If you are reading this, there is a chance you’ve just got the big news that a new life is growing inside you or you are just probably planning on having one soon.
Whichever way it is, pregnancy is mostly a beautiful thing and a very special time in a woman’s life, and despite joyfully embracing the thrills motherhood brings – pregnancy itself can sometimes be challenging.
As excited as you may be about the news of your pregnancy, there could be quite some huddles on the way, because pregnancy can come with normal symptoms that can be quite challenging – morning sickness (nausea), backache, heartburn, swollen feet or ankle, tiredness, indigestion or constipation, stretch marks, itchy belly, fatigue, stomach ache, mucus discharge and so many others, which may vary with different women.
These symptoms occur mostly because your body is making preparations for the new life growing inside of you, so don’t be alarmed, they are normal.
Howbeit, these experience could be mild for some women, while for others, it could be severe and discomforting. Nevertheless, symptoms of pregnancy typically begin four to eight weeks after conception and begin to wane as your first trimester winds down.
But that’s not all, in spite of these challenges, there are natural ways to reduce these discomfort.
Most importantly, it is advisable you avoid medication because only a few medication are safe to be taken during pregnancy. Instead, opt for home remedies, coupled with changes in your diet and sleeping patterns to help you tackle these symptoms naturally.
So, instead of reaching for pills, there are natural ways to relieve some symptoms and pregnancy discomfort. Here they are;
- STAY HYDRATED
One of the first things doctors recommend is for you is to drink enough water.
Whether you are pregnant or not, your body requires water to function well.
Most times, breathlessness in pregnancy is a common symptom of dehydration. However, water can greatly help to prevent shortness of breath and as well as cramps in pregnancies.
So, make sure you drink enough water and also avoid beverages like alcohol, coffee or soda because it can excessively increase your body weight – which can also cause you shortness of breath.
Also, it is most important to stay hydrated in the last trimester in order to avoid dehydration – which can cause contractions that trigger preterm labour.
Besides, if you make it a priority to stay adequately hydrated all through the next nine months, you will be setting your little one up for a healthy life outside the womb.
- LIGHT EXERCISE
No doubt, hitting the gym would be the last thing on your mind during pregnancy. Nevertheless, you don’t have to go to the gym before you can exercise. A simple walk around your environment, stretching and yoga can go a long way to relieve some stress you face during pregnancy.
Also, squatting, on the other hand, can help open your pelvis to prevent prolong labour and assist the baby to descend well during labour time.
On a positive note, mild exercise during pregnancy is a good natural way of helping you out during your cramp-filled days and can help reduce some common discomfort like backache, constipation and swollen feet.
Also, it can help you sleep better, increase your energy, strength, endurance, easier labour and quicker recovery.
On a safe side, it is important to talk to your doctor before you start exercising.
- REDUCE OR AVOID SPICY FOOD INTAKE
Extra care should be taken when it comes to diet. Besides, pregnant women have a variety of cravings which may also include cravings for spicy food.
However, it is okay to eat spicy food while pregnant because they do not necessarily harm your baby but they could affect you as a mother and cause you digestive problems, heartburns and worsen morning sickness.
Advisably, you should minimize your intake of spicy foods to reduce complications during pregnancy.
- COLD OR HOT COMPRESS
A cold compress or a warm compress can be used to reduce abdominal discomfort, sore breast, headache swollen ankles and feet.
You can try covering your breast with a warm towel for about 10-15 minutes, it will help to increase blood circulation, reduce swelling and tenderness in the breast. Also, same also applies to swollen ankles or feet.
For frequent a headache, a cold compress can also help reduce pressure, cool down your body temperature and relieve pain at the same time.
In addition, you can try dipping your leg in warm water or elevate them on a stool to reduce swelling.
- GINGER INTAKE
Ginger root is used often to combat challenges facing pregnant women like indigestion and saliva flow during ancient times. However, ginger is a very strong anti-oxidant that can aid digestion, saliva flow and can also help relieve nausea (morning sickness), vomiting and constipation.
Ginger can also be added to already prepared meals as flavour, fruit juice and can also be taken as a tea (ginger tea).
On the contrary, the intake of ginger may not be suitable for all pregnant women as some may find it irritating and too spicy. Therefore, it should be taken moderately and not in excess to avoid irritation.
Always have in mind that your body will go through a lot of changes during pregnancy and your unborn baby’s nutrition and health development will completely depend on your lifestyle. So make it a priority to adhere to these tips to help you through the beautiful journey of your pregnancy.
