Mother's Cure for What Ails you in the First Trimester

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Mother's Little First Trimester Helpers
Is there "a cure for what ails you?"
Are you feeling joyous? Of course you are. You're having a baby! Keeping that in mind as you hug your toilet or drag your tired body to the breakfast table is the best cure for those early pregnancy bumps in the road. Well, it's not a cure exactly...but it certainly helps you stay the course. Try to consider these body changes proof positive that your body is doing its job and doing it well. Your hormones are surging, your body is busy supporting baby and preparing for further support in the future. All is well in baby's world.

The Old Standbys

For Morning Sickness
Keep a box of crackers close by at all times - even on the bedside table. Nibble a Saltine or two before rising.

Avoid contact with foods that offend your sensitive nose.

Avoid foods that are high in fat.

Avoid spicy foods.

Switch the time of day you take your prenatal vitamins; for some moms taking them just before bed makes a huge difference the next morning.

Get out of bed slowly in the morning and sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes.

Get lots of fresh air. Take a walk and sleep with a window open in the bedroom.

Make sure you drink plenty of liquids throughout the day.

For Fatigue
Increase your protein intake. Protein is power food for you and baby.

Adjust your schedule to allow for longer nighttime resting periods.

Take a nap.

Be sure to keep up your exercise routine. Begin a moderate exercise routine (like walking) if you don't already exercise regularly.

For Breast Sensitivity
Consider switching to a different style of bra. Try a 100% cotton bra. Avoid lace or seams coming into contact with your nipples.

Wear a maternity bra to bed to provide night-time support.

Sensitive breasts may become irritated by soap, so wash the nipple area with water.

For Skin Problems
Be sure to drink plenty of water.

Wash your face twice a day with a non-abrasive facial cleanser.

Use oil-free moisturizers and makeup.

Eat a healthy diet.

Be sure you get enough rest. Don't forget, you're sleeping for two now.

For Increased Urinary Frequency
Avoid caffeine.

Do your Kegel exercises to strengthen bladder muscles.

If you feel the need to urinate, do not "hold it." When you have to you have to.

Foods that were added to the diet to help fight nausea and fatigue.
Great-Grandma ate them, brewed them with her tea, and sucked on them.

Almonds
Cayenne Pepper
Ginger
Lemon
Peppermint

And then there was the relief they could find at the apothecary (that's the pharmacy today).

Extracts of the products listed above
Cola (yes, it started as a medicinal concoction)
Green Tea

If it was good enough for your ancestors, it may be just what you need. Think about adding some of the same things to you diet that your ancestors used. Think comfort food - in a way that's what you should consider these additives. Take comfort in the fact that you may find solace in some timeless remedies which may have nurtured the woman who gave birth to the woman who gave birth (and so on and so on) to you.

The Latest Tips for Moms-To-Be On Surviving the Joys of the First Trimester
If the previous tips are helpful, but not enough to get you through the day, there are other things you can do to help yourself. You'll hear suggestions from everyone - friends, family and total strangers on the street. You should balance these well-meaning suggestions with common sense. Some suggestions are worth checking out.

Especially these:

Eat smaller portions more often.

Mini-meals help moms-to-be fight fatigue and nausea.

Nutritionists, physicians, and grandmas everywhere support the mini-meal method of eating. Rather than eating three large meals a day, consider eating six smaller meals, which will aid in digestion, keep blood sugar levels more consistent throughout the day, provide you with consistent energy, and frankly help you keep food in its proper perspective. You may even suffer less food aversion if you eat smaller portions more frequently. Putting together daily meal plans ahead of time will help to ensure that you eat foods from all the food groups each day and make it easier to keep your diet varied.

Think you can't eat six times a day? Of course you can, the meals are smaller, easier to digest, and you can keep mealtimes simple if you wish. What does a day of mini meals look like?

A Day in the Life of a Mini-Meal Mom

7:30 am - oatmeal, blueberries, fruit juice

10:00 am - yogurt, granola

12:30 pm - lean turkey breast on whole wheat bread, carrots, celery, cucumbers and low fat dip

4:00 pm - cheese and crackers, grapes

6:30 pm - grilled chicken breast, brown rice, steamed or sautéed vegetables

9:00 pm - bran muffin, low fat milk

Too simple for your palette? You can always go gourmet with your mini-meals. Are you more of a quiche girl at lunch time? Enjoy it! Does baked brie and apples at nine sound more your speed? Go for it. Just choose healthy foods which you'll be able to digest easily. And remember to keep your choices varied if your stomach will tolerate it. A variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats and dairy are the best choices for you and baby.

Someday you may call yourself a mini-van mom. For the time being, seriously consider becoming a mini-meal mom. You may find that you look and feel so great eating the mini-meal way, that you continue it even after baby arrives. (It's a great lifestyle change to keep up during breastfeeding and beyond.) And think of all those wonderful things you can eat!