Pregnancy discomforts

Morning sickness

Changes:

• You may feel nauseous as a result of the hormonal changes.
• This (usually) improves after three months of pregnancy.
• Nausea can strike in the morning and, in some women, can last all day.
• Your sense of smell changes in pregnancy. Some odours can get more acute and unpleasant smells can provoke nausea.

TIPS:

• Eat a rusk, toast, slice of bread or a pot of yogurt before you get up.
• It is important to eat regular meals. Eat at least three times a day: breakfast, lunch and supper.
• Eat a healthy snack in between.
• Have a light breakfast.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid highly seasoned and greasy meals.
• Avoid unpleasant smells.
• Eat a light meal before bedtime.
• Adapt your sex techniques if you experience nausea while working.

Important: Consult a doctor or a midwife if you vomit more than three times a day.

Fatigue

Changes:

Fatigue during pregnancy may differ according to the stage of your pregnancy:

• As a result of changes in your hormone levels, you may feel very tired in the beginning of your pregnancy.
• Usually, your energy returns in the second trimester.
• Fatigue often returns towards the end of pregnancy. Your growing belly makes sleeping more difficult and increases your urge to urinate.

TIPS:

• Take enough rest.
• Try to work at fixed times, stick to a daily routine.
• Try to work only during the day.
• If you work at night, try to sleep enough during the day.
• Try to relax before going to bed: watch a film, read a book, exercise or take a bath.
• Try to set your worries aside before going to bed.
• Block out noise and light from your bedroom.
• Make sure your bedroom is well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature. A room that is too hot or too cold has a negative impact on your sleep.
• A full or empty stomach can also disrupt your sleep. A light meal before bedtime can help you sleep better.
• Avoid caffeine (e.g. coffee, tea or Cola) and energy drinks (e.g. Red Bull, Nalu).

The skin

Skin pigmentation increases in pregnancy.

This can cause:

• red cheeks.
• a darkening of the skin around your nipples and vagina.
• a 'pregnancy (dark) line' between pubic bone and navel.
• if you stay in the sun for too long, you may get dark spots on your face. BE AWARE that these patches will never disappear.

TIPS:

• Avoid sunbathing and using a sunbed.
• Use a high-factor sunscreen.

Blood flow and hormone levels

Changes:

• Increased sweating.
• Acne.
• Oilier or drier skin.
• Your nails becoming brittle and chipping more easily.

TIP: Avoid using too much soap. It is not good for your skin and certainly not for your vagina.

Dental hygiene

Changes:

• The increased blood flow in your mouth during pregnancy may cause your gums to bleed more quickly.
• Oral infections can spread easily to the rest of the body through the bloodstream.
• Good oral hygiene is therefore essential.

TIPS:

• Have a check-up at the dentist during your pregnancy, particularly if you have any complaints.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush.
• Do not use a mouthwash (e.g. Listerine). These products are aggressive and damage the oral mucosa, resulting in small wounds that can cause bacteria to enter your bloodstream.

Always use a condom when giving oral sex to avoid germs getting into your body through your mouth. Don't brush your teeth immediately before or after a blow job. This can cause abrasions that allow bacteria to enter your body.

Sore breasts

Change:

• During pregnancy, the mammary glands of your breasts develop and make your breasts grow bigger and become more sensitive. Some women experience sore, tender breasts in early pregnancy.

TIPS:

• This discomfort usually disappears during the second trimester.
• If you have breast implants, ask the advice of your doctor/gynaecologist about milk production, breastfeeding and tender breasts.

Vaginal Hygiene

Changes:

• Due to increased blood flow to the vagina, the skin around the vagina can become darker.
• You could have increased white vaginal discharge.
• Due to the hormonal changes, there is a greater risk of contracting a yeast infection.
• Good vaginal hygiene is essential.

TIPS:

• Wash your body with water instead of soap.
• Do not wear panty-liners too often. They may cause irritation and itching.
• Wear cotton underwear after work.
• Consult your doctor if the colour and smell of your vaginal discharge changes,