Why Your Feet Ache Feet during Pregnancy

May 28, 2009

Women’s bodies change a lot during pregnancy, your feet is one of them.  The most apparent reason is the additional weight gain.  As your pregnancy progresses, you will gain roughly around 25 pounds during the whole term.  This additional weight will add pressure to your feet, especially on the heel.

Pregnancy may also promote the swelling of your feet.  One side effect of pregnancy is the surge of hormones that course through your body.  This makes the muscles relax and slows down your circulation, because of this swelling in your feet may occur.

Another hormone released during pregnancy is relaxin, this cause your bones to relax as you prepare for birth, unfortunately, as this hormone prepares the birth canal, it causes some undesirable effect on your feet.  The hormone cause the connections of the bones in your feet, the ligaments, to expand.  This can misshapen your feet by making it larger and flatter compared when you were not pregnant.

A hot foot bath is one way to relax your tired, swollen, misshapen feet.  Soaking your feet in warm water with your favorite aromatherapeutic oil can help relieve those swollen , aching feet.

Are You Pregnant?

May 9, 2009

Signs of pregnancy are distinct and distinguishable.  Although having one sign may confuse you with having contracted a disease, having two signs may validate a suspected pregnancy.  Unless you know what signs to watch out for, then your feelings of being sick may be a reason for joy than despair. Because pregnancy is different for each woman, a simple pregnancy test can almost ascertain your being pregnant, but how do you actually know when to open a kit and test?  Check out the list of signs below and compare how you feel.

A missed period will definitely send your alarm bells ringing and head for the nearest pharmacy to buy the first (or first of several) pregnancy test kit you see.  It can be difficult for some women to tell, if this is just a hunch or an actuality because some women are not regular or have late periods.   Other factors such as stress, illnesses, and contraceptives may hinder you from noticing the significance of a missed period.

Fatigue is also a good indicator of pregnancy.  Feeling sluggish because of a decrease in energy which is unrelated to stress or strenuous activity may also tell you that you may be pregnant.

Tenderness of the nipples.  Pregnancy is one of the few reasons why your breasts especially your nipples may be feeling tender.

Morning sickness.   Feeling nauseous and vomiting is a good sign of pregnancy.

Remember one sign can be telling one story, but a combination of two or more should prompt you to make a visit to the obstetrician.