Pregnancy brings about common complaints

This week I thought I'd write about a subject very near and dear to my heart right now — pregnancy.

I'm currently in the middle of my third trimester and I know I'm not alone in this condition in the Sandpoint area. Everywhere I look, it seems, are expecting moms-to-be.

Pregnancy is a very public condition — especially toward the end when it becomes more obvious. Complete strangers comment freely on weight gain, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, vomiting and the pain of childbirth — all things that would normally be considered taboo in any conversation. It's enough to make any pregnant woman run for the hills — or at least try to waddle through the supermarket undetected.

There is something we need to keep in mind, though — people wouldn't share if they didn't care. The amazing thing about pregnancy is it brings people together. Strangers who had nothing whatsoever in common suddenly find a connection through carrying a child. And, typically, the subjects they bring up are pertinent because nearly everyone experiences at least some of the "side effects" of pregnancy.

Morning sickness is thought to be caused by fluctuating hormones and is fairly common in the first trimester. It can range from moderate morning nausea to full-fledged all-day debilitating illness. The main thing is to keep hydrated and as well nourished as possible. Though nothing may sound appetizing, a slice of whole-grain toast or a banana might actually make you feel better, once you force it down. Adequate hydration is very important for the health of your baby, so if you're having a difficult time keeping water or fluids down, don't hesitate to call your physician. In extreme cases of morning sickness, it may be necessary to administer fluid through I.V.s in order to keep both mom and baby healthy.

In some cases, morning sickness (really a misnomer since it can appear at any time of day) lasts throughout the duration of the pregnancy. Again, be sure you speak with your physician if this is the case. It's important that the baby get all the nutrients needed and constant vomiting or diarrhea would be hard on both of you.

Speaking of rapid growth, that's what moms experience, too, especially during the second and third trimesters. While some women gain the recommended 25 to 35 pounds for the entire pregnancy, others might gain twice that much. Though everyone is familiar with the old adage "eating for two", this is not really the case. Most doctors agree that all the developing baby really needs is an additional three hundred calories or so. That's about the equivalent of an extra piece of toast with peanut butter.

Unfortunately, pregnancy shouldn't be an excuse to eat anything and everything we want. Remember, the more you put on, the more you eventually have to take off! Still, it is never a good idea to diet for weight loss during pregnancy. Eat healthfully and eat treats in moderation. Always drink plenty of water. Sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger and grab a snack when our body is really just in need of hydration. It's a good idea to keep a bottle of water with you at all times. You'll get through your recommended ten to twelve glasses in no time.

Stretch marks and varicose veins are definitely not some of the perks of pregnancy. They may be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but they certainly are a reality for millions of expecting women. Since both conditions are thought to be inherited, there's not much you can do about preventing them, but there are some things to help minimize their effects and the discomfort they cause. Wearing supportive stockings can help with varicose veins, as can elevating the legs as much and as often as possible. Hemorrhoids are really varicose veins of the rectum, often caused by constipation. Your best ally against these is fiber and hydration. Avoid constipation and you'll most likely be able to avoid hemorrhoids as well.

As the skin stretches, the deepest layers can break down, causing red or white scar-like lines. Though rubbing cream into the skin might not prevent them, it does help with the itching associated with stretched skin. Eventually, the marks should fade and will be less noticeable.

Nine months can seem like a very, very long time. Especially when you're sharing your body with someone, your hormones are fluctuating, and you're gaining about a pound a week. Next time someone stops you in the supermarket and asks "When are you due?" smile at them and remember that they're excited because when it's all said and done, you'll have a beautiful new baby to show for it.