Pregnancy is the period of joy and anxiousness creating a sense of stress on the pregnant women. It can be more observed in the first pregnancy. During this period there are lot of advice from the family, elders and friends and with all the dilemma present, no one follows the right things during the period. So here is the list of Do’s and Don’ts for the common pregnancy symptoms which has been straight from the doctor’s book.
Morning sickness
Morning sickness in pregnancy refers to the early morning fatigue, weakness, nausea and vomiting usually in the first trimester or sometimes in the later months of pregnancy.
Do’s
- In case of mild to moderate symptoms, then eat light food which are rich in protein, iron and calcium.
- Drink much of warm water which helps in better digestion.
- If the nausea is more, then drink tender coconuts and fresh fruit juices.
- Have food in portions, and 4-5 times a day which helps in better absorption of food.
- Sometimes, it is the oil and spices used for cooking gives the nausea, so you can eat raw or cooked vegetables until the symptoms subside.
- If symptoms are severe then consult your doctor at once.
Don’ts
- Do not eat oily, spicy, sour, fatty foods and refined flour products.
- Do not eat more salt and sugar during pregnancy. This can also prevent from hypertension, diabetes and obesity.
- Do not drink water soon after the meals, drink only before or after 2 hours of meals. If you get a choking sensation then, you can sip a hot water.
- Reduce your coffee or tea intake, as this may aggravate the condition.
Stretch Marks
These are called as striae gravidae which occurs due to the stretching of the skin during pregnancy. There can be itching and dry skin associated with the stretch marks.
Do’s
- Apply some anti-stretch marks cream or coconut oil or deep moisturizer, which will reduce the itching and dryness.
Don’ts
- Do not scratch, as this may result in discoloration.
Constipation
Constipation is another common symptom in most of the pregnant women.
Do’s
- Eating raw/cooked vegetables, fruits or unfiltered fruit juices can give you excess fibers which aids in digestion and relieves from constipation.
- Drink plenty of water which helps in flushing out excess toxins from the body.
- Regular mild exercises can help you in reliving constipation.
Don’ts
- Do not eat refined flour and spicy products.
- Avoid sedentary habits.
Tooth Ache
This is very common in pregnancy, many tooth problems which was hidden earlier gets a sneak peek during pregnancy.
Do’s
- Visit your dentist once at the early pregnancy months or before the symptoms sets in.
- Brush soon after you eat/drink, is the right technique to prevent caries.
Don’ts
- Do not self-medicate for any problems during pregnancy.
In general
Do’s
- Incorporating iron content foods like fresh green leafy vegetables, kiwi, jaggery, pomegranate, guava, nuts, fishes etc and calcium rich foods like dairy products and protein rich foods like soy products, sprouts, beans etc can help in healthy growth of the baby and mother.
- Doing mild exercises and mediation for 20-30 minutes in a day can help your mind and body relax.
- Regular antenatal checkups to be followed