Backache - During pregnancy ligaments and muscles are relaxed due the increased production of progesterone that can cause backaches. Increased weight and shift in your center of gravity can produce backaches. To cope with this try activities like walking 1 mile a day, or do safe exercises, (avoid forward bending and upward stretching), and wear flats- no high heels. Constipation - To take care of constipation increase the amount of fiber in your diet. You can do this by eating only whole grain bread, getting more fruits and vegetables, or taking 2 teaspoons of wheat or oat bran with a glass of apple juice every day. You should also drink 6-8 glasses of water and walk a mile a day. Hemorrhoids †They are usually the result of weak connective tissue, or weak vein walls, and insufficient amounts of fiber in your food. Hemorrhoids may be very painful. To avoid them try to increase the amount of fiber in your diet, walk, drink water and use cold witch hazel compresses to relieve pain. Insomnia †This is a very common condition during pregnancy. The increase of body weight and size, and anxiety may be contributing factors. To cope with insomnia use natural remedies like increasing the consumption of foods containing high amounts of vitamin B, or drink a cup of herbal tea with honey and lemon before going to sleep. Some good choices you can try are chamomile, lemon balm, marjoram, and passionflower. Dizziness - This is also common during pregnancy, especially during the second trimester. The enlarged uterus presses on blood vessels and blood pressure drops. To avoid dizziness do not change positions quickly, instead take your time and go slowly. Swelling - Swelling of the hands and feet for some is a result of increased production of estrogen that causes the body to retain fluids. To avoid this remove your rings, avoid salty foods, and do not put children on your lap. Contact your OB-GYN doctor if this condition progresses. Leg cramps †Leg cramps are usually a result of nutritional deficiency and electrolyte imbalances. To help with this condition, increase your calcium and potassium intake by eating foods such as bananas, almonds, grapefruits, sardines, salmon, sesame seeds, yogurt, and cottage cheese. While sitting or sleeping, elevate your legs, do not stand for too long, and walk a mile a day. Morning sickness †This is very common, 50% of pregnant women experienced some degree of nausea and vomiting between six and thirteen weeks of pregnancy. Abnormal vomiting and continued nausea after thirteen weeks is not common. It happens 1 in 200 pregnancies and can result in dehydration, malnutrition and acidosis- this condition should be treated by an OB-GYN doctor. Ginger taken in capsules or in tea form will help eliminate morning sickness. Other good teas for morning sickness are peppermint, catnip, and dandelion. Some sources recommend drinking red raspberry tea. I do not think it is a good idea because red raspberries can increase uterine contraction. You should only take it close to your delivery date. General recommendations for Preconception and Conception: Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, and proteins, drink enough water, move as much as you feel comfortable and have a good night sleep. Take good quality supplements that will give you and your baby adequate vitamins and minerals. It is especially important to have the right supplementation with folic acid. Some doctors recommend 400-800mcg of folic acid a day to avoid neural tube defects. I prefer whole food supplements since only natural supplements (made from fruits, vegetables, some animal products, and contain no chemicals), can give your body easily assimilated pure nutrients. I design individual nutritional programs, which are effective for different conditions and safe to use during pregnancy. Do not eat junk or salty foods or drink coffee. Do not smoke, consume alcohol, or take any over the counter medications. Do not take supplements containing amino-acid phenylalanine, as it can alter brain growth in the fetus. Keep your consumption of vitamin A below 10.000IE. In high doses it can cause birth defects. Do not take any preparation made from shark cartilage because it inhibits the formation of new blood vessels, which is important during pregnancy. Also, do not use an electric blanket. Several experts warn that the electromagnetic field emanating from the electric blanket may increase the risk of miscarriage and developmental problems. Use any stress reduction technique that feels right for you. It may be progressive relaxation, yoga, meditation, or prayer. Most of all, be optimistic! Have Faith in God and enjoy the road. This time in your life is an unforgettable experience.
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