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Natural Remedies For Pregnancy Symptoms

 

Now that you're pregnant, your body will go through lots of changes. You have a person growing inside of you, after all! Pregnancy means good and bad symptoms over the course of the next nine months. While you are excited to see your little bump growing, with it may come red stretch marks. Luckily, there are plenty of natural remedies to help combat those unwanted pregnancy symptoms.

Here are common symptoms and remedies that can help treat them:

For morning sickness

Nausea and vomiting is very common for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. This can make everyday activities difficult, starting with getting out of bed in the morning. The remedy has everything to do with your diet. Your burger-and-fries craving for dinner last night might have sounded like a good idea at the time, but the truth is that an unhealthy diet can make morning sickness worse. You may need to incorporate foods with less flavor and spices for the time being. These are easier to keep down and won't upset your stomach. Sucking on a peppermint candy or ginger lollipop can help reduce sickness. Try to find what works for you and the baby, and stick with it.

Plus, aromatherapy might help. Since taste is connected with scent, fresh candles or diffusers can help ease symptoms. Opt for pregnancy-safe smells like mint, lemon or ginger.

For constipation

For some pregnant women, something as simple as going to the bathroom can become incredibly difficult. Constipation is a very common symptom, and it can worsen by the third trimester because of the pressure an expanding uterus has on a women's pelvis. Unfortunately, this can cause even more serious issues like hemorrhoids. Here are some natural remedies that can help:

  • Fiber: Including healthy fiber in your diet is an easy way to fight constipation and prevent hemorrhoids. Opt for foods like fruits, vegetables, flaxseeds, prune juice, chia seeds, hearty grains and beans.
  • Hydrate: Be sure to keep your body full with the proper liquids it needs to keep everything moving properly. Always keep a water bottle on you wherever you go to hydrate in a pinch.
  • Donut-shaped body pillows: The right kind of body pillow can reduce the pressure on your rectal area.
  • Kegels: These exercises can increase circulation to the areas of your body that are affected by hemorrhoids. Plus, they can help prepare your pelvis for labor.

Be sure to talk to your doctor for advice if your constipation becomes a serious issue.

For stretch marks

Since your body is growing more each day, stretch marks are often unavoidable. However, there are plenty of ways to make them less visible and heal faster. First, be sure to keep your skin properly moisturized. The more hydrated your skin is, the more elastic it is, which lessens the look of stretch marks. Essential oils like lavender, almond and chamomile are rich with vitamins and nutrients that keep your skin moisturized and speed up the healing process. Cocoa butter is famous for a formula that can enhance blood circulation and lessen the appearance of stretch marks over time. Try applying this lotion during and after your pregnancy.

For headaches

Just about everyone - pregnant or not - has experienced a headache. Well, some women experience these with increased frequency during their pregnancy. This can be due to hormone changes and blood sugar swings. If this is the case for you, lying down with a cool compress on your forehead can be helpful. A neck or shoulder massage could also help relieve some of the pressure and tension causing the headache. Acupuncture is also known to ease headaches, so if you've had enough and aren't afraid of needles, this remedy might be a good fit for you.

For heartburn

That burning sensation you feel in your throat or chest is heartburn. This is common during pregnancy because stomach acid is being pushed in the wrong direction due to an expanding uterus. Diet changes can make a huge difference. Avoid spicy, greasy and citrusy foods, and fizzy, carbonated drinks. Mint and chocolate are also known to trigger heartburn. Try a greater number of small meals a day instead three large ones. A warm glass of milk with honey can soothe your discomfort.

 
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