All
pregnant women
will agree
that the first
few months
of pregnancy
are unpleasant,
to say the
least. You
may experience
morning sickness,
swelling in
the legs and
ankles, abdominal
pains and
cramps, heartburn,
constipation,
fatigue, bladder
problems,
and a myriad
of problems
in between.
The goal of
this article
is to help
you deal with
these issues
and feel better.
Morning
Sickness
Morning
sickness is
probably the
most common
of the pregnancy
symptoms.
Don't be fooled;
morning sickness
nausea will
come at any
time of the
day, not just
in the morning.
To help prevent
nausea in
the morning,
wake up slowly.
Try eating
some plain
crackers or
dry cereal
before getting
out of bed.
Avoid warm
places; heat
can increase
nauseas feelings.
Keep fresh
air flowing
by opening
windows, or
turning on
exhaust fans.
Cooking things
in the microwave
will emit
fewer odors
than cooking
in the oven
or stovetop.
Eat something
salty before
meals, avoid
greasy or
spicy foods,
and try not
to drink fluids
with your
meals. Spread
your meals
out throughout
the day, into
about 6 smaller
meals.
Try taking
your prenatal
later in the
day, and ask
your doctor
about vitamin
B6 and ginger
supplements.
Sipping on
fizzy water
with lemon
in it, or
non-caffeinated
teas like
peppermint
and ginger
can help calm
nausea.
Abdominal Pain
or Cramps
There
are many changes
going on in
your body.
A lot of stress
is being put
on your abdominal
muscles, which
can cause
sharp pains
and cramps.
To relieve
these pains,
try using
a warm heating
pad. To prevent
these pains,
try strengthening
your abdominal
muscles. Talk
to your doctor
to find out
which kinds
of exercises
are best for
you.
Swelling
Throughout
your pregnancy,
you may experience
some swelling.
Wearing support
hose can help
to control
your weight
gain in your
legs and ankles.
Avoid standing
for long periods
of time. Wear
well-fitting
shoes, or
buy inserts
designed especially
for pregnant
women. Avoid
diuretics,
as these will
lead to increased
swelling.
Stay off your
feet as much
as possible,
and elevate
your legs
when sitting.
Lying down
is even better
than sitting.
Constipation
To
combat constipation,
you should
exercise regularly,
drink plenty
of water,
and eat lots
of fibrous
foods such
as fruits
and vegetables,
and whole
grain cereals
and breads.
Fatigue
Fatigue
can come from
sleepless
nights due
to aches and
pains or vivid
dreams, or
simply from
too much stress.
The most effective
method for
dealing with
fatigue is
to get plenty
of rest. Take
several naps
during the
day. Eat a
well balanced
diet, including
about an extra
300 calories
per day. Iron
deficiency
is a leading
cause of fatigue,
so be sure
to get enough.
Although it
may seem counter-productive,
fatigue can
often be relieved
by exercising.
Exercise will
be refreshing
and will leave
you feeling
energized.
Heartburn
Many
of the remedies
associated
with nausea
will also
help you deal
with heartburn.
In addition,
chew fennel
or papaya
enzymes, and
avoid wearing
tight clothing.
Bladder
Problems.
Bladder
problems can
be among the
most bothersome
of pregnancy
related issues.
First and
foremost,
drink plenty
of water.
Avoid junk
food, refined
starches,
coffee, sugar,
tea, and foods
high in acidic
content. Avoid
using soap
on your genitals.
Be sure to
empty your
bladder and
wash with
water after
intercourse.
Wipe from
front to back
after using
the bathroom.
Try to include
cabbage, leeks,
and garlic
in your diet,
drink 3 glasses
of cranberry
juice every
day, and take
a vitamin
C supplement.
Some women
get more problems
than others,
but they generally
get a little
easier during
the second
trimester.
In general,
just make
sure to get
plenty of
rest, drink
plenty of
water, get
some exercise
regularly,
eat a well
balanced diet,
and try to
keep an optimistic
mindset.