here - Health Promotion Agency

Problems
FEELING HOT IN PREGNANCY
During pregnancy you’re likely to
feel warmer than normal. This is
due to hormonal changes and to an
increase in blood supply to the skin.
You’re also likely to sweat more. It
helps if you:
• wear loose clothing made of
natural fibres, as these are more
absorbent and ‘breathe’ more
than synthetic fibres;
•
keep your room cool – consider
using an electric fan;
• wash frequently to stay fresh.
HEADACHES
Some pregnant women find they get
a lot of headaches. A brisk walk may
be all you need, as well as a little
more regular rest and relaxation.
Although it is wise to avoid drugs in
pregnancy, an occasional paracetamol
tablet is generally considered safe.
If you often have bad headaches,
tell your doctor or midwife so that
they can advise you. Severe
headaches may be a sign of high
blood pressure (see page 84).
INDIGESTION AND HEARTBURN
This is partly caused by hormonal
changes and later by the growing
womb pressing on the stomach.
If you suffer from indigestion:
• try eating smaller meals more
often;
•
sit up straight when you are
eating as this takes the pressure
off your stomach;
• avoid particular foods which
cause trouble, for example fried
or highly spiced ones, but make
sure you are still eating well
(see pages 8–12 for information
on healthy eating).
Heartburn is more than just
indigestion. It is a strong, burning
pain in the chest. It is caused by the
valve between your stomach and the
tube leading to your stomach
relaxing in pregnancy, so that
stomach acid passes into the tube.
It is often brought on by lying flat.
To avoid heartburn you could:
• sleep well propped up – try
raising the head of your bed with
bricks or have plenty of pillows;
•
try drinking a glass of milk – have
one by your bed in case you wake
with heartburn in the night;
• avoiding eating or drinking for a
few hours before you go to bed;
•
ask your doctor or midwife for
advice;
• don’t take antacid tablets or
mixture before checking that they
are safe in pregnancy.
ITCHING
Mild itching is common in pregnancy
because of the increased blood
supply to the skin. In late pregnancy
the skin of the abdomen is stretched
and this may also cause itchiness.
Wearing loose clothing may help.
Itching can, however, be a sign of
a more serious problem called obstetric
cholestasis (see page 84). If itching
becomes severe, or you develop
jaundice (yellowing of the whites of
the eyes and skin), see your doctor.
Itching which is associated with a rash
may also need treatment if it is severe.
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