Action Plan
Bear in mind the following points:
Eat For Two
It is not more food that you need but more vitamins and minerals as your baby takes what it needs.
Stay Fit
As your energy returns, you may feel like exercising again. But avoid jerky exercise movements or too much bending and lifting. Gentle stretching is preferred to strenuous aerobic exercise.
Common Problems in the Second Trimester
Even though you are feeling better and you may be comfortable about your pregnancy now you may still be affected by the common problems that tend to occur during this trimester.
Heartburn
Up to 80 percent of pregnant women suffer from heartburn, a burning feeling in the chest and throat.
SYMPTOMS: Sensation of burning acid in the throat, nausea and unpleasant taste in the mouth.
DIET & NUTRITION: Heartburn is aggravated by eating large meals and by certain combinations of foods. Acidic food should never be a part of the same meals as Alkaline foods (carbohydrates).
KEY TIPS:
Sleep with several pillows to keep your upper body straight.
Avoid bending over suddenly.
Limit fluid intake during the meals.
Anemia
Many pregnant women particularly those expecting for the second time are anaemic. This occurs if the level of oxygen-carrying haemoglobin in red blood cells falls below normal.
SYMPTOMS: Dizziness, palpitations, pale skin, lethargy, general malaise and constipation.
DIET & NUTRITION: There are three main causes of anaemia: deficiency in iron, folate or vitamin B. Iron deficiency is the most common in pregnancy as a result of the demand from the baby. To prevent iron deficiency, eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, cherries, fish and poultry. To remedy vitamin B deficiency, eat eggs, milk and cheese. Eat steamed green leafy vegetables.
KEY TIPS:
Eat vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges.
Avoid too many calcium-rich foods.
Backache, Pubic Pain and Sciatica
Backache in pregnancy often occurs as a result of ligaments and joints being softened by hormonal actions. In the pelvis, this leads to pubic pain which makes it difficult to sleep or do the chores. Sciatica may be caused by the pressure exerted on the nerves by the baby.
SYMPTOMS: Pain along the spine or in the pelvis, pain in the legs or thighs and walking hampered by pain in the feet or legs.
MASSAGE: Backache can benefit from massage. Ask someone to massage your back along either side of the spine, using almond oil.
KEY TIPS:
Rest and take the weight off the pelvis whenever possible.
Avoid doing things that cause discomfort.
Constipation and Varicose veins
Constipation is common in pregnancy. Pressure on the circulatory system, due to increased weight and blood volume, may enlarge and may distort veins, especially in legs.
SYMPTOMS: Constipation and large raised veins in the legs.
DIET & NUTRITION: Eat parsley, onions, garlic, cabbage, peas and papaya.
KEY TIPS:
For Constipation:
High fiber diet such as fruits, raw vegetables, chapatti and Isphagul husk.
Increase fluid in-take.
Walk.
Eat raw papaya.
For Varicose veins
Avoid long sittings/long standings.
Elevate legs on foot stool while sitting.
Wear stockings, if very painful.
