Easing the Discomforts of Early Pregnancy

Nearly all expectant mothers experience one or more of the universal complaints of early pregnancy, such as: morning sickness, fatigue, and frequent urination. In this article, you will learn some tips for managing the three of the most common discomforts of the first trimester.

Morning Sickness

This is probably the most common symptom of early pregnancy- and the most problematic for those who are suffering from it. The term “morning sickness” is misleading because the nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of day, and even last all day long! Little is known about what causes it, but there are some steps you can take to help make the nausea and vomiting more tolerable, even avoid it altogether.

• Eat frequent small meals throughout the day. Keeping something in your stomach will help. Choose foods that are healthy, but if something makes your nausea worse, avoid it for now- at least until the morning sickness subsides- no matter how nutritious it may be. It is often recommended to nibble on saltine crackers first thing in the morning, even before you get out of bed. So, keep some handy near your bedside table.
• If your prenatal vitamin seems to make you ill, try taking it at a different time of day, and with food.
• Some women swear by peppermint candy, as it seems to have a calming effect on their tummies. Also, try ginger tea, or drinking ginger ale. I have also heard of lemonade or lemon candy.
• Vitamin B6 supplements are thought to help curb morning sickness.
• Some pregnant mothers believe that the bracelets, or bands, for sea sickness are effective for morning sickness.

Note: Extreme cases of morning sickness requires the attention of a physician, as complications can develop from not receiving adequate fluids and nutrition.

Fatigue

• Allow yourself to get as much rest as you need. If you have other children, sleep while they nap and go to bed as soon as they are tucked in for the night. If you are employed, try to catnap on your break or at lunch.
• Stay away from sugar and caffeine, which will only make you feel worse when it wears off.
• Eat well, take your prenatal vitamin, and get regular exercise.

Exhaustion may ease up somewhat during the second trimester, but typically returns toward the end of pregnancy when your growing belly makes a comfortable sleep position difficult to find. Occasionally, fatigue may signal anemia, so check with your health care provider if it doesn’t ease up by month four, or seems extreme.

Frequent Urination

Ahhh …. the urge to rush to the restroom every hour on the hour, only to turn around and need to go again. If you are running to the bathroom at all hours of the night, it can zap what little energy you may have left.

• Refrain from drinking any liquids two to three hours before bedtime to help reduce your urge to go.
• Avoid caffeinated beverages. Caffeine is a diuretic, and will actually make you need to urinate more frequently.

The discomforts of early pregnancy takes some effort to manage, but most women find that by the end of their third month they are feeling more like their old selves.

Related Articles:

First Trimester of Pregnancy

Bleeding During Early Pregnancy

Recommended Resource: The Pregnant Woman's Comfort Guide, by Sherrie L. M. Jiminez.