Some measures, such as avoiding lying down after a meal, doing breathing exercises or not standing for too long, can help alleviate the most common symptoms of late pregnancy such as heartburn, shortness of breath or back pain, for example.
Symptoms at the end of pregnancy arise due to the normal hormonal changes during pregnancy and the increased weight of the uterus, which can compress organs such as the stomach, lungs or bladder, causing discomfort and discomfort.
These symptoms are considered normal at the end of pregnancy, however if they do not improve with simple measures or if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, pain in the chest or below the ribs, rapid or wheezing breathing, bluish lips or fingers, for example , you should seek medical help as soon as possible or the nearest emergency room.
1. Asia
To alleviate heartburn at the end of pregnancy there are some simple but very important measures such as not lying down right after meals, eating in small quantities and at intervals of less than 2 to 3 hours, placing the head of the bed higher and avoiding consuming foods that stimulate heartburn such as fried foods, spicy or very spicy foods, for example.
Why it happens: Heartburn is a common symptom at the end of pregnancy and occurs due to greater relaxation of the muscles of the stomach and esophagus and also due to compression of the stomach by the uterus, causing stomach acids to rise into the esophagus, resulting in the symptoms of heartburn. Understand better why heartburn occurs during pregnancy.
Watch the video with nutritionist Tatiana Zanin with more tips on how to relieve heartburn at the end of pregnancy:
2. Swelling in the feet
Some ways to relieve swelling in your feet at the end of pregnancy are to place your feet higher than your body, with the help of a bench or cushions, when sitting or lying down, not wearing tight shoes, not standing for a long time and exercising. regular exercise, such as walking or swimming, as directed by your doctor.
Furthermore, it is important to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, to keep the body hydrated, help improve blood circulation and stimulate urine production, which ends up eliminating excess water and reducing swelling in the feet. See other ways to get rid of swollen feet at the end of pregnancy.
It is important to note that if the swelling in the feet does not improve, starts suddenly or there is swelling in the hands, face, headache or pain below the ribs, you should seek medical help immediately or the nearest emergency room, as It could be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Know how to identify all the signs of pre-eclampsia.
Why it happens: swelling in the feet at the end of pregnancy occurs due to the greater volume of blood circulating in the body, which increases fluid retention, and also due to the weight of the uterus, which can compress the veins and arteries in the pelvic region, making circulation and return difficult. from the blood from the feet and legs to the heart.
3. Back pain
Some ways to relieve back pain at the end of pregnancy are not standing for a long time, avoiding crossing your legs when sitting, using a pregnancy belt to support your belly and back, and applying warm compresses to your back. Furthermore, pregnant women should avoid exerting themselves excessively, although absolute rest is also not recommended.
Why it happens: back pain at the end of pregnancy is very common and arises due to the growth of the uterus which causes a change in the shape of the body and the center of gravity, causing the lower back to be pulled forward while the abdomen is projected out.
Watch the video with physiotherapist Marcelle Pinheiro with other tips for relieving back pain at the end of pregnancy:
4. Insomnia
A good way to alleviate insomnia at the end of pregnancy is to sleep with a pillow between your legs and lying on your side or in a comfortable position to help reduce the discomfort that makes it difficult to sleep.
Furthermore, it is important to create a sleep routine and a calm, comfortable sleeping environment, in addition to avoiding sleeping during the day so as not to disturb your nighttime sleep. Before going to sleep, you can also put 5 drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow to help induce sleep. Check out more natural tips for better sleep.
Why it happens: Insomnia at the end of pregnancy occurs due to the normal hormonal changes during pregnancy and due to the size of the belly, which creates discomfort in finding a comfortable sleeping position.
5. Cramps
To relieve cramps at the end of pregnancy, you should massage or gently stretch the calf, making movements with your feet, pulling the heel down and the toes up, or applying hot compresses to the cramped area, such as the feet, ankles or legs.
Furthermore, to avoid cramps it is important to drink around 2 liters of water per day, to keep the body hydrated and improve blood circulation. You can also increase your consumption of foods rich in magnesium and take supplements with calcium, magnesium or vitamin B, as long as they are recommended by your doctor.
Why it happens: Cramps at the end of pregnancy are more common in the legs, ankles and feet, especially in the morning, and occur due to the normal hormonal changes during pregnancy and the decrease in blood circulation in the legs due to compression of the vessels and arteries of the pelvis by the uterus weight.
Watch the video with nutritionist Tatiana Zanin with other ways to relieve cramps at the end of pregnancy:
6. Shortness of breath
To alleviate shortness of breath during pregnancy, you should sit down, put your legs up and relax, breathing deeply, avoiding excessive effort and stressful situations. Additionally, meditation and breathing exercises can help reduce this discomfort.
However, if you experience intense shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, rapid or wheezing, chest pain, bluish lips or fingers, or numbness in your hands or feet, you should seek medical help as soon as possible or the emergency room at the earliest. next.
Why it happens: Shortness of breath at the end of pregnancy occurs due to the enlargement of the uterus, which can cause compression in the lungs that are unable to expand as they did before pregnancy, making breathing difficult. This symptom is considered normal at the end of pregnancy and does not affect the baby’s oxygenation because throughout pregnancy the woman’s body undergoes adaptations to supply oxygen to the baby.
7. Hemorrhoids
Good strategies for relieving the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids at the end of pregnancy consist of taking a sitz bath with warm water and not sitting or standing for a long time. Increasing water intake and reducing simple carbohydrates also help improve intestinal flow, making going to the bathroom easier.
Furthermore, it is important to avoid using excessive force when defecating, always washing the anal area after defecating and avoiding spicy or highly seasoned foods. See other ways to relieve hemorrhoids at the end of pregnancy.
Why it happens: hemorrhoids during pregnancy can appear due to the dilation of blood vessels in the anal region, compression of these vessels by the weight of the uterus and also due to hormonal changes during pregnancy that can slow down the intestines, causing constipation which leads to greater effort to defecate and the dilation of blood vessels.
Watch the video with nutritionist Tatiana Zanin and see how to relieve hemorrhoids at the end of pregnancy:
8. Braxton-Hicks Contractions
Some ways to relieve Braxton-Hicks contractions are to move your body, change position, drink more water or take a warm bath, for example. In addition, you should do physical exercises recommended by your doctor to help alleviate the discomfort of contractions.
However, if the contraction is strong, very frequent or accompanied by other symptoms such as back pain, vaginal bleeding or liquid discharge, before 37 weeks, medical help should be sought, as it may be a sign of labor. Know how to identify the signs of labor.
Why it happens: Braxton-Hicks contractions, also called training contractions, are light and normal contractions at the end of pregnancy, as they prepare the uterus and pelvic tissues for future birth.
9. Pelvic pain
To alleviate pelvic pain at the end of pregnancy, it is recommended to do stretches that work the hips and pelvis. These exercises include various yoga positions, which in addition to relieving pain, provide relaxation. Learn more about yoga and its benefits.
Why it happens: Pain in the pelvis occurs because the round ligament, responsible for fixing the uterus to the abdominal muscles, stretches to support the weight of the baby and the size of the pregnant uterus.
