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In the midst of all the joyous feelings about your pregnancy, you also may be feeling a bit queasy. Nausea or vomiting during your pregnancy is considered morning sickness. And unfortunately, it isn't confined to the morning - it can happen at any time of the day or night. Some women experience an occasional episode, others are sick several times a day for months on end and some never have morning sickness at all. Usually, the problem goes away after the third month.
What Causes this Condition?
It's currently believed that nausea is related to the "pregnancy" hormone -human chorionic gonadotropin. Also, lifestyle can affect the severity of your morning sickness. For example, women who don't get enough rest seem more prone to attacks. Also, women who are under stress may be more likely to experience nausea and vomiting. |
How to Ease the 'Quease'
- Get out of bed slowly. An abrupt change from laying flat to standing will increase the feeling of dizziness.
- Eat frequent, small meals. Taking little meals throughout the day will help keep your blood-sugar levels steady and will keep your stomach filled to minimize that queasy feeling.
- Snack on easy to digest foods such as: crackers, whole wheat toast, a hot baked potato, cooked pasta, cooked rice, or fruit.
- Avoid greasy foods such as: butter, margarine, mayonnaise, bacon, gravy, pastries, fried meats, and french fries.
- Go easy on spicy foods, especially those cooked with pepper, hot chilli peppers, and garlic.
- Keep your kitchen well ventilated to get rid of lingering cooking odours. Pregnant women often have an exaggerated sense of smell.
- Try eating cold foods. They have less odour and may be easier to swallow.
- Drink water or suck on ice to avoid dehydration if you've been vomiting.
- Exercising will help you relieve the stress that may be contributing to your morning sickness. It also will help you sleep better at night. Be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
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Combating Constipation
Your growing baby and uterus are putting pressure on your intestines, causing an uncomfortable slow-down in your digestion. Also, the hormonal changes during pregnancy relax your muscles so they can accommodate your expanding uterus. This relaxation also slows down digestion. One result is constipation and another is flatulence. The best way to combat this problem is to increase your fibre consumption and fluid intake. Try eating a high-fibre cereal for breakfast, increasing the amount a little each morning. Start using more wholegrain products in your meals - these can be whole wheat bread and pastas or brown rice. Snack on a few dried prunes or a handful of raisins. And drink 8 glasses of fluid every day, preferably water, to keep your stools soft. As your constipation goes away, so will the gassiness. Foods to stay away from are beans, broccoli, cabbage and onions.
For more information on this topic, check our Q&A Section. If you don't find the information you're looking for, please feel free to Ask a Dietitian. |
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The shape and fullness of your face during pregnancy can indicate your baby's sex.
Every woman gains weight differently during pregnancy and every woman experiences different skin changes. If people tell you that because your face is round and rosy you're having a girl, they might be right - but it's just as likely that they... more
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