1. Introduction:

During pregnancy, woman may experience minor ailments due to their body’s hormonal changes to accommodate the pregnancy & these are:

1.1. Backache:

It is a common problem during pregnancy due to progesterone effect on ligaments & dragging effect of the graved uterus. Easily treated by rest & mild analgesia. This condition is more serious in late pregnancy.

1.2. Symphysis pubis laxity:

Which leads to waddling gait. Treated by pelvic strap &analgesia.

1.3. Hemorrhoids and constipation:

Hemorrhoids may occur due to enlarged veins around the rectum caused by the pressure of the baby. Constipation may occur due to the hormone progesterone that slows the passage of food through digestive tract, but it can also occur due to iron supplements. To relieve the symptoms:

1. Take warm baths.
2. Avoid standing for long periods.
3. Increase fiber intake.
4. Increase fluid intake by drinking more water.
5. Use non-stimulating laxative eg. lactulose.

1.4. Nausea/morning sickness:

This is the most common symptom and most pregnant women experience it. There exists no known cure for morning sickness, but there are some things you can do to relieve the symptoms:

1. Eat four to five smaller meals per day instead of three big ones.
2. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to prevent dehydration.
3. Use of antacids or vitamin B6.

1.5. Heartburn: (hyper-emesis gravidarum)

This occurs because pregnancy hormones relax the stomach valve and cause digestive juices to escape and bubble up in the esophagus. Heartburn may worsen during the third trimester. To relieve the symptoms, you can:

1. Eat smaller meals more often.
2. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
3. Avoid taking too much fluid with meals.
4. Avoid spicy and fatty food.
5. Use extra pillows at bed time.
6. Sit in an upright position after meals.
7. Quit smoking.

1.6. Headache:

Common tension headaches are usually caused by stress, and may improve with relaxation techniques & simple paracetamol.

1.7. Leg cramps and aching:

Leg aches and pains can occur due to circulatory changes or a low calcium intake. To relieve the symptoms:

1. Elevate feet/legs.
2. Soak feet in hot water.
3. Stretch at least every hour and do not sit or stand for too long.
4. Wear comfortable shoes.
5. Take a calcium or magnesium supplement if the pain persist.

1.8. Varicose vein

1.9. Carpal tunnel syndrome

1.10. Striation

1.11. Colds and flu:

Cold and flu symptoms may prolonged due to the effect of pregnancy on  immune system. A blocked nose is also common due to hormonal changes and increased blood circulation. To relieve the symptoms:

1. Get plenty of rest.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Follow a healthy diet of fresh fruit and vegetable.
4. Use warm compressors or steam inhalations to help with nasal congestion.

1.12. Water retention: (lower limb edema)

Occurs when there is an excessive amount of fluid in the tissues, causing swelling, especially of the feet. There are a number of possible causes of water retention during pregnancy. These include:

1. Standing for long periods, causing fluid to collect in the ankles.
2. High blood pressure, which can force fluid from the blood stream into the tissues, causing edema.
3. Pregnancy hormones causing retention of salt in the kidneys, causing the body to retain fluid.

1.13. Tender breasts:

Tender breasts are often one of the first signs of being pregnant. The general feeling is generally a combination of heaviness and discomfort, with a tingling sensation in nipples. This sensitivity lasts throughout pregnancy, but tends to intensify furthermore. The hormones preparing breasts for lactation and the milk ducts stretching as they fill with milk cause this tenderness.

1.14. Faintness:

Faintness can occur quite suddenly and leave pregnant woman feeling unsteady on their feet. it can occurs  if the pregnant woman stand up quickly, or have been standing for too long, especially in hot weather. A lack of blood supply to the brain and the demands of the uterus for an increased blood supply are the most common causes for the feeling of faintness.

1.15. Insomnia & mood swings:

Difficulty in sleeping during pregnancy can happen at any time from conception onwards. This can be caused simply by the fact that the pregnant woman need to urinate more often and consequently, wake more during the night.
The hormone balance changes during pregnancy can have a depressant effect on nervous system.