Simple tips to survive the pregnancy symptoms

Pregnancy also has its own share of highs and lows. While the joys of become a parent would keep your spirits high, common pregnancy complaints can pull you down. However, there is no need to worry, as there are ways to deal with those common pregnancy niggles to enjoy a smooth worry free nine months. Here are those common pregnancy symptoms and ways to cope with them:

Morning sickness: This is the most common symptom of pregnancy that women suffer from during the initial months of pregnancy. Accompanied with nausea, vomiting and a constant feeling of persisting queasiness, especially early in the morning or throughout the day, morning sickness is often unbearable and irritable in equal amounts. Morning sickness is usually thought to be the body's obvious response to the various hormonal changes that set in during the early months of pregnancy and sometimes due to low blood sugar levels.

What you can do: To avoid morning sickness or to lessen its attacks,

• Avoid being on an empty stomach for too long after you wake up. Ideally keep biscuits at your bed side and eat a few before you get out of your bed.
• Avoid having fluids, the first thing in the morning.
• Eat a snack before going to bed and munch on a snack or biscuit in the night if you wake up often to visit the restroom.
• Avoid having long gaps in between meals as it can aggravate nausea and vomiting. Ideally, eat something every two to three hours to avoid the same.
• Stay away from odours that can aggravate your symptoms. Most women know what triggers morning sickness in them after the first month of their pregnancy. Make a conscious effort to stay away from the triggers.
• Try some natural remedies like chewing on a piece of ginger or amla to relieve yourself from symptoms of morning sickness.

Heartburn: Heartburn during pregnancy is way too common and can make one feel uncomfortable and uneasy with its symptoms throughout the course of those blissful nine months. However, heartburn can become more severe during the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy when the belly bulges out, as this pushes the stomach upwards and aggravates heartburn. Going on an empty stomach for too long can also increase acid levels and cause heartburn and indigestion.

What you can do: To counter heartburn during pregnancy

• Eat small meals, have a gap of two or three hours between your meals.
• Avoid spicy or fried foods that can aggravate acidity.
• Do not lie down for at least half an hour after your meal.
• Eating starchy foods helps in reducing the sensation of heartburn. Try foods rich in carbohydrates and fibre for the same reason.
• Have small sips of any liquid between your meals. Remember not to gulp it down in one go.
• An occasional vanilla ice cream for dessert can work as an antacid.

Constipation: With increases in the hormone progesterone in the body bowel movements tend to slow down, making constipation a common pregnancy woe. Moreover, iron supplements taken during pregnancy can also aggravate the same. Even though constipation can be a persistent pregnancy problem, it might be more intense during the last two months of pregnancy.

What you can do: To fight constipation effectively,

• Eat more fibre rich foods; include leafy green vegetables and raw fruits in your diet.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your system working and initiate bowel movements.
• Walk. Light exercises can help to aid digestion and relieve constipation symptoms.
• Try some natural remedies like eating linseed or flaxseed for relief from constipation or eat a whole steamed amla for the same.

Edema: Sometime after the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy, swelling on the hands and feet is common. This happens due to water retention in the body, triggered by hormones, but it is a harmless condition. However, remember that a sudden onset of swelling can also indicate a surge in your blood pressure levels.

What you can do: To counter edema or swelling of hands and feet

• Spread your weight equally on both your feet and maintain correct posture.
• Drink adequate water.
• Avoid sleeping on your back during late pregnancy.
• Do not stand or sit for too long in the same position. Take breaks to keep fluids in your systems moving and not bulking up at places.

Fatigue: For many women, fatigue is at its worst during the first and third trimester, but for some, fatigue could be there throughout the pregnancy. Fatigue is your body's own way of dealing with pregnancy, what with all that extra weight, the increased need for nutrients and making room for the baby. It's normal for your already alert and overworked body to ask for rest.

What you can do: To counter pregnancy induced fatigue

• Get rest often and sleep swell.
• Exercise regularly as it will help you regain some of your energies.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Avoid excessive travelling and activities that involve too much physical labour.

Piles: This problem sets in closely with constipation. Hemorrhoids or piles are quite common during pregnancy and are caused due to an increased blood flow in the pelvic area. Your bulging uterus exerts extra pressure on the veins, hampering the venous blood flow that contributes to the condition. Although hemorrhoids are not harmful, they can be very painful and can worsen with the extra strain of labour.

What you can do: Here is how you can deal with piles,

• Have plenty of water and fibre rich food.
• Treat symptoms of constipation to avoid piles.
• Apply ice packs or anesthetic gels to reduce pain and swelling after consulting your doctor.
• Try isabgol husk. An excellent home remedy that helps.

Image source:Getty Images

Also read our other pregnancy related articles:

• Know all about the epidural
• 6 amazing facts about your baby's kicks
• How to plan for a birth without violence

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