Mother's Little Helpers - Second Trimester Mother's Little Helpers - Second Trimester
Is there "a cure for what ails you?"
Lucky for you, this was probably a much less difficult trimester, perhaps not difficult at all. For many moms, this trimester is truly all sweetness and light. For others, the problems range from annoying to serious, so let's check out some 'cures' for what ails you.
The Old Standbys
For Heartburn:
Eat slowly, taking small bites and chew well.
Milk may help alleviate heartburn.
Evaluate whether water plays a role in your heartburn; too much or too little liquids at mealtime may bring on heartburn. Experiment to see if adjusting your mealtime drinks makes a difference (you still should drink an adequate amount of water during the day).
Wear loose clothing; clothing that's too tight around the middle can make heartburn worse.
Avoid chocolate, caffeine and foods that are rich, spicy or high in fat.
Remain upright for at least one hour after eating.
Over-the-counter antacids may be necessary. Liquids are better than pills. And, if you don't find relief with over-the-counter remedies, talk to your doctor. There are tested, safe prescription antacids that will help put the fire out.
For Constipation:
Drinking water is essential to keeping the body regular. Aim for 64 ounces a day.
Dietary fiber. Are you getting enough? Be sure to eat enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Decrease your dairy intake. Lots of milk, cheese, and other dairy products increase the risk of constipation.
Try good old milk of magnesia. It works. And it's safe.
For Gas:
Watch your diet for particular foods. Avoid known gas producers like beans.
The carbonation from soda may cause gas, so consider cutting back or eliminating soda from your diet. Conversely some moms feel that soda helps alleviate trapped gas which may cause gas pains.
Avoid swallowing too much air; eat slower and avoid gulping when you drink.
Don't take any over-the-counter gas medications without first consulting your doctor.
For Leg Cramps:
Be sure to get enough potassium and calcium in your diet.
Avoid becoming dehydrated.
Be sure to rest/elevate your legs periodically throughout the day to assist your circulation
Each night before going to bed, stretch your legs from thigh to ankle, paying particular attention to the calves.
When you have a cramp, push your heels down and your toes upward to ease the muscle out of the cramped position.
Some women find heat compresses helpful.
For Congestion:
Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night.
Shower when you feel stuffy. The steam will open up your nasal passages.
Drink plenty of water.
Talk to your doctor about using a saline nasal spray; most other nasal sprays are not approved for pregnant women.
Keep your head elevated when sleeping.
For Nosebleeds:
Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night.
Be sure to blow your nose gently.
Talk to your doctor about using a saline nasal spray. Most other nasal sprays are not approved for pregnant women.
For Bleeding Gums:
Brush your teeth thoroughly, two to three times each day using a soft-bristled tooth brush.
Floss once a day. Be gentle.
Rinse your mouth with anti-bacterial mouthwash after each brushing.
Continue with your regular dental care. Have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every six months.
For Stretch Marks:
Exercise. Tone your abdominal muscles.
Don't overeat. Eat when you're hungry.
Apply skin softening lotion to the abdominal region.
Wear a good-fitting pregnancy bra.
For Gestational Diabetes. While you can't cure it, you can manage it.
Eat a well-balanced diet.
Maintain a healthy weight right from the start of pregnancy.
Meet with a nutritionist.
Exercise.
Pay careful attention to changes to your body.
For High Blood Pressure
Reduce sodium (salt) intake.
Avoid stress whenever possible.
Be sure to get enough sleep each night and rest on your left side as much as possible during the day.
Pay careful attention to changes within your body.
