Pregnancy Symptoms and Cures: The Rollercoaster Ride to Baby Bliss!
Ah, the magical journey of pregnancy! From the moment those two little lines appear on the pregnancy test, life takes an exciting turn.
As a newborn and family photographer, it is my job to highlight all the wonderful sides of your pregnancy - the glow! The love! The excitement! But having been through it twice myself, I also know there are some days that your pregnancy can feel, well.... less-than-glamourous.
It is true that along with the joys of baby bumps and nursery planning, pregnancy comes with its fair share of unique challenges. Today, we're diving into the world of pregnancy symptoms, those curious quirks that have expectant moms searching high and low for relief, and offering a few solutions to help soldier through these 9 months of changes.
Morning Sickness - Nausea, We Meet Again!
Morning sickness is like the uninvited guest that overstays its welcome. Contrary to its name, it can strike at any time, leaving you feeling like a seasick sailor. Fear not, dear mums-to-be! There are ways to tame the nausea beast, like nibbling on small, frequent meals, sipping ginger tea, or trying acupressure bands that you can buy from most chemists - I seriously swear by these and still use them anytime nausea strikes me 12 years later.
The silver lining of the nausea is that it's often a sign that your little one is growing strong. Which also means that the occasional days you finally feel a little better, you start to worry about "why am I not feeling awful anymore?".
My personal favourite remedy was a "pregnancy tea" recipe made up of 50% Bundaberg ginger beer and 50% juice. Each on their own would be too sweet or bubbly, but mixed together it was just right!
Fatigue - The Great Energy Drain
Feeling more tired than a sloth in a hammock? Pregnancy fatigue has a knack for turning even the most energetic of souls into sleepaholics.
The big answer to this symptom is - forget the to-do list and take that nap.
It can also help to fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods, stay hydrated, and sneak in some gentle exercise to boost those energy levels. And hey, there's no shame in rocking that cozy onesie all day long!
Seriously though, rest as much as you need, and if anyone gives you grief, tell them "I made a lung today, what did you do?"
Back Pain - Pregnancy's Unwanted Souvenir
As your belly grows, so does the potential for back pain. It's like your body's way of saying, "Congratulations! Here's something to remember me by."
As your body changes to accommodate your new tenant, proper posture, gentle exercises, and a session or two of prenatal yoga can work wonders. Oh, and let's not forget the joy of maternity belts—they're like little hugs for your back!
For more details on gentle workouts you can do at home to help posture, core strength and back pain, check out this guest blog from one of Brisbane’s leading pregnancy and post natal exercise physiotherapists, Briony, from Be In Blossom at Chermside
Frequent Urination - The Bladder's Rebellion
Ever feel like you've become BFFs with every restroom in town? Blame it on the baby! That growing bundle of joy loves to play soccer with your bladder. But you can manage those frequent trips by hydrating smartly, practicing pelvic floor exercises, and if it is really bad (or baby number 5) investing in a collection of absorbent pads. As annoying as the frequent loo stops are, it wont last forever. Just like most pregnancy symptoms, it will improve after baby is in your arms.
Food Cravings and Aversions - A Culinary Rollercoaster
Welcome to the world of wacky cravings and the "ick factor" of aversions. Suddenly, pickles dipped in ice cream and peanut butter on pizza become the epitome of deliciousness. Just go with it. They're just cravings, but remember to choose healthier alternatives when possible.
And for those aversions? Don't worry if the mere scent of broccoli turns you into a detective sniffing out foul play. Your taste buds will regain their sanity soon! Theres not really much of a remedy for this symptom, it just is what it is.
Breast Changes - The Twins' Grand Entrance
As your body prepares for the arrival of your little one, your breasts go through some dramatic changes. Tender, swollen, and more sensitive than ever, they deserve some extra TLC. Find comfortable bras that feel like a warm hug (I completely ditched all wired bras for my 2 pregnancies) invest in some soothing creams, and get ready to unleash your superpowers when it's time to breastfeed.
One of the BEST products for hot swollen breasts is Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs. You can get them from Chemist Warehouse or Woolies. Keep them in the fridge and then slip them into your bra when you need a little cooling relief - and definitely put them in the bag to take to the hospital, I promise that you WILL want them in the days after baby arrives and the milk machines really start to fire up!
Heartburn and Indigestion - Fiery Flames of Indiscretion
You know this feeling - the fiery (or icy) flames that creep up your throat when you least expect it. Blame it on those hormonal fluctuations that loosen the muscle responsible for keeping stomach acid in check. But fret not, fearless foodies, there are ways to tame the flames of indigestion.
Opt for smaller, more frequent meals, or just... you know.... snack constantly - I found this to help my nausea as well. Avoid spicy or greasy foods that play with fire, and elevate your head while sleeping to keep those stomach acids in their rightful place.
I always carried chewable Mylanta tablets that taste a bit like a cross between toothpaste and chalk that will help to keep you more comfortable until your internal organs can all move back to where they are supposed to be.
Swollen Ankles and Feet: The Puffy Feet Parade
AKA, the pregnancy waltz with gravity—where your ankles and feet take center stage in a puffiness extravaganza! As your body retains more fluids to nourish your growing baby, you may find yourself sporting swollen ankles and feet. Oh, and fun fact - your shoe size is likely to increase and STAY THAT SIZE for ever after.
There are ways to give those puffy feet some well-deserved relief. Elevate your feet whenever possible, prop them up on a cushion while watching re-runs of Bridgerton, and indulge in regular foot massages to boost circulation. Those foot massages could easily come from "the one who got you into this predicament in the first place"if you catch my drift?
Choose comfortable slip-on shoes that don't pinch or squeeze, and consider wearing compression stockings to provide gentle support and reduce swelling.
As we had a pool when I was pregnant, I would sit on the edge with my feet in the cold water over one of the circulation jets - it was so good!
Remember, those puffy feet are a small price to pay for the miracle growing within you, and soon enough, you'll be waltzing into motherhood with grace and joy!
Stretch Marks and Tight Skin: Love Letters from Within
As your body stretches and your baby grows, it's no surprise that stretch marks and tight skin make their grand entrance. These love letters from within are a testament to the incredible journey you're on. Embrace them as marks of strength and beauty, for they tell a story of the life growing beneath the surface.
While there's no surefire way to prevent stretch marks, keeping your skin well-hydrated with moisturizers or oils can help maintain its elasticity. Self-care rituals like gentle daily massages to soothe tightness and itchiness will help celebrate the changes happening in your body and can be a lovely daily routine. Remember, these marks are a reminder of the extraordinary transformation taking place and the incredible journey towards motherhood that you're embarking upon.
They may be dark when they appear but they will fade with time, and the day will come that you dont even think about them anymore, honestly it will! I bet you a solid fifty dollar-bucks that there is not a single woman in her 80s who thinks about her stretch marks at all anymore, but her children and grandchildren would bring her a wealth of love and joy every day.
And I guess that is really the point of it all isn't it?
These uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy are a fleeting chapter of our life. A short few months. A drop in the ocean of our lifespan.
While some women experience these symptoms with intensity, others will handle the journey with just mild discomfort. (Don't worry, the ones who have an "easy" pregnancy might get a non-sleeper baby so it all balances out in the end right?)
From morning sickness to food cravings, fatigue to back pain, your journey to baby bliss is filled with surprises and challenges. Every symptom is a reminder of the miraculous process happening within your body as you create life.
So bear with those symptoms, seek out remedies that work for you, and don't forget to indulge in self-care along the way. Connect with other mums, share stories, and revel in the beauty of this incredible journey. And when the going gets tough, remember that the reward waiting at the end of the ride—the arrival of your precious bundle of joy - is beyond measure.
Enjoy every twist and turn, every hiccup and kick, and savor the anticipation of meeting your little one.
Parenthood awaits, and you're ready and waiting for it with open arms, a loving heart, and a spirit filled with joy.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and recommendations.
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