Gas Trouble

You feel bloated. And no, it is not your pregnancy bulge. Your stomach feels full even though you have not had much to eat. It is nothing serious but can be annoying and even embarrassing when it gets let out in a totally unexpected way.

So you have a little gas. It happens due to indigestion and is common during the second trimester right up to the time you deliver.

The hormonal changes during pregnancy relax the abdominal muscles and your metabolism slows down. This in turn allows the bacteria in the stomach to ferment the undigested food, which causes gas.

This condition gets further aggravated when you include gas producing foods like carbohydrates in your diet.

Sweet Relief

Do not have three square meals. Instead, have smaller portions of a meal throughout the day. Cut down on gassy foods and include more fruits and juices in your diet.

If this does not bring any relief, then consult your gynaecologist.

"Oops I Peed"

Did you pee involuntarily while laughing? This is common and is called pregnancy-related incontinence.

It happens because of your expanding uterus. Along with the uterus, the muscles and ligaments of the lower abdomen also stretch and weaken.

Plus, during pregnancy your body produces the hormone, progesterone which relaxes the muscles of the body.

Sweet Relief

Kegels tend to help. However, consult your doctor before doing any exercises.

Ths usually stops after delivery. If it continues, then bring it to your gyneacologist's attention.

Vaginal Discharge

As you near your due date, there is a spurt vaginal discharge. This discharge is usuually a milky white fluid, which has a curd-like consistency.

This is perfectly normal and happens because of hormonal changes; i.e.: when the alkaline content in the vagina turns acidic.

However, if the discharge is coloured or has an odour or has blood in it, then consult your doctor. It may be a sign of infection or something more serious.