Not Always a Picnic
Pregnancy and birth are natural and happy events but can place a lot of stress on your body. That’s why it’s important to take good care of yourself and your baby by eating a balanced diet, being physically active and getting plenty of rest.
Easing the discomfort
A number of discomforts come with being pregnant and a new mom. Here are a few practical solutions to help you through this time.
Morning sickness
Nausea is very common during your first trimester and is known as “morning sickness” even though it may occur at any time of the day or night. It sometimes continues beyond the first trimester and is the result of your body’s changing hormones levels. Some women experience a little queasiness, while others suffer from severe nausea with vomiting.
What can you do?
Eat small frequent meals
Avoid strong food flavors and scents
that may trigger your nausea.
Avoid fatty or highly seasoned foods.
Heartburn
Heartburn can cause sleepless nights, especially during the last three months of pregnancy as your baby grows quickly and puts pressure on your stomach.
What can you do?
Cut down on caffeinated beverages such as
coffee, tea and soda.
Avoid high-fat and greasy foods.
Eat small, frequent meals.
Avoid lying down after meals;
instead, go for a stroll or remain seated.
Elevate the head of the bed using
extra pillows when lying down.
Constipation
This is a common problem during pregnancy and after birth. Hormonal changes in the body cause your digestive system to move more slowly. Other things that can contribute to constipation include the pressure of your growing baby on the digestive system, iron supplements and calcium-based antacids.
What can you do?
Eat fiber-rich foods that provide at least
3 grams of fiber per serving
Drink at least 8 cups of water a day
Make sure to get 30 minutes of physical activity
a day to help stimulate your digestive system.
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