Some women dream about being pregnant. They imagine their round stomachs and the warm, expectant feeling. And there are many wonderful parts of pregnancy. However, the early stages of pregnancy can also be very uncomfortable. Following are some ideas to make this time more bearable, and even enjoyable.
Common Physical Complaints of Early Pregnancy
Everyone has heard that pregnancy can make a woman feel nauseous. Many don’t realize until experiencing it firsthand, however, how intense and long lasting this feeling can be. Despite the phrase, "morning sickness," pregnancy nausea can strike at any time of the day, and in some women goes on all day long.
Ginger ale, saltines, mints or sour candies can all be useful in alleviating nausea. For pregnant women who become nauseous in the car, sometimes being the driver rather than the passenger can help. Eating small, frequent meals is a good idea. Avoid foods that are nauseating, even if they are healthy. Eat as nutritiously as possible, but don’t force anything down that is unappealing. If prenatal vitamins are making nausea worse, take them with food, or ask a doctor if it’s possible to switch to another kind.
One of the other common complaints of early pregnancy is fatigue. This state in pregnancy can be overwhelming, making a pregnant woman feel as though her limbs (and eyelids) are filled with lead. If possible, try to get an extra hour of sleep at night, or take naps during the day when schedules permit. Even a quick catnap at lunchtime can help take the edge off.
Cut back on unnecessary activities for the time being. By the fourth month, energy levels will likely have returned and a woman will feel more like working out, shopping, having dinner with friends, or whatever it was she was too tired to do the first several months of pregnancy.
Some women report feeling lightheaded in early pregnancy. Getting up from a sitting or lying position slowly can help this problem, as well as making sure to eat small meals and snack regularly. Also, make sure to remain well hydrated.
Hydration is also important for another common pregnancy discomfort, a feeling of bloating. Even before some women begin to show, they can feel uncomfortable and possibly gassy. This is often just a part of pregnancy, but it can be sometimes be helped by making sure to drink plenty of water and avoiding drinks with carbonation if they are bothersome.
Emotional Changes in Early Pregnancy
Feeling a bit moody or emotional is common in early pregnancy. Between the huge shift in hormones and the big life changes happening, it can be difficult to remain on a steady emotional keel. Take time to relax, and talk to friends, family or a spouse about feelings. A journal can also be helpful at this time.
As exciting as this time is, it can also be nerve-wracking. Many women feel anxious over the pregnancy itself or about impending labor, delivery and motherhood. This is completely normal. Talking to other new moms can set nervous minds to rest. There are also many pregnancy books, websites and television shows about all aspects of pregnancy. Be careful, though, too much information can be a double edged sword, and give a woman ideas about things to worry about that had never occurred to her before. Getting good prenatal care is important to help a woman feel she is doing all she can for her unborn baby.
Pregnancy should be a special time, and learning how to manage uncomfortable symptoms can make the first few months easier and more enjoyable. Eating small, regular meals, getting plenty of rest, and talking to other people about confusing emotions can make this time much better.
Kathy Gleason - Kathy Gleason is a wife, mother and writer living in rural northern New Jersey. She is a graduate of The Institute for Therapeutic Massage ...
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