This article is a follow on and whilst the first article dealt more with common ailments you will come across during the early stages of pregnancies, this article tries to deal more with common pregnancy complaints that arise in the later stages of pregnancy. There are also some tips on what you can do to ease some of the ailments you'll experience as part of your pregnancy.

Cramps

It is not known why we experience cramping in the feet and legs when pregnant, though it is possibly due to low calcium or salt levels. Cramping often feels like a sudden and severe pain in the legs or feet that can wake you from sleeping. To ease cramps, massage the area and flex your foot upwards or walk around. If cramps continue please refer to your doctor who may prescribe tablets to help with the discomfort.Thrush

Thrush is a common infection caused by the yeast candida albicans, and occurs naturally in the bowel. It is particularly common in pregnancy as hormone levels alter, and is thought to be caused by an increase in the blood flow to the vagina. The symptoms of thrush include an irritating thick white discharge, soreness or a burning sensation around the vagina and severe itching.

As a preventative measure avoid wearing tight fitting clothes and synthetic underwear. It is important to see your doctor if you have thrush during pregnancy as he/she will prescribe a pessary or cream that you can use in pregnancy.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a form of indigestion and feels like a burning sensation in the chest, which can result in stomach acid being brought up. It usually occurs when you are lying down, coughing, straining or lifting heavy items and is very common in later pregnancy when the baby pushes on your stomach forcing the contents back into your oesophagus. As a preventative measure try to keep meals small and often, and avoid lying down right after a big meal. You may also prefer to use an extra pillow at night to avoid reflux. If indigestion persists you should speak to your doctor about using antacids.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is caused by blood being forcefully pumped against the artery vessels and is a sign that the heart and blood vessels are being overworked. High blood pressure has many symptoms, including vomiting, blurred vision and headaches, with water retention as a possible side effect, leading to swelling of your hands, ankles and feet. It is more common in the later weeks of first pregnancies, in multiple pregnancies i.e. if you are expecting twins, or if you are over 35. The cause of high blood pressure in pregnancy is not known but your blood pressure will be checked at every antenatal visit to ensure it remains within safe limits as severe high blood pressure can result in pre-eclampsia. If your blood pressure does go up during pregnancy you will be advised to take complete bed rest and if it continues or is particularly high you may be admitted to hospital for monitoring. If your baby is affected by this then labour may be induced or you may have to have a caesarean. Blood pressure will usually return to normal after you have given birth, and those women with pre-existing high blood pressure will probably be given medication early on in their pregnancy to keep it under control.

Difficulty sleeping

Pregnancy often leads to interrupted sleep patterns, as you will need to urinate more frequently during the night and will sometimes be woken by your baby kicking as he/she can’t yet distinguish between day and night. As you won’t be getting as much sleep at night as you are used to it is important that you try to take naps during the day, especially in the third trimester. If you are having difficulty sleeping try reading a book until you feel sleepy. It may also help to use extra pillows for comfort.

Rib pain

In the later stages of pregnancy it is common to experience rib pain as your baby is taking up most of the available space and pushing against your ribs. If you have an active baby you will probably feel more pain as your baby kicks and punches, particularly when you sit down as this reduces the space your baby has. The only way you can relieve the pain is to wear loose clothing, use extra cushions for support and change your posture, both when standing and sitting. The pain should start to ease after your baby drops down into position at 36 weeks.

Water retention

Water retention is a common problem during pregnancy, causing fluid to build up in your hands, feet, ankles and lower legs leading to swelling. Standing for long periods and pregnancy hormones are two causes of water retention, as is high blood pressure, forces fluid from the blood stream into the tissues. Pregnancy hormones can lead to the retention of salt in the kidneys which can also lead to the body retaining excess fluid. To help prevent water retention avoid processed foods as they contain high contents of salt, drink plenty of water and cut down on caffeine. Doing some gentle exercise, such as swimming or yoga, can also help.

Itchy skin

Your skin can start feeling very itchy due to stretching as your breasts and belly grow. Hormonal changes can also lead to itchy skin, and if your skin tends to be dry and itchy or you suffer from eczema you may want to invest in some cream early on. Avoid hot showers and baths, use mild, unscented soaps and moisturisers. Calamine lotion and antihistamines may also provide some relief.

If you do experience any of the ailments discussed above I hope you found this article helpful.