Category: Pregnancy Related Issues

Congratulations! You are in the third trimester of pregnancy. Although only a few weeks to go for the delivery; this part of your pregnancy is said to be the most challenging.

Here are some of the most common discomforts faced by women in the third trimester of pregnancy along with the solutions:

Hot Flashes

It is not uncommon for women to feel hot during the third trimester. Excess sweating can disturb your sleep. The body temperature will return to normal after the baby is born. The problem arises due to dilated blood vessels, increased metabolic rate, the body temperature of the baby, and fluctuating hormones.

Solution: Have a lot of cold water. Staying hydrated is important. You may turn on fans and air conditioning.

Insomnia

This is one of the most common problems women face during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. Most women are known to experience disturbed sleep during pregnancy. This is due to the difficulty they face while sleeping. Some of the major causes include a backache, discomfort, nocturnal fetal movement, snoring, increased urge to urinate, heartburn, anxiety, etc.

Solution: Stop the intake of caffeine completely. Get soothing yet very gentle feet massages.

Poor Memory

Don’t worry. This is just momentary. You may misplace your house keys, bag, sunglasses, and many other things too. Many women face this problem through their third trimester. This may be due to lack of quality sleep (owing to changes the body goes through).

Solution: Get plenty of rest. Try to take some time off work if it is causing you stress. Writing things down will let you keep close track of various tasks and crucial dates.

A backache

So you feel achy and sore. Don’t worry. This will ease once you deliver the baby. The additional body weight is putting a lot of pressure on the back. Feeling discomfort in hips and pelvis is also common because your ligaments go loose as they prepare for labor.

Solution: Make sure you practice good posture. Sit straight. You may use some pillows to keep back straight and ease the pressure. Sleeping on the side will help. Tuck a pillow between your legs. You may also use a heating pad to get relief from ache. Prenatal yoga is also a good way to ease muscles and reduce a backache.

Vaginal Discharge

Although this is common during pregnancy, you might observe more of it after hitting the third trimester. A thick, clear, slightly bloody discharge is also common right before delivery. Don’t worry, this is the mucus plug. It indicates that your cervix has started to dilate in labor preparation. A sudden rush of fluid is an indication that water has broken.

Solution: Call your doc if your water breaks.

Heartburn and Constipation

The third trimester is also about an extra production of the progesterone, the hormone that eases some specific set of muscles such as muscles in esophagus responsible for keeping food and acids down inside the stomach. Progesterone also relaxes muscles that move digested food through intestines.

Solution: Focus on eating frequent, smaller meals throughout the day. Go easy on spicy, greasy, and acidic foods (even if you crave for them). Increasing fiber intake will help you with constipation. Also, have lots of healthy fluids (avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks).

Leg Cramps and spasms

Leg cramps and spasms can be extremely awful during the third trimester, causing severe pain in the middle of the night. This can be due to muscle fatigue and may be decreased minerals and electrolytes.

Solution: Legs massage can help in improving blood circulation and thus the relief. Also, walking is another good way to increase blood flow. To alleviate cramps, stretching of calf muscles really helps. Besides, consume enough of minerals such as potassium to fulfill the body requirements.

Leg cramps are quite common during pregnancy. Most women experience it in the third trimester. Reports reveal that nearly half of all pregnant women suffer from muscle spasms especially in their legs. These women have also reported that cramping becomes more frequent during the evening.

One of the major causes is excess weight gained by women during this period. The legs carry all of this weight and this overburden cause spasms/cramps. Additionally, changes in body circulation also cause this issue. Other common reasons include pressure from the growing baby that gets placed on the nerves and blood vessels traveling to legs. Growing uterus also adds to the pressure on veins in the leg. Pregnancy hormones and nutrition deficiency are some other reasons.

Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to get relief from leg cramps. Here are 7 effective remedies for leg cramps during pregnancy:

1. Warm water bath

Go for a warm water bath with Epsom salt. This is one of the best ways to ease leg pain effectively. It will relax you and reduces stress levels. At the same time, this bath will also relieve the tension in your muscles.

2. Cold Pack

Wrap some ice cubes taken straight from the refrigerator and apply on affected areas. You may also use an ice pack and apply it on cramped muscle.

3. Get Some ME Time

Are you getting enough ME time? If no, then try to indulge in activities that take away your stress. Read a book or explore creative hobbies. Go for a movie, shopping, gardening, or do anything that keeps you happy.

4. Massage and Stretch

Massaging your calf gently will help. Ask your partner or a professional to give you a soothing massage. Flexing your foot will also give relief. Lift your toes up and push your heel out. Do not point your toe. This can exacerbate cramping and even make it worse. Stand on a hard floor and lift toes to stretch calf muscle will relieve cramping. Make sure you hold onto something for balance.

5. Increase Water Intake

Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Studies have revealed that lack of sodium leads to serious muscle contractions.

6. Apply Heat

Yes, application of local heat will help. Place heated water bags, gel packs or towel dipped into hot water and then squeezed.

7. Practice Yoga

Certain yoga poses are said to help during pregnancy cramps. Try out the hip rotation pose in the second trimester. The modified standing squat pose also helps. These are meant for strengthening muscles and lower body. Make sure you take help of a professional.

Giving birth to a baby is a beautiful experience. However, delivery of baby results in several physical and emotional changes. Here are some of the most common postpartum body problems and ways to deal with them:

1. Perineal Pain

Pain in the perineum (region between the vagina and the rectum) is also common. You should consult the doctor to avoid serious complications. Using a soft cushion to sit on will help ease any discomfort.

2. Breast Engorgement

The breast milk increases anywhere between second to the fifth day, post-baby. This will make you feel sensations in your breasts. In many cases, the breast will get full of milk. It might become very hard like a rock and painful. This stage is referred to as engorgement. You can avoid this by feeding your baby in shorter intervals. You may even express milk with a pump until demand supply gets evened out. Using hot towels or ice packs can also help soothe engorged breasts.

3. Sore Nipples

Breastfeeding and constant milk supply will lead to soreness in nipples. This is very common and usually gets resolved within a few days after delivery. Doctors may suggest you apply a nipple cream to soothe the area.

4. Uterus Infection

Sometimes, fragments of the placenta remain in the uterus. Some symptoms include increased heart rate, mild fever, uterus swelling, and even intense lower abdomen pain and uterine discharge. Doctors treat this with antibiotics.

5. Postpartum Depression

Mothers tend to feel overwhelmed with responsibilities and handling a little delicate thing. Anxiety, grief, and feelings of anger are signs of postpartum depression. Most common with first-time mothers, it is possible to get rid of it with the support of your partner, a household help, and family members. Joining a support group or counseling sessions will also help.

6. Hair Loss

A reduced hormonal balance will result in hair loss. Don’t worry. This will reduce with time. All you need to do is have a protein-rich diet to keep your hair healthy.

7. Vaginal Discharge

After delivery, many women experience vaginal discharge (lochia) for a few weeks. This contains uterine blood and tissue. You should keep from strenuous physical exertions. Give ample rest to your body. Allow it to heal.

8. Vaginal bleeding

The bleeding will slow down towards the end of two weeks. After this period, the bleeding will get lighter and may continue up to 6 weeks. Make sure you change pads every four hours or earlier to avoid infection. Any recurrent heavy bleeding or clotting (with or without the foul smell) must be immediately reported to doctor.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are known to be the most common bacterial infection among adult women. The chances of developing these complications increase during pregnancy and after delivery. Most women wonder about safer yet effective ways to prevent and treat UTI during pregnancy.

Medical experts suggest quick treatment of infection to minimize the chances of any serious complications. When left untreated, the infection can result in kidney infections and even death in some rare cases.

What is UTI?

A urinary tract infection occurs once bacteria enter through the urethra. Bacteria are usually removed by urination. However, under certain circumstances, can result in an increased risk of contracting a UTI. These circumstances include pregnancy, sexual intercourse, obstruction in urination, and virulent nature of a certain type of bacteria.

Understanding Symptoms

Although some women with UTIs remain asymptomatic, there are certain common symptoms that get reported to medical experts. These include:

• High fever
• 2. Pain in the lower back
• 3. Vomiting
• 4. Shaking chills
• 5. Burning sensation while urinating
• 6. Increased frequency of urination (urge to urinate increases)

Diagnose

The diagnosis of UTI during pregnancy is not a complicated process. The doctor will collect a urine sample. It will be tested wherein the doctor will examine the presence of excess bacteria in the urine.

Prevention of UTI during Pregnancy

Let it go – It is important to empty your bladder frequently. This is especially crucial before and after having sex.

Cranberry Juice

According to some reports and evidence, daily consumption of cranberry juice (pure) with no added sugar may help prevent UTIs. The juice contains powerful infection-fighting property. However, avoid intake of this juice if you are under blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, as it may result in bleeding.

Let the Area Breathe

Cotton underwear is always the best option. It will prevent and even treat the UTI. The practice will help keep the area cleaner, airier and less itchy. Avoid wearing tight clothes as well.

Douching is a No-No

Avoid douching. Do not use any feminine sprays or perfumes

Water – Stay hydrated. You should have plenty of fresh and clean drinking water throughout the day. Avoid drinking alcohol, soft drinks, and caffeine.

No Detergents – Strictly avoid using any harsh soaps or body wash in the genital area.

Treating A UTI during Pregnancy

Unfortunately, natural treatments for UTIs do not work well. In some cases, the UTI may take care of itself but you must let the doctor decide this. Pregnancy warrants immediate attention especially if you are suspecting a urinary tract infection.

Healthcare providers usually prescribe the following treatment courses:

Antibiotics

Doctors usually prescribe a course of antibiotics for the treatment of urinary tract infections during pregnancy. Make sure you have only the ones prescribed by your gynecologist. Antibiotics are very effective in killing off bacteria inside your body.

IV

If you are diagnosed with, UTI that has progressed to a kidney infection, the doctor might prescribe a stronger antibiotic. In some cases, you may even get an intravenous (IV) version administered for effective treatment.

Pregnancy is one of the happiest phases in a woman’s life. Unfortunately, it comes with some side effects and problems. Swollen feet are one of the common discomforts faced by women during their pregnancy. Also referred to as edema, it is a condition where excess fluid accumulates in the tissues of the body. This can be painful too.

Here are 8 home remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy:

1. Take Diet High Potassium

This remedy helps you to minimize swelling. Potassium is very effective in maintaining the electrolyte level in the body. It also prevents water from accumulating. Bananas are high in potassium. Having a banana a day will help you.

2. Dandelion Tea

This is a miracle tea for pregnant ladies suffering from swollen feet during pregnancy. Dandelion tea balances electrolytes within the body and enhances circulation too. Simply boil a few dandelions with water and consume the concoction thrice daily.

3. Keep Your Feet Elevated

Doctors usually recommend their patients to keep feet in an elevated position through the day to get rid of swelling and pain. This is very helpful in maintaining a proper blood circulation within the body. It prevents any pooling of fluids within the foot.

4. Try Apple  Cider Vinegar

If you like the taste of vinegar, then ACV will serve the purpose. You need to add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a cup of water. Drink this mixture twice daily. Being loaded with potassium ACV is very helpful in balancing electrolytes in the body.

5. Arnica Oil Massage

Get a relaxing foot massage. Use arnica oil as it helps to relieve sore, aching joints and muscles. You may ask your spouse, friend or a masseuse to massage your feet with this oil.

6. Cucumber Packs

This is easy and very relaxing. Place cool slices of cucumber on your feet. You need to cover your entire feet with the slice. Cucumber slices will pull out excess toxins and water. You may also chew on a few slices daily to keep your body hydrated.

7. Increase Water Intake

In most cases, swollen feet result from the accumulation of fluids in the body. Many women think that drinking more water can lead to water retention. However, the truth is just the opposite. Keeping your body well hydrated will help the body flush out excess toxins and fluid within.

8. Saline Water Soak

This is very relaxing. Simply dip your feet in the salty lukewarm water. The home remedy is widely recommended by the older experienced women and midwives. Boil some water and mix in a handful of salt. Once lukewarm, place the feet in a tub and allow your feet to be immersed in it unless water turns cold. The remedy helps by pulling out excess fluids residing in the tissues.

EndNote – Swollen feet during pregnancy is a common issue. Women may find this very annoying due to the discomfort and pain that tags along with it. Following some tried and tested home remedies as stated above can help. For severe issues followed fever and other complications, it is important to call the doctor.

 

The second trimester is usually the best period of pregnancy. Women tend to feel their best after a struggling period of the initial three months. The first few months are difficult with most women feeling nauseated, pukish, weak and sleepy. The risk of miscarriage decreases significantly during the second trimester of pregnancy. Skin quality gets better and hair growth improves. People will start complimenting the pregnancy glow on your face.

Your body goes through several notable changes during this trimester. Here is what you need to know about the second trimester of pregnancy:

Your Baby Kicks!

By the fourth month of pregnancy, you may be able to feel the first movements of your baby. You must cherish these precious moments. Although these might feel like gas during the fourth month, the entry into the fifth month will make the movements clearer and more forceful.

Cravings and your Body Weight will Increase

Since the morning sickness goes away, the appetite will return. So you will get some bizarre and interesting pregnancy cravings as your baby grows. This will make you gain more weight during the next few weeks. So enjoy and indulge in your favorite yet healthy food. Eating smaller meals throughout the day is the best way to maintain healthy body weight. Continue walking and moving around.

The Baby Eats What You Eat!!

Your little munchkin gets affected by whatever you eat. Apart from getting the nutrients from whatever you eat, this baby will also swallow a part of amniotic fluid daily to stay hydrated, get nutrition, and practice swallowing. The little one’s tiny taste buds develop during the second trimester. Some babies also respond to hot food with hiccups! So if you wish to make your child eat healthy later, start munching on many veggies.

Feel Energized

The entry into the second trimester will make you feel more energetic. Thanks to the increase in hormone levels! Since your baby has successfully passed the crucial phase of early development, the natural strength of your body starts leveling out. You just need to enjoy this phase and make the most of it.

The Baby can hear you

A lot of surprising developments are taking place inside your body. The baby is growing. Tiny bones that form ears start growing and the little one can hear things, you and your partner keep murmuring to your belly. Hearing development will also make the baby listen to a constant soundtrack of your heartbeat. He/she will also hear the sounds of blood circulating within, the rumbling tummy and much more. By week 27, the baby recognizes your voice too!

Skin Changes

You will observe significant changes in your skin during this phase of pregnancy. With the bump getting bigger and bigger, the skin is in a stretching mode, which leads to faint stretch marks showing up on your body. Make sure you keep the body hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids and moisturizing it well. You will also note that your face looks more beautiful and glowing.

To Sum Up – The second trimester of pregnancy will be easier and more comfortable when you know what to expect. Several changes take place in your body and that of babies. Enjoy this period and I look forward to a happy delivery!

 Pregnancy is beautiful. It is the best feeling in the world. But it is not always an easy road to travel. The path downright can be itchy. Most pregnant women tend to develop a yeast infection in their second trimester due to chemical imbalances in vaginal environments. One of the major symptoms of the same is an odorless “cottage cheesy” discharge from the vagina. This is very uncomfortable because of the itchiness it causes around vaginal lips. Some women may also experience a burning sensation while urinating or during sex. This is totally normal and treatable.

There are a number of home remedies for yeast infections during pregnancy. You can try out during pregnancy. Here are a few safe treatments you can try out at home:

1. Include Yogurt in your Diet

Yeast infections during pregnancy occur when “bad bacteria” go wild. So introducing good bacteria will help you win over this microscopic combat in the lower region. Yogurt is rich in Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium found in healthy vaginas. So, consuming a good amount of yogurt will help you get relief faster.

2. Garlic as a Topical Treatment

Garlic has several medicinal properties that have been revered for ages. The natural antifungal properties are very powerful and can kill off the yeast. Although increasing garlic intake in your diet can work, inserting a fresh clove of garlic straight into the vagina will work better and faster. Peel the clove and insert it. You might face a little problem taking it out but some practice will make it easier. Tying a string around the clove will ensure easy removal.

3. Apply Natural Yogurt

As already mentioned, natural, unsweetened, non-flavored yogurt is a powerhouse of probiotics (good bacteria). These are healthy and contribute to restoring the balance of yeast and bacteria in the body. Apart from eating yogurt, you can apply it to the vulva around the vagina. This will relieve itching and remove the infection too. You may even insert yogurt into the vagina. Dip a tampon into some fresh yogurt and insert it into the vagina. The treatment can be repeated every 5-8 hours until relief.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Soak

Vinegar contains medicinal uses which also help beat the infection. Add a half cup of apple cider vinegar into a lukewarm bathtub. Now soak for around twenty minutes and allow an acidic component of vinegar to eliminate harmful microorganisms.

5. Add Ample of Vitamin C to your Diet

A powerful immune booster, vitamin C helps the body bring back to balance by enhancing the system. Also referred to as ascorbic acid, the vitamin possesses antimicrobial components. Hence, it can kill the overgrowths of candida. Increasing vitamin C intake such as oranges, lemon water, tangerine, etc. in your diet will help beat this infection.

6. Coconut oil

Loaded with antifungal properties, coconut oil can effectively treat yeast infections. Apply pure, organic coconut oil to the affected area for assured relief.

In a Nutshell

Yeast infection is common among pregnant women. Most of it occurs due to chemical imbalances in the vaginal area. Home remedies for yeast infections during pregnancy are very helpful in relieving discomfort, itching, and removing the infection.

Although not very common, many women face nosebleeds during pregnancy. Blood starts oozing out of nose unexpectedly. However, these are normal and harmless. You do not need to worry much about it.

Pregnancy results in increase in blood volume in the body. These forces tender mucous membranes of the nasal region to make veins swell, increasing the chances of nosebleed. Another cause is cold. Hence, there is no need to get shocked if you get one while feeling under the weather. Hypertension also causes nosebleeds.

Although nosebleeds are normal and harmless during pregnancy, you must visit a doctor if you get them frequently. Additionally, you must consult a doctor if it does not stop even after applying ice and pressure.

Dealing with Nosebleeds during Pregnancy

Here are some safe ways you can deal with nosebleeds during pregnancy:

1. Be in an Elevated Position

Do not panic. Just sit down and lean forward. Lying down or tilting head can make you swallow blood. Make sure your head is at a level higher than the heart.

2. Apply Pressure

Applying pressure to nose will help stop nosebleeds. Using your thumb and index finger, firmly pinch the nose. Target the softer, lower portion of your the nose (right above your nostrils). You need to pinch the nose for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This is the time when blood clots naturally.

3. Breathe Well

Start breathing through your mouth. This will give you instant relief. Now squeeze your nostrils for around 10-15 minutes. This will allow the blood to drain down your nose instead of the throat.

4. Prevent Further Bleeding

Sit down on a chair or stand upright. This will lower the blood pressure in the nasal cavities, which prevents further bleeding.

5. Apply Ice Pack

Apply an ice pack over the bridge of nose. You may also place a pack of frozen peas over the region to get relief.

You can prevent recurrence of a nosebleed within the next 24 hours by following the tips mentioned below:

– Avoid lying down flat

– Do not pick your nose

– Avoid blowing your nose

– Strictly refrain from lifting anything heavy. You must follow this rule throughout your pregnancy even if you do not suffer from nosebleeds.

– Avoid strenuous exercise. Only walks and light yoga asana are allowed under the guidance of an instructor.

– Do not consume hot beverages.

– Alcohol is dangerous under such situations (and during your entire pregnancy). It causes dilation of tender blood vessels inside the nose.

– Drink plenty of water, juices, and other fluids. This helps keep your mucous membranes hydrated.

– Sneeze with open mouth. This helps distribution of pressure of sneeze evenly instead of directing all of it into your nose.

– Install a humidifier in your house. This is very helpful during winter season.

– Using a lubricant is also recommended as it prevents dryness inside the nose. You can use petroleum jelly. Water-based lubricants are also available for the same at pharmacies.

End Note – Although nosebleed is a harmless condition, there are certain instances, which may warrant immediate medical assistance. Use the above-mentioned ways to deal with nosebleeds during pregnancy and feel the relief instantly!

Once pregnant, women have generally advised a list of a specific set of dos and don’ts by everyone. Interestingly, many of these are simply pregnancy myths.

Here are 10 myths that you never knew and enjoy happy pregnancy:

Myth 1: Really Sick? You may have Twins

Debunked – If you are feeling sick more than usual, it does NOT indicate a possibility of having twins. Sometimes it may be due to higher levels of hormone HCG.

Myth 2: Pregnant Women should NOT have Seafood

Debunked – Eating fish in good quantity is very good for pregnant women. Seafood is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Having fish low in mercury levels during pregnancy will produce smarter babies. Studies reveal that mothers who ate at least 12 ounces of seafood in a week while expecting had babies with higher verbal IQ. These babies also showed superior social, better motor skills, and communication skills.

Myth 3: Belly Position Determines Baby’s Gender:

Debunked – The old wives’ tale is not true. Baby’s gender has nothing to do with belly positions. Each woman is different and carries her baby differently. Gender of the baby has nothing to do with it.

Myth 4: You are Moodier than Normal for a Reason

Debunked – If you are moodier than normal, it is not because you are pregnant with a girl. This might be excess stress or hormones playing crazy. Meditate and let your doctor know about it.

Myth 5 – It is Ok to Have a drink

 Debunked – Abstaining from alcohol is a personal choice. However, studies state that drinking during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Hence, it is advised that pregnant woman should completely abstain from alcohol.

Myth 6: Low Heartbeat indicates it is a Boy!

Debunked – NO! All claims that a baby’s heartbeat lower than 140 beats per minute makes it a boy are false. The doctor will let you know the real reason.

Myth 7: You are eating for two!

 Debunked – The excess cravings and trips to refrigerators at night are not because you need to eat for two. Pregnant women only need 300 extra calories in a day. So make sure you do not gain more than 25 to 35 pounds.

Myth 8: Heartburn Means the Baby has MORE Hair on Scalp!

Debunked – The hair growth of a newborn baby depends a lot on the genetic make-up of the child, and not related in any way, to heartburn the mother suffers during pregnancy. The growing weight of the fetus often leads to pushing the digestive apparatus upwards towards the cardiac sphincter, leading to acid formation. This is the reason for hyperacidity and not baby hair. Suffice it to say, many women with terrific heartburns have given birth to hairless babies, and many women with nay heartburn have had children with heavy hairs on their heads.

Myth 9 – certain types of Foods affect Baby’s complexion

Debunked – This is NOT true. There is no science to support this baseless claim. The older and ‘wiser’ women around you will push you to drink a lot of coconut water or milk dipped in saffron overnight to have a fair baby. However, only the genes play a vital role in determining the baby’s complexion. Some may even warn you against having iron supplements as they may make baby’s skin dark. However, food or medications do not have any effect on the complexion of the baby.

Myth 10 – Stress is bad for the Fetus

Debunked – Latest research has revealed that a moderate level of stress does not do any harm to the baby. In fact, it is actually good for the fetus! It will tone the nervous system of the feature and speed up its development. Women who have experienced moderate stress during pregnancy have been reported of having 2 weeks old infants with their brains working at a faster speed than those whose mothers did not take any stress. In another study, the 2-year old toddlers born from mothers who took moderate stress were found to have a higher motor and mental development scores.

EndNote – It is very common for moms-to-be to fall prey to these silly myths. These should not be paid heed to. Expectant mothers are advised not to give in to temptations of tackling pregnancy myths and consult their doc for right guidance.

Pregnancy is one of the most crucial times in a woman’s life. One requires a good amount of care during this period to ensure a safe delivery. In addition, the health and habits of a mother play the vital role in determining the well-being of the fetus.

 You need to avoid 9 bad habits during pregnancy and ensure healthy delivery:

1. Eating Junk Food

Stay away from junk food. The cravings during pregnancy may make this seem impossible but you must learn to resist. These are high in sugar and bad fats. Stick to healthy foods such as fruits, milk, nuts, and food cooked in healthy fats.

2. Smoking

If you are pregnant or a nursing mom, then quit smoking. Smoking is harmful to the fetus. It also cuts down the milk supply. In addition, the little one can get a fair dose of nicotine through breast milk. This will lead to problems like colic, nausea, diarrhea, etc.

3. Drinking Alcohol

Give up on drinks if you are a regular alcohol taker. Although consuming one glass of wine or less a day while pregnant does not harm the baby, it might take longer for the alcohol to pass completely through the body. Moreover, alcohol staying inside the body for so long is definitely harmful when expecting a baby.

4. Being Awake Late

Sleep is very important during pregnancy. Women tend to feel extra sleepy all the time. They feel the need to take a nap more often while pregnant. Listen to your body’s signals and do not restrict yourself. Do as it says. Resting more often and taking occasional naps will leave you feeling more happy, refreshed, and more energized.

5. Having Too Much Caffeine

Make sure you are having just one cup of coffee a day. Having many caffeinated drinks can lead to a cranky child.

6. Excessive Weight Control

Are you restricting from gaining weight? Well, this is definitely not the time to deter yourself from gaining weight. If you gaining too little weight while expecting a baby, you are increasing the risk of having an obese or overweight child.

7. Skipping Meals

Do you skip breakfast, lunch or dinner? This is not a good habit to follow during pregnancy. Pregnant women require additional 300-500 calories per day. Avoiding this can affect the growth of the fetus and even interfere with milk supply.

8. Not Taking Care of your Body Weight

Gaining excess weight during pregnancy may be a problem. This may affect long-term energy balance mechanisms such as appetite control (in their progenies). A study published in PLoS Medicine supported this claim. It is found that 39.4% of children born to women who gained more than 40 pounds to were obese.

9. Avoiding Sunshine

Do you fear harmful rays of the sun causing damage to your skin? Avoiding the sun completely is not a solution. Applying SPF is! According to NIH study for women experiencing pregnancy loss and trying to conceive, those having ample levels of vitamin D are more likely to conceive and have a live birth than those who got insufficient levels of the vitamin.

EndNote – Having a healthy lifestyle is important for pregnant women. This will ensure smooth progress towards a healthy, problem-free delivery. Avoid these 9 bad habits during pregnancy and have a healthy baby.

Pregnancy has its own share of health issues such as aches, heartburn, etc., that woman wishes to get rid of naturally. If you are pregnant and worried about constant heartburn, then focus on following 9 home remedies to treat heartburn during pregnancy:

1. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

All you need to do is mix a teaspoon vinegar (building your way up to 1 tablespoon) with approximately 8 ounces water. Also, sip throughout the day and an hour before meals.

Raw vinegar is definitely causing low stomach acid actually leads to heartburn. Hence, this increases these acids, resulting in relief. The vinegar is raw and unpasteurized.

2. Honey and Fresh Milk

Simply drink the mixture of some honey into a cup of warm milk and you will notice a clear improvement in insomnia and decrease in heartburn. Honey helps to improve the digestive system. It also reduces fatigue among women. These ingredients will support the development of the fetus, normalizes high blood pressure, prevent anemia, etc.

3. Fennel Seed

All you need to do is add 2 tsp. of fennel seeds into a cup of boiling water. Prepare tea by letting the mixture to steep for around 10 minutes. Now strain the tea, sweeten it, and drink. The fennel seed drink is very helpful and one of the best home remedies to treat heartburn during pregnancy.

4. Keep Head and Chest Elevated at Night

This is definitely a very helpful step in preventing acidic reflux. The pregnant women must sleep with a pillow and that too their own pillow. Once you raise the upper body, you are actually keeping acid of the stomach away from reflux.

5. Coconut Water

Choose the natural unsweetened version, which is high in electrolytes and necessary alkaline minerals like potassium. This promotes pH balance of the body and acts as a great natural acid neutralizer. So, make sure you have a lot of coconut water while expecting a baby.

6. Peppermint

You may either suck on peppermints or have peppermint tea. This will ease heartburn effectively. Most women find peppermint lozenges very helpful in treating the condition.

7. Raw Almonds

These crunchy little treats will help you get rid of heartburn. Since these are high in oil content, consuming raw will soothe and neutralize acids in the stomach. You may even try pre-soaked almonds.

8. Ginger Tea

Ginger is a great ingredient for relieving heartburn. Simply grate ½ – 1 Tsp. ginger. Add it into 8 ounces of hot water for preparing tea, thereafter, steep for around 10 minutes.

Make sure you use in moderation. Ginger is known to lead to contractions, especially when used too frequently or in very high doses.

9. Fresh Lemon

You can have it in water. It is important to squeeze around 1-2 fresh lemons and add to 8 ounces of water. You may sweeten the mixture by adding stevia or raw honey.

Stay away from the type of foods that can cause heartburn during pregnancy. Just in case you experience heartburn, follow the above-mentioned 9 home remedies to treat heartburn during pregnancy and enjoy a healthier gestation period.

Every pregnant woman experiences some kind of discomfort during her pregnancy. Some are lucky and will only have to deal with mild morning sickness, blood pressure issues, water retention, etc. While there are those, who deal with severe backache issues and ignore them. However, backache during pregnancy deserves attention to sail through the pregnancy peacefully.

Here are, best tips to deal with backache during pregnancy:

1. The first key is practicing the right posture

As your baby would grow, your center of gravity would also shift forward. To avoid falling forward, you need to keep in mind that you need to lean back – which can strain the muscles in your lower back and contribute to severe back pain during pregnancy. To avoid this issue, you need to keep these principles of good posture in your mind:

• Stand up straight and tall
• Keep your chest held high
• Keep your shoulders back and always relaxed
• Never lock your knees
• If you need to stand for long intervals of time, always rest one foot on a low step stool and take time for frequent breaks to walk and relax.

2. The second key is using the right gear i.e. shoe support

This is one of the most important home remedies, as right footgear is very much needed during pregnancy.  Always prefer wearing low-heeled – not flat – shoes that offer good arch support to your foot. One must definitely avoid high heels, which can further shift your balance and cause you to fall. One can also research about the good effects of a maternity support belt and wear it if felt necessary at home while walking or doing household chores. It offers additional support and allows you to walk comfortably.

3. The third key is lifting properly

Whenever you are lifting an object, make sure that you squat down and lift it with your hands rather than bending your waist or lifting with your back. Ask for help if you need while lifting and make sure that you know your limits of bending down while you are pregnant.

4. The fourth key is sleeping on your side

Always sleep on your side and not your back. One should consider using pregnancy pillows between your bent knees, under your abdomen and behind your back.

5. The final key is stretching in your everyday routine

Simple stretching exercises can go a long way in providing you relief from the back pain problem. These are extremely simple to follow. Get started with standing on the floor and then swinging the arms behind the back. Follow this by simply joining the palms and then stretching the body upwards. This will help you relief from the back pain. Another simple stretching exercise needs you to take both your hands behind your back and follow a set of 50 reps every day to keep backache away.

The most critical thing to do is remain cautious, as back pain can worsen if neglected. Follow the above home remedies in your daily routine to avoid a backache during pregnancy. These would also help you remain active and maintain the proper posture throughout your pregnancy.