Tips for dealing with pregnancy-related discomfort
When you are pregnant you are bound to have several instances where you are extremely uncomfortable. Pregnancy discomfort is normal because as your body changes, things like trouble breathing, heartburn, gas, etc. all become a part of your life. They are uncomfortable, and can even be embarrassing and inconvenient, but there are a few things you can do to help yourself with relieving comfort.
Discomfort: Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms are common, especially at the beginning of pregnancy, and are often referred to as morning sickness. In order to help with this symptom you want to never let your stomach get empty. If you can, plan light and more frequent meals. This is easier for your stomach to handle, and will keep food in there. Also, do not eat solid and liquid foods at the same time. Drinks should be taken a half-hour before or after the meal, as this is easier on the stomach. In addition to this, be careful about what you eat, avoid fatty foods, fried foods, sauces, and hot spices. These all can worsen the symptoms. If your morning sickness is really bad, then eat something in bed before you get up for the day. Experts tend to agree that if you can eat breakfast 15 minutes before getting up, it can really help to offset morning sickness.
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Discomfort: Heartburn
As you get further along in your pregnancy, there is less room in your stomach, and the baby often squeezes some of your digestive fluids up your digestive tract, which leads to increased likelihood of heartburn. To help relieve some of these symptoms try to eat light, and more often instead of large meals. Also, do not eat right before you go to bed, if you can plan well, you want at least 2 hours to digest your evening meal before you do to sleep. It is also wise to avoid foods that lead to heartburn typically anyway, such as fatty foods, coffee, and soft drinks.
Discomfort: Flatulence
This discomfort is felt in your stomach, can irritate your nose if you have smelly flatulence, and can be very embarrassing. So, to help avoid this particular discomfort, you want to avoid foods with a fermentative effect, such as cabbage, leeks, garlic, onions, and legumes. These lead to more gas, and smellier gas. You also want to drink tap water or non-carbonated mineral water, which will aid in digestion and not add to the problem. Lastly, you want to be sure to eat slowly and in peace and quiet so that digestion goes well.
Discomfort: Constipation
Intestinal movement is slowed during pregnancy, partly because there is just not as much room for things to pass through your digestive tract. To avoid the discomfort of constipation you will want to drink at least 1.5 liters (3ΒΌ pints) of fluids per day (water, herbal tea, fruit juice, milk), clear liquids are best. You also want to be sure to get plenty of fiber-rich foods, and if you need to, eat prunes or other dried fruit to aid digestion.
Discomfort: Edema
This is a discomfort that results in swelling of the legs, arms, and sometimes the face. This is caused by water retention. So, be sure to drink enough water, and not have too high an intake of salty foods.
Discomfort: Food cravings
The best way to avoid this discomfort is to simply maintain a regular schedule of meals, and snack in between meals. If you eat often in small portions you will have fewer cravings.
