinence (leaking a small amount of urine without realizing it)
Do you accidentally leak a few drops of urine when you laugh out loud, sneeze, or cough? This is called ``Stress Incontinence''. This is also something that many people experience towards the end of pregnancy. This happens because the growing baby presses on the bladder.
Although this is embarrassing, there are simple solutions to this.
- Use panty liners: This helps you stay clean and dry throughout the day.
- Urinate frequently: Even if you don't feel like you need to urinate, go to the toilet every two hours to empty your bladder. This will help reduce the chance of sudden urine leakage.
3. Unwanted hair growth on the face and body
You may be happy that your hair is growing thicker and more beautiful during pregnancy. But at the same time, it's a little disconcerting to see hair growing in places where it wasn't before, like your chin, upper lip, or stomach. The same hormones mentioned earlier are responsible for this, too.
Don't worry, there are safe solutions for this.
- Waxing and Tweezing: These are the safest ways to remove unwanted hair at this time.
- Avoid laser treatment: Laser treatment is not recommended during pregnancy because it can affect your skin's pigments and cause scarring. So, think about this after you have the baby.
4. Increased body odor and sense of smell
Your sense of smell increases dramatically during pregnancy. You may find the smell of certain foods, such as grilled meat, unbearable. Also, some women may become more sensitive to their own body odor, especially around the vagina .
The important thing is, it's not your body odor that has increased, it's your sense of smell that has increased . That means that other people can't smell what you smell.
However, if you notice an unusual odor or discharge from your vagina, it could be a yeast infection. So be sure to tell your doctor . There are medications that are safe to use during pregnancy for such infections.
5. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a condition that many people are embarrassed to talk about, but they are very common during pregnancy. Simply put, they are caused by the swelling of the blood vessels around the anus. The main cause of this is constipation . Constipation is a very common problem during pregnancy. The risk of developing hemorrhoids increases with straining to defecate.
What can you do to prevent and relieve hemorrhoids?
- Drink plenty of water: It is essential to drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day.
- Fiber-rich foods: Include foods like leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your diet.
- Stool softeners: If constipation is severe, you can ask your doctor about taking a stool softener.
- For relief: If you have pain or itching due to hemorrhoids, you can use things like witch hazel pads. You can also safely use creams recommended by your doctor.
6. Acne
You had a lot of acne when you were younger, and now you think your face is getting better, but now that you're pregnant, you've started getting acne again. This is also a result of hormones. It's especially common in the first trimester.
Very important: Some acne medications, such as Retin-A, are not recommended for use during pregnancy.
However, there are also safe things you can use.
- Most acne washes are safe because they don't stay on the skin for long.
- Very small amounts of ointments containing things like `Salicylic acid`, `Benzoyl peroxide`, and `Azelaic acid` can be applied only to the pimple.
- But, before using any acne medication, be sure to ask your doctor.
7. Changes in the genital area
During pregnancy, you may experience changes in your vaginal discharge and swelling in your vulva. These changes may make you feel embarrassed and uncomfortable when having sex with your husband.
But these are all normal things. Don't let these changes interfere with your intimate relationships. If you are feeling uneasy, the best thing to do is to take your partner to see the doctor. When a doctor explains that these are normal things that happen during pregnancy, the fear and doubt in both of you will disappear.
| Embarrassing discomfort | Simple things you can do |
|---|---|
| Gas | Exercise such as walking, reducing gas-causing foods (beans, cabbage). |
| Urinary incontinence | Urinating every 2 hours, using panty liners. |
| Facial Hair | Waxing or Tweezing. (No laser!) |
| Hemorrhoids | Drink plenty of water, eat a diet rich in fiber, and take medication as prescribed by your doctor. |
| Acne | Ask your doctor about using a safe cleanser or a small amount of lotion. |
Take-Home Message
- Many of these discomforts during pregnancy are normal . You're not alone.
- Don't be ashamed or keep any of this to yourself . Talk openly with your doctor about anything that's bothering you.
- Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced, fiber-rich diet are good solutions to many of the problems that arise during this time.
- Before using any ointment, cream, or medication on the market, be sure to ask your doctor to confirm whether it is safe for a pregnant mother.
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