Precautions during early pregnancy

It is essential for each and every pregnant woman to take certain precautions during pregnancy. This particularly refers to the first trimester since this is the period of the most extensive embryonic and fetal development. Pregnant women are supposed to follow general rules when it comes to their diets, take vitamin supplements and try to avoid infections of any kind. All the bad habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly banned. And if there is anything a pregnant woman is not sure about, she is supposed to consult her health care provider and obtain proper information.

Dietary Precautions during Early Pregnancy

Diet of pregnant women must be rich in all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed for proper fetal growth and development. But, there are certain restrictions. Namely, pregnant women should avoid seafood since it may contain high levels of mercury and cause serious damage to the fetus. This restriction particularly refers to shark, tilefish and swordfish. Furthermore, the food must be well prepared and cooked. This way certain parasitic, bacterial and viral infections can be successfully prevented. Processed foods and foods rich in sodium are not recommended. And finally, alcohol consumption is highly forbidden while caffeine consumption is allowed but in moderate doses.

Physical Precautions in Pregnancy

Many medications may cause serious damage to the mother or the child if taken during pregnancy. This is why only the doctor is allowed to prescribe medications if necessary while pregnant women must never take any kind of drugs without consulting their health care providers. This also refers to herbs and remedies. These may be responsible for numerous complications such as miscarriages, premature birth and developmental abnormalities. There are also specific limitations when it comes to vaccination and this issue can be discussed with a doctor as well.

Furthermore, pregnant women should pay attention and avoid any contact with people suffering from different infections, especially if they have not had the particular infection. Rubella, measles and chickenpox in pregnant women who have never had these infections may cause serious damage to the unborn baby. Even a contact with animals must be restricted since some of them may transmit toxoplasmosis, infection responsible for severe damage to the fetus.

Pregnant women must avoid highly strenuous activities and exercises, especially in the first trimester. Lifting heavy objects, horse riding and similar activities may induce a miscarriage and in later stages premature birth. And last but not the least, pregnant women are not supposed to smoke. There is a connection between smoking during pregnancy and low weight at birth. Apart from that babies of women who have smoked during pregnancy are more susceptible to infections, breathing problems etc. Even exposure to second hand smoke may cause already mentioned problems.

When to be Worried?

Thigh pain is only one of side effects and symptoms of pregnancy and it can cause great discomfort and anxiety to a future mother. Furthermore, apart from thigh pain a pregnant woman may also experience hip or back pain. Many hormonal changes occur during pregnancy and the woman is under a great deal of stress, along with her body. This is mostly reported during the third trimester, when the baby is growing rapidly. So pain in the thigh and hip areas can easily occur during pregnancy and there are several reasons for this.SPD or symphysis pubis dysfunction is a condition caused by the tight position of the ligaments of the pelvic bone, and it occurs at the symphysis pubis, which is located in the pubic area. The symphysis pubis is a joint that becomes loose because of the effects of relaxin hormone. Baby can be delivered safely and easily when pelvic ligaments become softer, but when they are relaxed excessively, pelvic joint pain may become intensive. Such pain can also affect the inner thigh or hip area. It is aggravated by walking, standing and moving your legs. A woman needs to see a doctor if such pain appears. An obstetric physiotherapist will be needed if SPD is confirmed. Pelvic support belt is one of the methods of treatment. It can reduce the pain by keeping bones in normal position. This belt can also stabilize the pelvic joint by making the pelvic area muscles stronger. Pain relief can be additionally achieved with the help from Kegels, pelvic tilts or some other exercise. Remember that long-lasting standing or weight lifting should not be done if you are having this kind of pain. Sciatica is a condition that causes thigh and hip pain during pregnancy, and it occurs due to compression of the sciatica nerve, which goes from the feet to the lower back and through the leg. The compression is mostly initiated by the growth of the uterus. Tingling sensation and numbness are common symptoms of this problem. Once the pregnancy ends, so will the pain. Hot compresses can be used to reduce the pain. Also you can try to sleep on the other side and take baths with warm water.