Alternative Therapies and Health News

Pregnancy is a period in life when women experience important emotions. These emotions are not always because of surrounding atmosphere or situations; they are also because of the hormonal changes in her biological system. Basic understanding of physical and emotional changes during pregnancy helps the mother and the people around her to have a positive approach to the whole experience.

First trimester

Initial indication of pregnancy can be through missing a period and learning that the pregnancy test is positive.

Later some physical changes like fatigue, nausea, vomiting and breast tenderness might be seen. These are not necessary symptoms but are quite commonly found.

Often for no apparent reasons the lady might feel depressed, irritated or very happy. When asked reasons for her mood swings she might not be able to give specific reasons. It is commonly believed that the mood changes in pregnancy are caused by hormonal changes.

This situation can be very unsettling for the partner or people around the pregnant lady. The partner might also try to aloof themselves from the lady thinking he is the cause of the trouble. But in stead of retreating the best medicine is to give extra care and show concern towards the lady.

In certain cases even if the pregnancy is planned, there will be an element of surprise that conception has occurred. The lady might also feel uncertain about the pregnancy. In spite of the planning the lady might feel anxious about her career or life ahead. But these are just part of the mood swings that are caused due to hormonal changes.

Threat for miscarriage persists if the lady is not healthy enough. Special care should be taken and doctor’s advice should be properly ensured.

Second trimester

Second trimester is usually peacefull. Morning sickness will gradually fade and threat for miscarriage lessens. The most pleasurable experience during this trimester will be feeling the baby move. This generally occurs during the 20th week. The lady will now start enjoying having the baby and become excited about the pregnancy.

The pregnant lady will be much more energetic and happy during this time. The commonly called ‘Glow of Pregnancy’ comes during this time. Also it is time to prepare for the arrival of the baby.

Third trimester

Third trimester will instill a mix of pride and anxiety about what is to come. Special care should be taken during this time as the baby is now almost ready to see the outer world and the mother is vulnerable during this time.

Also a feeling of eagerness to end the discomforts of pregnancy will creep in. Concerns about changing nature of relationship with one’s partner and also motherhood might worry some. Anxiety regarding the impending labor pains also appears in some.

Summary

Experts say “The feelings and fears experienced during pregnancy are intense and varied. These feelings and concerns are a normal part of pregnancy. Each woman comes to terms with the changes in her own way, with the support of her partner or family”

Note: This article is referred from the research papers at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics website.

Morning sickness refers to the nausea and vomiting that most women experience when they are pregnant. It is very common early in your pregnancy and tends to go away later in the pregnancy. But for some it may last all through the pregnancy. Usually women feel sick throughout the day and not just in the morning.

Here are some tips to relieve your morning sickness through your eating habits:

• Eat smaller meals throughout the day, say after every 3 hours, so that you never feel too hungry or too full. Don’t skip your meals.
• Avoid food that is rich, fatty, greasy, fried or spicy.
• Drink some lemonade or suck on a lemon.
• Ginger is very beneficial for alleviating nausea. Try mixing some ginger pieces with honey and sucking whenever you feel nauseous. Or suck on ginger hard candies. You can also try ginger ale.
• Avoid foods with smells that bother you. Cooking food in the microwave usually produces lesser smells.
• Eat enough carbohydrates like plain baked potato, white rice and toast.
• Try non-caffeinated teas like peppermint and ginger tea.
• Eat some chicken soup. Eat something salty just before a meal, so that you don’t vomit during the meal.
• Eat salted crackers and other bland foods whenever you feel nauseous.
• Try peppermint candy, plain crushed ice, gelatin desserts (Jell-O), flavored frozen desserts, icecreams and pretzels.
• Eat plain crackers or a bowl of cereal in the morning.
• Chew a piece of spearmint or other mint gums. The minty flavor helps your stomach to settle down.
• Eat frequent protein snacks like nuts, seafood, eggs and beans.
• Try eating apples that are a little sour. Or drink apple juice, that is a bit sour.
• Drink small amounts of fluids thoughout the day to prevent dehydration. Drink slowly, a few sips at a time. But avoid drinking between meals.
• Cold foods have less nausea inducing smells.

Other important tips to help you:

• Avoid very warm places, because sometimes heat can also increase the nausea.
• Take small naps during the day, but not right after eating. Lack of rest also increases your sickness.
• Get enough sleep at night.
• Try using acupressure wrist bands or motion sickness wrist bands that people use when travelling by sea. You can get them at most boating stores or travel agencies.
• Get out of bed slowly in the morning.
• Use exhaust fans and windows while cooking to avoid strong odors.
• Take a walk in fresh air, and keep your windows open.
• Stay away from cigarette smoke.

Also read: Caring For Your Teeth During Pregnancy, Underweight Women & Miscarriage, Pregnant Women Should Not Take Paxil Antidepressant.