Tips on Preparing Yourself for Common Pregnancy Discomforts
While you are expecting your baby, you will experience a variety of new challenges. One of them will be coping with the discomforts that come with pregnancy. Whether you have nausea, headaches, or lower back pain, there are several safe and reliable ways to make yourself feel better. Focusing on relieving your symptoms can help preserve your energy and enhance your mood. Best of all, each of these tips can be applied to all three trimesters, so you do not have to keep searching for new ideas.
- Know What to Avoid
When you first meet with your obstetrician or midwife, they will tell you to drink enough water and get plenty of rest. If you do not get enough sleep at night, taking naps can help to restore your energy. They will also tell you which foods, activities, and practices to avoid.
Since heartburn and acid reflux are among the most common pregnancy discomforts, it is usually a good idea to stay away from spicy or fatty foods. Some women are also triggered by caffeine, acidic foods, or carbonation. Keeping track in a diary of what gives you symptoms can help you to prevent burning, pain, and nausea. Tell your doctor if you notice any patterns.
Big meals can contribute to nausea or vomiting. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can reduce these uncomfortable symptoms while helping control your blood sugar. It is also important to know that some over-the-counter medications are not recommended during pregnancy.
According to WebMD, you should not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or prescription acne medications. Herbal supplements and amino acids should also be avoided. If you are currently taking prescription medicine for a condition such as seizures or depression, have a conversation with your physician. They can let you know if the medication is safe and, if necessary, prescribe an alternative.
- Ask About Vitamins & Supplements
Many vitamins and supplements are not recommended during pregnancy, which is why you should tell your doctor about your current medication list. They may tell you to avoid certain items until you have your baby, but they will likely prescribe you a new prenatal vitamin.
Why are they so important? The Mayo Clinic says that prenatal vitamins help fill crucial gaps in your diet. For example, your baby needs plenty of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects. Iron supports the health of the placenta, as well as fetal development. Some prenatal formulas are available over the counter, while others require a script from an obstetrician.
Each of them is designed to help you avoid symptoms like fatigue and nausea while helping you get the nutrients you need to grow a healthy baby. Ask your doctor if you can take something you buy from the store or if you require a more potent alternative.
Along with folic acid and iron, they should also include vitamin D and calcium. If you have pregnancy-related anemia, they may also prescribe an additional iron supplement. Some iron formulas can cause constipation, so let your doctor know if you are having trouble going to the bathroom. They can adjust the script or recommend some type of stool softener.
- Learn the Right Stretches & Exercises
Staying active and caring for your body will help you to prevent several types of discomfort. Some of the most common pregnancy-related aches and pains include lower back pain and leg cramps. Weight gain and posture changes can cause lower back pain in pregnancy, while cramps may occur as a result of fatigue, calcium deficiency, or compression of blood vessels in the legs.
By stretching your legs, ankles, and toes on a daily basis, you can help to reduce tension and pain in your lower body. Keeping your lower body active with low impact exercises like swimming and yoga will strengthen your core while keeping your muscles loose and mobile. If you feel tired or lightheaded while exercising, stop and rest. Consult with your doctor about which activities are appropriate for each condition and trimester, so you create the healthiest exercise strategy.
- Grab the Most Helpful Tools & Products
Certain health and wellness items can enhance your quality of life throughout your pregnancy. If you are traveling by boat or get nauseous in the car, consider wearing a sea sickness wristband. These products are drug-free and can be found at many drugstores and pharmacies. When you experience hemorrhoids, purchase witch hazel pads. Apply one or two pads to the area for cooling relief. If you would like, you can alternatively add a small amount of witch hazel to a cotton ball.
If you are having lower back pain, try laser light therapy belts. This cutting-edge technology uses what is now known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also formerly often referred to as low-level light therapy (LLLT). With the help of a laser light therapy belt, you can reduce pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation in your lumbar area.
These belts should be safe to use on your back throughout your pregnancy, but it is important to consult with a doctor before you begin. Knowing how to use the device in each trimester will give you peace of mind as you wait for your baby’s arrival.
Caring for Yourself Throughout Your Pregnancy
While you cannot avoid common pregnancy discomforts entirely, there are many things you can do to enhance your wellness and reduce unpleasant symptoms. Keeping your doctor’s appointments will allow you to discuss new and continuing aches and pains, as well as find the best solutions to feel better. Thankfully, there are a variety of remedies that are safe, drug-free, and effective.
