Being pregnant is the most amazing feeling on earth but with that comes a lot of challenges for women. The physical and emotional environment, both internal and external, has a huge role to play in determining how we experience pregnancy. Some pregnancies are easy and joyous, whilst others can be exhausting, depleting, and destabilising. For many others, it’s an ever-changing mix of the two.
It’s normal to have complex thoughts and reactions to the journey. And part of the important work of pregnancy is to look at our personal and collective conditioning, it’s deeply healing and rewarding work.
The Channel 46 collaborated with Dr Madhushree Vijayakumar, Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, who discusses symptoms that you may experience during the different trimesters of pregnancy. She also lists how you can deal with them and the nutrition that you need during these months.
3 Unpleasant Symptoms You Can Experience During The 3 Trimesters Of Pregnancy
Trimester 1: Women usually experience severe morning sickness during the first trimester. The worst mistake you make is eating nothing and thinking that would help you feel better. It is advised that you don’t take big gaps during meals and try to have small frequent meals comprising bread, crackers, and lemonade, which can instantly aid in such situations.
Trimester 2: Anaemia is a common symptom that you may experience during this trimester. Since your baby’s organs develop during the second trimester, you may be diagnosed with anaemia if you don’t include enough iron-rich foods in your daily diet. It is advised that you take iron-rich sources with vitamin C-rich foods, and avoid taking tea and milk with it.
Trimester 3: During this trimester, constipation is a common, unpleasant symptom. The baby is growing rapidly and, hence, it exerts pressure on the intestines, which in turn makes the food you’ve ingested move slowly, causing constipation. It is advised that you take a high fibre diet and lots of fluids.
5 Common Problems Soon-To-Be-Mothers Face During Pregnancy
- Nausea
- Acidity
- Skin changes and rashes
- Swollen ankles, feet, and fingers.
- Vaginal discharge
8 Ways To Deal With Unpleasant Symptoms During Pregnancy
1. Go For Frequent Check-Ups
Follow your gynaecologist’s advice regarding the frequency of your checkups.
Follow your gynaecologist’s advice regarding the frequency of your checkups. This way, you can get your health and your baby’s movements checked at regular intervals. Perhaps your doctor may be able to predict and avert impending complications and treat it in time.
2. Take a Glucose Tolerance Test
A Glucose Tolerance Test, or Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, can diagnose gestational diabetes well within time, so your doctor can prescribe you medications to keep it in check.
3. Exercise Regularly On Moderate Level
Keep yourself active throughout your pregnancy by following a daily fitness routine. Take your pick from choices like yoga and brisk walking or a combination of these – anything that interests you and enables you to sustain your exercise regimen. However, take care not to overdo it.
4. Eat Healthy
Your doctor will guide you regarding the do’s and don’ts of diet or will refer you to a Nutritionist will guide you through these 9 months. Take care to follow them closely.
A fitness routine and a healthy, balanced diet always go hand in hand. And it is no exception during your pregnancy as well. Your doctor will guide you regarding the do’s and don’ts of diet or will refer you to a Nutritionist will guide you through these 9 months. Take care to follow them closely.
5. Listen To Good Music
A great form of relaxation, music soothes your mind, helping you destress by keeping your mind off your stressors – of your mind and your body.
A great form of relaxation, music soothes your mind, helping you destress by keeping your mind off your stressors – of your mind and your body. Put on any music that appeals to you and unwind whenever you can.
6. Read Some Books / Watch Movies
Yet another way to let your hair down, you can inculcate your reading habit, especially if you’re a bookworm. If reading books doesn’t interest you, download audio books of genres that will hold your interest or watch movies.
7. Educate Yourself About What You Can Expect During Your Pregnancy
Ask your doctor about everything that you are curious about regarding your pregnancy, so you can prepare yourself with what you can expect during these months.
8. Try Acupuncture To Prevent Nausea & Vomiting
Acupuncture targets your pressure points and releases knots in your body, which are a sign of stress.
Acupuncture targets your pressure points and releases knots in your body, which are a sign of stress. By releasing the knots, you will not only feel relaxed but will also eliminate uncomfortable side-effects of pregnancy like nausea and vomiting.
4 Key Nutrients That May Keep Unpleasant Pregnancy Symptoms Under Control
1. Folic Acid
Folic acid is crucial in preventing birth defects.
Required daily dose: At least 400 mcg. Such as Green leafy vegetables, Fortified cereals, breads, beans, and citrus foods.
2. Calcium
Calcium is essential in building your baby’s bones.
Required daily dose: 1,000 – 1,300 mg, such as milk, yoghurt, cheese, calcium-fortified juices, and sardines.
3. Iron
Iron is an extremely important mineral used for blood supply.
Required daily dose: 27 mg, such as red meat, spinach, beans, and legumes.
4. Protein
Known as a building nutrient, meat, eggs, fish, nuts, beans, etc. are rich sources of protein.
Wise and intuitive balance in your lifestyle helps sustain energy flow in the body as well as boost vital supplies of vitamins and minerals that can prevent major problems or annoying symptoms. Most health-related issues related to pregnancy can be easily dealt with by doctors or pharmacists. Some would-be-mothers may develop more complicated problems which could require going to the hospital or an antenatal clinic. However, mentally prepare yourself to not panic and call a doctor immediately, should such a situation arise, and ask for his/her expert advice.
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