Two Usual Health Problems During Pregnancy & Their Solutions
Now you are carrying your baby. Congratulations!
There are some women who experience a number of health problems during their pregnancy. You will read them along with the solutions in three parts of articles. Enjoy the reading!
1. Constipation
The major reason for constipation during pregnancy is the hormonal changes, which slows down the digestion of food by slowing down the movement of intestines.
Progesterone, the major hormone of pregnancy, is maintained at a high level throughout the pregnancy. This hormone is a muscle relaxant. Consequently, it slows down (or relaxes) the bowel (which is actually made of muscles) movements as well so the food that you eat moves slowly and waste accumulate in your body. Increasing amount of pressure from growing uterus on rectum also causes constipation. Iron supplements too add to constipation.
Solutions
• Take a diet rich in fiber. Fiber remains undigested and absorbs water, both leading to increase in bulk of feces. Consequently, there is a push on intestines to work more. Fiber rich food include vegetables (celery, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cucumber, cabbage, tomato, pea, turnip, carrots, radishes); fruits (like orange, apples, pears, prunes); breakfast cereals; whole wheat bread.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids make feces soft, preventing constipation.
• Moderate exercises like walking and swimming also stimulates the bowel movement.
2. Heartburn
Many women get heartburn during pregnancy. Although it is harmless, it can be painful and scary. You experience a burning sensation extending from base of your breastbone towards your throat.
Heartburn occurs during pregnancy because of increased progesterone levels, which has a relaxing action on muscles. Consequently, it relaxes the valve separating stomach from esophagus (food pipe) as well so that the acids in your stomach seep backward into your esophagus. During later pregnancy, as the size of your baby increases, it occupies most of the space in abdominal cavity, pushing the stomach. This also leads to heartburns.
Solutions
• Do not take foodstuffs that cause gastric discomforts, e.g., carbonated beverages; caffeine; acidic foods (citrus fruits, vinegar and tomato); spicy and highly seasoned food; chocolate; processed meats; fried or fatty foods.
• Do not take large amounts of fluids with meals. Instead, take them in between your meals.
• Avoid taking big meals. Eat small amounts but frequently (every 2 – 3 hours). Eat slowly, chewing the food properly.
• Avoid eating anything at least 3 hours before you sleep.
• Avoid bending your waist and instead bend your knees.
• Try sleeping in propped up position, resting on several pillows so that your head is elevated.
• Get yourself an anta acid, after consultation to your doctor.
