Prevention is better than cure: Prevention and treatment of common diseases during pregnancy

Dear pregnant mothers, hello! I am your obstetrician and gynecologist Zhou Zhaomin. Today, let's talk about the common "little troubles" during pregnancy and how to deal with them easily. Remember, prevention during pregnancy is much more important than treatment. Let's work together to let the baby grow healthily in the belly.

1. Anemia during pregnancy: Don’t let your blood be lost

After pregnancy, blood volume increases, but the rate of increase in red blood cells cannot keep up, so anemia is very likely to occur. Especially in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, the fetus needs a lot of iron for growth and development, and pregnant mothers are more likely to be iron deficient.

prevention

• Diet adjustment: Eat more iron-rich foods, such as red meat, animal liver, spinach, red dates, etc. At the same time, eat fruits rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and strawberries, to help iron absorption.

• Regular check-ups: Routine blood tests should be done on time during pregnancy. Once the hemoglobin level is found to be lower than normal, iron supplements should be taken in time.

response

If you already have anemia, don't panic. Mild anemia can be treated with diet, eating more foods rich in iron and vitamin C mentioned above. If the anemia is more severe, you need to take iron supplements under the guidance of a doctor. Taking iron supplements may have some "small side effects", such as gastrointestinal discomfort and constipation, but don't worry, these reactions are normal.

2. Hypertension during pregnancy: Don’t let the pressure be too great

Hypertension during pregnancy is no small matter; it may cause fetal growth retardation, premature birth, and even endanger the lives of mother and baby.

prevention

• Healthy diet: Reduce salt intake to less than 6 grams per day. Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains, which are rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure.

• Appropriate exercise: You can do some gentle exercise during pregnancy, such as walking and prenatal yoga. Exercise can help relax the body and mind and lower blood pressure.

• Keep a good mood: Mood fluctuates greatly during pregnancy, so you must learn to regulate your emotions and avoid excessive tension and anxiety.

response

If you find that your blood pressure is high, you should monitor it closely and measure it once in the morning and evening every day. If your blood pressure continues to rise, or if you experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and edema, you must seek medical attention in time. The doctor may adjust your lifestyle or give you antihypertensive drugs based on the situation.

3. Gestational diabetes: Sugar is not allowed

Gestational diabetes is a common metabolic disease during pregnancy. If not controlled, it may lead to problems such as macrosomia and fetal malformations.

prevention

• Proper diet: Control carbohydrate intake and eat less high-sugar foods, such as cakes and candies. Eat more high-fiber foods, such as whole wheat bread and oatmeal.

• Appropriate exercise: Exercise can help consume excess sugar and maintain blood sugar stability. Exercise during pregnancy should be gradual and avoid overexertion.

• Regular screening: A glucose tolerance test should be done in the second trimester (24-28 weeks). This is an important means of screening for gestational diabetes.

response

If gestational diabetes is confirmed, the first thing to do is to adjust your diet and control your carbohydrate intake. Secondly, you need to increase your exercise. If diet and exercise cannot control blood sugar, you need to use insulin treatment under the guidance of a doctor. Insulin is safe for the fetus, so pregnant mothers don't have to worry.

4. Urinary tract infection during pregnancy: Don’t let your urine rush

Hormonal changes during pregnancy and the enlarged uterus compress the bladder, which can easily cause urinary tract infections. Once infected, it may cause fever, back pain, and even affect the health of the fetus.

prevention

• Drink plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water can increase urine output, flush the urethra, and reduce bacterial growth.

• Pay attention to hygiene: Develop correct urination habits and wipe from front to back after urination to avoid bacterial infection of the urethra.

• Regular check-ups: Regular urine tests should be done during pregnancy. If any abnormalities in the urine are found, seek medical attention promptly.

response

If you have symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and pain when urinating, it is likely that you have a urinary tract infection. See a doctor promptly, and the doctor will give you antibiotics based on your condition. Be cautious when using medication during pregnancy and be sure to use it under the guidance of a doctor.

5. Constipation during pregnancy: Don’t let yourself be constipated

Constipation during pregnancy is very common, mainly because hormonal changes cause intestinal motility to slow down, and the enlarged uterus presses on the intestines, causing food residues to stay in the intestines for too long and water to be over-absorbed, resulting in constipation.

prevention

• Eat more fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis, such as bananas, apples, celery, etc.

• Drink plenty of water: Water can help soften stools and reduce the occurrence of constipation.

• Appropriate exercise: Exercise can promote intestinal motility, such as walking, prenatal yoga, etc.

response

If you are already constipated, you can eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as oatmeal and sweet potatoes. You can also use some laxatives, such as lactulose, under the guidance of a doctor. But be careful not to rely on laxatives for a long time to avoid intestinal dysfunction.

Pregnant mothers, although you will encounter various problems during pregnancy, as long as we take precautions and respond in time, we can get through it easily. I hope my sharing will be helpful to everyone. Finally, I wish every pregnant mother can give birth to a healthy and lovely baby!