Pregnancy is not without its side effects. During pregnancy
your body will undergo many hormonal changes. These hormone
fluctuations can result in a variety of unpleasant symptoms
including: nausea, fatigue, bloating and fluid retention and
mood swings.
What’s a pregnant woman to do? Believe it or not, there are many
changes you can make to your diet that will help minimize many
of the common pregnancy complaints you are having.
Nausea/Morning Sickness – This is one of the more common
complaints pregnant women have, particularly during their first
trimester. Many women find that sipping on some
fizzy soda water with fresh squeezed lemon often helps reduce
nausea. Ginger tea is also another well known remedy for nausea
and morning sickness. If you are still not feeling better, an
extra 10 to 25 milligrams of vitamin B6 is often just enough to
help ease nausea. You can take a supplement or try foods rich in
B6 such as lean meats, fish and avocados.
Edema – Most women swell a little during pregnancy. The best
thing you can do to ease swelling is drink more water. You may
think you are already drinking too much, but in all reality you
probably aren’t. Some women find that wearing compression
hosiery can also help reduce fluid retention. Some women also
find that a little extra calcium/magnesium can help combat fluid
retention and bloating.
Fatigue – Exercise is often the best way to get rid of pregnancy
induced fatigue. Even if you think you are too tired to work
out, you’ll find you feel much better after exercising. Eating
six small meals per day will also help energize you. Be sure you
also consume foods rich in iron to prevent anemia, a common
cause of fatigue in pregnant women.
Mood Swings – Mood changes are almost inevitable during
pregnancy due to rampant hormonal fluctuations. Be sure you get
plenty of rest to help combat fatigue that can contribute to
mood swings. You might also consider supplementing with
essential fatty acids, which may be beneficial for reducing
anxiety and depression.
Don’t forget above all else that most of the symptoms of
pregnancy are just temporary, and before you know it you will be
back to your jubilant, pre pregnancy self!