
When you’re pregnant, you may experience a range of discomforts because of the additional weight that your growing uterus puts on your back and legs. Some women complain of sciatic nerve pain in their legs during pregnancy, which can range from uncomfortable to extremely painful. What exactly is sciatic pain, and how can you alleviate it?
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Everyone knows about that special "glow" a woman has when she's expecting, but pregnancy isn't all good news when it comes to your skin. Hormones are raging through your body, and a number of skin conditions can develop. Even topical treatments can be absorbed into your system – and the baby’s – so skin care during pregnancy requires special attention.
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Congratulations on entering your third trimester! You’re in the home stretch of an incredible physical and emotional journey for you and your partner. Now is the time to rest up and prepare yourselves for the major event ahead – the birth of your baby – and for all of the exciting milestones to follow.
Physical Changes in the Third Trimester
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When you think of varicose veins, what comes to mind? Is it your Great Aunt Cindy with the spidery blue veins popping from her legs? You envisioned yourself pregnant with a glow, but yet one by one you are discovering new nuisances that go along with the joys of pregnancy. Not only are varicose veins unpleasant to look at, they are also a cause of discomfort. Unfortunately, varicose veins are common during pregnancy.
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Your belly is huge, your due date has passed, and yet little Susie or Johnny has shown no interest in moving out of his or her cozy home. Your due date is calculated by counting forward 280 days from the start of your last menstrual period. Your due date is only an estimate of when your baby should come and is often off by a number of days. It is very common to deliver past your due date particularly if you are a first time mom. Knowing that it is common provides little comfort when you are the one overdue. Below are our best tips for surviving an overdue pregnancy.
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As you reach your second trimester, you may be starting to notice swelling of your feet and ankles. Edema is the medical term for swelling and primarily occurs in the lower extremities during pregnancy, but sometimes in the fingers and hands as well. While it is expected to have some swelling during pregnancy, edema can be a signal that there is a problem.
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As your pregnancy progresses, you may find yourself short of breath. Shortness of breath typically begins before the twentieth week of pregnancy and continues into the third trimester. You may find you have to rest more frequently during physical activity. Shortness of breath during pregnancy is usually mild and should not disrupt your day to day activities.
What causes shortness of breath in pregnancy?
Your uterus expands during pregnancy putting pressure on your diaphragm. This pressure keeps your lungs from expanding fully causing shortness of breath.
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If you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, chances are, you’ve given a thought or two about stretch marks.
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By Nancy Da Silva
If you’re a member of the work force, as soon as you find out your pregnant, you’re going to have to start thinking about maternity leave. You need to decide how much time you’re going to need versus how much time you’ll be allowed to take off from your work. You may also consider whether you want to return to work at all once the baby is born.
According to the FMLA, the Family and Medical Leave Act, you are allowed 12 weeks of unpaid leave with a guarantee that your job will still be there when/if you decide to return within those 12 weeks.
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Leg cramps, also known as "charlie horses", are common during pregnancy. These painful muscle spasms often occur at night when laying in bed, but they can occur at any time throughout the day. Extending the foot or pointing the toes can trigger a leg cramp.
What causes leg cramps in pregnancy?
It is not known the exact reason as to why leg cramps occur in pregnancy. It is suspected that the expanding uterus may put pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the leg subsequently causing leg cramps and pain.
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