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Coping with CommonDiscomforts of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is both an amazing time and a strange one as there are many odd things that happen to you during this miraculous time. Read on to know about the common discomforts of pregnancy and how to navigate through them.

Pregnancy Discomfort 1 – Morning Sickness

Experiencing morning sickness & the feeling of wanting to throw up (nausea) is not uncommon. Each woman is different – while some might only feel the urge to vomit, some of them will actually vomit. Most women experience this only for the 1st trimester, but it can happen all throughout pregnancy as well.

How to cope with morning sickness

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Eat a protein-rich, low-fat diet.

• Take ginger in the form of ginger drops, ginger ale, ginger capsules or ginger tea as it will help reduce morning sickness.

• Make sure to take your daily dose of Vitamin B6. This will help reduce nausea. Take 25 milligrams 3 times a day or as recommended by your doctor.

• Don’t get out of bed too quickly in the morning.

If your morning sickness is severe, talk to your doctor about your options.

Pregnancy Discomfort 2 - Constipation

Most women have constipation at some point during pregnancy. This is mainly caused by your expanding uterus, which puts pressure on your intestines and causes decreased bowel emptying. Prenatal supplements may also contribute to this, since the increase in iron can cause you to get backed up too.

How to deal with Constipation during Pregnancy?

• Eat a high-fiber diet & include foods such as green peas, black beans, lentils, avocados, berries and oatmeal.

• Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.

• Do some gentle exercises and try walking around to keep your body moving.

If your prenatal vitamins are the reason, talk to your doctor about trying some with less iron.

Pregnancy Discomfort 3 - Fatigue / Lack of Energy

More than half of pregnant women experience this symptom, especially during their 1st and 3rd trimester. This is because your body is undergoing hormonal changes and producing new hormones to prepare for the baby. Additionally, your body is producing more blood to carry nutrients to the baby. Mental and emotional stress is also the reason you may be feeling exhausted.

How to deal with Fatigue during Pregnancy

• Go to bed early.

• Avoid drinking fluids at least 2 hours before bed as that reduces chances of the need to pee waking you up.

• Get up and walk around to get yourself moving!

• Include potassium-rich foods, like bananas, peaches, kiwis, potatoes, and leafy greens in your diet.

• Try to eat frequently like every 3-4 hours and make sure to include carbohydrates, protein, and fat in every meal and snack.

• Stick to high-fiber carbohydrates (whole grains, starchy vegetables, fruit) and minimize sweets and refined grains.

• Avoid caffeine if possible (200 mg is considered the max each day).

• Drink plenty of fluids, ESPECIALLY water.

Pregnancy Discomfort 5 - Heartburn

Heartburn during pregnancy is commonly experienced among women during their pregnancy, especially in their 2nd and 3rd trimester. Indigestion is also common during pregnancy and can occur with heartburn.

How can you Cope with Heartburn during Pregnancy?

1. Eat 6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 regular meals.

2. Eat 2-3 hours before your bedtime

3. No spicy foods or other trigger foods such as chocolate, fried foods, and caffeine.

4. Gravity can help so when lying down elevate your head above your stomach with help of a pillow.

Pregnancy Discomfort 6 - Backache

Lower back pain is common during pregnancy. It is caused by the shift in posture necessitated by carrying extra weight in front.

How to deal with Backache during Pregnancy?

• Try not to stand in one position for too long.

• An exercise called the pelvic rock will help alleviate back pain and strengthen the lower back muscles that experience the most stress.

• Elevating the feet onto a stool while sitting will help.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is amazing, except when it’s not! There are many strange things that happen to you because your hormones are all over the place. These hormonal changes can cause different [and often annoying] pregnancy symptoms all throughout your body. One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about it, click here.

Source: UCSF Health, Stanfordchildrens.org

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on July 03, 2023