Natural Ways to Help You Prevent and Reduce Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is perhaps the most prominent health concern in early pregnancy, especially because you have to be so careful not to use any treatments that might harm the baby. This makes at-home, natural remedies the best course of action for managing your morning sickness and gaining significant relief from nausea and vomiting. Here are the best guidelines for guarding your wellness against nausea and vomiting during pregnancy:

 

1. Gauge the right food level: It’s important to have food in your stomach, but getting the right balance is key. Too much food and you’ll throw it all up, while trying to go through daily life on an empty stomach can make nausea worse. Eating several small meals every day instead of three large meals can help you guard your wellbeing against vomiting and nausea, and keep those stomach food levels right.

 

2. Have breakfast in bed: Whether you keep a small snack ready on your bedside table, or you send your partner downstairs to grab it – after all, you’re doing the tough job here – eating something small before you get out of bed can help to reduce and prevent morning nausea. Take a few minutes to let the snack (such as crackers) digest, and then get out of bed slowly.

 

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: As well as being beneficial to your health and the baby’s, staying hydrated can help beat that first trimester nausea. Water should be your go-to beverage, but you can also try broths, juices and sports hydration drinks to mix things up a little.

 

4. Eat well: Loading up on protein and reducing your intake of fatty foods can work wonders in reducing your first trimester sickness. You might not need me to tell you that you should avoid smells and foods that make you feel nauseated, but in case you don’t want to have to trial and error each one, citrus juice, milk, coffee, and caffeinated tea commonly make nausea worse.

 

5. Get lots of rest: Stress and fatigue can make your morning sickness worse, and they’re doing you or your baby no favours either.

 

6. Give ginger a go: Whether you take ginger as a powder in a capsule, grated fresh into hot water for a tea, or in syrup or crystallized form, regular consumption may help to relieve your morning sickness, although it may take a few days to notice a difference.

 

7. Try acupressure: In acupressure, there are a series of points on your body. The P6 point is located on the inner side of your forearm, one one-sixth of the way between your wrist and elbow and in line with your middle finger. Some women find that acupressure firmly placed on the P6 point relieves their nausea, so speak to a practitioner if you think that’s something that might work for you.

 

8. Talk to your doctor: Many pregnant women take iron supplements to prevent anaemia, but this might not be necessary if you’re getting sufficient iron from other sources, like your diet. Iron can make nausea worse, so ask your doctor if it is necessary for you to take iron supplements. Vitamin B6 and B12, on the other hand, can reduce nausea and vomiting if taken regularly as your doctor advises. Also, certain antihistamines like doxylamine or dimenhydrinate may relieve morning sickness, so you may want to talk to your doctor about those. If you find you are vomiting more than three times a day, are unable to take fluids, and/or have pain, fever or both, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Categories: First Trimester, hydrate hydrate, Iron supplements, Morning, morning sickness, natural remedies, Nausea, nausea worse, nbsp, p6 point, sickness

Top Tips For Great and Safe Sex During Pregnancy

If you’re finding sex a little trickier now you’re pregnant, you’re not alone. Many women find this a difficult time to enjoy sex due to the sheer difficulty as you go through each trimester. However, the good news is that it’s not impossible. Here are some tips to help you through your pregnancy and ways to make it enjoyable and fun.

The First Trimester

During the first trimester, it’s not uncommon for sex to be the last thing you want to do. Morning sickness, hormones and exhaustion make this a less than sexy time, so it’s no surprise that you don’t really up to it. It’s also in our genes to lower the libido during pregnancy, as we’re hardwired to seek sex to perpetuate the genetic line – so when you’re pregnant, this automatically grinds to a halt. But sex doesn’t have to be intercourse or an orgasm to be fun. Tell your partner if you’re feeling ambivalent towards sex, and maybe they can offer up a well deserved massage instead. You can always keep an open mind too, as sex may not be the first thing you crave but it can be incredibly relaxing. While it may take you a while to get in the mood, if you happen to have sex then you’ll be glad you did. However, if you’re simply not feeling it, then maybe take a few weeks off from the bedtime activities. Most women find their hormones resurface after a few weeks anyway.

The Second Trimester

Weeks 14 to 28 are the blissful weeks where you really get to enjoy your pregnancy. You’ve no doubt told people now, you’re finally less tired and the morning sickness has subsided. You also get to enjoy your body’s new look, where your definite baby bump appears. Many women find themselves really relishing the fact that they don’t need to worry about their body image anymore and can focus just on being healthy and happy. It sends your confidence levels through the roof, and you’ll be pleased to know that your arousal levels also peak too. Be yourself during this time – if you want to try something new, use your vibrator or go back to the sex you used to enjoy before your got pregnant, go for it! Unless your GP has advised you not to have intercourse, there’s no harm in having sex exactly as you would have. The only risk here is UTIs which could show symptoms of cramps or painful urination – if you spot these, speak to your GP as soon as possible.

The Third Trimester

This is the less than blissful stage, where increased blood flow leads to swollen ankle and disrupted sleep from that big baby bump. You might not be feeling your most attractive, but don’t let that put you off sex – there’s still opportunities for enjoy yourself in the bedroom. Be creative, and remember the first trimester mantra where sex doesn’t have to mean intercourse or an orgasm. Spend time with your partner and just enjoy each other’s company, with a cuddle or a chat. Reassure your partner that sex isn’t going to cause harm to the baby – it’s a worry than many men have during this stage. And remember that this last trimester is a small stage in the grand scheme of things – there’ll be plenty of time to get back to a normal sex life once the baby arrives. This is the best time to simply enjoy the last stage of your pregnancy and be excited for your new arrival.

Categories: baby bump, morning sickness, pregnancy, Sex, sex doesn, stage, time, trimester, weeks, Women

Eight Things That Might Surprise You About Being Pregnant

After you find out that you are pregnant, every myth you’ve ever heard suddenly does not match with reality. Pain in unusual places and uncomfortable sleeping positions make you wonder about all the things that you don’t know about pregnancy. Here are a few things you can expect when you are pregnant:

 

Digestive Issues

With a growing child pressing against your internal organs, your bowel movements become limited or turn into constipation problems. Excessive gas is also a problem. Eat many fruits and vegetables to keep your digestive system relatively regular during pregnancy.

 

Sciatica

Pain from sciatica is often the least expected thing to expect from pregnancy. Sciatica during pregnancy is very common, and usually occurs on one side of the body, but you could feel pain on both sides. As the largest nerve in your lower extremities, the sciatic responds to the baby’s growing weight with sharp pains down the legs as it is pinched during fetal movement. There is no true cure for sciatica unless the baby shifts its weight away from the nerve. You can, however, ease the symptoms by moving and walking. Your instinct might be to lay down and rest, but too much rest can actually make the pain worse.

 

Urination Problems

Your baby presses against your bladder during pregnancy that could cause leaks or accidents periodically. You may have incontinence problems after pregnancy as well. The bladder becomes weak during pregnancy and it becomes more difficult to hold your bladder. Make sure you continue to drink lots of water during the day. Lessening your water intake before bed will allow you to sleep through the night without having to empty your bladder every hour when you are trying to sleep.

 

Sleep Eludes You

You may be able to sleep in the first trimester, but a growing baby forces you to sleep on your side. For some mothers, side sleeping is cause for insomnia. As the baby develops, kicking and continual activity during the night may keep you awake as well. Except to be up in the night more often than you were before.

 

Morning Sickness

Some mothers vomit while others remain nauseous throughout the first trimester. These symptoms are not limited to the morning, as one might expect. There are some women who do not experience any nausea at all. Nausea can haunt you all day for several weeks. Be prepared to eat small meals to keep your stomach calm. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated if you are vomiting.

 

Cleaning Fury

Near the end of the pregnancy, you may go through a nesting period. With the need to clean, you’ll want to get everything in order before the birth begins. This is different for every woman, but often times, many will want to keep busy and get everything in order before the baby comes.

 

Loose Ligaments

Your body releases the hormone relaxin during pregnancy to ready the pelvis for birth. Be careful as you walk or exercise during pregnancy. Loose ligaments make you unstable and prone to accidents. If you choose to exercise, make sure you know your limits and take it easy to avoid any injury.

 

Hair Growth

With all the hormones coursing through your body, growing hair in unusual areas is common. Hair developing on your back, breasts and face can happen. Do not be alarmed, hair growth should subside after birth.

 

Pregnancy is a stressful period for your body, but a rewarding child is the prize. Take care of your body and be accepting of the different changes as you enjoy your developing baby. Don’t be alarmed or stress over these common symptoms that happen during pregnancy.

Categories: Baby, body, hair growth, loose ligaments, morning sickness, nbsp, pregnancy, Pregnant, Sciatica, sleep

How To Deal With The Side Effects Of Morning Sickness

A common side effect of pregnancy is morning sickness, and this affects the majority of women, though the severity of the nausea will vary from woman to woman. Where some women are only sick in the morning, others suffer with it all day. Generally, morning sickness only occurs in the first three months of pregnancy, but some women find that they are still vomiting for four or five months into their pregnancy. Researchers and medical professionals are unsure why women suffer with morning sickness, but it’s believed that the imbalance of hormones caused by pregnancy leads to this problem. It’s also thought that vomiting and nausea is more common in women who are carrying twins or triplets. There is no risk to either the mother or the unborn baby from nausea or vomiting, as long as the woman remains well hydrated. Dehydration for prolonged periods of time could lead to a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which you should seek medical attention for. Such a condition is usually managed in hospital and requires you to have fluids given via a drip. You can spot the signs of dehydration from thirst, passing smaller amounts of darker urine, and feeling dizzy or faint. If you spot these symptoms, contact your midwife or GP who can assess the situation and test your urine for ketones.

 

There are some ways you can manage your nausea, which includes taking your time to get out of bed in the morning – having a snack by your bedside, such as a dry biscuit, to eat when you first wake up can help. Throughout the day, eating little and often can help to keep your stomach full and to stop the nauseous feelings. As previously mentioned, becoming dehydrated can be dangerous, so make sure that you drink plenty of fluids – preferably 10 to 12 glasses of water or fruit juice each day. You should avoid alcohol and caffeine, as not only are these harmful to your baby but they’re also dehydrating. It’s also advised that you avoid spicy or fatty foods. Ginger is great for settling your stomach when you’re feeling sick, so foods and drinks which contain this natural ingredient could help to stave off the nausea and vomiting. Rest, is generally advised during pregnancy, and is great for helping morning sickness, so try to avoid overdoing it and avoid any sudden movements. Dry foods, such as crackers or toast, can help, but be sure to take time to digest your food properly. Interestingly, brushing your teeth straight after eating can make you vomit, so avoid this where possible. You should also avoid smells or foods which make your feel sick or make you vomit – getting plenty of fresh air can help, so try going for a walk to get some gentle exercise and some fresh air. Before you head to bed, try to avoid a heavy meal as this will make your problem worse – sleeping with the windows open to get some fresh air as you sleep can also help.

 

You should keep an eye on your morning sickness, as there are some things which may need medical attention. For example, if you become dehydrated, if you vomit more than three to four times a day, if your vomit has blood in it or you are concerned about its appearance, if you lose weight, if none of the remedies seem to work for you, or if you’re concerned that something may be seriously wrong. If you spot one or more of these signs, you should contact your GP or midwife as there could be a problem which requires treatment. They will then test your urine for ketones, as a way of assessing how dehydrated you are. They may prescribe you an anti-sickness tablet to help you manage your symptoms – they will prescribe those which are also safe for your baby.

Categories: Baby Wellness, morning sickness, pregnancy

What antihistamines are used for

Antihistamines are mainly used to help control symptoms of health conditions associated with allergic reactions.

Although antihistamines can’t cure these types of conditions because they don’t affect the underlying cause, they can often provide considerable symptom relief.

Conditions that can benefit from the use of antihistamines include:

• hay fever


• allergic rhinitis – inflammation of the nasal passages


• atopic eczema – a common allergic skin condition


• urticaria – also known as nettle rash and hives


• allergic conjunctivitis – inflammation of the eyes


• allergic reactions that are caused by insect bites or insect stings


• mild allergic reactions that are caused by food allergies; more serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) usually require treatment with adrenaline (a chemical that can reverse many of the processes associated with an allergic reaction)

Other uses

As well as being used to treat allergic conditions, antihistamines also have a number of other uses, including treating stomach ulcers (sores that develop on the lining of the stomach) and insomnia (problems falling asleep).

Stomach ulcers

A type of antihistamine, known as a H2-receptor antagonist, is sometimes used to treat stomach ulcers. This is because histamine can also stimulate the production of stomach acid.

H2-receptor antagonists can be used to block the ‘acid-stimulating’ effect of histamine, which helps to reduce the acid level in the stomach and digestive system.

Read more about treating stomach ulcers for more information.

Insomnia

First-generation antihistamines may be of some benefit in the short-term treatment of insomnia, particularly if the symptoms of sleeplessness are caused by an underlying allergic condition, such as an allergic skin condition.

The long-term use of antihistamines to treat insomnia is not recommended because there are more effective treatments. In addition, there’s a risk that you could become addicted to the sedating effects of first-generation antihistamines.

Read more about treating insomnia for more information.

Adrenaline:Adrenaline is a hormone produced at times of stress that affects heart rate, blood circulation and other functions of the body.
Allergic:An allergen is a substance that reacts with the body’s immune system and causes an allergic reaction.
Anaphylactic shock:Anaphylactic shock is a severe and sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction, causing swelling of body tissues and a drop in blood pressure.
Anxiety:Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling when you feel worried, uneasy or distressed about something that may or may not be about to happen.
Chronic:Chronic usually means a condition that continues for a long time or keeps coming back.
Congestion:Congestion is an excess of fluid in part of the body, often causing a blockage.
Decongestant:Decongestant medicine relieves congestion by reducing the swelling of the lining the nose and sinuses and drying up the mucous.
Drowsiness:Drowsiness is when someone feels extremely tired and uncontrollably near to sleep.
Fever:A high temperature, also known as a fever, is when someone’s body temperature goes above the normal 37°C (98.6°F).
Morning sickness:Morning sickness refers to the nausea and vomiting experienced early in a pregnancy, not necessarily in the morning.
Sickness:Vomiting is when you bring up the contents of your stomach through your mouth.
Sneezing:Sneezing is an involuntary expulsion of air and bacteria from the nose and mouth.
Stomach:The sac-like organ of the digestive system. It helps digest food by churning it and mixing it with acids to break it down into smaller pieces.
Swelling:Inflammation is the body’s response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Ulcers:An ulcer is a sore break in the skin, or on the inside lining of the body.

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What antihistamines are used for

Categories: allergic reaction, allergic reactions, allergic skin, h2 receptor, morning sickness, skin condition, stomach ulcers, treating stomach