3 Concerns during pregnancy and what to do about them?

Pregnancy is always a mixed feeling from start till the time you deliver the baby. It’s about love, care, caution, precaution and lots of advices pouring in. The body has to deal with pregnancy physically and the mind has to deal with it emotionally. Sometimes, the changes happening during pregnancy may cause frustration, irritation and at other times increase the edginess of the mommy to be. It’s always like “Am I doing right”, “Is it right”, “Should I try this?”, “She suggested, I did, now what?” The anxieties are never ending, so is the anticipation. Let’s check some major concerns faced by most of the pregnant ladies.

1. Morning Sickness

One thing that makes most of the pregnant woman uncomfortable during pregnancy is “Morning sickness”. It is a feeling of nausea and vomiting, which is generally common during pregnancy.

The indicators of morning sickness can vary from woman to woman. The nausea usually starts around 6 weeks of pregnancy, but for some it begins even at 4 weeks and may get worse over the next month or so. It is a normal pregnancy symptom. Morning sickness is probably due to the body’s reaction of pregnancy hormones. Sometimes morning sickness is also due to sensitivity, high stress level (physical and emotional), and fatigue.

Let’s consider some Do’s and Don’ts which may be helpful to ease morning sickness and even take care of your nutritional concerns:

(a).    Eat Small Meals- It is always recommend to take small meals at regular intervals and that too light in content.  Try to have good amount of protein and calcium rich food items.

(b).    Compulsory morning breakfast: Morning breakfast is a must in all stages of life, and yes it plays an essential role during pregnancy. Try to eat healthy breakfast that contains fibre.

(c).    Stay hydrated: Keep yourself hydrated. Drink water. Water plays a crucial role at any stage of pregnancy and after pregnancy as well when you start breastfeeding. The breast milk contains 80% of water. So, stay hydrated. Avoid soda and soft drink beverages. Try to drink homemade juices only.

(d).   Avoid consuming spicy food at home and from outside also.

(e).   Avoid fried food, oily food.

(f).     If you are allergic to some food/smell or any substance, try to stay away from it during your pregnancy.

(g).   Avoid hot meal, try eating cold meal.

(h).    Never skip your meal.

2. Nutritional concerns:

One of the main concerns for most of the pregnant women during pregnancy is “Am I taking proper nutrition?” “Am I eating healthy?”, “Do I need to do something to add nutrition to my body?” This is an obvious concern as the intake of diet affects both the mother and growth of baby.

If you can plan proper diet which has a balanced composition of protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals, then it is best. The nutrient intake before pregnancy is important for conception. During pregnancy it is important for baby’s health and growth. And after pregnancy, a balanced diet is important for a breastfeeding mother.

During every stage, proper nutrition plays a crucial role. Usually doctors prescribe the supplements required for the baby which enable the growth of baby and even help mums to stay healthy.

3. Your health

The moment I came to know of my pregnancy, the first thing that came to my mind is - Is my baby ok? Followed by several other questions - Am I taking proper care of myself? Is my diet ok? What are the dos and don’ts? Here are a few things to keep in mind -

(a).      Take rest: Rest is crucial during complete pregnancy stage. Taking good rest and complete nap is must. Try not to do any heavy weight lifting activity during pregnancy.

(b).       Keep some food handy always. Eat rich protein, vitamin and calcium based food.

(c).        Maintain diary for morning sickness (if you can)

(d).       Ask for complete diet chart from your gynaecologist, if you can.

(e).       Meditate for some time every day.

(f).        you need to speak with someone about how you are feeling during this stage of life. Sometimes, speaking to your doctor about your problems and uneasiness also helps. It helped me a lot.

(g).       Take rest. But be active. Stay Calm. I personally used to listen to a lot of soothing music.

(h).      Avoid sleeping on your stomach.

(i).      Read good books.

(j).      Share with people who understand your problems. Don’t feel frustrated or irritated.

(k).       Routine Check-up is must.

(l).      Regular walking or exercising with the permission of doctor can be beneficial during pregnancy.

(m).    Keep the number/contact details handy.

No two pregnancies are same, not even of the same woman. Just stay calm, keep smiling and stay positive.