Expectant mothers dread falling ill, as colds, edema, and allergies frequently plague them. Health experts advise that during pregnancy, all ailments—minor or major—should be diagnosed by a doctor, and medication use requires particular caution. Mothers-to-be absolutely need to equip themselves with sufficient knowledge to protect their bodies and shield their babies from all potential external hazards. Here we list the five most common illnesses during pregnancy and introduce scientific, safe countermeasures.
Top Five High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions (Public Health Network)
Pregnancy Makes You Prone to Colds
Expectant mothers are particularly susceptible to colds during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman catches a cold, antibiotics and similar medications are generally not recommended, especially in the early stages, as they may affect the developing fetus.It is crucial to distinguish between a common cold and a viral influenza infection. For a mild cold, physical therapies are recommended: drink plenty of plain water, ensure adequate sleep, consume fruits and green vegetables, and stay warm. However, if the expectant mother has influenza accompanied by fever, special treatment tailored to her symptoms under medical guidance is necessary to protect the fetus.
Dietary considerations: Expectant mothers should promptly supplement their diet with high-protein, high-vitamin, and high-mineral foods during illness. Avoid overly greasy or excessively nourishing foods.
Over 90% of Expectant Mothers Experience Edema
More than 90% of women develop ankle and leg swelling during pregnancy. If tests rule out preeclampsia, this is considered normal and not a medical condition. Such swelling typically improves in the later stages of pregnancy.
In fact, edema relates to increased bodily fluids during pregnancy, pressure on pelvic veins, and impaired venous return in the lower limbs. If discomfort arises from swelling, elevate the legs whenever possible to aid venous drainage. Ideally, lie on your side with a small pillow under your calves and rest for half an hour.
Dietary adjustments are also important: limit salty, spicy, and pickled foods. Regularly drinking red bean soup, known for its diuretic effects, can be beneficial. Additionally, expectant mothers should drink plenty of plain water to assist the excretory system in eliminating waste and prevent fluid retention. However, be mindful not to overhydrate.
Do Not Delay Treatment for Abdominal Pain or Diarrhea
Abdominal pain in expectant mothers can stem from various causes, necessitating a thorough medical examination. If the pain is confirmed unrelated to the fetus, potential causes include gas bloating, intestinal cramps, appendicitis, or bacterial dysentery.Pregnant women with abdominal pain should not delay seeking medical attention to prevent worsening conditions. Severe cases may lead to peritonitis from a perforated appendix, potentially causing premature birth.
The primary cause of gastrointestinal discomfort is indigestion, which typically does not require medication. Simply reduce intake of high-fat foods, avoid spicy dishes, and limit caffeinated beverages.Simultaneously, increasing high-fiber foods can alleviate constipation caused by indigestion. Adopting smaller, more frequent meals—four to five times daily with reduced portion sizes per meal—is recommended. Intolerable Skin Allergies and Itching From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, skin allergies in pregnant women often stem from internal heat during late pregnancy. Carrying an additional baby can lead to bodily heat and changes in the immune system.
Itching during pregnancy is a form of eczema. Consider boiling mung beans into a soup until the skins slightly crack, then remove from heat. Drink only the broth without adding sugar. Mung beans have cooling properties; consuming them in late pregnancy can reduce internal heat and alleviate allergies. Reduce intake during autumn and winter.
For itching caused by skin allergies, apply lotion to affected areas once in the morning and once at night. Additionally, doctors advise against using excessively hot water when bathing during pregnancy.
Early Prevention of Prenatal Depression
Constant worry about the baby's health, persistent doubts about pregnancy symptoms, and unexplained anxiety upon reading medical information can lead to insomnia and vivid dreams at night. These symptoms primarily stem from excessive stress in expectant mothers. A small percentage may develop more severe prenatal depression, characterized by low mood, loss of appetite, and extreme insecurity.
When a pregnant woman experiences psychological distress, her unborn baby is also affected. Due to the close connection between mother and child, the baby's personality can be influenced by the mother's emotional state.
Medical professionals emphasize that family support becomes crucial when expectant mothers experience high stress and emotional instability. Increased care and assistance from loved ones can significantly improve their mood. Additionally, husbands can accompany their wives to consult psychiatrists. By prioritizing non-pharmaceutical approaches to lift the mother's spirits, the baby's well-being can be better protected.