Q. Since getting pregnant, my sense of smell has gone haywire- even my husband stinks. Why does this happens and when will it go away?
A. As many as 75 percent of pregnant women experience increased sensitivity to smells. This change occurs both at the nerves in the nose that sense the odors and at the part of the brain that interprets the smells. Scents that were once considered pleasant, like cooking meat, brewing coffee, and even your own perfume may become nauseating during pregnancy. Previously unnoticed smells, such as minimal body odor, may become pronounced and objectionable. The reasons for these changes to the sense of smell are unknown, but may have to do with pregnant women's biological need to avoid harmful foods. Your sense of smell may become less sensitive in the second half of pregnancy and it should return to normal after delivery.
Q. I'm experiencing intense nighttime leg cramps to the point that i'm having trouble sleeping. Is there anything I can do?
A. Pregnancy changes your weight, as well as your posture and center of gravity. This puts additional stress on your leg muscles, which can result in leg pain or spasms. There's more blood in your veins and tissues now, too, and that can also cause leg pain. In addition, pregnancy can alter the curve of your back, which may put pressure on the sciatic nerve and spark a shooting pain down the back of your leg. Luckily, there are a few remedies you can try. To avoid leg cramps, stretch your calf muscles before going to bed , walk 20 minutes a day and take a warm bath in the evening to relax your muscles. If your legs are swollen, elevating them can help relieve cramps. When you get a cramp, you may be able to work away the muscle pain by straightening your leg, pushing down with your heel and gently pointing the toes upward. You can also try massaging the muscle or warming it with a heating pad. Be sure to mention your symptoms at your next doctor appointment, especially ones that persist after delivery; you could have Restless Legs Syndrome.
Q. Now that I'm not getting nauseous anymore, I'm craving my daily mocha. Can i have it?
A. Many doctors and midwives will allow their pregnant patients to enjoy their favorite caffeinated drinks- In moderation. Most ob/gyns feel that small amounts, under 300 milligrams a day, won't harm a growing fetus. The biggest and best studies done on this subject show that miscarriage risk is not increased by 300 milligrams or less of caffeine. However, greater caffeine amounts may slightly increase the risk of have a small baby- and that risk could be higher in a baby who's already at risk for growth problems or a premature delivery. To make sure your total intake stays, add up the caffeine from the tea, sodas, chocolate, and coffee you. consume each day, including coffee yogurt and ice cream. Avoid energy drinks; though even the most potent ones have only slightly more caffeine than regular coffee. these beverages contain other supplements you may be better off avoiding. And while caffeine can wake you up, it can also cause heartburn, insomnia, headaches, and more frequent urination. Be sure to drink lots of non-caffeinated liquids to avoid dehydration- and consider switching to decaf. here is a rough guide to caffeine amounts.
*Chocolate, 1oz = 5 to 20mg.
*Hot chocolate, 8oz = 5mg.
*Softdrinks, 12oz = 23 to 56mg.
*Bottled iced tea, 16oz = 15 to 40mg.
*Green tea, 8oz = 30mg.
*Brewed tea, 8oz = 35 to 70mg.
*Brewed coffee, 8oz = 135mg.
*Espresso, 1oz = 30 to 50mg.
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