Discomfort and Treatment

It's normal to feel some pain while pregnant. Here are some tips that may help ease those uneasy feelings.

Upset stomach and throwing up

  • Eat five or six small meals a day so that your stomach has food in it most of the time.
  • Eat only foods that you can handle, even if you have a craving.
  • If your body does not want a certain food, don't force it.
  • Some women feel less sick when they wear acupressure bands, which are wristbands that ease seasickness and may help with morning sickness too.
  • Try eating foods made with ginger, like ginger cookies or ginger tea.

Heartburn

  • Stay away from fatty foods and foods that may give you gas.
  • Eat small meals often, rather than large meals less often.
  • Prop yourself up with a pillow instead of lying down flat.
  • Antacids and other heartburn medicine may be helpful, but talk to your doctor first to make sure they are safe to take while pregnant.

Constipation and hemorrhoids

  • Drink at least eight to 12 glasses of water per day
  • Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains and fresh fruit.
  • Work out daily - go for a daily walk or do something just as mild.
  • High-fiber products may be helpful, but talk to your doctor first to make sure that they are safe to take while pregnant.

Backaches

  • Try some mild exercises for your belly and lower back to take away some of the pain.
  • Stand and sit up straight as much as you can.
  • Get more sleep at night and make sure you are resting throughout the day.
  • Get a massage or ask someone to rub your back.
  • Put a heating pad or cold pack on the painful parts of your back.
  • Taking a warm bath before bed may take some of the pain away and help you sleep better.

Swollen legs and feet

  • Try adding a walk to your daily routine, unless your doctor tells you differently.
  • Do not sit or stand for a long time.
  • When sitting, avoid crossing your legs at your knees.
  • Rock or glide in a rocking or rolling chair if you have one.
  • Sit with your feet up.
  • Drink at least eight to 12 glasses of water a day, and more when exercising in warm weather.
  • If you can, swim in a pool that is not too warm.

Trouble sleeping

  • Mild or medium workouts during the day may help you sleep at night. Try not to work out too close to your bedtime.
  • Take a warm bath before bed.
  • Drink some milk or decaffeinated tea.
  • Get a massage or ask someone to rub your back.
  • Play soothing music.
  • Sleep aids may help, but talk to your doctor first to make sure that they are safe to take while pregnant.

[references] Copyright © 2010 LimeHealth

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