Pregnancy Talks: From Pregnancy Skin Care to Pospartum Depression

Each pregnancy is different. For some women, pregnancy can be hard for them. They are happy with the baby inside them but they may not like the effects of pregnancy on them. Some may feel it can be the most uncomfortable and most awful feeling time. This can be caused by severe morning sickness, weight gain, swelling feet, or skin problems. I found this video which talks about pregnancy skin care and pregnancy issues that are wonderfully addressed.

Pregnancy Skin Care and Pregnancy Talks

 

 
When you feel having discomforts in your pregnancy, talking to somebody or expressing what you feel to someone close to you can help you understand and adjust to what you are going through. Even the simplest issue on what to use for your pregnancy skin care to minimize or avoid stretch marks can completely make a difference on how you handle your pregnancy. As your body changes, there are discomforts that can be scary and can be confusing sometimes. Talking to your doctor about these aspects will eventually help you along your journey.

Below are the most common discomforts of pregnancy and some tips to handle them.

Morning sickness. Nausea or vomiting may strike anytime during the day (or night). Try eating frequent, small meals and avoid greasy foods. Keep crackers by your bed to eat before getting up.

Talk to your doctor if morning sickness lasts past the first 3 months of pregnancy or causes you to lose weight.

Tiredness. Sometimes tiredness in pregnancy is caused by anemia, so tell your doctor. Get enough rest. Take a daytime nap if possible.

Leg cramps. Gently stretch the calf of your leg by curling your toes upward, toward your knee.

Constipation. Drink plenty of fluids. Eat foods with lots of fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and bran cereal. Don't take laxatives without talking to your doctor first. Stool softeners may be safer than laxatives.

Hemorrhoids. Don't strain during bowel movements. Try to avoid becoming constipated. Clean yourself well after a bowel movement (wet wipes may be less irritating than toilet paper). Take several warm soaks (sitz baths) a day if necessary.

Urinating more often. You may need to urinate more often as your baby grows because he or she will put pressure on your bladder. This can't be helped.

Varicose veins. Avoid clothing that fits tightly around your legs or waist. Rest and put your feet up as much as you can. Move around if you must stand for long periods. Ask your doctor about support or compression hose, which may help ease or prevent varicose veins.

Moodiness. Your hormones are on a roller coaster ride during pregnancy. Plus, your life is undergoing a big change. Don't be too hard on yourself. If you feel very sad or think about suicide, talk to your doctor.
Heartburn. Eat frequent, small meals. Avoid spicy or greasy foods. Don't lie down right after eating. Ask your doctor about taking antacids.
Yeast infections. The amount of discharge from the vagina increases during pregnancy. Yeast infections, which can also cause discharge, are more common during pregnancy. It's a good idea to talk with your doctor about any unusual discharge.

Bleeding gums. Brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist for cleanings. Don't put off dental visits because you're pregnant, but be sure to tell your dentist you're pregnant.

Stuffy nose. This is related to changes in the levels of the female hormone estrogen. You may also have nosebleeds.

Edema (retaining fluid). Rest with your legs up. Lie on your left side while sleeping so blood flows from your legs back to your heart better. Don't use diuretics (water pills). If you're thinking about cutting down on salt to reduce swelling, talk with your doctor first. Your body needs enough salt to maintain the balance of fluid and cutting back on salt may not be the best way to manage your swelling.

Skin changes. Stretch marks appear as red marks on your skin. Lotion with shea butter can help keep your skin moist and may help reduce the itchiness of dry skin. Stretch marks often can't be prevented, but they often fade after pregnancy.
Other skin changes may include darkening of the skin on your face and around your nipples, and a dark line below your belly button. Staying out of the sun or using a sunscreen may help lessen these marks. Most marks will probably fade after pregnancy.

Call your doctor if you have:

• Blood or fluid coming from your vagina

• Sudden or extreme swelling of your face or fingers

• Headaches that are severe or won't go away

• Nausea and vomiting that won't go away

• Dizziness

• Dim or blurry vision

• Pain or cramps in your lower abdomen

• Chills or fever

• A change in your baby's movements

• Less urine or burning when you urinate

• Any illness or infection

• Anything that bothers you

Source: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/pregnancy-newborns/your-body/taking-care-of-you-and-your-baby-while-youre-pregnant.html 

Truthfully, pregnancy is a time where there are lots of aspects to address and mixed emotions are high. Things like pregnancy diet, prenatal fitness, postpartum care, prenatal skin care, mother and baby wellness are just some of the many aspects that require special attention. You may not have all the answers to your questions or the solutions to your problems relating to your pregnancy. But bear in mind that being pregnant is not permanent. It is normal to feel scared, to feel uneasy or to not know what to do.  Always remember, take things one step at a time. If its needed that you vent out what you feel, then do it. Having a clear head while pregnant helps you have an easier pregnancy journey. Lastly, when in doubt, seek your doctor's help. You can never go wrong with your healthcare provider assisting you in your pregnancy journey.