Embarrassing problems during pregnancy

Women are advised to avoid carbonated beverages and to drink water in order to consume less air, writes Daisy Cherono

Tummy full of gas. This is the first thought that comes to my mind whenever I try to recall the highlights of my pregnancy. But I should count myself lucky because many other women experience nausea, high and low blood pressure in addition to the gas problem.

I remember I used to sit in the office and have sudden urgencies to release gas like 20 times a day. I also had to unzip my trousers several times to relieve my tummy from discomfort.

So you can imagine the number of times I was forced to go to the washroom — not to pee, but just to release gas.

This is the embarrassing problem I experienced for the nine months I was expectant. And just like me, for many pregnant mothers, there are some embarrassing problems they go through that few people are aware of.

I researched and spoke to my gynaecologist Dr Opiyo Onyango and these are other embarrassing problems pregnant women suffer from:

Gas and bloating

We all have gas but the average person produces between one and four pints of gas each day and passes gas about 14 to 23 times a day. But when one is pregnant she passes gas more frequently than is usual.

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The reason for this is that when pregnant, a woman has much higher levels of progesterone, a hormone that relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including the gastrointestinal tract.

When these muscles are relaxed, this slows down one’s digestion, which causes gas, bloating, burping and flatulence, especially after a heavy meal.

In later pregnancy, the growing uterus crowds the abdominal cavity, further slowing digestion, and pushes on the stomach, making one feel even more bloated after eating.

Some foods are also culprits when it comes to gas production, like beans, cauliflower, dairy and some starches.

Consequently, women are advised to avoid foods that cause this and eat several smaller portions of meals during the day rather than the normal three meals a day.

Women are also advised to avoid carbonated beverages and try to water in order to consume less air. Wearing loose fitting clothes also helps relieve the problem.

Incontinence

I also noticed that sometimes when I coughed or sneezed, I leaked urine. This is a common occurrence.

It happens due to the ligaments and muscles in the lower abdomen stretching to make room for baby.

The kegels or pelvic muscle exercises are known to reduce this problem. Before you prescribe this for yourself, it is wise to see your doctor first to give proper instructions.

Another remedy is limiting the amount of carbonated beverages, eating small portions of meals and drinking plenty of water.

Constipation

Difficulty in having regular bowel movements is one of the most common problems expectant mothers suffer.

Drinking water can help make your bowel movements more frequent and less hard to pass.

It is also advisable to take foods rich in fibre like green veggies, fruits, beans and grain, which help to make bowel movements loose and regular.

Foods rich in calcium should also be avoided and simple non-strenuous exercises done to help bring relief.

Vaginal discharge

This is especially common during the third trimester of pregnancy where a woman notices she is producing a lot of discharge, which is thin and milky-white.

Although it causes discomfort because of the wetness, doctors say this is normal unless it has an odour and causes itching. Itching is always a sign of infection.

It is always wise to consult your gynaecologist when you notice any foul smelling discharge, especially that which has blood.