Why am I itchy all the time? Why do I feel like I’m trying to poop a brick? Will my toes look like sausages forever? What’s this thing hanging out of my butt?
Maybe you’re pregnant. Maybe you’re not. Either way, I’m going to make Pregnancy Q&A a regular here on Sweet Life. A recent visit with my friend Jocelyn (hi Jos!), helped me to remember the reason I started this website to begin with. Leave your questions in the comment section.
Q: Why am I itchy all the time and what can I do about it?
A: Dry, itchy skin is very common during pregnancy. The increased estrogen slows oil production, and your skin is being stretched at a rapid rate, as well. The best remedies for dry skin are to stay hydrated, use a moisturizing body wash rather than soap, and apply lotion or oil to damp skin immediately after you shower. I used Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Apricot Oil and it left my skin feeling amazing. Don’t worry – you won’t go around leaving oil spots on the furniture. Your dry skin will soak the oil right up. It’s great for preventing stretch marks, too!
Now, if we’re talking feminine itch, you’ve probably got either a yeast or a fungal infection. Those dang hormones go changing everything, making your girly bits more susceptible to these types of problems. Check with your medical professional about the best course of action. Don’t ignore it and think it will go away on its own: it won’t.
Q: Why do I feel like I’m trying to poop a brick and please, God, make it stop.
A: Ahh, constipation. First of all, the increased progesterone in your system is probably the culprit. It signals the body to slow down the digestive process so that your body can squeeze every last nutrient out of your food. So yeah, you are trying to poop a brick.
Your best course of action any time you’re constipated, but especially during pregnancy, is to remember the two F’s: fluids and fiber. I know you’re tired of peeing every twenty minutes, but be sure to drink at least 64 ounces of fluids (especially water) every day. A moist brick is easier to pass than a dry one, no? And fiber is like adding water to the slip-n-slide that is your digestive system. Go ahead and try to slide down without fiber, but chances are you’re going to get stuck.
Q: Will my toes look like sausages forever?
A: Fortunately, no. However, many women have found that their feet go up a half size or so during pregnancy and never go back. To increase circulation to your feet, you can do little foot circles in 10 rep sets throughout the day. In addition, put your feet up (no higher than heart level) for 15 minutes through out the day, whenever you’re able. If you’re pregnant in the summer, putting your feet in cool water for any amount of time can help cool you and reduce swelling at the same time.
Q: What’s this thing hanging out of my butt?
A: That would be a hemorrhoid, which is a type of varicose vein. Another common ailment of pregnancy, they sometimes don’t show until you’re pushing your baby into the world. They can be fairly uncomfortable, so try to increase the circulation to the area by doing kegel exercises (you should be doing these anyway, for many reasons). Try not to push too hard while pooping that brick, and take care of constipation as quickly as possible to avoid getting hemorrhoids or making them worse. There are many over-the-counter items you can purchase to ease hemorrhoid pain. If you’re looking for a cheap, easy remedy, try freezing cotton balls soaked in witch hazel and putting them where it hurts.
Andrea Edwards is an ICEA certified Childbirth Educator. No advice given here should supersede that of your medical professional.
