As the weeks of pregnancy grow, the changes in our body become more pronounced in the middle of pregnancy compared to the early stages. Some of them are normal signs of pregnancy, such as fetal movement and physiological contractions. Others are signs that our bodies are not well regulated after pregnancy, such as constipation, back pain, leg and foot cramps, etc. Here we will talk about these changes and its response measures. I. Fetal movement Around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy, pregnant mothers begin to feel fetal movement, fetal movement will gradually increase with the progress of pregnancy. Generally, it is a little later for first-time mothers and a little earlier for menstruating mothers. The perception of fetal movement also varies according to individual physical conditions, for example, obese pregnant mothers should feel slightly weaker at first. After 24 weeks of pregnancy, the fetal movement becomes more and more obvious, sometimes we may even sense the head or limbs of the baby. Physiological contractions Characteristics: irregular, occasional, short duration (no more than 30 seconds), no pain. Response: Physiological contractions are normal and do not need to be treated. If there are paroxysmal regular contractions, and accompanied by abdominal pain, back pain and other discomfort must be as soon as possible to see a doctor. The body type of thin pregnant mothers, the uterus will be more sensitive, so do not touch the belly, easy to cause contractions. The actual fact is that you can find a lot of people who are not able to get a good deal on this. The enlargement of the uterus increases the skin tension of the abdominal wall of the pregnant mother. Coupled with excessive diet and rapid weight gain, stretch marks appear when the skin elastic fibers break down. Countermeasures: 1. control the rate of weight gain, pregnant mothers with normal body mass index are recommended to gain 0.4±kg per week in the middle and late pregnancy to avoid excessive weight gain in a short period of time; 2. exercise appropriately to increase muscle support; 3. wear maternity underwear to relieve the effect of earth gravity on the breasts and abdomen; 4. strengthen skin moisturization. IV. Digestive system symptoms 1. Indigestion and heartburn may continue to exist in some pregnant mothers. Countermeasures: Eat less and eat more, take a walk after meals 2. constipation: weakened intestinal peristalsis, resulting in prolonged residence time of stool in the large intestine 3, hemorrhoids: increased rectal venous pressure, prone to hemorrhoids or aggravate existing hemorrhoids. Countermeasures: increase the intake of fiber in the diet, eat less spicy and stimulating food and greasy food; adhere to appropriate exercise in general; develop a regular life, the good habit of regular bowel movements; seek the help of a doctor when necessary. V. Circulatory system Blood pressure will rise slightly from 24-26 weeks of pregnancy (but should not exceed 140/90mmHg). The position of the pregnant mother at rest will affect the blood pressure. When lying on the back, the blood pressure drops due to the enlarged uterus compressing the inferior vena cava, which may cause supine hypotension syndrome and, in severe cases, placental abruption, which can be life-threatening! Response: Blood pressure above normal levels at any time should be taken seriously and seen by a doctor. Pregnant mothers are encouraged to rest in the lateral position during mid- to late pregnancy, with the left side being the best. (But not the right side or a short period of lying flat) 6. back pain Causes: With the increase of the uterus body weight will shift forward, the muscles of the lower back is often in a state of tension. The placenta secretes relaxin to make the pelvic ligaments and joints between the vertebrae relaxed. Performance: low back muscle pain, sciatica: excessive curvature of the crest may lead to herniated discs compressing the sciatic nerve, manifested as pain radiating from the waist to the hip, the back of the thigh, the outer calf to the foot. Prevention: 1. Wear low-heeled shoes; 2. Avoid sleeping on too soft mattresses; 3. Avoid carrying heavy objects; 4. Don’t maintain one posture for too long when standing or left standing; 5. Pay attention to keeping the lumbar back warm and supported (lumbar pillow, maternity pillow); 6. Insist on proper exercises to improve the muscle strength of the legs, back and abdomen. Note: If you already have pain, you should see a doctor first to clarify the cause of the pain and then adjust your lifestyle or treat accordingly according to your doctor’s advice! (Conditions such as pyelonephritis and contractions in a small number of pregnant mothers can also be manifested as soreness and pain in the lower back) VII. leg and foot cramps Cramps, medically known as muscle spasms, are a common phenomenon during pregnancy and can occur in more than half of all pregnant mothers. Most of them start to occur around the 4th to 5th month of pregnancy, mostly at night because the blood calcium level is relatively lower at night. Usually there may be more calf cramps. If you get up and stretch in the morning, the soles of the feet as well as the abdominal and lumbar muscles may also cramp. Causes: 1. Pregnant mothers gradually gain weight, body weight changes, legs become more burdened, leg muscles are often in a state of fatigue; 2. Calcium deficiency, imbalance of calcium and phosphorus ratio in the body; 3. Poor blood circulation or cold; 4. Poor sleeping position, lying on the back for a long time, the quilt presses the back of the feet. Prevention and response: 1, oral calcium tablets; 2, pay attention to warmth, especially to keep the lower extremities warm, do not directly exposed to the wind, lying on the left side is good; 3, usually do not over fatigue, when resting feet slightly elevated, toes upward extension; 4, drink more water, do not wait until thirsty time to drink; 5, usually more activities, sedentary pregnant mothers every hour or so to walk around; 6, pay attention to develop the correct walking habits 6. Pay attention to the correct walking habits, and land on the ground heel first. Treatment of cramps: 1. Gently straighten your knees and land on your heels to relieve cramps by elongating the muscles in the cramp area; 2. Eight, varicose veins varicose veins are due to blood stagnation, weak walls of veins and other factors, resulting in venous tortuous, dilated. The increased pressure of the enlarged uterus on the large blood vessels in the pelvic and abdominal cavity during pregnancy increases, progesterone makes the walls of the blood vessels dilate, blood volume increases, and the pressure on the walls and valves of the veins increases. About 1/3 of pregnant mothers develop varicose veins. They most often appear in the lower body. Varicose veins are more likely if activity levels are greatly reduced during pregnancy, if there is constipation, if there is a family history of varicose veins, or if the pregnant mother is overweight. Possible effects: 1) tortuous and bulging veins, which affect the beauty; 2) sore and swollen legs; 3) skin pigmentation, itching and flaking; 4) abnormal skin sensations, such as numbness and burning sensation; most of these will be relieved or disappear after delivery, and basically will not have other effects on the pregnant mother and the fetus. If there is pain, fever, redness and swelling in the lower limbs, it may be thrombosis of the leg veins, so seek medical attention! Prevention: 1.Adhere to exercise; 2.Avoid prolonged standing or sitting; 3.Control weight; 4.Sleeping on the left side can reduce the pressure of the inferior vena cava by the cotyledons and reduce the pressure on the veins of the legs and feet; 5.Sleeping and usually elevate the legs if convenient to promote blood return; 6.Keep the bowels open; 7.Pregnant women’s elastic stockings (medical varicose veins stockings for pregnant mothers with varicose veins) can promote The blood reflux can be promoted and the symptoms can be relieved. Our body is changing every moment when we are pregnant with a baby, so we can face it with ease if we know what is normal. Even if you do experience some uncomfortable symptoms, you have to deal with them in a positive manner and try to adjust to the best condition. Of course, the most important thing is to communicate any special changes in your body to your doctor during your maternity checkup. I wish all pregnant mothers a good pregnancy!