Pregnancy is not without its side effects. During pregnancy your body will undergo many hormonal changes. These hormone fluctuations can result in a variety of unpleasant symptoms including nausea, fatigue, bloating, fluid retention and mood swings.
Looking for something else?
What's a pregnant woman to do? Believe it or not,
there are many changes you can make to your diet
that will help minimize many of the common
pregnancy complaints you are having.
Nausea/Morning Sickness — This is one of the more
common complaints pregnant women have,
particularly during their first trimester. Many
women find that sipping on some
fizzy soda water with freshly squeezed lemon often
helps reduce nausea. Ginger tea is also another
well known remedy for nausea and morning
sickness. If you are still not feeling better, an
extra 10 to 25 milligrams of vitamin B6 is often
just enough to help ease nausea. You can take a
supplement or try foods rich in B6 such as lean
meats, fish and avocados.
Edema [ed: Oedema in UK] — Most women swell a little during
pregnancy. The best thing you can do to ease
swelling is drink more water. You may think you
are already drinking too much, but in all reality
you probably aren't. Some women find that wearing
compression hosiery [support tights] can also help reduce fluid
retention. Some women also find that a little
extra calcium/magnesium can help combat fluid
retention and bloating.
Fatigue — Exercise is often the best way to get
rid of pregnancy-induced fatigue. Even if you
think you are too tired to work out, you'll find
you feel much better after exercising. Eating
six small meals per day will also help energize
you. Be sure you also consume foods rich in iron
to prevent anaemia, a common cause of fatigue in
pregnant women.
Mood Swings — Mood changes are almost inevitable
during pregnancy due to rampant hormonal
fluctuations. Be sure you get plenty of rest to
help combat fatigue that can contribute to mood
swings. You might also consider supplementing
with essential fatty acids, which may be
beneficial for reducing anxiety and depression.
Don't forget above all else that most of the
symptoms of pregnancy are just temporary, and
before you know it you will be back to your
jubilant, pre-pregnancy self!
Article by Beverley Brooke
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