Category: 8 weeks

Your Pregnancy journey

You could still be feeling nauseatic at this stage. It also completely normal for you to experience increased vaginal discharge.  As long as the experience is not painful and the discharge is odourless, you have nothing to worry about.  Incase you experience any pain do contact your doctor.

Here are a few tips to manage ‘Anytime Sickness’.

1. Eat small meals and make sure you stay away from fried and processed foods. Also stay away from sugary foods.

2. If this is a morning affliction for you, then don’t just jump out of bed raring to go. Keep a jar of dry crackers or plain biscuits next to your bed. Reach for one as soon as you wake up and nibble on it. Lie back and snooze for an additional 15 minutes and then get started.

3. If it is “Anytime” affliction then I would recommend snacking on a dry toast or a plain biscuit every couple of hours. These are carbohydrates and will help settle the stomach acids.

4. Run an inventory of smells which trigger off the nausea. For some it may be the toothpaste and for others it may be certain foods. Try and keep away from the smells which irritate you.

5. Ginger plays a great role in helping you handle this condition. Nibbling on a tiny sliver of ginger or mixing ginger juice with a little honey and consuming a teaspoon when you feel uncomfortable can give relief.

6. You could also avoid spicy foods and make sure you eat your high protein foods with enough fibre in the form of fresh fruits of vegetables

7. Anti-nausea bands are also available in the market and these can be used for relief.

Most of the times the hormonal changes are most dramatic in the first few weeks and they settle down in the second trimester.  It is important to remember that the baby is feeding of the mother and in the first few weeks even if you are not able to hold too much the baby will get nourished from your reserves. You will do well to identify certain foods which suit you and mix and match them to form your own days meal plan. Its really ok to eat the same foods every day as long as they are healthy, you are able to hold them and they make you feel comfortable. You might want to stay away from high protein foods for a few weeks as they take longer to digest and hence can make you feel uncomfortable. If you are unable to hold anything then you must inform your doctor as this is known as ‘hyperemesis gravidarum’ and this condition needs to be treated. Medications prescribed to help you cope with these hormonal changes are safe to be taken during pregnancy so do follow your doctor’s instructions and guidelines.

Your baby’s growth

Hurrah! There are some more cute little tiny formations this week in your baby’s body.  Your baby’s eyes and ears are visible and the face is now in the process of resembling a normal human face. Can’t help but imagine what it’s like right? The baby’s internal organs are now all in place, they are however not yet developed completely and will continue to grow over the next few week before they can function well. The baby is now app. 2-5 cms long. Miraculous isn’t it? Well, he /she is your greatest joy and you know that this feeling of love is like no other

Constipation is a very common problem in Pregnancy

Constipation may take place due to the hormonal changes. The hormone progesterone relaxes the muscles in the body which makes the food to pass through your intestines slowly. Your growing uterus also takes up space in the bowel leading to constipation problems. Some moms may also experience this due to the iron medications. You can always check with your doctor regarding the iron medications and supplements that are prescribed to you and they could suggest alternative.  Iron supplements can also be taken with a glass of orange juice or lemon water which can improve absorption and hence reduce constipation.

There are a few things you can do to help improve the situation.

You could try some natural home remedies like amla or raisins which can help to increase the fibre intake thus easing constipation. Ensure that you include lots of fibre in your diet. Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains are ideal to help aid digestion. Stay away from refined grains. Also drink plenty of fluids as this will also aid in the digestion process. Exercising or walking is also a great option to help ease bowel movements.  If constipation persists you can speak to your doctor and he/she will prescribe a mild laxative. Moms should however not take laxatives without the guidance of the doctor as this can again result in disturbing the uterus.
Constipation if left untreated can result in piles which are swollen blood vessels in the rectum. It can also cause you to strain while passing motions and this can disturb the uterus as well. Another problem that can happen when trying to pass a hard stool is that the mom is bearing down and this can irritate the uterus. This may lead to pre term contractions or the baby being pushed down early in the third trimester.

Myth:

It is suggested that you do not inform anyone of your pregnancy, until you complete the first trimester as this is considered to be bad luck

Fact:

Sharing the news of your pregnancy has nothing to do with bad luck or does not result in a miscarriage. It is a fact that 26 % of pregnancies are lost in the first trimester but this is due to hormonal reasons, some abnormality or improper development.  The body has innate wisdom and would abort if the foetus is not viable. If mom has multiple miscarriages then it should be investigated and not attributed to bad luck.

Myth

Sesame seeds and mustards seed will lead to a miscarriage because they are hot.

Fact

We are sure you have heard so much by now regarding the intake of different types of food during pregnancy. You are probably being advised on different things you should eat and do during your pregnancy. Many believe that sesame and mustard seeds are considered hot for the body and will result in a miscarriage. This is totally untrue. In fact sesame seeds are rich source of calcium and mustard seeds aid digestion. So here’s another pregnancy myth busted.

 

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1. Eat a balanced diet. Include all the food groups. Eat in moderation.

2. You do not need to eat for two. The second person that is growing inside you is a really tiny baby so eat in a proportionate manner. Just 300 extra calories from the second trimester onwards is more than enough. This is equal to a sandwich, a fruit and a cup of milk in the whole day.

3. You can engage in all activities that you are comfortable with. Just keep in mind that anything that you are able to do with a one day old baby in your arms is possible to do with being pregnant as well.

4. Do not start anything new during pregnancy. If you are used to being a vegetarian then stick to your vegetarian diet. Same goes with any exercise plan. If you want to start exercising during pregnancy, make sure you have the go ahead from the doctor and additionally you start slow.

5. Wear loose and comfortable clothes as this will allow your abdomen to be comfortable. It is also normal to feel very warm during pregnancy so these loose and comfortable clothes especially if they are cotton will make your life more comfortable.

6. Make sure you do not miss any doctor’s visits. also get all tests and scans done as recommended as this is important to keep track of your pregnancy and your baby’s health.

7. Surround yourself with positive people. People who keep you relaxed and happy are the people to have around when you are pregnant.

8. Its also a great idea to join a pregnancy class or some community where you can connect with other expectant moms and dads. This helps you feel more relaxed as you can see others in the same boat and facing similar concerns.

9. Indulge yourself with a relaxing massage on a regular basis if possible.

10. Engage in regular physical exercise of course with your doctor’s permission as this will help you to be more healthy and fit and will also prepare your body for labor.

Every Pregnant mums experience is different. It cannot be measured in one scale. However there are certain signs and symptoms that maybe common to many moms.

Some Moms will sleep more than normal during pregnancy. This is also accompanied by the feeling of tiredness in this phase, after all your body is going through the mammoth task of nurturing and growing a baby inside of you. It’s ok to rest and feel tired during this phase. Try avoid doing things that make your tired. Listen to your body. If you feel like resting then take some time off and rest.

Many new mothers may encounter insomnia in the first few weeks of pregnancy and this is probably due to the excitement and nervousness of finding out and the realisation that soon life is going to change..

A couple may have undergone some pre conception counselling sesions and these can help take care of these concerns.

There are a few things that you can do to help make sure you feel relaxed and comfortable which will in turn help you establish a good sleeping pattern as well.

1) Use a Body pillow-A good multipurpose body pillow is your best friend in this phase. Inability to sleep in a comfortable position can add to you already existing anxiety levels. Use a multipurpose body pillow that will help keep you comfortable and provide support to your back and tummy throughout the night. Contact Awww to get one today

2) Cut off on caffeine- Cut off on any caffeine intake that may also cause you to be alert and up at night

3) Listen to calming music- Listen to some peaceful calm tunes that will help you rest and put you in a good mood

4) Meditation and deep breathing- Meditation and deep breathing can also help you relax and make you comfortable

5) Pregnancy class- Additionally it is also a good idea to register for an early pregnancy class to get all your doubts and queries answered.

Exercise routine- It might be advisable to also join a preantal exercise class. Exercise always helps relax the mind and body and will help you establish a nice routine while you go about your day.