Trimester guide

1st trimester
When the headaches grip…
An aching head is a common sign of pregnancy. It is normally one of the pointers that indeed, you are with child. The triggers of pregnancy have been linked to:

• Anxiety and emotion
• Change in lifestyle habits
• Eating particular foods
• Bright light and noise
• Strenuous exercise, especially if you are not used to it

Pain relief

• Keep a headache journal over the course of at least five headaches, to see if there are triggers in your lifestyle (except pregnancy) that you could rectify to alleviate the pain.
• Seek your doctor’s advise before taking pain killers
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Low blood sugar is a common cause of headaches and regular meals are recommended. If you are on the move, carry healthy snacks with you.
• Apply a warm compress (a flannel soaked in warm water, squeezed and placed over the affected area). Apply the compress around your eyes and nose for sinus headaches and a cool compress at the base of your neck for tension headaches.
• Rest or sleep, relax and find other coping strategies to help you cope with stress.
• If your headaches are related to muscle tension or posture changes, see a trained physiotherapist. A session might include massage,mobilization and exercises that you can continue at home.
• Medical research has shown that fitness and regular exercise can reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines related to stress or anxiety. Exercise helps balance the blood sugar and improves breathing. It also triggers your body to release the feel-good endorphins which leave you in a state of wellness.
• A cold shower is another simple but effective remedy for some migraines. It works by dilating some blood vessels bringing fast relief. If you can’t shower, splash some cool water on your face.

2nd trimester- In the middle of it
The second trimester is characterized by an expanding waistline, weight gain and bigger breasts. As your uterus expands to make room for the baby, your belly gets bigger and the pregnancy begins to show.

• Breast tenderness: Although some of the breast tenderness may improve, nipple tenderness may continue throughout the pregnancy. Buy a good, supportive bra.
• Braxton Hicks contractions: Your uterus may start contracting to build strength for labour. You may feel the contractions in your lower abdomen. These are usually not regular. Contact your health care provider if they become painful or regular, as this may be a sign of preterm labour.
• Skin changes: As blood circulation to your skin increases, certain areas of your skin may become darker, such as the skin around your nipples, and your face. Your skin may become more sensitive. Ensure you always wear a sunscreen to protect your face from the sun.
• Bleeding gums: As your circulation increases due to pregnancy, more blood flows through your body. This puts pressure on your gums, making them sometimes bleed when you brush your teeth. Switch to a softer toothbrush to reduce irritation.
• Dizziness: Your blood vessels dilate in response to pregnancy hormones. Until your blood volume expands to fill them, your blood pressure will fall and you may experience occasional dizziness. Drink lots of fluids and rise slowly after lying or sitting down. When you feel dizzy, lie on your left side to restore your blood pressure.
• Leg cramps: Pressure from your uterus on the veins returning blood from your legs may cause leg cramps, especially at night. Stretch the affected muscles. Walking helps to deal with the cramps.
• Shortness of breath: Your lungs are processing more air and your blood carrying more oxygen to your placenta for the baby. Taking it easy and resting helps.
• Vaginal discharge: Consider using panty liners for comfort. Contact your health care provider if the discharge becomes strong smelling, green or yellowish or if it’s accompanied by redness, itching or irritation. This may indicate a vaginal infection.
• Bladder and kidney infections: Contact your health care provider if you feel the need to urinate more often than usual, if you notice a burning sensation when peeing, when you have a fever, abdominal pain or backache.

Third Trimester                                                                                                                                                  No Appetite
In your last leg, it is not uncommon to be averse to food. The common causes of appetite loss are:

• The growing baby pressing against the stomach, leading to fewer food cravings. This also makes you feel fuller faster.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pressure exerted by the uterus on the lower bowel slows down the digestion process, leading to constipation and hating food.
• A rise in the hormone progesterone also slows down the digestion process, leading to•loss of appetite during pregnancy.

Dealing with it

• Eat small healthy meals when you experience loss of appetite during pregnancy. It will keep the stomach full and help in reducing nausea. Do not force yourself to eat. Ensure you drink healthy juices.
• Drink eight to ten glasses of water daily.
• Include green, leafy vegetables and food rich in fibre in your diet. Avoid eating fatty foods because they are hard to digest.
• Talk to your doctor if you have regular loss of appetite and are unable to get the required nutrients. Dehydration and weight loss during pregnancy is dangerous for both you and the baby.
• Avoid eating spicy food. These may lead to loss of appetite during pregnancy.
  Regular exercises increases your appetite.

END: PG 34 /40-41