More comfort measures in pregnancy
As a follow up to a previous post, here are some more comfort measures you may find helpful during pregnancy.
For ITCHING SKIN you can sooth your skin with oils - particularly wheat germ, sesame, almond and safflower. Also, eat more foods rich it vitamin E and drink plenty of water.
For LEG CRAMPS, sleep with your legs slightly elevated, avoid pointing your toes or stretching too hard - do gentle ankle circles. Try to avoid crossing your legs or ankles, make sure your salt and calcium levels are adequate, and make sure you are getting enough exercise.
For MOODINESS, relax, talk to a friend, take care of yourself. Remember, this is a normal part of pregnancy resulting from the hormonal changes you are going through. This usually goes away soon after baby is born and your body begins regulating its self.
For SLEEPLESSNESS be sure to exercise, stay away from sugar and caffeine, keep your bedroom and emotions as serene as possible, avoid stressful or busy periods before bed, sleep with extra pillows to support yourself (between your legs, behind your back, by your chest/belly), take a warm bath, drink warm milk and/or chamomile tea and if you can’t sleep try relaxing activities such as reading. Avoid TV, as it will stimulate you.
For GROIN PAIN which feels like a sudden, sharp pain in the groin, also called ROUND LIGAMENT PAIN, this is generally a cramping of the round ligament or a sudden spurt of the uterus. Do pelvic rocks, lean toward the cramped side until it eases, try to get more rest and be sure to get up and down slowly.
For STRETCH MARKS, apply oils or cocoa butter frequently on your skin, paying special attention to the areas that are likely to stretch the most: belly, buttocks, breasts, thighs). Oils rick in Vitamin E are helpful. Increase foods containing Vitamin E. In many women stretch marks are unavoidable - but they usually will fade over time after the pregnancy.
For WEIGHT GAIN, try not to stress too much. In most cases, weight gain is HEALTHY and NORMAL in pregnancies. To be sure your weight gain is not excessive, eat a well balanced diet and eat to appetite, avoid junk food and exercise regularly.
The best type of exercise you can do while pregnant is walking and swimming!