Perhaps the idea of beating the discomforts of pregnancy by choosing a healthy pregnancy diet does not seem realistic to some. Yet, medical studies and statistics indicate otherwise. Women who seem to sail gracefully through pregnancy with only the minimal complaints all seem to share the same secret: they know what to eat when pregnant and specific things to avoid when pregnant to enhance their comfort.
Swelling during Pregnancy
Swelling, water retention, edema, “cankles”– it doesn’t really matter what name you put on it–the alarming increase in the size of fingers and ankles can cause a great deal of discomfort for some woman. Some women sarcastically report that the notion of being “barefoot and pregnant” had its genesis from women being unable to cram their poor swollen feet into a single pair of shoes.
A healthy pregnancy diet goes a long way in keeping swelling at bay. Pay close attention to water and salt consumption. Insufficient intake of both water and salt signals the body to hold onto every drop of moisture it can find. This results in fluid storage in tissues as the cause of swelling.
Swelling can also be caused by an over-engagement in activities that should either be avoided or reduced during pregnancy. Exercise is important, but pregnancy is most compatible with lower impact exercises like yoga, lightweight training, swimming and brisk walks.
Rampant Pregnancy Cravings
The idea of crazy pregnancy cravings goes hand in hand with gestation, but doesn’t have to. Most often, an uncontrollable craving is a signal that expectant mothers are missing something from their diet. Women who eat a well-balanced healthy pregnancy diet find that cravings disappear and never return.
Don’t Let Nausea Damper the First Trimester
Pregnancy, especially during those first few weeks can be bittersweet. Of course, moms are excited to learn that a baby is on its way, but the constant feelings of a sick tummy can but a damper on the celebration.
Bringing certain foods to the plate in greater amounts helps to control blood sugar and vitamin levels, which are known triggers of morning sickness. Protein should be eaten with every meal and snack. Protein digests slowly and has a leveling effect on insulin and blood sugar levels. This eases morning sickness.
Green, leafy vegetables high in B vitamins can also help. Oddly enough, prenatal vitamins can actually aggravate feelings of nausea. If this seems to be the case, talk to your health care provider and switch to a different brand with lower iron levels for the duration of the first trimester.
A balanced pregnancy diet helps ward off nausea, but more can be done. Getting enough sleep is vital. Moms-to-be might find that their usual seven hours just isn’t enough. Getting to bed earlier or even taking an afternoon power nap can keep nausea under control.
Tags: alarming increase, discomforts of pregnancy, fluid storage, healthy pregnancy, insufficient intake, medical studies, pregnancy exercise, salt consumption, swollen feet, water and salt