HealthPartners - Your guide to pregnancy

STUFFY NOSE AND NOSEBLEEDS

URINATION When your uterus expands, it puts pressure on your bladder. This makes most people feel the need to urinate frequently. Don’t try to control this by drinking less

A stuffy nose (nasal congestion) is another common problem during pregnancy. This happens because you have more blood in your body, causing your nasal passages to swell, feel very dry and raw, or start to bleed. Helpful tips • Saline nose drops or a humidifier may help ease the dryness • Talk to your health care provider before you use any nose sprays • Drinking more fluids may help reduce dryness To stop a nosebleed, press your finger firmly against the side that is bleeding for a few minutes. If the bleeding is heavy and/or you can’t stop it by applying pressure, call your health care provider. especially in hot weather. This happens when your added pregnancy weight slows the circulation rate of fluids to your heart, especially from your feet. At the same time, changing hormone levels can cause your body to retain water. If you notice excessive leg swelling or swelling in your face and hands, call your health care provider right away. It could be a sign of a blood pressure problem. Tips to reduce swelling • Rest with your feet and legs elevated • Wear supportive tights or maternity pantyhose • Avoid standing for long periods • Lie on your side when sleeping or resting • Try regular exercise, such as walking or swimming • Drink water and avoid salty foods SWELLING It’s normal to have some swelling in your feet and legs toward the end of pregnancy,

fluid. It’s more important to stay hydrated and drink liquids whenever you are thirsty. Late in pregnancy, you might experience urine leaks when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or bend over. Bladder leakage pads or panty liners can help you stay dry. This usually corrects itself after pregnancy.

VAGINAL DISCHARGE Hormones can create a clear or white vaginal discharge while you’re pregnant. If you have a discharge that causes soreness or itching (or has a bad odor), see

your health care provider. It’s common to get yeast or other vaginal infections that need treatment during pregnancy. Vaginal infections can be uncomfortable but are not harmful to the baby. To keep your vagina as free from irritation as possible, use lightweight, unscented panty liners, if needed, instead of tampons.

VARICOSE VEINS Varicose veins are soft, blue-colored bulges in your legs. They happen when your veins get weak and swell up with blood. They’re easier to see when

you’re standing up. Pregnancy often makes vein issues worse. As your uterus grows, it can affect the circulation in your legs. This means your veins need to work harder to carry blood back up to your heart. To help blood move more freely through your legs: • Take breaks often and rest with your legs raised • Take short walks or do other exercises several times a day • Wear maternity support pantyhose, not knee-highs or thigh-highs • Don’t sit or stand in the same position for a long time without moving • Don’t cross your legs when you sit Some people may develop another type of varicose vein around the vulva (opening of the birth canal). Vulvar varicosities are soft, irregular bulging areas that you can see or feel. To help blood circulation in this area, place a small pillow under your bottom and legs to elevate them when you’re lying down.

Your Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy 23