Pregnancy Related Problems

Many women experience a variety of problems during pregnancy. These discomforts are largely related to hormonal changes in the body or because the body is under additional strain during pregnancy. Common complaints and findings include:

anemia,
constipation,
cramps,
varicose veins,
vaginal thrush,
stretch marks, and
nausea and vomiting.
What you can do to help

Ensure that you get plenty of iron to prevent and treat anemia (see your health professional for dosages). Take vitamin C (500 mg per day) with the iron to aid absorption.

Folic acid (at lest 400 mcg per day) is necessary during pregnancy for the healthy development of the fetus.

Increase your fiber intake to help prevent constipation.

Eat plenty of foods rich in calcium and magnesium to help prevent cramps.

Vitamin A is linked to growth and it is now recommended that all pregnant and breast feeding women take supplements of vitamin A (as beta-carotene) (no more than 10,000 IUs per day) as well as vitamins D and C.

Zinc deficiencies during pregnancy are related to low birth weight babies and it is recommended that you take 15 mg per day.

Vitamins C and E and bioflavonoids, zinc and brewer's yeast will help to heal damaged vessels causing varicose veins.

Take acidophilus for thrush or eat plenty of fresh natural yoghurt.

Vitamins E, C and the minerals zinc and silica will help to prevent stretch marks.

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy will usually respond to iron (5 mg daily), zinc (10 mg daily), magnesium (100 mg daily) and folic acid (200 mcg daily).