Common doubts about pregnancy
Pregnancy is a wonderful stage in a woman's life, but also one filled with uncertainty and, sometimes, fears and anxieties. With the aim of making these nine months more comfortable, easier , and happier, Dr. Ángel Lorenzo, from the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital, answers the most common questions pregnant women have.
Doubts that often arise throughout pregnancy
How to know how many weeks I am
Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of the last menstrual period. This can be calculated simply using a calendar or on various websites or computer programs that calculate the time between two dates.
How to lower cholesterol during pregnancy
Cholesterol levels rise during pregnancy because it is a precursor to the hormones the placenta produces to maintain the pregnancy. Therefore, it's not something that should worry pregnant women.
How to avoid nausea
Nausea can occur due to hypoglycemia , so it can be prevented by eating, for example, a cracker before getting out of bed. Sometimes, ginger supplements can be taken to alleviate this discomfort. If these remedies are ineffective, medication may be considered.
How to relieve back pain
It's common for back pain to increase during pregnancy as the belly grows, due to the increased curvature of the lower back. Treatment would begin with heat, stretching exercises with the help of physiotherapy, and a supplement rich in B vitamins , which improve nerve conduction.
What to take for a headache
To alleviate headaches, good sleep hygiene is important . When medication is necessary, paracetamol should be taken. Ibuprofen can also be taken , but it is contraindicated after the 30th week of pregnancy.
What to take for a cold during pregnancy
It's common for pregnant women to catch a cold, as pregnancy causes physiological immunosuppression (a decrease in the immune system). Natural remedies such as hydration , hot drinks, steam inhalation, and steam baths are helpful. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to relieve discomfort, but remember that ibuprofen is contraindicated after the 30th week of pregnancy.
What to take for constipation
Because intestinal motility decreases during pregnancy, constipation and hemorrhoids are common. It's important to remember that consuming plenty of fluids , vegetables , and fiber-rich fruits is crucial for relieving constipation. Pharmacological remedies include glycerin suppositories and macrogol sachets , among others.
Discover foods and habits that are allowed and discouraged during pregnancy.
When to start taking folic acid: before or during pregnancy?
Folic acid is used to reduce the risk of birth defects such as spina bifida and anemia. Folic acid should be started one month before becoming pregnant.
At what point in pregnancy do stretch marks appear?
Stretch marks don't always appear. They are caused by the tension the skin endures as the abdomen grows due to fetal growth in the uterus. Therefore, they are more common in the third trimester.
When does the dawn line come out
The linea alba is a pigmented line that appears from the pubic bone to the sternum, due to the stimulation of melanocytes during pregnancy. It is typical of the second half of pregnancy and becomes very noticeable after childbirth, as the skin returns to its original state.
Article written by Dr. Ángel Lorenzo Álvarez.
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If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized department in this area. You can request more information by calling 91 387 51 72/73/74 or schedule an in-person appointment with top specialists.