When you are pregnant, you need to look after yourself and not just the baby that you are carrying. There are some problems that are common in pregnancy and there are others that are not so common, and you might feel like the only woman in the world that is struggling. But you are not, there are many other people that are going through the same thing as you. So, when you look after your wellbeing in pregnancy, it helps you to feel so much better. And then it helps you to enjoy your pregnancy.
Here are some tips to help you manage common complaints in pregnancy that should help you feel better.
Comfort at work
Wherever you work remember to let them know of any adjustments you need to ensure your safety and that of your unborn baby. Think about avoiding lifting, proximity to the toilets, and clean air as some of the most important things to consider. Your employer should already keep check of air quality but if not then ask them to look for Air Quality Testing in Hartford, CT or wherever you are and check the levels are suitable for you and other employees.
Morning Sickness
Although it is called morning sickness, it can last all day long. It can stop you from doing what you want to do throughout the day and feel rubbish. It is most common in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, but it can last all pregnancy. If you have a multiples pregnancy, your morning sickness will be worse as your HCG levels will be higher.
If you work shifts, ask your employer to work around your morning sickness, they should help you out. You can also keep ginger biscuits in your handbag or on your work desk. Ginger tea is a good remedy for when you feel nauseous but chamomile, spearmint, and peppermint tea help too.
You can also use travel sickness bands around your wrist. They put pressure on your inside wrist between your tendons. This helps relieve the sickness and makes you feel so much better. It is also a natural remedy for you to try.
Tiredness
When you first become pregnant, tiredness hits you like a brick. You will feel like you have no energy at all and want to take an afternoon nap. This is normal, your body is preparing to grow a human inside you. boosting your diet with energy-boosting food can help to relieve tiredness. Iron-rich food like broccoli and spinach will help you feel less tired. Also, go for a small walk when you are tired and it will help to wake you up.
You need to cut out caffeine whilst you are pregnant so do not be tempted to reach for energy drinks or coffee. But at the end of the day, if you are tired, take a nap.
Heartburn
Did you know that 75% of pregnant women suffer from heartburn? This is because pregnancy hormones soften the valve between your oesophagus and stomach. Then this allows food to return to the oesophagus and cause the burning pain that you feel. This is quite normal and usually goes away after the baby is born.
Try eating smaller meals more often and try to avoid spicy foods and greasy foods. You can also swap to eating your bigger meal at lunchtime and eating a lighter meal in the evening. Try not to earlier in the evening than later too so your food has time to settle. Sometimes lying down can relieve the symptoms of heartburn.
Anxiety
Whether this is your first baby or your 8th baby, you will struggle with anxiety. You will worry about your baby’s health. You will feel anxious about money, and whether you can afford the baby. Feeling anxious is normal, you are doing something that you might not have done before. But there are ways to help you stop feeling so anxious.
Firstly, talking to your friends and family will help you with your worries, they know you better than anyone and will always be there to support you. You can also try using breathing techniques to help you cope with the anxiety. Breathe in and out slowly. Breathe in and count to 3, then breathe out and count to four.
Depression And Mental Health
Because of the hormonal change in pregnancy, you might find yourself feeling unhappy and depressed. If you are feeling depressed, you should speak to someone about it. Talking will make it feel so much better, and others can give you some ideas to help you feel better. Make sure you get out of the house and get some fresh air, this instantly lifts your mood and makes you feel better.
You might also become depressed because you are worried about how you will cope with the new baby. Or you might be in a difficult home situation. Whatever is causing the depression, there is always help there. Speak to your midwife or doctor. Also, speak to your partner, they will be able to support you by helping out more at home. Speak about your worries with them, a problem shared is a problem halved.
Your mental health is important to you, so if you are struggling always ask for help.