Symptoms: Bloating and sometimes painful cramping in your belly, and the urge to break wind often.
Cause: The intestines are sluggish during pregnancy, thanks to all that progesterone circulating in your body.
How to deal: Theoretically, treating constipation should minimize your gas and bloating too. It's not always that simple, however. Watch your intake of the usual suspects, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, onions, and carbonated beverages. If the problem persists, talk to your health care provider.
"I'm stuffed up but I'm not sick"
Symptoms: You may feel like you have a perpetual cold, and blowing your nose gets downright gross.
Cause: Your increased hormones and blood production cause the mucous membranes to swell, dry, and bleed.
How to deal: Use saline nose drops, drink plenty of liquids, and run a humidifier. If you have a nosebleed, don't tilt your head back. Keep your head straight and pinch the nostrils closed until the bleeding stops, usually about five minutes. Put ice over the bridge of your nose and pinch again, if necessary. If the bleeding persists, call your doctor.
"I sound like a chain saw at night"
Symptoms: You know how your grandfather sounds at night? Double the decibel level.
Cause: Blame those swollen mucous membranes again -- your congested nose forces you to breathe through your mouth and snore.
How to deal: Use saline nose drops before you go to sleep, and during the night, if necessary. Sleep on your side and invest in a body pillow to keep you from rolling over. Run a humidifier. Finally, prop yourself up on some extra pillows, which will relieve nighttime heartburn as well.
"I sweat like a pig!"
Symptoms: Water, water everywhere: under your arms, between your legs, on your belly, and running down your face and neck.
Cause: Your metabolism is in overdrive, and extra blood pumping through your body warms the skin. Perspiring is your body's way of cooling off.
How to deal: Dress in layers, avoiding heat-trapping synthetic fabrics. Drink plenty of fluids, and use underarm antiperspirants and talc-free powder liberally.
Plus:
Your Pregnancy, Week by Week
What Labor is Really Like
Flattering Maternity Swimsuits
