Hygiene, health and well-being rules that every pregnant woman should know (1/2)

A number of tips can be given to you. But, advice does not mean obligation, and it will be kept in mind that most often it is the annoyances that are harmful for pregnant women. Regarding the little troubles of the pregnant woman, the list is long and not exhaustive but, rest assured, you will not have them all at once and for many of them, the best is not to think about it.

Clothes

They must and can perfectly reconcile size without impeding movement and elegance. They should be warm in cold weather. The wearing of a special bra, suitable for enlarging the breast should be advised. Much more than breastfeeding, it is the non respect of this elementary precaution which is likely to cause a subsequent collapse of the chest. Shoes should have medium-high heels with a wide base. Extravagant high heels would accentuate the lumbar lordosis while the absence of a heel would promote sagging of the arch.

Certain accessories must be strictly prohibited:

- All the elements of constriction of the lower limbs likely to hinder venous return: stockings with garters, tight socks below the knee;

- Pregnancy belts which can only promote muscular atrophy of the abdominal strap.

Body care

Showers are allowed, as well as baths, provided they are not too hot. The use of saunas is therefore not recommended. Vaginal injections of all kinds are formally contraindicated, as is the case in non-pregnant women. The prevention and treatment of stretch marks with ointments, creams and ointments of all kinds is illusory. This is a fibroblast and intercellular tissue disorder that affects one in two pregnant women.

Intercourse

They don't have to be banned. At most, certain positions can preferably be advised at the end of pregnancy. Despite large individual variations, libido and sexual satisfaction are readily increased during pregnancy.

Outing and travel

Night outings are not prohibited but must be rare, the pregnant woman needing sleep.

Travel is generally allowed unless there is a significant risk of preterm delivery. The train remains preferable to the automobile depending on where you live. The wearing of a “three-point” seat belt should be recommended, regardless of the stage of pregnancy, as it reduces the risk of death of the mother by head trauma, as well as the risk of ejection and fractures of the pelvis. It could only be dangerous for the fetus in extremely violent accidents which would then probably be fatal for the mother. Waiver exemption certificates must be refused as they could jeopardize the responsibility of the prescribing doctor in the event of maternal death. The belt should not pass over the stomach, but over the roots of the thighs.

Nowadays, most airlines accept pregnant women until the end of the 8th month and sometimes beyond if necessary. The flight attendants, who have received some notions of obstetrics, have at their disposal a minimum of equipment. After the 6th month, a certificate of fitness to fly will be issued to you by your gynecologist.

When traveling by plane, remember to wear compression stockings or tights and occasionally walk on the plane.

Physical Activity

Competitive sports and certain violent sports or sports likely to cause trauma such as horse riding, skiing, tennis, mountaineering, diving, etc. should be discouraged. Ligament hyper laxity during pregnancy increases the risk of accidents during these sports. On the other hand, moderate physical activity is highly desirable, such as walking, swimming, cycling, and gymnastics.

Work

We know that excessive fatigue is the number one cause of preterm birth. There are certainly women with pleasant, non-tiring professions, who will be able to work as long as possible without inconvenience, to show that “pregnancy is not a disease.” However, in the event of particularly arduous work, you should not hesitate to stop.

Constipation

It is frequent and should only be treated by simple and non-aggressive means: paraffin oil and mucilage, balanced diet rich in green vegetables, exemptions at regular times. Laxatives are not recommended.

Dental hygiene

Pregnancy promotes “gravid” gingivitis, dental hyperesthesia and cavities. Good hygiene should be recommended with regular brushing using a very soft brush, as well as a dental consultation.

Nausea and vomiting

These are very frequent disorders at the beginning of pregnancy, readily in the morning and caused by certain odors. It is necessary to understand and admit their physiological and temporary character and possibly treat them with common antiemetic, despite the very relative effectiveness of these treatments. They usually disappear spontaneously during the third month. Only severe vomiting, realizing the emetising gravidic illness, requires hospitalization. To remedy nausea upon waking: do not get up as soon as you wake up, and nibble a little before putting a foot on the ground. Also try to split your meals, from 3 try to go to 5 meals a day.

Ptyalism

Ptyalism is hypersialorrhea (excess saliva) due to pregnancy which is sometimes embarrassing and can persist until childbirth.

Esophageal burns

They are common and caused by reflux of gastric fluid to the esophagus. The treatment is based on raising the head of the bed (15 cm), antacids one hour after each meal, or even more specific products in rebellious forms.

Edemas

Sitting at the ankles or hands, edemas are linked to fluid retention and must be considered to be perfectly physiological during pregnancy. Their association with high blood pressure may make them part of “pregnancy toxemia.” In no case should they be treated for themselves; a salt-free diet is contraindicated in pregnant women and only mechanical treatments are possible: raising the feet of the bed, varicose tights.

Varicose veins

Pregnancy can cause varicose veins (half the time) or worsen an already deficient venous condition. The phenomenon builds up quickly and often very early in pregnancy. They should not be overlooked because, in addition to the discomfort they cause and their unsightly nature, they represent a risk factor for phlebitis.

Venous tonics can only act on the symptom represented by heaviness in the legs. It is advisable to advise physical activity (walking), massages to be carried out by the patient in the lying position by expressing the member from the bottom up, the raised legs rest and especially the wearing of stockings or tights with varicose veins. In mild cases moderate restraint is sufficient (20 mm Hg pressure per cm2); in severe cases, strong restraint (30 to 40 mm Hg) is required.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are favored by constipation, increased intra-abdominal pressure, and loosening of the wall of the anorectal veins related to impregnation with progesterone. The hygieno-dietetic rules are in order: elimination of spicy foods and alcoholic drinks, fight against constipation, etc. We can add phlebotomy and local preparations. Surgery and sclerosing treatments are contraindicated. The “prolapsed” must be reduced. Thrombosis may require an incision.

Read part two...