How to deal with 3 common pregnancy-related body issues

Many wonderful things go on within the body during pregnancy. However, there are also a number of uncomfortable symptoms and body issues that occur as well. Many of these body issues simply go away on their own but some require treatment. Here are the most common pregnancy-related body issues and how to deal with them.

One of the most common body issues women experience in pregnancy is the development of unsightly varicose veins.

Varicose veins (also called spider veins) often appear behind the knee and on the calves around the last trimester of pregnancy. A lack of activity and excess weight are often the causes of them.

The extra weight being pregnant brings with it puts more pressure on capillaries in the legs, causing them to break and bleed.

Aside from covering them with leg makeup, such as liquid stockings, wearing support stockings and walking regularly can help.

Also, some women find that after they give birth and their weight returns to normal that the varicose veins go away on their own.

Stretch marks are a nuisance for both pregnant and non-pregnant women.

These marks can be hereditary but during pregnancy, a shift in hormones that causes the skin to become less elastic than usual usually causes them. Excessive weight gain in a short span can also cause the skin to stretch and break.

There are lots of products on the shelf 'claiming' to cure or fade stretch marks but the only proven treatment for them is retinoid. However, even retinoid only makes certain stretch marks fade. Even so, prescription-grade retinoid speeds cell turnover and boosts collagen production, healing the skin faster.

Unfortunately, this prescription can't be used during pregnancy, so vitamin E may be a safer option during this time.

Also, remember, moisturising the skin and walking regularly can help stretch marks fade naturally.

Alopecia and wide spread hair breakage are two problems that pregnant women suffer.

Hair loss is usually mild and unnoticeable but in some cases, shifts in estrogen can cause more hair to fall out than usual. This is called telogen effluvium. This change is perhaps one of the most devastating that a woman can go through in pregnancy, and it can lead to sadness and depression.

The good news is that this form of hair loss generally repairs itself after hormone levels return to normal. If it's slow to reverse, hair growth vitamins, prescription-grade Rogaine and wearing lose hairstyles can all help.

If you're experiencing any of these pregnancy-related body issues, keep these tips in mind for how to deal with them.

Also, remember that the best general advice is to stay active during your pregnancy. Consult your doctor to figure out what sorts of activity are best for you.