Common Problems in the First Trimester
The following are some of the minor ailments that are common in early pregnancy:
Morning Sickness:
About half of pregnant women experience morning sickness. It is most likely to affect those with nutritional deficiencies. Vomiting is the body’s way of eliminating toxins that result from the development of placenta and associated hormones.
SYMPTOMS: Nausea and vomiting, excessive salivation, disinclination to eat and resulting fatigue.
DIET & NUTRITION: Your need for vitamin B6 and B12, folic acid, iron and zinc increases in pregnancy. Nausea is linked with B6 and zinc deficiencies in particular. Brown rice, soup, mashed potatoes, pickles, lemonade, apples, bread, noodles, cakes, juices, mint and crackers are some of the foods that help relieve nausea.
KEY TIPS:
Avoid empty stomach.
Eat small/frequent meals.
Avoid smell and taste of foods that upset you.
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Hyperemesis
Severe vomiting during pregnancy affects one in 100 women.
SYMPTOMS: Inability to keep food down and severe repeated vomiting, dehydration which may lead to depression and a feeling of isolation.
DIET & NUTRITION: Pregnant women need extra zinc and vegetarians often already lack zinc. Zinc-rich foods include ginger, poultry and almonds etc. Magnesium is lost through vomiting so have plenty of nuts and dried apricots. Potassium-rich foods such as bananas, melons and fruit juice are essential after sickness.
KEY TIPS:
Get up slowly and avoid sudden movements.
Have a bed time snack to prevent blood sugar levels dropping at night.
Mouth Problems
Hormonal changes during pregnancy also cause gums to thicken and soften, which may lead to tooth and gum problems.
SYMPTOMS: Inflamed gums are common and can lead to bleeding gums, blisters on the lips, loose or itching teeth and unusual taste sensations.
DIET & NUTRITION: Eat plenty of foods rich in Vitamin C. Also avoid eating large amounts of sugar and starch.
KEY TIPS:
For cold scores, cut fresh lemon balm leaves and apply to the affected area of the lips.
For toothaches, put 1-2 drops of clove oil diluted in almond oil on cotton wool and dab on to the affected tooth.
Have regular dental check-ups.
Threatened Miscarriage
It is thought that one in three pregnancies miscarries. The causes of miscarriage include nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, infection and auto-immune or chromosomal foetal disorder.
SYMPTOMS: Backache, abdominal cramping pains and spots of blood and bleeding.
DIET & NUTRITION: Take multivitamins every day. Also take Vitamin E supplement such as sweet potatoes and green leafy vegetables.
KEY TIPS:
Avoid tea, cold drinks, caffeine and smoking.
Take plenty of rest.
Avoid hot baths.
