Pregnancy Health

Curbing Morning Sickness Naturally

Pregnancy is a beautiful, miraculous thing.  But during those first several weeks, moms-to-be often feel far from miraculous.  Morning sickness is no fun, and it can really put a damper on both work and play.

In most cases, medication is not advisable for morning sickness as long as it does not cause more serious problems such as dehydration or malnutrition.  So it is up to us to find natural remedies to combat the nausea and vomiting.  Here are a few ways that many women have found effective.

* Eat plain soda crackers fifteen minutes before you get up each morning.  These are usually well tolerated, and they settle the stomach so that we can handle other foods better.

* Eat a high protein snack before going to bed, and again when arising in the middle of the night. Protein will keep the blood sugar on an even keel. Low blood sugar often triggers vomiting during pregnancy.

* Drink plenty of fluids, but drink them slowly.  Sipping on water or lemonade throughout the day has proved to be effective for many women.  Keeping ice water on hand to sip when you feel that you are about to vomit can also keep it from happening.  This may be just the thing to get you through a rough day at work.

* Ginger is great for morning sickness.  You can drink it in ginger ale, sniff it, or eat ginger cookies or candied ginger.

* Exercise regularly. While it may be difficult to muster the motivation to exercise when you’re suffering from morning sickness, forcing yourself to keep up a moderate exercise routine does help ease it.

* Eat frequent, small meals.  Small amounts of food are tolerated better than large meals, yet it often helps to keep something on your stomach at all times.  Keeping something close by to nibble on throughout the day can help keep nausea at bay.

* If a food turns your stomach, avoid eating it, or even smelling it.  Different foods are bothersome to different women, so what sent your friend running to the bathroom in early pregnancy may be fine for you.  But it is generally advisable to avoid spicy or strong-smelling foods.

* Stay cool as much as possible.  Heat can make morning sickness worse, or at least much more unpleasant.

* Speak with an acupuncturist. Acupuncture may ease morning sickness.

* If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, consider eating some meat at this time. The protein in meat may be what your body’s craving at this time. Many moms who are vegetarian struggle with their diets when they become pregnant because their bodies seem to crave meat.

Should I Be Concerned About Morning Sickness?

Over half of pregnant women experience morning sickness at some point.  It is rarely anything to worry about, and it almost always goes away on its own around the second trimester.

Occasionally, however, morning sickness is more than it seems.  If you experience severe nausea, excessive vomiting, or weight loss, or your symptoms persist beyond 13 weeks, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum.  This is a condition that may require medical treatment, and perhaps hospitalization.  So even though morning sickness is rarely cause for concern, it is important to keep your obstetrician informed about your symptoms and share your concerns.

Morning sickness is unpleasant, but it is usually nothing more than a nuisance.  Some modifications to your eating habits are often all that is needed to keep it from being a big problem.  And remember, it will go away on its own eventually.

Recommended: The Cure Morning Sickness Ebook

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Staying Healthy During Pregnancy

Everyone knows that when you’re pregnant, you’re eating for two.  But your diet isn’t the only thing that affects your baby.  Paying special attention to your health will reduce the likelihood of problems for your child, and it will make you more comfortable during this physically taxing time. It will also result in an easier labor and delivery and less stressful postpartum period.

Getting Proper Nutrition

Pregnant women need about 300 more calories per day than they did before they were expecting.  These extra calories provide the fuel for your baby to grow. 

It is very important to get in enough nutrients for yourself and your baby.  Some of the most important are calcium, iron and folic acid.  These aid in the development of baby’s bones, blood, and brain and spine, respectively.  Eating foods rich in these nutrients is the best way to get them, and if you need some help understanding how to eat for a healthy pregnancy, you need the Fit Healthy Pregnancy Guide - it’s the best book I’ve ever read on the topic of eating right and staying fit during pregnancy.

Things to Avoid

There are a number of things that we need to avoid during pregnancy.  Your doctor has probably told you to quit smoking and drinking alcohol if you do those things.  And drugs, of course, are strictly off limits.  But there are some other things that are bad for your baby that might surprise you.

Caffeine is one habit that many an expecting mother has trouble kicking.  But it can increase the risk of miscarriage, so it is wise to avoid it.  If you can’t just drop your favorite caffeine-filled beverages, cut down significantly or switch to decaf.  Chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine, but you don’t have to give it up completely.  Moderation is the key.

Pregnant women should avoid certain types of fish: shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.  These may contain high levels of mercury, which can cause damage in your baby’s developing brain.  Even herbs and over-the-counter medicines can present a danger so be careful and only use these products under the guidance of a health care practitioner.  Ideally, the only medication a pregnant woman should take is a good prenatal vitamin.  But if you feel that you need treatment for pain or other conditions, talk to your doctor.  He may be able to recommend an alternative treatment or a safer medication.

Pregnant women should also avoid contact with cat feces.  If they don’t, they put themselves at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis.  This usually causes no symptoms in the mother, but it can have devastating effects on her developing baby.  These may include prematurity, brain damage, and other problems.

Staying healthy should be a priority at all times, but it becomes much more important when you’re pregnant.  Keeping yourself in good health and avoiding certain foods and substances will help your baby grow strong and healthy.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to a Fit Healthy Pregnancy

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How Reflexology Can Help During Pregnancy

Using reflexology during pregnancy is a widely accepted method in alleviating many of the associated aches and pains. Let’s take a look at the many areas in which reflexology can help.

The following are the benefits derived by applying pressure on the feet that can contribute to a more comfortable pregnancy:

* Reduction in edema and nausea
* Relief of leg pain, insomnia, and constipation
* Reduction in water retention
* Relief of backache
* Relief of muscle spasms
* Reduction in vomiting and morning sickness
* Alleviation of stress and anxiety

During labor, reflexology can play a vital role in:

* Relieving back pain
* Relieving labor pains
* Promoting relaxation during labor
* Increasing energy and inner balance

After the baby is born, reflexology can contribute to:

* Increased energy and decreased weakness
* Achieving an inner balance
* Controlled body weight
* Relieving insomnia and post-partum depression
* Relief of lower back pain and tension
* Strengthened muscles
* Increased ability to lactate and decreased breast pain

Reflexology can also help in reducing the emotional ups and downs most pregnant moms have to endure. The Qi or energy flow is necessary to ensure that a constant balance is maintained for the mom and the baby through nourishment of cells throughout the body.

Conversely, reflexology should not be used to stimulate labor or cause contractions prematurely. In addition, the applied pressure should be held to a minimum. This method should only be used by a reflexology professional who is trained in exacting enough pressure, but not so much that it can cause problems during the first trimester.

While there are many experts who espouse reflexology for pre- and post-pregnancy, ensure that the person performing the method is qualified. It’s also a good idea to consult your doctor to ascertain if there are any pre-existing conditions which will offset the safety factor of utilizing reflexology during pregnancy.

On the plus side, reflexology in pregnancy can promote a healthy balance within and reduce the discomfort level as well.

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Product Name: Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
Rating: 8
Where to Buy: Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised Edition

Description: A complete guide on giving birth using the Bradley Method. It also includes information about nutrition, exercise, picking a doctor and generally getting you ready for the birth of your new baby.

Review: The Bradley Method of childbirth has proven itself over and over. Being a mother of 4, I didn’t believe in using drugs to ease the pain or having myself completely numb to endure the wonderful feeling of my baby being born. I took Bradley childbirth method classes when I was pregnant with my first baby and the result was a wonderful natural birth experience for me.

This book walks you through all of this. It explains exactly what the Bradley Method is for those of who have no idea. Many people don’t especially if they have never been through childbirth. Not to worry though it is explained in a way that not only helps you to understand but gives you comfort just knowing it.

There is a great section in this book about nutrition. As we all know nutrition is very important to our babies but it also very important to an expectant mother. You need to have the strength to get through giving birth to a child. By making sure you are eating correctly and getting the nutrition needed to keep you healthy the process of childbirth can be easier on both of you.

This book gives you the information you need to be in control. It helps you to understand different procedures and when these procedures are necessary. It gives you tips on finding the right doctor for you and your baby. It even has some information about hospitals and what you can expect from them when you give birth.

This book is a great resource for any Mom to be. Even if you have already had a child you can still find things in this book that will make the experience easier and happier for you and your baby. If you’re interested in the Bradley Method at all then read this book. It is the perfect guide to teach you anything and everything you want to know.

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The Fit & Healthy Pregnancy Guide
Rating: 7
Where to Buy: http://www.fitandhealthypregnancy.com

Description: A pregnancy guide that gives you an exercise program and nutritional information you can use from the day you find out you’re pregnant until the day you give birth to your new baby.

Review: This is a very easy to follow guide. It gives you information on exercise and nutrition to keep you and your baby healthy and fit. Endorsed by health professionals you know this book has got to be on the right track.

This guide is full of tips and tricks that have kept many pregnant women up and going. These types of tips are important to your health and well being along with your baby’s. It is important to give your baby everything he or she needs to enter the world happy and healthy and stay that way. This guide can show how to accomplish this.

There are no special pieces of equipment needed to do the exercises explained in this book. You can stay at home and exercise in the privacy of your own living room. I liked that part because going to a gym made me feel a little uncomfortable at times. This eased my mind and actually encouraged me to do better at and stick to exercising.

The exercises they suggest in this book are detailed to each different trimester and for just about any lifestyle you can think of. This also encouraged me to continue to exercise even when I could hardly get out of bed. The exercises got me up and kept me going.

I also like the nutritional information in this book. The easy meal plans go from week to week. No guessing. They have suggestions for writing your grocery list also. This really helped me because I’m on the go a lot and don’t really have time to plan my meals let alone make a grocery list. Plus the quick and easy recipes are great and delicious. Still had some cravings but not like I did with previous pregnancies.

This is a great guide to fitness and health for any pregnant woman. It has made a difference in how I feel, how I look and how other people look at me as a new Mom. I’m happy and so is my baby. That’s what is important and I’m glad I had The Fit & Healthy Pregnancy Guide.

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During pregnancy, it’s normal and healthy to gain weight (unless you’re obese when you become pregnant).  The extra pounds are used to support your growing child and to provide extra calories your body needs for breastfeeding.  Mothers naturally lose some weight postpartum; however, if you don’t lose it all, you likely need more exercise after your postpartum checkup.

Here are some tips to help you with your postpartum exercise plan:

* Involve your baby.  You don’t have to wait till your child is asleep or with a babysitter to workout.  Get a baby sling so you can go for a walk with your baby.  Here are some mom and baby exercise tips.

* Don’t start too soon.  If you start a workout routine too soon postpartum, you can set yourself up for uterine and/or breast infections. It’s usually recommended to wait 6 weeks before you start trying to workout; however, if you had a vaginal delivery, you can use those first 6 weeks to strengthen your vaginal muscles and start stretching exercises.  You can also do some easy Piilates moves and deep breathing exercises. Just be sure to check with your doctor before you start any exercise program.

* Don’t work too hard.  It’s pretty likely that you haven’t been able to do a normal workout for at least a few months, maybe more.  Trying to do too much too fast is likely to do more harm than good. You don’t need a stress injury postpartum!  Before you start working out, ask your doctor for recommended exercises and how often you should do them.  Remember, if you hurt yourself, you’re not going to be able to take as good care of your baby.

* Fit exercise into you schedule.  While having a regular routine is helpful, it’s almost impossible to get a baby to conform to your schedule.  This means you have to change your schedule to fit your baby’s.  You’ll probably have to squeeze in workouts where you can.  Choose exercises that you can do in different places at different times.  Get an exercise tape or something else you can do at home.  You should also remember that two 15 minute workouts or three 10 minute workouts can be just as helpful as a half hour work out.  If you can set a rigid work out schedule, that’s great.  If you can’t, set a flexible schedule (I will work out for thirty minutes before I go to bed) and be sure to stick with it.

Getting back in shape after a baby can be difficult, but with postpartum exercise, you can get back to your old self in time.

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Sometimes, exercise requires a different and unique approach. Tai Chi for Expecting Mothers is one such DVD. Highly rated by consumers, this DVD provides a way in which pregnant moms can become less stressed, have more energy, and allows for a buffer against some of the side affects associated with pregnancy.

The DVD contains a complete whole body work-out combining Tai Chi, self massage and deep breathing meditation techniques to strengthen and relax the body while calming the mind to reduce feelings of stress. It is one of the highest quality independently produced pregnancy fitness DVDs released to date.

Here are some of the rave reviews this DVD has received: “I’ve never tried Tai Chi before, but I do adore yoga. I’m looking for some variety in my pregnancy workouts and figured I’d go ahead and take the plunge and buy this DVD. My goodness! Was I surprised! About 1/4 of the way through it, I noticed my heart rate was actually up and I was developing a light sweat! Could this be possible? It is! I used to run and do lots of aerobics and I knew what a “light sweat” was like after doing yoga, but this “light sweat” was different. I could actually feel as though toxins were leaving my body.”

Another pregnant mom wrote: “I have only good things to say about this great DVD. So many women take pregnancy as a green light to eat 5 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches a day and just decide to “work it all off later”. I am here to tell you that the “later” takes years. I decided to give this DVD a try. Not only did I have increased energy, but I felt great! The instruction is clear and the exercises are easy to follow. I always felt great after the work out. The meditation in the DVD was very helpful.”

What a wonderful way to assist expectant moms by producing a DVD that not only calms and relaxes, but yields positive and long last results.

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Back pain is one of the most common pregnancy discomforts. With the extra weight that we carry, our sense of balance is thrown off. We also carry more weight out front with heavy breasts and a growing belly, causing pain. If you are an expectant mother and your back is killing you, here are some ways to find relief.

Your center of gravity will shift as the pregnancy progresses. When standing from the seated position rise slowly. Any quick movements could make you lose your balance and fall. Prop your feet up on a low stool when you sit down.

Exercise relieves back pain. Ask your doctor which exercises are allowed during each trimester of the pregnancy. Walking is the safest way to keep your back healthy. Maintain proper posture when walking to avoid further back aches.

Pelvic tilt exercises stretch the back out and feel fabulous! Kneel on the floor on the hands and knees. Arch your back and tighten your abdominal muscles. Hold for a count of five. Slowly bring your back to the starting position. Be consistent with the exercises to relieve pain, do these 3 times a day or more if you like.

Pilates is an especially good exercise for pregnant women. It can help prevent or treat back pain. There are plenty of DVDs with pilates exercise programs for pregnancy.

Lie down, but not flat to find relief from back pain. Place a pillow under the knees and another under your head. Or you can also lie flat on the floor with your feet propped up on a chair covered with a pillow. If you are not comfortable on your back due to the added weight of the baby, lie on your side. Use a body pillow to support your growing belly and a regular pillow between your knees. Curl forward in the fetal position to stretch the muscles of the back and the vertebrae.

Make an appointment at a spa. Some spas offer massage therapy for pregnant women. The treatments are relaxing and go a long way to relieve lower back pains. Check with your doctor to be sure that a massage is safe for you.

Use a heating pad or a hot water bottle. Warmth on a sore muscle can help to relieve the pain. Afterwards, have another person rub the warmed area to massage the muscle.  This could go a long way to relieving the pain if done when it first starts.

If the pain is really bad, ask your doctor or midwife about over the counter pain relievers, how much to take and how often it can be taken. Avoid ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and other pain relievers while you are pregnant.

Back pain is a hard thing to ignore. During pregnancy, it is just one more thing that you don’t want to have to deal with. Taking simple measures to relieve the pain when it first starts will keep it from getting any worse.

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