The Nine Months Affair

Being pregnant is like going on a roller­coaster ride. You have to ride it, to feel it! While euphoric feeling sweeps you on experiencing the first kick of baby, pregnancy sends your hormones in a tizzy making you stagger at each trimester until your bundle of joy arrivers.

We gives you a low down of common complaints during pregnancy.

Managing morning sickness

Mostly all expectant endure morning sickness. Though some may feel queasy throughout the day and may complain of metallic taste lingering in their mouth.

• Eat small and light meals throughout.
• Munch on bland or salted crackers before you leave the bed in the morning.
• Suck on hard candies, frozen fruit juice.

Combating constipation

It is common for women to get constipated in their first trimester. Pregnancy hormones slow down bowel movements.

• Drink eight to ten glasses of water everyday.
• Go for walks.
• Increase your intake of fiber. Eat fiber rich foods like apple and guavas.

Avoiding Varicose Veins

Hormonal changes result in swollen leg veins also called varicose veins.

• Avoid long periods of standing still or sitting with crossed legs and wearing tight fitting underwear.
• Sit and sleep with your feet up.
• Avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

Getting rid or cramps

Pregnant women experience sudden muscle cramps; it mostly occurs at night and can be extremely painful. Massaging the effected area - often the feet - can help, as can flexing the foot and regular, exercise.

Fighting Fatigue

Feeling of fatigue overwhelm expectant mothers.

• Napping through the day will help tide over fatigue.
• Avoid stimulants and increase intake of protein and iron in your diet.

Healing heartburn

More than half of all pregnant women get heartburn, an uncomfortable sensation caused by the backward flow of stomach acids into the esophagus. Follow these food habits-

• Eat slowly several small meals.
• Avoid fried foods, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, garlic and onion.
• Drink lots of water and avoid coffee, tea and cola.
• Stay up for two to three hours after your evening meal.
• Talk to our physician about using antacids or other medications that relieve heartburn.

Backing off back aches

In the later stages of pregnancy backaches naglives of expectant mothers. Concentrate what you can do and what should not.

• Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Keep the back straight when lifting objects.

Common problems

• Need to urinate often.
• Headaches and mood swings.
• Bleeding gums.
• Vaginal discharge is usually clear and white, but it can be itchy if there is an infection.