10 Common Pregnancy Complaints That Are No Fun (And How to Manage Them)
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with anticipation and excitement, but it also comes with its fair share of discomforts. After being in the birth community as doulas and educators, we hear what the top pregnancy complaints are on the daily! So we compiled the list and have given tips and natural remedies for these pregnancy ailments that are no fun!
Our goal at Baby Nest Birth Boutique is to address these common pregnancy complaints and offer natural, organic solutions to help you manage them effectively. Understanding and managing these symptoms is crucial for a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy experience. Growing a baby is hard work, and we want to help you moms be more comfortable in your journey.
1. Morning Sickness
For some, morning sickness hits literally in the am. For other moms, the queeziness lingers all day. It can be a REALLY hard phase of pregnancy! Morning sickness, characterized by nausea and vomiting, is a common complaint during pregnancy. It typically occurs during the first trimester but can persist throughout pregnancy for some women. When you want to constantly throw-up, cooking meat is impossible and you are so OVER Saltines, we know you want to feel better and enjoy your pregnancy without morning sickness.
Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Generally occurs in the morning but can happen at any time of day
Natural Remedy Tips
- Eating Small, Frequent Meals: Avoid large meals and eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day to keep nausea at bay.
- Staying Hydrated: Sip water regularly to stay hydrated, as dehydration can worsen nausea.
- Using Ginger and Peppermint Remedies: Ginger tea or peppermint candies can help soothe the stomach and reduce nausea.
2. Hemorrhoids
Oh the glamours of pregnancy! Hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the rectal area, are a common issue during pregnancy due to increased pressure on the pelvic veins. They can be painful, itchy varicose veins in the rectum that are common during pregnancy. An achy anus is no fun and you haven't pushed a baby out yet...but don't worry, there are things that can be done!
Causes
- Increased blood volume
- Pressure from the growing uterus
- Weight gain from pregnancy in some cases
- Sitting on the toilet for too long, improper bowel movement pushing
- Constipation and large stools
Did you know that a lot of men buy our hemorrhoid products?! Bums are all the same and these specialized products can really bring comfort and healing to hemorrhoids in pregnancy and postpartum.
- Bath with our Herbal Blend: Soaking in a warm bath with our Postpartum Herbal Baths can reduce hemorrhoid discomfort by soothing inflammation, helping to shrink them and reduce pain.
- Ease the Way Spray: This one-of-a-kind spray helps reduce and shrink hemorrhoids naturally. Our formula uses all natural ingredients to target and help reduce the symptoms that come from hemorrhoids. Spray after bathroom breaks and before bed for best results.
Natural Remedy Tips
- Use a Squatty Potty: This helps to position your body in a way that reduces strain during bowel movements.
- Eating High Fiber Foods: A diet rich in fiber helps prevent constipation, reducing the strain on hemorrhoids.
3. Bad Sleep
Sleepless nights aren’t just for when the baby arrives. Many pregnant women find themselves tossing and turning, thanks to a mix of discomfort, hormonal changes, and anxiety. It’s a nightly battle to find a cozy position and drift off to dreamland.
Causes
- Physical discomfort
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Anxiety about impending motherhood
Natural Remedy Tips
- Find a Comfortable Sleeping Position: Using pillows to support your body can help reduce discomfort. Try placing a pillow between your legs or under your belly.
- Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engage in calming activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing gentle yoga before bed.
- Limit Caffeine and Sugar: Reducing your intake of these stimulants, especially in the afternoon and evening, can help improve sleep quality.
- Stay Active During the Day: Regular, gentle exercise can help tire your body out, making it easier to fall asleep at night.
- Avoid Screens Before Bed: The blue light from screens can interfere with your sleep. Try to turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.
4. Heartburn
Do you believe that heartburn brings cute, hairy babies?! We aren't sure if the myth always works either and if you've had heartburn in pregnancy, it's not fun! Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid rising into the esophagus, common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and pressure on the stomach.
Causes
- Hormonal changes relaxing the esophagus
- Pressure on the stomach from the growing baby
Natural Remedy Tips
- Eating Smaller Meals: Smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent heartburn.
- Avoiding Spicy and Fatty Foods: These can trigger heartburn.
- Elevating the Head While Sleeping: This helps keep stomach acid down.
- Natural Remedies: Ginger and herbal teas, such as our Pregnancy Power Tea, (in the second and third trimester) can soothe heartburn naturally by calming the digestive system and reducing acid production.
5. Swelling (Edema)
Swelling, particularly in the feet, ankles, and hands, is like an uninvited guest that shows up and overstays its welcome. It’s common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and fluid retention, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day.
Causes
- Increased blood volume
- Fluid retention
Natural Remedy Tips
- Elevating the Feet: Keeping your feet elevated helps reduce swelling.
- Staying Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out excess fluids.
- Gentle Exercises: Activities like walking or swimming can improve circulation.
- For more tips, visit one of our most visited blogs on Natural Remedies for Swollen Feet in pregnancy
6. Constipation
Constipation is one of those pregnancy perks that no one really talks about until you’re dealing with it. It’s a common issue due to hormonal changes and dietary factors, but it’s definitely not something you have to suffer through in silence.
Causes
- Hormonal changes slowing down the digestive system
- Inadequate fiber intake
Natural Remedy Tips
- High-Fiber Diet: Eating foods rich in fiber can help maintain regular bowel movements.
- Staying Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water aids digestion.
- Regular Physical Activity: Exercise helps stimulate the digestive system.
- Natural Laxatives and Digestive Aids: Opt for gentle, natural options to relieve constipation.
7. Mood Swings & Libido Changes
One minute you’re crying over a cute puppy video, the next you’re snapping at your partner for no reason. One day you wanna jump your hubby in bed and the other you could not feel any less interested in sex. Mood swings and changes in libido are a normal part of the pregnancy package, those are hormonal fluctuations.
Causes
- Hormonal changes
- Emotional stress
Natural Remedy Tips
- Communicate with Partner: Sharing your feelings with your partner can help you feel supported.
- Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and understand that mood swings are a normal part of pregnancy.
- Stay Physically Connected: Engage in activities that promote physical closeness, like cuddling or massage.
- Explore New Intimacies: Be open to new ways of connecting with your partner that feel good and comforting during this time. For more on this topic, check out our spicy Fun Guide to Great Sex During Pregnancy!
8. Always Running to Pee
Frequent bathroom trips are practically a pregnancy rite of passage. The constant need to know where every bathroom is in Target can become a drag..cause you have better things to do! The increased need to urinate is due to increased blood flow and pressure on the bladder, making it feel like you’re always on the run.
Causes
- Increased blood flow
- Pressure from the growing uterus
Natural Remedy Tips
- Staying Hydrated: Drink plenty of water but reduce intake before bedtime. Dehydration can actually increase the need to pee too due to salt retention so don't skip those fluids.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help control the urge to urinate.
- Bladder-Friendly Diet: Avoid bladder irritants like high amounts of caffeine.
9. Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can be an unwelcome surprise, appearing as swollen and twisted veins in the legs. They’re caused by increased blood volume and pressure, and they can be both unsightly and uncomfortable.
Causes
- Increased blood volume
- Pressure on the legs from the growing uterus
Natural Remedy Tips
- Elevating the Legs: This helps reduce pressure and swelling in the veins.
- Ease the Way Spray and Upward Massage Daily: Our unique spray, combined with a daily upward massage, can provide relief and reduce the appearance of varicose veins. It helps to shrink the veins and reduce inflammation naturally. Try our Ease the Way Spray now.
- Wearing Compression Stockings: These can help improve circulation.
- Regular Exercise: Keeping active promotes healthy blood flow.
- Natural Topical Treatments: Use our organic products to soothe and treat varicose veins.
10. Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a common occurrence during pregnancy due to rapid skin stretching and hormonal changes. They can be a badge of honor, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to reduce their appearance.
Causes
- Rapid skin stretching
- Hormonal changes
Natural Remedy Tips
- Keeping the Skin Moisturized: Using our Toning Tummy Balm keeps your skin hydrated, helping to maintain elasticity and prevent stretch marks.
- Gentle Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation can help improve skin elasticity.
- Find love and acceptance for your changing body. As much as our Toning Tummy Balm is designed to nourish your belly skin to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, we also created it so you can massage your belly with love each day. The work you are doing in growing a baby is magnificent and magical and you deserve to love your body for the incredible job it's doing! Shop Toning Tummy Balm here!
Pregnancy comes with its set of challenges, but understanding and managing common complaints can make the journey more comfortable. Remember, these symptoms are normal and manageable with the right approach and products. At Baby Nest Birth Boutique, we are committed to supporting you with natural and organic body-care products tailored to your needs. Explore our range of products to nurture your pregnancy journey and ensure a healthier, more comfortable experience.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sherilee Peters, owner and creator of Baby Nest Birth Boutique. For over 18 years she has been passionate about bringing comfort and healing to moms with natural remedies (a wanna be witch doctor). She is a mother of two, a Birth & Postpartum Doula, a Bradley Method Birth educator and certified placenta specialist in the Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR areas.
