Morning sickness seems to be aggravated by stress, traveling, and certain foods high in protein and fat. To lessen the symptoms, eating small meals several times a day may help. As the body works overtime to provide a nourishing environment for the fetus, it is no wonder a pregnant woman often feels tired. In the first trimester, her blood volume and other fluids increase as her body adjusts to the pregnancy. Sometimes anemia is the underlying cause of the fatigue.
Anemia is a reduction in the oxygen carried through the bloodstream by red blood cells.
A simple blood test performed at the first prenatal visit will check for anemia. Because of increased pressure on the rectum and perineum, and the increased likelihood of becoming constipated as the pregnancy progresses, hemorrhoids are common in late pregnancy. Avoiding constipation and straining may help to prevent hemorrhoids. Always check with your physician before using any medication to treat this condition. In most cases, varicose veins are caused by the increased pressure on the legs and the pelvic veins, and by the increased blood volume.