A woman's health care choices during pregnancy are more varied than ever before.
Morning sickness is caused by the hormones that support your pregnancy, so feeling constantly nauseated is actually a good thing (in a stomach-churning way). Nevertheless, wobbly first trimester tummies need special treatment. Here are some foods that may help you feel a little less nauseous.
Morning Sickness Remedy #1:
Ginger Pickled, in a tea bag or as a capsule -- whatever the format, ginger is a natural remedy for nausea.
Morning Sickness Remedy #2:
Crackers An old standby, but one effective for many women. So are potato chips -- though they're saltier, which isn't necessarily a good thing, you'll leave fewer crumbs in your wake. This is useful, as vacuuming probably isn't high on your to-do list right now. Some women also swear by rice cakes.
Morning Sickness Remedy #3:
Frozen yogurt It looks like ice cream. It even tastes a little like ice cream. And it's pretty gentle on your stomach. Plus you don't have to do all that chewing which triggers nausea for some women -- same goes for applesauce, oatmeal and pudding.
Physical and Emotional changes
This is a general guide to the changes pregnant women often experience. You'll probably feel less tired than in the second and third months; you'll often feel a delightful sense of physical well-being. This is a good time for vacations and projects.
Between 18 and 22 weeks, fetal movements can usually be felt; these start as vague flutters and gradually become more definite. You'll experience a steady weight gain of about one-half to one pound per week, although individual weight gain varies. Avoid eating and activity patterns that result in too much (more than 35 to 40 pounds) or too little (less than 15 to 25 pounds) weight gain during the entire pregnancy. Your caregiver will tell you the right weight range for you. Eating a healthy, balanced diet should be your priority.
Hunger, stress, fatigue or noxious fumes may bring on headaches. Try rest, neck massage and avoiding the cause of the headache. Check with your caregiver before taking any medications. You may have heartburn, a burning sensation in the upper abdomen (caused by the backup of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus). To minimize this, don't overfill your stomach and remain upright for two to three hours after eating.
Hormonal changes cause skin blemishes and increased pigmentation; they also cause swelling of mucous membranes lining the nose, mouth and vagina, which can result in a stuffy nose, minor nosebleeds and an increase in a white, nonirritating vaginal discharge. Hormones slowing down the digestive tract can cause constipation (infrequent and/or hard stools). Some iron supplements can make it worse. To avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids, eat lots of high-fiber foods and exercise daily.
Slight ankle swelling is normal and healthy; you may feel more comfortable wearing nonbinding support hose and elevating your feet while sitting. This can also minimize (though not eliminate) the tendency to develop a few early varicose (swollen) veins. Read some more from : http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/pfirsttri/0,,8h6mg2wl,00.html