Early pregnancy brings a plethora of changes to the body. And why not? The body is working tirelessly round the clock to nourish and grow a fetus into a well-formed human being.
During the gestation period (the time between conception to giving birth), the body undergoes rapid changes to accommodate the growing demands of the baby.
These developments can get uncomfortable at times. While there are many home remedies to fight this discomfort, there are many other things you can do on a regular basis to lower the feeling altogether!
10 Tips to Help You Feel Better During Pregnancy
Early pregnancy care is crucial to ensuring safe and easy labor. First-time mothers always find themselves worried when they see bleeding in early pregnancy or a brown discharge in early pregnancy as they often get scared of the unfortunate. This blog explores the top 10 tips to help you feel better during pregnancy.
Early prenatal care is important: Prenatal care is essential for your well-being and to ensure the safe development of the fetus in the early stages of pregnancy. Prenatal supplements are also essential when you are trying to conceive. These supplements contain ingredients like folic acid and calcium, which are important for preparing the body for pregnancy.
An adequate quantity of folic acid significantly reduces the risks of a defect in the neural tube birth (when the egg gets implanted in the fallopian tube). Your doctor will usually recommend the best prenatal. In case you experienced a miscarriage in your last pregnancy, the doctor might recommend a different set of prenatal supplements to help retain support for the pregnancy.
Eating healthy and well: Headache in early pregnancy is a common complaint by many women, which can often be resolved by eating on time and resting well. A nutrition-rich diet ensures adequate fetal development. There are certain foods to be avoided during pregnancy, including papaya and aubergine, as they can disturb the pregnancy.
Eating fruits and vegetables is highly recommended. Fluid consumption is also important as inadequate fluid intake can cause dehydration. Additionally, to avoid acidity and indigestion, consider eating 3 to 5 mini-meals instead of full-fledged meals.
Sleeping well is important to get adequate rest: Being well-rested during pregnancy is crucial for the mother’s and child’s health. Fatigue is common during pregnancy as the body works more than normal to sustain the pregnancy well. Sleeping also allows the fatigue to lower and helps the mother to feel rejuvenated and active. Correct sleeping posture is important.
Consider sleeping on the left side with knees bent. Sleeping in this position puts the least pressure on the womb. This position also increases the flow of blood to the placenta. This sleeping position is also recommended for women in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.
Exercise on a regular basis: Exercising regularly helps in ensuring mobility during pregnancy. Research also shows how regular exercises can be incredibly helpful during labor. Exercising also keeps the flow of blood active, improves mood, and even is helpful with nausea and constipation. Yoga is also a great way to include some mobility.
Special yoga postures relieve discomfort and joint pain experienced during pregnancy. Walking is another great way to include some activity in your schedule. The fresh air is always a mood lifter! Alternatively, you can also indulge in swimming, dancing, and other activities of your choice! Do speak with your doctor before starting any new and different exercise regime.
Finding the right doctor is important, too: You are more likely to visit a doctor who gets highly recommended and appreciated within the friend or family network.
But it is highly recommended to check with a doctor who is known for being empathetic, quick-acting, and can take care of your specific healthcare needs. The right doctor is helpful and understanding towards your needs.
Spotting in early pregnancy is common: Spotting in early pregnancy is common and is often a result of implantation bleeding. But do not confuse the spotting in early pregnancy with bleeding in early pregnancy. As bleeding requires immediate medical attention and must not be ignored.
It is noteworthy that even brown discharge in early pregnancy is common if the texture and odor from the discharge aren’t off. In any case, if you observe something off, consider taking your doctor’s opinion instead of ignoring things.
Strictly avoid smoking: Smoking can hamper the fetus’s growth and development. Once you learn the news about your pregnancy, it is best to avoid smoking altogether. Smoking exposes the unborn baby to nicotine and carbon monoxide.
Smoking significantly increases the risk of a miscarriage, premature delivery, and even stillbirth. Smoking can also result in the child having deformities or being born with disabilities. It is highly recommended to avoid smoking (even exposure to cigarette smoke can cause minor complications).
Say no to alcohol: No matter how much of an alcohol connoisseur you might be, alcohol can cause damage to the fetus. Consumption of alcohol can cause miscarriage, birth defects, or worse, stillbirth. Alcohol must not be consumed in any quantity during pregnancy.
Eliminate caffeine consumption: Caffeine in large quantities can cause miscarriage. If you consume more than 200 mg daily, it can stimulate the heart rate rapidly. It also raises blood pressure significantly.
Caffeine also causes heartburn and acidity. It is best to avoid beverages like coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, tea, and energy drinks.
Be thoughtful of everything you do: Pregnancy is a special and delicate time. While it is essential to eat clean, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol & caffeine, being thoughtful and optimistic is also important. Keeping yourself happy and surrounded by positive thoughts also helps with lowering mood swings. Indulge in self-care practices and do spend ample time with your partner to enjoy & relish the time before a new family member joins in. Pregnancy is different for every woman; you must prioritize taking care of yourself before this next phase in your life begins!
