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Abdominal and Low Back Pain

As your uterus and abdomen expands, you might feel pains in your abdomen, groin area or thighs. You may feel backaches due to your increasing weight.

You'll also experiencing aching near your pelvic bone from the pressure of the baby's head, your increased weight and the loosening joints in these areas. The lower abdomen may ache as ligaments stretch to support the uterus.

Lying down, resting or applying heat can help resolve some of these aches and pains. Also, wearing a support girdle can help relieve your back pain while offering your stomach some support. If pains do not get better after rest, it is best to call your chiropractor or other health care provider.

Urination Frequency

The need to urinate frequently may decrease as the uterus grows out of the pelvic cavity, relieving pressure on the bladder.

Nosebleeds and Gum Bleeds

Increase in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can affect the mucous membranes in the nose and gums. The hormones cause an increased blood flow to the mucous membranes of the nose and gums, causing them to soften and swell.

This can lead to nasal congestion, nosebleeds, spongier gums and gums that bleed more easily.

In addition to stuffiness, you may also develop sinus congestion and a postnasal drip, which can occasionally lead to nighttime coughing or gagging.

Remember not to use medication or medicated nasal sprays unless your practitioner prescribes them.

You may find that your congestion and bleeding are more common in winter, when heating systems force hot, dry air into the house, drying your nasal passages. A humidifier may help overcome this dryness.

To stem a nosebleed, sit or stand leaning forward, pinch the area just above your nostrils and below the bridge of your nose using your thumb and forefinger. Hold this for five minutes and repeat if the bleeding continues.

If the bleeding isn't controlled after three tries or if the bleeding is frequent and heavy, call your doctor.