Dealing with Common Problems During Pregnancy

Despite being a happy and exciting time not everything about pregnancy is pleasant. You will experience and food cravings. While pregnant women are not able to avoid these problems there are strategies to deal with them if and when they arise.

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness in pregnant women is pretty much universal during the first trimester and usually, improves after that. In rare cases, they may continue until your baby is born. The exact cause is unknown but pregnancy hormones are likely to blame. Morning sickness does not cause any harm to your unborn baby unless it is severe enough to cause major dehydration and weight loss. It is commonly called morning sickness but it occurs not only in the morning but anytime during the day. If unlucky it hangs around all day.

• Try a piece of cracker or dry bread before you get out of bed.
• Eat regular snacks through the day a small serve is ample enough. It is much better than having three big meals a day.
• Eat according to your appetite and don’t worry about proper meal times.
• Avoid strong smelling food and highly spiced and fatty food.
• Drink plenty of water and fluids.
• If you are vomiting it is important to stay hydrated.
• If you are experiencing severe vomiting it is best to consult your doctor.

As your baby grows and put pressure on your stomach you might experience heartburn. While there is nothing you can do about it there are some things that you can do which might help.

Suggestions for Heartburn

• Eat small and frequent meals throughout the day.
• Drink in between meals rather than with your meal.
• Avoid spicily and fatty food.
• Do not go to bed straight away after a meal.
• Do not eat on the run, relax at mealtimes and eat slowly.
• Avoid too much coffee; tea is a better option for pregnant women.
• If none of the above helps it will be best to see your doctor.

It is very common to be constipated when pregnant and what is worse is if you are taking an iron supplement.

Suggestions for Constipation

• Exercise regularly and drink plenty of water.
• Increase the fiber in your diet eat plenty of wholegrain bread, cereals and grains such as legumes, brown rice, and barley.
• Most laxative and laxative herbs are not recommended for pregnant women if constipation is bothering you speak to your doctor.

I do not think anyone knows why pregnant women have a particular craving for at least one particular food. It can be sweet, salty or spicy and even food that women do not usually eat. Pregnant women also experience aversions on food that they usually eat or won’t be able to stand a certain type of smell. It is okay to satisfy your cravings but keep an eye on your intake and make sure they are not the type of food that is harmful to pregnant women.

Suggestions for dealing with Cravings and Aversions

• If you are craving food that is not good for pregnancy try other food that will satisfy your taste buds.
• If your cravings are not for healthy food indulge in a small amount and make sure you continue to eat a variety of healthy meals.
• If you are off the idea of eating meat make sure that you have enough protein and iron by substituting other sources.
• If the smell of cooking puts you off try cold meals such as sandwiches and salads.

Leg cramps will start affecting pregnant women around about the end of the second trimester. They are thought to be caused by a combination of circulation issues and because you are carrying extra weight.

Suggestions for dealing with leg cramps

• With regular exercise, you can keep your circulation going. Try taking a walk around the block.
• Stretch your calves and muscles daily and rotate your ankles.
• Avoid sitting and standing for long periods of time.
• Take a warm bath and relax your muscles.
• Drink plenty of fluids and water every day.

In the later stages of pregnancy, you may experience some sleep issues. Just because it is bedtime this does not mean your unborn baby matches with your movements and metabolism.

Suggestions on how to deal with Pregnancy Related Insomnia

• Try and to stick to the same routine every night. It will calm your mind and your body can prepare for sleep.
• Put a few drops of relaxing oil in a warm bath.
• Try and avoid coffee and caffeine after midday including all caffeine containing food such as chocolates and soft drinks.
• The switch of the television and the computer an hour before you go to bed to avoid your brain being overly stimulated.

Pregnancy is a time when you gain more weight than enough. As a routine care during pregnancy, keep an eye on your weight gain because the most favorable weight during pregnancy is one that results into a sought after pregnancy outcome meaning giving birth to a healthy baby born full term. There is no room for weight loss medication during this stage due to concerns about birth defects. There is nothing more natural than gaining weight during pregnancy it is expected and encouraged, but as with everything in life, it’s all about keeping things balanced.

Suggestion for Weight Gain

• The most important thing to pay attention to is the quality of food you eat.
• Focus on eating a healthy balanced diet rather than counting calories and your weight gain should remain within a healthy range.
• Supply your body with all the nutrients it needs to support you and your baby.

Pregnancy puts a lot of pressure on your joints so it is very important to wear protective footwear. High heels are not suitable if you are pregnant as you will get unnecessary pressure on your back and knees. If you are suffering from swelling ankles and feet try resting for a few hours a day with your feet elevated.

Suggestions for Ankle Swelling

• Bend and stretch your foot up and down several times then rotate your feet in a circular motion.
• Feet swell during the day so keep a shoe with a strap to keep it firmly on your foot, however, avoid straps that are too fiddly.
• Keep active and keep your lower limbs moving even while you are resting.
• Avoid crossing our legs when sitting.

You will need to think more carefully about things you do that will affect your body and your baby while you are pregnant. You may find that you have questions or concerns about whether things are safe or recommended during pregnancy and many issues. During pregnancy you will experience changes in your body and it will go through a certain amount of strain and it is a good idea to experience any unnecessary difficulties.