NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY
FOODS TO AVOID:
1. Caffeine - Studies show that caffeine doubles the rate of miscarriages. IN addition it also reduces blood pressure and thus also reduces the amount flowing to the placenta, and thus could affect the babys growing cells. Insomia and heartburn are also a result of intake of caffein. All in all, avoid caffeine drinks like tea/coffee, soft drinks, fizzy drinks etc
2. Alcohol: alcohol digests slowly in babies, which results in miscarriages and still birth. in addition to damage to the central nervous system, it can also increase your childs risk for learning, speech, hyperactivity and learning.
3. Fish: As imp as fish is for the baby brain and eye development, you also have to be careful in the fish that you pick due to the mercury content that could be found in some fish. Mercury is lethal to the development of your baby, and affects the nervous system and brain development.
DO NOT eat raw fish, refrigerated or picked fish thats unpasterized.
4. Poultry: eat raw or uncooked meat; refrigerated meat; dry/uncooked sausages.
5. Eggs: raw eggs; cookie or cake dough that has raw eggs; home made desserts or sauces.
6. Cheese: unpasterized soft cheese;
7. Packaged noodles: these are unhealthy and contains lots of fat and preservatives
8. Fizzy drinks: are only filled with sugar and not the best options. have lots of water and milk and youghurt instead.
9. Ready made meals: these are uncalled for as they have lots of preservatives and salt.
10. Frozen foods: same as ready made meals.
.
10 FAST FOODS YOU WILL LOVE
1. Fruit: Is always the refreshing and healthy option. You could either pick individual fruits or have a fruit salad. Eating the diff colored fruits will ensure your baby gets the different minerals/vitamins in each fruit.
2. Raisins: want to satisfy a sweeth tooth? have a few raisins, which are very rich in iron also.
3. Youghurt: will not only add to the calcium, but also nourish you with some minerals and proteins.
4. Dried Fruits mix: mix up some dried fruits such as cherries, almonds, raisins, cashewnuts etc and you can feed a handful as and when you are hungry.
5. Salads: mix up a whole lots of carrots, tomoatoes, cucumbers, some nuts, boiled pasta, corn etc..any thing that you fancy and make up a big relishing salad.\
6. String cheese: this has a very rich content of calcium and a must,
7. Orange Juice: if fortified with vitamin c and d, adds on to your calcium.
8. Baby carrots: you can have these on their own and mix them up with dipped youghurt or even better make a fresh stir fry with a few other fresh veges,
9. Cereals: whole grain cereals are not jst filling but also very healthy, and a good snack to have at work or otherwise.
10. Low fat cheese: this is a good source of calcium.
11. Beans: Any kind of beans are a good source of proteins fibre. this includes any kind of whole grains including popcorns.
12. Sweetpotato: rich in folate, fibre and vitamin C.
13. Dark green leafy veges.
Aprt from the above highlighted you can eat all that your heart desires- but try eating healthy which will assist not only you but also your baby. Try concentrating on fresh salads, fruits, pasterized milk, yoghurt and all that your heart desires. This is the one time of your life that you can stuff yourself with all that you want, without having to worry about your weight
STEPS TO A HEALTHY PREGNANCY:
1. Prenatal Vitamins: These are an essential before and after pregnancy, as most supplements contain more folic acid and iron than can be found in other meds.
Folic acid is a very essential part of pregnancy and a major requirement for the growing baby. IN addition iron is also required for the babys development esp during the last 2 stages of the gestation cycle.
2. Prenatal Care: Immediately you learn you are expectant get working on getting a doctor. Attention is required both for you and the baby to detect any complications that may arise.
3. Food: You are now required to watch your health and ensure that you eat at regular intervals. Also keep in mind that you are now eating for two and thus feed adequately. However please watch out for what you eat and which foods to avoid as we have discussed earlier above.
4. Alcohol: Alcohol as discussed earlier has extremely negative side effects and thus should be avoided completely.
5. Exercise: Exercise will help you jst keep in shape, but also reduce your stress in addition to releasing pressure from your legs due to the increased weight by improving blood circulation. However please consult your doctor prior to discuss what types of exercises are suitable for you.
6. Rest: Your body will now be experiencing alot of changes and you will feel fatigued during the gestation cycle. You need to start taking it easy now and relax as much as possible. As and when you can try putting your feet up to improve the blood circulation to them. Also try and nap as and when you can. even a few mins a day will help you feel relaxed.
7. Caffeine: As discussed caffeine is to be avoided.
8. Work place: Ensure that your place of work is safe - you cannot be exposed to any kind of chemicals or drugs at this stage.
9. Smoking: Smoking has the same effects as Alcohol on your developing feteus: higher chances of miscarriage, poor fetal development etc and thus do not smoke during this period.
10. Emotional balance: Pregnancy is a very emotional time for all women and all women due to get emotional at some stage or another during the period. you need to ensure that you are happy and at peace with yourself and your surroundings as this also affects the babys' growth and development.
ACTIVITIES TO AVOID:
Being pregnant involves not only looking after your eating habits, but also care needs to be given to your day-to-day activities.
Here are some of the activities to avoid during your pregnancy:
1. Activities that can lead you to fall such as Skiing.
2. Streneous, competitive sports
3. Inhaling paint or chemical fumes.
4. DO not lie on your back and stomach from the 3rd month onwards. Best position is sleeping on your left side as this increases the flow of blood to the growing feteus.
5. Intense cardiovascular activities.
6. Weight Lifting- this includes heavy objects,
7. Jaccuzis and hot bubble/bath tubs baths.
8. Scuba divinng and activities that involve pressurized air.
BREATHLESSNESS:
Breathlessness is experienced all through pregnancy. In early pregnancy, the requirement for air is due to progesterone, the pregnancy hormone that stimulates the respiratory part of the brain. This helps you grasp in more air to help you nourish your baby.
During mid to end pregnancy, you experince breathlessness due to the expanding uterus on the diaphragm.
Breathlessness is a normal part of pregnancy and you should not worry, learn to relaxas much as you can with your legs propped up.
WHY AM I SO TIRED?
Feeling fatigue is a very common symptom in the 1st Trimester, and many women find themselves ready to catch a nap at any time, even after a good nights sleep.
The answer to the million dollar question - your horomone levels are changing, your blood supply is increasing, and your body is over working itself to develop the placenta that is the house of nutrients for your baby.
The only avalaible solution is to rest as much as you can- take naps in between as and when you can and ensure you get a good nights sleep.
You will feel this fatigue through your 1st Trimester- which will disappear at the beginning of the second and return again in the 3rd trimester.
HEARTBURN AND INDIGESTION
Heartburn is the commonest problem in pregnancy and can start as early as during the 1st month and last all though the 9 months. Heartburn is a result of the acid from your stomach moving upwards to your chest- this is caused by the pregnancy hormone, progesterone.
Although heartburn cannot be completely ruled out but below are some assistance tips:
1. Avoid fatty and fried foods
2. Avoid hot (chilly), spicy foods
3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
4. Avoid chocolates
5. Sleep in an upright positions using pillows propped under under upper and lower backs
6. Avoid foods such as brocolli, cabbage, bitter oranges etc
7. In case the heartburn perists, you can using some prescribed antiacids
Morning Sickness:
Morning sickness is one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. however unlike the name suggests, morning sickness doesnt happen only during the mornings. In some women it occurs at different time of the day and for some it even lasts through the day.
Generally, it commences and has the highest peak during the 1st trimester, and disappears at the beginning of the 2nd. However in some women it lasts all through the pregnancy! Ouch!
Though you cannot avoid morning sickness but below are some help tips:
1. Break down your meals into many smaller portions that you can nibble on. Large portions will make you feel sicker and also increase the heartburn.
2. Odours - With time you may feel distant towards some foods, the odours of which will make you feel sicker. Avoid cooking those foods, or being in surrounding where these foods are servved.
3. Avoid Fatty foods. This also helps with the heartburn.
4. Salty snacks will help.
5. Add small quantities of ginger into your foods.
6. Increase your intake of carbohydrates, the fibre within helps.
Sleeplessness:
Sleeplessness is a common effect of pregnancy and can occur through the pregnancy due to diff reasons at diff stages:
1st Trimester:
Morning Sickness
Internal Body changes
Frequent urination
Excitement, emotions etc
2nd Trimester:
Baby movement
Frequent urination
Hot flashes
3rd Trimester:
Baby movements and kicks
Frequent urination
Hot flashes
Back aches
Leg cramps
Unable to settle into comfortable position
Leaking breasts.
FOODS TO AVOID:
1. Caffeine - Studies show that caffeine doubles the rate of miscarriages. IN addition it also reduces blood pressure and thus also reduces the amount flowing to the placenta, and thus could affect the babys growing cells. Insomia and heartburn are also a result of intake of caffein. All in all, avoid caffeine drinks like tea/coffee, soft drinks, fizzy drinks etc
2. Alcohol: alcohol digests slowly in babies, which results in miscarriages and still birth. in addition to damage to the central nervous system, it can also increase your childs risk for learning, speech, hyperactivity and learning.
3. Fish: As imp as fish is for the baby brain and eye development, you also have to be careful in the fish that you pick due to the mercury content that could be found in some fish. Mercury is lethal to the development of your baby, and affects the nervous system and brain development.
DO NOT eat raw fish, refrigerated or picked fish thats unpasterized.
4. Poultry: eat raw or uncooked meat; refrigerated meat; dry/uncooked sausages.
5. Eggs: raw eggs; cookie or cake dough that has raw eggs; home made desserts or sauces.
6. Cheese: unpasterized soft cheese;
7. Packaged noodles: these are unhealthy and contains lots of fat and preservatives
8. Fizzy drinks: are only filled with sugar and not the best options. have lots of water and milk and youghurt instead.
9. Ready made meals: these are uncalled for as they have lots of preservatives and salt.
10. Frozen foods: same as ready made meals.
.
10 FAST FOODS YOU WILL LOVE
1. Fruit: Is always the refreshing and healthy option. You could either pick individual fruits or have a fruit salad. Eating the diff colored fruits will ensure your baby gets the different minerals/vitamins in each fruit.
2. Raisins: want to satisfy a sweeth tooth? have a few raisins, which are very rich in iron also.
3. Youghurt: will not only add to the calcium, but also nourish you with some minerals and proteins.
4. Dried Fruits mix: mix up some dried fruits such as cherries, almonds, raisins, cashewnuts etc and you can feed a handful as and when you are hungry.
5. Salads: mix up a whole lots of carrots, tomoatoes, cucumbers, some nuts, boiled pasta, corn etc..any thing that you fancy and make up a big relishing salad.\
6. String cheese: this has a very rich content of calcium and a must,
7. Orange Juice: if fortified with vitamin c and d, adds on to your calcium.
8. Baby carrots: you can have these on their own and mix them up with dipped youghurt or even better make a fresh stir fry with a few other fresh veges,
9. Cereals: whole grain cereals are not jst filling but also very healthy, and a good snack to have at work or otherwise.
10. Low fat cheese: this is a good source of calcium.
11. Beans: Any kind of beans are a good source of proteins fibre. this includes any kind of whole grains including popcorns.
12. Sweetpotato: rich in folate, fibre and vitamin C.
13. Dark green leafy veges.
Aprt from the above highlighted you can eat all that your heart desires- but try eating healthy which will assist not only you but also your baby. Try concentrating on fresh salads, fruits, pasterized milk, yoghurt and all that your heart desires. This is the one time of your life that you can stuff yourself with all that you want, without having to worry about your weight
STEPS TO A HEALTHY PREGNANCY:
1. Prenatal Vitamins: These are an essential before and after pregnancy, as most supplements contain more folic acid and iron than can be found in other meds.
Folic acid is a very essential part of pregnancy and a major requirement for the growing baby. IN addition iron is also required for the babys development esp during the last 2 stages of the gestation cycle.
2. Prenatal Care: Immediately you learn you are expectant get working on getting a doctor. Attention is required both for you and the baby to detect any complications that may arise.
3. Food: You are now required to watch your health and ensure that you eat at regular intervals. Also keep in mind that you are now eating for two and thus feed adequately. However please watch out for what you eat and which foods to avoid as we have discussed earlier above.
4. Alcohol: Alcohol as discussed earlier has extremely negative side effects and thus should be avoided completely.
5. Exercise: Exercise will help you jst keep in shape, but also reduce your stress in addition to releasing pressure from your legs due to the increased weight by improving blood circulation. However please consult your doctor prior to discuss what types of exercises are suitable for you.
6. Rest: Your body will now be experiencing alot of changes and you will feel fatigued during the gestation cycle. You need to start taking it easy now and relax as much as possible. As and when you can try putting your feet up to improve the blood circulation to them. Also try and nap as and when you can. even a few mins a day will help you feel relaxed.
7. Caffeine: As discussed caffeine is to be avoided.
8. Work place: Ensure that your place of work is safe - you cannot be exposed to any kind of chemicals or drugs at this stage.
9. Smoking: Smoking has the same effects as Alcohol on your developing feteus: higher chances of miscarriage, poor fetal development etc and thus do not smoke during this period.
10. Emotional balance: Pregnancy is a very emotional time for all women and all women due to get emotional at some stage or another during the period. you need to ensure that you are happy and at peace with yourself and your surroundings as this also affects the babys' growth and development.
ACTIVITIES TO AVOID:
Being pregnant involves not only looking after your eating habits, but also care needs to be given to your day-to-day activities.
Here are some of the activities to avoid during your pregnancy:
1. Activities that can lead you to fall such as Skiing.
2. Streneous, competitive sports
3. Inhaling paint or chemical fumes.
4. DO not lie on your back and stomach from the 3rd month onwards. Best position is sleeping on your left side as this increases the flow of blood to the growing feteus.
5. Intense cardiovascular activities.
6. Weight Lifting- this includes heavy objects,
7. Jaccuzis and hot bubble/bath tubs baths.
8. Scuba divinng and activities that involve pressurized air.
BREATHLESSNESS:
Breathlessness is experienced all through pregnancy. In early pregnancy, the requirement for air is due to progesterone, the pregnancy hormone that stimulates the respiratory part of the brain. This helps you grasp in more air to help you nourish your baby.
During mid to end pregnancy, you experince breathlessness due to the expanding uterus on the diaphragm.
Breathlessness is a normal part of pregnancy and you should not worry, learn to relaxas much as you can with your legs propped up.
WHY AM I SO TIRED?
Feeling fatigue is a very common symptom in the 1st Trimester, and many women find themselves ready to catch a nap at any time, even after a good nights sleep.
The answer to the million dollar question - your horomone levels are changing, your blood supply is increasing, and your body is over working itself to develop the placenta that is the house of nutrients for your baby.
The only avalaible solution is to rest as much as you can- take naps in between as and when you can and ensure you get a good nights sleep.
You will feel this fatigue through your 1st Trimester- which will disappear at the beginning of the second and return again in the 3rd trimester.
HEARTBURN AND INDIGESTION
Heartburn is the commonest problem in pregnancy and can start as early as during the 1st month and last all though the 9 months. Heartburn is a result of the acid from your stomach moving upwards to your chest- this is caused by the pregnancy hormone, progesterone.
Although heartburn cannot be completely ruled out but below are some assistance tips:
1. Avoid fatty and fried foods
2. Avoid hot (chilly), spicy foods
3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
4. Avoid chocolates
5. Sleep in an upright positions using pillows propped under under upper and lower backs
6. Avoid foods such as brocolli, cabbage, bitter oranges etc
7. In case the heartburn perists, you can using some prescribed antiacids
Morning Sickness:
Morning sickness is one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. however unlike the name suggests, morning sickness doesnt happen only during the mornings. In some women it occurs at different time of the day and for some it even lasts through the day.
Generally, it commences and has the highest peak during the 1st trimester, and disappears at the beginning of the 2nd. However in some women it lasts all through the pregnancy! Ouch!
Though you cannot avoid morning sickness but below are some help tips:
1. Break down your meals into many smaller portions that you can nibble on. Large portions will make you feel sicker and also increase the heartburn.
2. Odours - With time you may feel distant towards some foods, the odours of which will make you feel sicker. Avoid cooking those foods, or being in surrounding where these foods are servved.
3. Avoid Fatty foods. This also helps with the heartburn.
4. Salty snacks will help.
5. Add small quantities of ginger into your foods.
6. Increase your intake of carbohydrates, the fibre within helps.
Sleeplessness:
Sleeplessness is a common effect of pregnancy and can occur through the pregnancy due to diff reasons at diff stages:
1st Trimester:
Morning Sickness
Internal Body changes
Frequent urination
Excitement, emotions etc
2nd Trimester:
Baby movement
Frequent urination
Hot flashes
3rd Trimester:
Baby movements and kicks
Frequent urination
Hot flashes
Back aches
Leg cramps
Unable to settle into comfortable position
Leaking breasts.
10 TIPS FOR AVOIDING EXCESS PREGNANCY WEIGHT GAIN:
1 .Good Breakfast: Enure you have a good breakfast. Skipping meals only means you over eating later during the day.
2. Plan your meals: It is important to plan your nutrients plans for the day to ensure you are having a good balanced diet.
3.Choose your meals: Choose foods rich in fibre, and low is fat and sugar.
4. Boil, bake or steam your foods.
5. Eat before you go to a party or social gathering: this is to ensure that you are less tempted to eat the wrong foods.
6. Go shopping for food on a full stomach: make a list so that you dont wander around and get tempted.
7. Snuggle fruits to the movies
8. Drink as much fluids as you can: By fluids we means lots of water, milk and fresh juices. Avoid canned/ ready made sugary juices and fizzy drinks.
PREGNANCY DISCOMFORTS
1. Constipation:
Constipation is quite frequent in pregnant women and occurs due to low fibre diet, less intake of water, minimal physical activity, worry and anxiety.
In addition iron supplements also compliment constipation, thus make sure you drink plenty of water of you are taking iron supplements.
Avoid constipation:
- Having a high fibre date which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, and breakfast cereals.
- Drink alot of fluids esp water.
- Incorporate exercises into your routines- walking and swimming 3 times a week will help.
- Medication- you can get some over the counter medications to help ease the constipation.
- Reduce or eliminate iron supplements.
2. Dizziness:
Dizziness is a common symptom of pregnancy. It is caused by the rising hormones that widen and relax your blood vessels, which ensures increased blood supply to your baby but reduced blood return to you. This results in low blood pressure, thus reducing the blood flow to your brain causing dizziness.
Another reason for dizziness is low blood sugar levels due to the changing levels of metabolism.
Avoid Dizziness:
- Avoid standing for long periods of time. If you have to, make sure you keep moving your feet to maintain circulation.
- Get up slowly - esp when you have been sitting or lying down.
- Eat at regular intervals.
- Avoid lying in your back throughout your pregnancy.
- Do not take hot baths or showers
- Wear loose comfortable clothing.
If you feel you are going to faint do the following:
- Open near by windows
- take deep breaths
- loosen clothing
- have something to eat.
3. Headaches:
A common complaint especially during the 1st and 3rd trimesters. During the 1st trimester it is believed that headaches are caused due to the increased levels of hormones and blood circulating. Causes of headaches include:
- Lack of sleep
- Anxiety
- Poor posture
- Dehydration
- Low blood sugar
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Stress
The best way to deal with headaches is to avoid them all together. Women having a history of migraines may experience either less or more headaches.
Avoid Headaches:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Maintain a good posture
- Exercise
- Get plenty of rest.
You may also reduce the likeliness of migraine headaches by working on the foll triggers of migraines:
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Aged Cheese
- Youghurt
- Bread with fresh yeast
- Peanuts
- Sour Cream
- Preserved meat
However in the case your headache persists, or there is a sudden weight gain, or pain in the upper abdomen or sudden swelling you should contact your doctor immediately.
4. HeartBurns: These are also a common complaint of pregnancy - as we have discussed above.
To treat heartburns try the following remedies:
- Drink a glass of milk or yoghurt
- Have a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk.
5. Hemorrhoids: These are swollen veins of the rectum and are rather painful and usually make their appearance in the 3rd trimester.
Hemorrhoids are a result of constipation, and increased pressure on the rectum.
Treatments:
- Baking soda- apply on the itchy area.
- Warm baths with baking soda.
- Use tucks pads
- Use lemmon juice to remove the swelling or bleeding.
Avoid Hemorrhoids:
- Drink Prune Juice
- Plenty of fluids
- Fibre rich diet
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Do not delay going to the bathroom
6. Leg Cramps: Leg cramps can be caused by the additional weight, blood circulation or low calcium in your system. Calcium is an important part of your diet and required by both you and the developing baby, so if you are not taking enough, there is possibly a deficiency.
Treatments:
- Stretch out your legs as frequently as you can.
- Resting with your feet elevated.
- Comfortable shoes.
- Have someone massage your feet.
7. Morning Sickness: As discussed above.
8. Swelling: Is also a natural part of pregnancy and is caused by the increased levels of fluids produced by the body to accomodate the needs of the growing baby. The extra retention of fluids is used to help the body expand to accommodate the baby.
It occurs during:
- Stranding for long periods of time
- Summer heat
- Pottasium low diets
-High levels of sodium intake
- High levels of caffeine consumption
Treatments:
- Avoid standing for long periods
- Rest with your feet elevated
- Avoid going outdoors when its hot.
- Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothes
- Drink plenty of water.
- Reduce sodium intake
Related Articles:
1. Weight Gain:
As much as pregnancy is an exciting time, many women are concerned about the weight gain- its effects on the pregnancy, the baby and losing the weight thereafter. However now days your doctor closely monitors your weight gain and also advises how much is to be gained. The amount of weight to be gained is directly proportional to your weight, and is usually calculated using your BMI.
A woman with low BMI is advsied to gain between 28-40pounds, a woman with medium BMI to gain 25-30 pounds and woman with high BMI to gain only 15-20pounds. In the case of obese women the weight gain should be less than 15 pounds.
Many women wonder about the numbers of the weight to be gained. However this doesnt just count towards the body fat, but takes into account factors like placenta weight, additional body fluids, increased breast size, babys weight, uterus, amniotic fluid etc. Women thus are advised to eat healthy and include recommended exercises into their daily routine to ensure they do not gain the recommended weight.
2. Multiple Pregnancies:
As much as the news of multiple pregnancies can be exciting, it can lead to anxiety about how you will handle two or more infants at the same time, and any medical complications during the pregnancy. Risks involved with multiple pregnancies, include higher chances of miscarriage of one baby, although chances of delivery of all babies is there too. Pre-term labour is another risk involved in addition to fetel growth restriction. Most women with multiple pregnancies are restricted to bed rest, increased medications and also hospitilization.
Delivery of multiple babies is no different from that of a single baby, only difference being the length of time- multiple will take longer than single for you will be required to deliver twice.
3. Post Partum Depression:
Whilst being pregnant and adding a new baby to your routine may seem an exciting thought, and for some it is exciting, however it is also true that for some it is not. Nature finds that many women go into depression within a year of delivery and one should be able to recongnise changes in their bodies and mind.
PostPartum or prenatal depression is an induced state of frustration, sadness and anger that is out of control for the new mother and thus interfers with her daily routine.
There are different levels of depression from mild to severe and symptoms of which include anger, frustration, sadness, weight changes etc. If you notice these feeling during/after pregnancy, you need to consult your doctor immediately.
Depression at either stage is a result of hormonal changes along with other factors such as money or marital problems, illness etc.
You do not need to feel ashamed to ask for help during this period. Also new mothers should rest as much as they can and request for help/support as and when they need it.
4. Intimacy during Pregnancy:
It is natural to be intimate during your pregnancy and please be rest assured that you cannot hurt your baby. There is a thick mugus plug that seals the passage to the uterus, which protects against any infections. Added protection is given by the muscles in the uterus and the amniotic fluid. The important factor for intimacy at any point should be your level of comfort.
For every woman the need for intimacy varies during pregnancy: some find it soothing whilst others uncomfortable.
Studies show that most women enjoy their sex life during the 2nd trimester, since the morning sickness and tiredness has disappeared from the 1st trimester. The 3rd trimester can get a little uncomfortable due to the hormonal changes and large belly.
There are certain situations when sex can prove to be dangerous: when the cervix is too thin, when you have placenta previa etc; in which case your doctor will advise you. In addition it is also advised to abstrain from sex during the last few weeks, as semen contains a chemical that induces labour.
However in the case your headache persists, or there is a sudden weight gain, or pain in the upper abdomen or sudden swelling you should contact your doctor immediately.
4. HeartBurns: These are also a common complaint of pregnancy - as we have discussed above.
To treat heartburns try the following remedies:
- Drink a glass of milk or yoghurt
- Have a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk.
5. Hemorrhoids: These are swollen veins of the rectum and are rather painful and usually make their appearance in the 3rd trimester.
Hemorrhoids are a result of constipation, and increased pressure on the rectum.
Treatments:
- Baking soda- apply on the itchy area.
- Warm baths with baking soda.
- Use tucks pads
- Use lemmon juice to remove the swelling or bleeding.
Avoid Hemorrhoids:
- Drink Prune Juice
- Plenty of fluids
- Fibre rich diet
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Do not delay going to the bathroom
6. Leg Cramps: Leg cramps can be caused by the additional weight, blood circulation or low calcium in your system. Calcium is an important part of your diet and required by both you and the developing baby, so if you are not taking enough, there is possibly a deficiency.
Treatments:
- Stretch out your legs as frequently as you can.
- Resting with your feet elevated.
- Comfortable shoes.
- Have someone massage your feet.
7. Morning Sickness: As discussed above.
8. Swelling: Is also a natural part of pregnancy and is caused by the increased levels of fluids produced by the body to accomodate the needs of the growing baby. The extra retention of fluids is used to help the body expand to accommodate the baby.
It occurs during:
- Stranding for long periods of time
- Summer heat
- Pottasium low diets
-High levels of sodium intake
- High levels of caffeine consumption
Treatments:
- Avoid standing for long periods
- Rest with your feet elevated
- Avoid going outdoors when its hot.
- Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothes
- Drink plenty of water.
- Reduce sodium intake
Related Articles:
1. Weight Gain:
As much as pregnancy is an exciting time, many women are concerned about the weight gain- its effects on the pregnancy, the baby and losing the weight thereafter. However now days your doctor closely monitors your weight gain and also advises how much is to be gained. The amount of weight to be gained is directly proportional to your weight, and is usually calculated using your BMI.
A woman with low BMI is advsied to gain between 28-40pounds, a woman with medium BMI to gain 25-30 pounds and woman with high BMI to gain only 15-20pounds. In the case of obese women the weight gain should be less than 15 pounds.
Many women wonder about the numbers of the weight to be gained. However this doesnt just count towards the body fat, but takes into account factors like placenta weight, additional body fluids, increased breast size, babys weight, uterus, amniotic fluid etc. Women thus are advised to eat healthy and include recommended exercises into their daily routine to ensure they do not gain the recommended weight.
2. Multiple Pregnancies:
As much as the news of multiple pregnancies can be exciting, it can lead to anxiety about how you will handle two or more infants at the same time, and any medical complications during the pregnancy. Risks involved with multiple pregnancies, include higher chances of miscarriage of one baby, although chances of delivery of all babies is there too. Pre-term labour is another risk involved in addition to fetel growth restriction. Most women with multiple pregnancies are restricted to bed rest, increased medications and also hospitilization.
Delivery of multiple babies is no different from that of a single baby, only difference being the length of time- multiple will take longer than single for you will be required to deliver twice.
3. Post Partum Depression:
Whilst being pregnant and adding a new baby to your routine may seem an exciting thought, and for some it is exciting, however it is also true that for some it is not. Nature finds that many women go into depression within a year of delivery and one should be able to recongnise changes in their bodies and mind.
PostPartum or prenatal depression is an induced state of frustration, sadness and anger that is out of control for the new mother and thus interfers with her daily routine.
There are different levels of depression from mild to severe and symptoms of which include anger, frustration, sadness, weight changes etc. If you notice these feeling during/after pregnancy, you need to consult your doctor immediately.
Depression at either stage is a result of hormonal changes along with other factors such as money or marital problems, illness etc.
You do not need to feel ashamed to ask for help during this period. Also new mothers should rest as much as they can and request for help/support as and when they need it.
4. Intimacy during Pregnancy:
It is natural to be intimate during your pregnancy and please be rest assured that you cannot hurt your baby. There is a thick mugus plug that seals the passage to the uterus, which protects against any infections. Added protection is given by the muscles in the uterus and the amniotic fluid. The important factor for intimacy at any point should be your level of comfort.
For every woman the need for intimacy varies during pregnancy: some find it soothing whilst others uncomfortable.
Studies show that most women enjoy their sex life during the 2nd trimester, since the morning sickness and tiredness has disappeared from the 1st trimester. The 3rd trimester can get a little uncomfortable due to the hormonal changes and large belly.
There are certain situations when sex can prove to be dangerous: when the cervix is too thin, when you have placenta previa etc; in which case your doctor will advise you. In addition it is also advised to abstrain from sex during the last few weeks, as semen contains a chemical that induces labour.
