Sudden weight gain can be attributed to these stretch marks, so it’s best to slow down weight gain.
As the skin stretches, it might get itchy. If you wish to relieve it, use any organic and mild products such as moisturizers with cocoa butter.
Unfortunately, there seems to be no way to prevent these stretch marks. But after birth, several treatments are said to help minimize their visibility.
Pregnant women are also more susceptible to getting varicose veins due to the increase of pressure on the veins on your legs as your pregnancy progresses. Increased levels of progesterone could also make it worse by causing the walls of the veins to relax.
Besides varicose veins, pregnant women at five months tend to spider veins or those tiny, spindly vessels under the skin.
Your Doctor Visits
Throughout the course of your pregnancy, you’ll want to go to your ob-gynecologist to ensure that you and your baby are healthy and safe. It’s best to have their number on speed dial so you can call them whenever you feel something wrong.
For one, extreme pain in the abdomen is not a good sign, especially if it comes with bleeding. Call your doctor for advice or rush to the hospital.
You should also check in with your doctor for recommendations on possible diets you can try, as well as medicines you can drink if you experience headaches or cramps. If you’re not sure, call and ask them.
Lastly, follow your checkup schedule. Your doctor will likely provide you with one to better monitor your health and your baby’s growth.
Health & Safety
Physical changes aren’t the only thing that can happen to you as the weeks progress. Various symptoms will also come and go.
Here are the most common pregnancy symptoms of women on their 21st week of pregnancy:
- Mild headaches due to dehydration or hormonal changes
- Aches and pains on the lower back
- Leg cramps (usually happens at night)
- Swollen feet and hands
- Heartburns caused by uterus pushing the stomach or pregnancy hormones
- Hot flashes
How to Alleviate Common Symptoms
Perhaps the most common symptom of all is back pain.
As the pregnancy progresses, your stomach will grow bigger and heavier, making it harder to move around. It will also cause constant back pain and soreness. This is the reason why it’s good to invest in good back savers.
Adding a pillow on your lower back whenever your sitting could relieve tension and pressure on your back and support the weight of your stomach. You’ll also want to elevate your feet slightly.
For hot flashes, always wear cool clothing and stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water could also relieve mild pregnancy headaches.
Taking a warm bath or shower before going to sleep should also help relieve backaches and any tension in your body. You can relax more, which will help you sleep better. Warm baths can also help avoid leg cramps altogether.
Every woman experiences pregnancy quite differently from others, so it’s alright if your symptoms are different from others or your body didn’t change as much. The most important thing is to keep you and your baby safe and always to follow the expert’s advice.
Hello Health Group does not offer any advice, diagnosis, or medical treatment.
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