Pregnancy diet plans are created, followed and carefully scrutinized to ensure proper health and nutrition for mother and baby. Sometimes, however, the "healthy" foods moms eat while pregnant actually contribute to common pregnancy woes.
Tweaking pregnancy diet plans can help enormously to help mom-to- be breeze comfortably through pregnancy and ensure baby's healthy development.
Nausea and Pregnancy Go Hand in Hand
Perhaps the most infamous pregnancy complaint is that misnamed bought of nausea called morning sickness. The designation of this sickness to the morning is a complete misnomer. Morning sickness can strike at any time of the day, and can extend beyond the first trimester or even return like an unwelcome dinner guest.
Moms can combat morning sickness by eating smaller meals more often. Overeating, or eating snacks high in carbohydrates can create a blood sugar rise and crash cycle that actually triggers morning sickness.
Instead of grabbing a bagel, muffin or pasta choice, try protein snacks like raw nuts, nut butters and lean meats. Vegetables are another great option. They are digested slowly and high in fiber and nutrients, which help the body feel full without causing a spike in insulin levels.
Vegetables and nuts are usually the preferred snacks for vegetarian diet during pregnancy and can be incredibly helpful.
Hemorrhoid Prevention during Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids are an uncomfortable reality of pregnancy and childbirth. Eating plenty of fiber can help because it regulates and softens stools.
Additionally, mothers should drink enough water. Without adequate amounts of water, even a vegetarian diet during pregnancy would not provide relief. Other tips include the avoidance of lingering trips to the bathroom. If the body is not able to move things along quickly, don't force it--just come back later.
Is it Gas or that "Pregnancy Glow"?
One clever childbirth educator quipped that the "pregnancy glow" is actually derived from gas; however, uncomfortable and excessive flatulence does not have to accompany pregnancy.
Eliminate gas by paying close attention to what you eat while pregnant that seems to trigger gas, and avoid or reduce those foods. Common offenders are:
- Broccoli
- Onions
- Beans and legumes
- Chewing gum
- Foods with high glycemic indexes
- Asparagus
A Hidden Comfort Factor for the Optimum Pregnancy
Okay, there is one more element to optimize pregnancy comfort in addition to what moms eat while pregnant. This surprise element is exercise, but don't let the eyes glaze over just yet. Pregnancy exercises that increase comfort are more aptly named "postures" or "stretches" rather than high impact exercise routines.
Of course, these are only a few of the woes commonly experienced by moms-to-be. Isabel De Los Rios has compiled some of the best exercises and foods that help moms feel comfortable before, during and after pregnancy. To learn more about Isabel De Los Rios and her recommendations to promote healthy pregnancies, visit her website.
