Mom & Baby

(ARA) – The pregnancy test is positive. Along with the excitement and anticipation of the baby’s arrival, women need to be aware of body transformations during and after the pregnancy. A growing belly, nausea, food cravings and heightened sensitivity to smells are obvious symptoms of pregnancy. But many women don’t realize their vision can change as well.

Expectant mothers may feel as though they are not seeing as well or their contact lenses may not be as comfortable. Doctors of optometry caution women that hormonal changes, which occur during pregnancy, can cause conditions such as dry eyes and puffy eyelids. Because of this, some pregnant women may need to change the type or brand of contact lenses they typically wear or reduce the length of time the contacts are worn. Another option that optometrists recommend to expectant mothers is wearing eye glasses during pregnancy.

“Pregnant women should be aware that vision problems can be a sign of a more serious condition,” says Dr. Glen Steele, optometrist and chair of the InfantSEE committee. “That’s why it’s critical that expectant mothers visit their optometrists during their pregnancy.”

If expectant women experience any of the following eye problems during pregnancy, the American Optometric Association recommends they make an appointment with an optometrist:

* Blurred vision
* Distorted vision
* Contact lens discomfort
* Tunnel vision
* Extremely dry eyes

Although vision changes may be evident during pregnancy, it is important to note that most are temporary and that vision usually returns to normal within a few months after delivery.

Once the baby has arrived, it is just as important to monitor the infant’s vision development.

“Infant eye and vision assessments offer early detection of vision and eye health problems that can interfere with normal development,” says Steele.

Parents can have their baby’s eyes assessed through InfantSEE, a program of Optometry’s Charity – The AOA Foundation, which offers infants between the ages of six and 12 months a one-time, no-cost eye and vision assessment, regardless of a parent’s ability to pay.

For more information on vision and pregnancy or to find a local optometrist, visit www.AOA.org. To locate a participating InfantSEE doctor, visit www.InfantSEE.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Luckily, there are ways to ease some of these discomforts. Registered nurse Linda Ciampa offers these suggestions for women to discuss with their health care professional:

* Fatigue

Many pregnant women try to function as they did before they were pregnant. What first-time moms may not realize is that their child requires a lot of energy to grow. To overcome fatigue, mothers-to-be should get plenty of rest. That means going to bed early and trying to take naps during the day. If recommended by her health care professional, daily exercise may increase a pregnant woman’s energy levels.

* Mood Swings

Mood swings are very common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. It’s helpful for the mom-to-be to make a conscious effort to nurture herself often.

* Aches and Pains

Back aches, stiff necks and swollen limbs often occur during pregnancy, and in many cases can be alleviated. Staying active, maintaining proper posture and using pillows to support the back may help. Reducing sodium intake and elevating one’s feet may help reduce swelling of ankles and feet. Sometimes, taking a nice warm shower can help relax strained muscles as well.

* Constipation

Experiencing uncomfortable or even painful bowel movements is a problem that many pregnant women experience, but often don’t talk about. It occurs during pregnancy due to hormone changes, use of iron supplements and changes in digestion.

“Your colon absorbs more water during pregnancy, which makes less water available for the stool, resulting in harder stools,” explains Ciampa. “The good news is there are things you can do to help.”

Being sure to eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of fluids may help alleviate the problem; light exercise may also make a difference, if recommended by one’s doctor. Another solution is Dulcolax Stool Softener, which provides safe and effective relief from painful bowel movements. It works by gently drawing water into the stool, making it more comfortable to pass. Of course, it’s important to talk to your doctor before using any over-the-counter medicine. Make sure to read the entire label before use, and use only as directed. For more information about relieving constipation, visit www.dulcolax.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Early pregnancy nausea and vomiting occurs in about half of pregnant women, beginning about two weeks after the first missed period. This lasts usually no longer than the first trimester, but that can feel like a very long time under these circumstances.

Mild nausea is common, but any extreme condition may be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum. That can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Discuss the possibility with your physician so you can be tested, if needed. Late pregnancy nausea can occur as well, from twisted or obstructed bowels.

Eating small, frequent meals is preferable to larger ones three times per day. Certain fruits can help, such as berries, peaches and cantaloupe. Taking needed liquids between, rather than with, meals is helpful. That will produce less stomach expansion. Avoid carbonated drinks.

Heartburn is another common condition. As a result of hormonal and other changes, the odds of experiencing it are higher during pregnancy. Increased levels of progesterone are thought to be a prime culprit, since it causes loosening of the sphincter, driving acid up into the esophagus. It also slows the emptying of stomach contents, which can be a contributing factor.

Changes in nutrition can help alleviate the problem. Avoid high fat foods, chocolate (yes, that’s a tough one to give up) and fried foods. Foods high in raffinose, such as cabbage, broccoli and lettuce should be reduced as they tend to produce gas. Cutting down on caffeine and alcohol and quiting smoking are essential lifestyle changes, at least for the duration.

Common antacids, such as TUMS (also a good source of calcium) are a good idea. Not only is the material helpful, but sucking on them contracts the esophagus, which helps reduce the problem.

Constipation is a common problem, both during and immediately after pregnancy. Medically, constipation is defined as an inability to move the bowels more than three times per week. But most women will regard themselves as constipated if they can’t eliminate at least once per day.

The condition can occur from many causes, including psychological ones. If rectal tearing occurred during delivery as a result of straining, the rectum takes a while to heal. Women, many unconsciously, try to hold stool to avoid the pain of defecation. After a C-section the bowel can be temporarily paralyzed, a condition called an ‘ileus’.

Walking can help relieve symptoms, since it often eases tension and loosens the bowels. Drinking the right kinds and amounts of fluid will also help. Some vitamin and mineral supplements can be beneficial, such as extra, easily digested calcium. Commercial laxatives should be avoided, but there are special types that physicians sometimes prescribe, such as Docusate.

Eat right, engage in a regular, appropriate exercise program and your difficulties can be minimized.

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