Dearest mothers-to be, here’s how to deal with morning sickness, traveling issues, sleeping problems and more pregnancy issues!
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Pregnancy period could be bittersweet – you are really excited to be carrying your future son/daughter around, but you also have to deal with physical and mental problems throughout the 9 months.
Morning sickness could be a major roadblock since you want to make sure your daily nutrition intake is of top quality. For those who are still working in the office, you could find yourself battling the swollen feet from lack of movements.
Venusbuzz has compiled a handy guide to overcome pregnancy issues to ensure your pregnancy is fuss-free and memorable in the best possible ways.
1. Morning sickness
The symptom that causes regular nausea starts as early as the first week of pregnancy, and could last up to the first trimester of pregnancy. Morning sickness is actually a reaction from the body’s preparation to protect the pregnancy. Some researches even show women who experience bad morning sickness are much less likely to have miscarriage (BBC Health).
Tips to battle morning sickness:
1. Eat all day long. Avoid big portions and fatty food, instead, snack every couple of hours. Put salty crackers on your bedside to munch when you get up in the morning or awaken in the middle of the night.
2. Lemon and ginger. Stack up on these two cures, for they are well-known to heal nausea. For lemon, suck on it or sniff it when you feel nauseous. Sip on a cup of ginger tea afterwards.
3, Savoury snacks. Give up on sweet snacks and go for the savoury ones instead to lessen the morning sickness frequency.
4. Slow down! Fast movements could trigger nausea, hence it is better if you learn to walk and do things slower than your usual pace.
5. Gulp, gulp, gulp. Make sure you are hydrated all day long. Dehydration could worsen your morning sickness.
2. Sleeping problems
Due to physical discomfort, hormonal changes, and anxiety, most women find it hard to sleep at night. Some feel it is just too hot to sleep, some experience problems in breathing. Increased heartbeat and frequent urge to urinate do not make it any easier for pregnant women to sleep.
Tips to get a better sleep:
1. Cut down on drinking nearing bedtime. An hour before your bedtime, you should lessen the quantity of water you are drinking. Hydrate your body throughout the day except before bedtime.
2. Exercise regularly. Suitable exercises for pregnant women like yoga and swimming ensure better health and blood circulation, hence allow you to have a better sleep quality.
3. Allow yourself to relax. Pregnancy anxiety could be the reason why it is so hard for you to sleep at night. Try to read a chapter or two in the evening, enjoy bubble baths, make yourself a cup of tea or milk at night, and listen to some relaxing lounge music to get you in the sleeping mood. This is especially important for working pregnant mothers who have work tension to add up to the pregnancy anxiety.
4. Get used to sleeping on your left side. Anticipate the sleeping problems as you go on to the second and third trimester of pregnancy and get yourself comfortable in sleeping on your left side. Sleeping on the left side is proven beneficial for mother and fetus’ health (Baby Centre).
5. Pillow support. Get yourself a couple of pregnancy pillows to support your body while sleeping. While sleeping on your side, position a pillow below your knee and another below your belly.
3. Swollen feet and ankles
Expectant mothers commonly complain about the swollen ankles and feet, and they are normal because the body weight as well as the body posture are undergoing changes. Hence, extra pressure for knees and feet.
Tips to reduce swollen feet and ankles:
1. Elevate them! When sitting down, try to have your feet elevated off the ground. Same goes when you are sleeping.
2. No tight apparels. Loose shoes are essentials, and cut on tight pants for they will only worsen your swollen ankles and feet. Get yourself some healthy pressures like pregnancy stockings instead.
3. Walk around. Remind yourself to get some walk even in your busiest working days. This will ensure better blood circulation for your legs.
4. Treat your feet. When you are home after work, soak your feet in warm salt water then apply cooling gel. On the weekends, get some foot massage or pedicure to relax the hardworking feet.
5. Walk in the pool. Walking in the pool gives your legs less pressure and is good to reduce the swelling.
4. Pregnancy-friendly traveling
Whether you are visiting relatives over the weekend or going on a getaway to rejuvenate, do not leave the important extra preparations to ensure your safety as expectant mothers.
Tips to have a safe pregnancy travel:
1. Choose the best time to fly. According to American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the second trimester is the safest time to fly. While miscarriage risks are higher on the first, flying on your third trimester might cause you to experience premature birthing.
2. Bag some snacks. Traveling could mean frantic mealtimes, and the last thing you want is the low body sugar level. Be sure you have biscuits, dried fruits, or nuts in your bag to regularly munch on the way.
3. Limit your traveling duration. Five to six hours are the longest duration pregnant women should travel. Make sure you flex your body and stretch in between.
4. Buckle up! Position your seat belt in between your breasts and the lower strap on your pelvis rather on the belly to ensure comfort and safety.
5. Prenatal depression
Just like the monthly PMS, pregnancy also means major hormonal changes that could cause regular mood swings. The only difference is prenatal depression lasts much longer and it could be detrimental if it is not properly treated.
Tips to overcome prenatal depression:
1. Partner in crime. As anxiety without proper reasons is expected, involve your partner in understanding the situation. Push yourself to share and get your partner to help you calm down. It is best to communicate your anxious thoughts to the people you trust rather than keeping it to yourself.
2. Know the signs. It is common for pregnant women to experience tough time in concentrating, sadness, and fatigue. Get yourself ready in the early stage of pregnancy so you can prepare various therapies to overcome pregnancy mood swings.
3. Get professional help. If the depression cycle continues, get psychological counseling to relax your mind during pregnancy.
4. Move it, shake it! We all know exercise is one of the most effective cures for mood swing. The chemicals released to the brain while exercising is the healthy way to end your pregnancy depression cycle. Browse for gyms that provide pregnancy exercise classes and lift up your mood!
Dearest mothers-to be, here’s something to ensure a happy pregnancy! http://t.co/bakvf5K7
I’m 10 years ahead of time to welcome you, little dears! http://t.co/wzOiFd1W