Greetings, everyone! I’m thrilled to be back here with another informative update on pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a transformative phase that brings numerous physical changes in the human body. Alongside weight and body shape alterations, there are other shifts in body chemistry. The heart works harder, body temperature rises slightly, secretions increase, joints and ligaments become more flexible, and hormones change.
These changes often lead to physical discomfort. In this edition, we will explore two of these discomforts and discuss coping strategies.
Let’s begin with Nausea and Vomiting, a common occurrence during pregnancy. Here are some suggestions to help you cope:
Consume small frequent meals. Avoid going long periods without eating, as it can trigger or worsen nausea. If you experience continuous nausea, try eating every one to two hours.
Steer clear of greasy, high-fat foods that are harder to digest.
Start your day with dry starch foods like crackers, toast, or cereal before leaving bed.
Have a high-protein snack before bedtime to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Limit your coffee intake, as it stimulates acid secretion and can exacerbate nausea.
Consume liquids separately from meals, waiting approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Another common discomfort during pregnancy is constipation. Here are some coping strategies:
- Increase your dietary fiber intake by incorporating fiber-rich foods such as fruits, raw vegetables, whole grain products, nuts, and dried fruits.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Regular exercise, even simple activities like walking, helps alleviate constipation.
- Consider consuming prunes or figs, or drinking prune juice, as they contain natural laxatives.
Now you have a better understanding of how to manage Nausea, Vomiting, and Constipation during pregnancy. In our next edition, we will discuss additional common discomforts that occur during this special time.
Until then, stay healthy!
