Studies show that African American women are affected by fibroids more than other ethnicities. While the condition can make it difficult to become pregnant, it’s far from impossible. In many cases, that means you’ll need to modify how your fibroids are treated until you’ve had your baby. The question is then, how do you ease your fibroid symptoms while pregnant? Let’s look at some of your options.
Why Are Treatments Limited During Pregnancy?
Once you’re pregnant, your doctors have to balance your treatment with maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Doctors usually limit any procedures that will put any stress on the growing fetus or increase the risk of premature birth.
Most health practitioners will encourage you to undertake more natural ways of handling your symptoms. In certain situations, pregnant women may undergo a procedure known as a myomectomy, which removes fibroids from the outside of the uterus or the uterine wall.
How To Handle The Symptoms While Pregnant
Check Out The Mediterranean Diet
According to health personnel, making changes to your diet can have a positive impact on the size of your fibroids as well as the severity of your symptoms.
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The most helpful of these diets seem to the Mediterranean. In this diet, you’ll eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes, as well as fish. You’ll also limit foods that can aggravate fibroids such as red meat, processed foods, and refined sugars.
Rest Well
Getting a good night’s rest has an incredible effect on your overall health. Where fibroids are concerned, resting well can help to reduce inflammation and pain, which are two uncomfortable characteristics of the condition.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, adding some comfortable pillows to your bed may help. Significant discomfort might need intervention from your doctor, though.
Keep Hydrated
The importance of drinking enough water cannot be overstated. By keeping hydrated, you can ensure that all your bodily processes have enough water to function properly. Those functions include fighting inflammation, running your immune system, and managing pain.
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Use Warm Water Bottles
Pain is a typical symptom for those who have fibroids. It’s recommended that you use warm water bottles on the areas that are most painful to ease the pain. It can also help to bathe in warm water when possible.
Keep Your Blood Pressure Under Control
High blood pressure levels can aggravate your fibroids. If you’re already on high blood pressure medication, make sure to take them as required.
While it’s normal to have your blood pressure checked at your scheduled check-ups, there’s nothing wrong with asking your doctor to get checked more often to be safe.
Practice Relaxation Activities
Stress is also a huge concern for persons who are dealing with fibroids. To manage your symptoms, it’s great to find ways to relax such as meditation and hobbies.
Other activities like tai chi and yoga have the added benefit of getting you some well-needed exercise.
Get Some Sun
Taking a walk in the early morning can get you a nice dose of Vitamin D. Recent studies suggest that this vitamin can help to reduce the size of your fibroids. If you can’t get some sun, look out for foods that have added Vitamin D. Supplements are also an option but talk with your doctor before starting them.
Try Natural Herbs or Teas
This last suggestion should definitely be discussed with your doctor. Some health experts suggest drinking green tea and certain Chinese herbs. Since these herbs aren’t regulated though, it’s best to do some research and watch out for side effects that can be harmful to your pregnancy.
As you might expect, the effectiveness of all these tips will vary based on the type of fibroids you have and how severe your symptoms are. It’s best to consult your doctor before you make any changes to your diet or exercise routine. If nothing is working to ease your symptoms, let your doctor know so you can discuss what other changes might be open to you.
