How to cope with pregnancy changes...
SkinnyRuthy
Posts: 154 Member
Isn't it frustrating going through the ups and downs of pregnancy?
I'm not going to sit here and sugar coat things nor am I going to be a debbie downer.
Truth is, waking up and trying to move like a "normal person" doesn't feel so good as I'm having a lot of ligament stretching and the general pains that come along with that. It's frustrating too when the very act that got you pregnant is a bit awkward at times as you strive to not squish the little alien growing inside. :noway:
But, pregnancy is ridiculously awesome too. I am in awe every time I feel this baby turn, roll, whatever he/she is doing. It almost makes me breathless because again I realize that yep, this is real, there really is a baby in there!
It seems most things in life are a double-edged sword, so here are a few websites that may help you to cope with your own personal ups and downs.
Time to grab the bull by the horn, ladies, and take charge! So, here we go:
IF YOU'RE STRUGGLING WITH FOOD CRAVINGS
:drinker:
How to Cope With Food Cravings During Pregnancy
1
Eating a whole grain bagel for breakfast can help to manage cravings
Be sure to always eat a good breakfast. This will help you to cope with midmorning cravings. An example of a nutritious breakfast would be yogurt, fresh fruit, whole grain bagel with jam, and orange juice.
2
Eat a well balanced diet during pregnancy
Eat a well balanced diet. This means eating protein, low fat dairy, grains, vegetables, fruits. If you are able to maintain a healthy diet, indulging occasionally in one of your cravings will not cause problems for your baby.
3
Exercise regularly throughout your pregnancy
Try to exercise daily. Exercise is a good way to curb hunger and keep yourself motivated to eating healthy.
4
Mood swings can lead to food cravings
Pay attention to your own emotional needs. During pregnancy, many women experience mood swings. You may be tempted to comfort yourself through food. Find someone supportive to talk with regularly throughout your pregnancy.
5
Try to substitute healthy foods for the snacks that you crave
Eat healthy alternatives to some of your favorite snacks. If you are craving ice cream, try frozen yogurt. Instead of doughnuts, try a whole grain bagel. Eat graham crackers instead of cookes.
6
When you do indulge in your cravings, limit yourself to small portions
If you do occasionally indulge in your not-so-healthy cravings, practice moderation. Instead of an entire dish of ice cream, try to only eat a few spoonfuls.
Source: (http://www.ehow.com/how_2352275_cope-food-cravings-during-pregnancy.html)
How to Curb Pregnancy Cravings
1
Help your body to maintain blood sugar levels, as fluctuating levels can trigger cravings, particularly for sweets and simple carbohydrates, like fried foods and junk foods. Make sure that you eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy protein, avoiding sugary and processed foods.
2
Drink a cup of green tea when pregnancy cravings become strong. Green tea is rich in a number of antioxidants and vitamins that the body may be craving. Additionally, drinking warm fluids often helps the body to feel full and satisfied.
3
Include more soy milk in your daily diet, particularly if you are craving high calcium dairy such as cheese, milk and ice cream. Not only will soy help to curb your cravings, it will help you baby to develop with strong teeth, nails and bones.
4
Speak to a doctor or nutritionist about taking B-complex vitamins, which are among the greatest vitamin deficiencies in the United States. B vitamins are necessary for the metabolism of simple sugars and carbohydrates and hunger can be affected when a deficiency is present.
5
Curb a sweet tooth with raw honey, fruits or frozen yogurts; however, stay away from artificial sweeteners. You may think that artificial sweetener is better for you and the baby; however, they exacerbate cravings for a number of foods. Artificial sweeteners are found everywhere, so watch labels carefully.
6
Enjoy some of the foods you are craving, in moderation, as they may be telling your body that you need something that food provides. It is never healthy, particularly while pregnant, to overeat on ice cream, fried foods or chocolate. However, many women find themselves craving items that can be eaten in moderation to curb that desire, such as fruit, spices or even a small piece of chocolate.
Source: (http://www.ehow.com/how_4453142_curb-pregnancy-cravings.html)
IF YOU'RE STRUGGLING WITH HORMONAL CHANGES
:explode:
Why have I been so moody lately?
It's common to have mood swings during pregnancy, because of hormonal changes that affect your levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) and the broad range of feelings you may have about becoming a parent. Everyone responds differently to these changes. Some moms-to-be experience heightened emotions, both good and bad; others feel more depressed or anxious. Most find that moodiness flares up at around 6 to 10 weeks, eases up in the second trimester, and then reappears as their pregnancy winds to a close.
Pregnancy can be a stressful and overwhelming time. You may be overjoyed at the thought of having a baby one day, and then just as quickly begin wondering what you've gotten yourself into. You may be worried about whether you'll be a good mom, whether the baby will be healthy, and how the cost of adding a child to your household will affect your family's future finances. And you may worry about how your relationship with your partner and your other children will be affected — whether you'll still be able to give them the attention they need.
Even if your baby is very much wanted, at times you may have mixed feelings about the pregnancy and what's ahead. That's not surprising, considering that the expectations we set for parents are so high these days, and the pressure starts even before the baby is born. You may be constantly wondering: Am I reading the right books? Am I buying the right products? Will I know how to stimulate my child's development properly and build his self-esteem?
How can I manage my mood swings?
Try to remind yourself that emotional upheaval is normal right now. That said, making a conscious effort to nurture yourself can help keep you on an even keel during turbulent times.
Take it easy. Resist the urge to pack in as many chores as you can before the baby comes. You may think you need to stencil bunnies on the nursery walls, reorganize all the closets, or put in serious overtime before going on maternity leave, but you don't. Pencil yourself in at the top of your to-do list. Pampering yourself is an essential part of taking care of your baby.
Bond with your partner. Clueing your partner in about how you're feeling and reassuring him that you still love him will help him avoid taking your outbursts personally. Make sure you're spending plenty of time together and nurturing your relationship. Go on a vacation if you can. Strengthen your connection now so you can really be there for one another after the baby comes. If you're single, do something to nurture your relationship with your friends and family. It'll provide vital support for you now — and after your baby's born, too.
Do something that makes you feel good. This might mean carving out some special time for you and your partner. Or it might mean taking time alone to do something just for you: Curl up for a nap, go for a walk, get a prenatal massage, or see a movie with a friend.
Talk it out. Air your worries about the future with understanding friends. Just putting your concerns into words often helps dissipate them or gives you insight into solutions. Keep the lines of communication between you and your partner free and clear, too. Make it a two-way street. In addition to pouring out your feelings, let him express his own.
Manage your stress. Rather than let frustration build up in your life, find ways to decompress. Get plenty of sleep, eat well, exercise, and have some fun. Identify sources of stress in your life and change what you can, such as trimming your "to-do" list. If you still find anxiety creeping in, try taking a pregnancy yoga class, practicing meditation or other relaxation techniques, or consulting a professional counselor.
What if I can't shake my moodiness?
If your mood swings last for more than two weeks and don't seem to be getting any better, tell your practitioner and ask for a referral to a counselor. You may be among the 10 percent of expectant women who battle mild to moderate depression during their pregnancies. If you notice that you're frequently nervous or anxious, you may be suffering from some sort of anxiety disorder. Finally, if your mood swings become more frequent and intense, you may have a condition called bipolar disorder, in which you may swing from periods of depression to mania.
If you suspect that you have any of these conditions, it's crucial that you get professional help in treating them while you're pregnant. Research has shown that untreated emotional health problems can affect your baby's physical well-being and increase your risk of preterm labor and postpartum depression. Both psychotherapy and medication can be very effective in treating these conditions so that you and your baby can be well during pregnancy and afterward.
In the meantime, your body's changing and you may be feeling unattractive in your own or your partner's eyes. You may be worried about putting on too much weight or looking "fat" as your body expands to accommodate pregnancy, while at the same time feeling that you can't exercise as much as you might want to or used to.
Finally, the physical symptoms of pregnancy, such as heartburn, fatigue, and frequent urination, can also be a burden. It's not uncommon to feel like you've lost control over your body and your life during this time. All these concerns may take your emotions on a roller-coaster ride.
Source: (www.babycenter.com)
HOW TO DEAL WITH BODY CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY
:huh:
We all know that when you become pregnant your body will go through a great deal of many changes. You will gain weight, your legs will swell and your back will ache. All of this comes with the package of getting pregnant.
But, what many women don’t know is that there are certain things that you can do in order to make things less painful during your pregnancy. One of those changes is to have good posture. Your spine will change as your body changes to help support the baby.
A great way to help you get better posture is to stand against a wall. Your shoulders and your bottom need to be touching the wall while you try to stay relaxed. As you walk away from the wall, stand, and pretend that the wall is behind you and keep that posture.
Sitting for long periods of time can tend to make your back ache as well. Placing a pillow beneath will support your back and provide you with relief and help relieve the tension. To also help ease the tension, roll your shoulders forward and back as well.
When you are lying down, a great way to get relief from pressure and stress is to lie on your side. Bend your top knee and place a pillow between your legs. This will help to straighten out your spine and provide you with some comfort.
We all know that when you become pregnant your body will go through a great deal of many changes. You will gain weight, your legs will swell and your back will ache. All of this comes with the package of getting pregnant.
But, what many women don’t know is that there are certain things that you can do in order to make things less painful during your pregnancy. One of those changes is to have good posture. Your spine will change as your body changes to help support the baby.
A great way to help you get better posture is to stand against a wall. Your shoulders and your bottom need to be touching the wall while you try to stay relaxed. As you walk away from the wall, stand, and pretend that the wall is behind you and keep that posture.
Sitting for long periods of time can tend to make your back ache as well. Placing a pillow beneath will support your back and provide you with relief and help relieve the tension. To also help ease the tension, roll your shoulders forward and back as well.
When you are lying down, a great way to get relief from pressure and stress is to lie on your side. Bend your top knee and place a pillow between your legs. This will help to straighten out your spine and provide you with some comfort.
Source: (http://www.girlishh.com/living-with-changes-during-pregnancy/)
1
Body image is often a major concern for women, and during pregnancy this can become even more important. Some women embrace their new shape, seeing it as a tangible sign of the miraculous process their body is undergoing. Others are horrified by the changes in their figure, and worry that they will never return to their original shape.
Accept the changes by understanding why they happen. As soon as an egg is fertilized and implanted in your uterus, your body starts to function differently. It develops a fetal life support system, consisting of the placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic sac. One of the most important functions of the placenta is to produce hormones that support the pregnancy and ensure the baby stays healthy, and it is these hormones which kick-start the visible changes in your body.
One of the first changes you might notice is swollen breasts, as the hormones prepare them for lactation. Many women find they go up several bra sizes during pregnancy, an increase which is sustained after the birth if you choose to breastfeed.
Your metabolism also increases during these first few weeks, so you may find you have an urge to eat more, or a craving for a particular kind of food. At the same time, your blood flow increases, creating the famed ‘pregnancy glow.’
The uterus, where the fetus is slowly growing, will start to expand and the amniotic sac will fill with fluid, forming a protective cushion around the baby. Though many women will not start to ‘show’ until their second trimester – this is particularly true of those with well-defined abdominal muscles – the gradual expansion soon becomes obvious.
You might also experience swollen hands or feet, varicose veins, stretch marks and pigmentation or acne outbreaks.
2
Appreciate the importance of developing a positive body image. Those with a negative attitude towards their body image are usually more prone to eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Long-term sufferers may find that they have problems conceiving, but even if they do, an eating disorder can affect the entire reproductive process and the health of the baby. According to womenshealth.gov, the following complications are associated with eating disorders during pregnancy:
Premature labor
Low birth weight
Stillbirth or fetal death
Intrauterine growth retardation
Likelihood of cesarean delivery
Delayed fetal growth
Respiratory problems
Gestational diabetes
Low amniotic fluid
Preeclampsia
It is important to ensure that any body image issues are dealt with before or during the early stages of pregnancy.
3
Maintain a positive attitude. There are a number of things you can do to ensure you handle your changing body image in the best possible way throughout your pregnancy.
Start out the right way. Being positive about your body image before pregnancy usually makes it easier to cope with the physical and emotional changes that are about to take place. If you know you suffer from low self-esteem because of your appearance, you might find it even harder to accept your newly pregnant shape. Unfortunately, the fact that your body goes through such major changes in such a short space of time makes it even harder to adjust. But finding ways to come to terms with your new figure will help you enjoy your pregnancy much more overall.
Focus on the purpose of the changes. Rather than worry about the fact that you’re losing your figure, think instead about the miracle of life that is taking place inside you. Remind yourself that your body is changing to help your baby grow and develop. It’s a natural process, and one that you are lucky enough to experience.
Read as much as you can. Educating yourself about the minute processes of pregnancy will help you understand and appreciate the wonder of new life. Consider investing in a book that tracks the development of the fetus inside you, or a calendar that details each new stage through the forty weeks of pregnancy. Educating yourself about your experiences will help you embrace them in a positive light.
Stay active. Most doctors recommend some form of light exercise during healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies, like going for regular walks. Swimming is also good exercise, and is often preferred by women in advanced stages of pregnancy because of the feeling of weightlessness produced by the water. Yoga is another popular option, for its low-intensity benefits.
Learn to be flexible. Women sometimes feel scared by the lack of control inherent in pregnancy. Sometimes this signifies ‘letting go’ after a lifetime of controlling your diet and weighing or measuring yourself. Exercising regularly can help to alleviate those feelings of helplessness, and allow you to still feel healthy and fit even while your baby grows.
4
Celebrate your pregnant body. Feeling positive about yourself will be easier if you understand that this is a time to pamper your body, celebrate it, and enjoy it. Treat yourself to regular pedicures or massages. Taking up self-massage is also a good way to become familiar with your changing shape and be more accepting of it.
If you find yourself dressing to conceal your bump even after the first trimester, it could be a sign of trying to deny your new curves. Instead, feel proud of your pregnancy and don’t be afraid to show it off. The days of women hiding themselves away when expecting are long gone; today it’s acceptable, expected even, that you will celebrate the changes you are going through as you bring new life into the world. Invest in some well-fitting maternity clothes that accentuate your bump and enhanced cleavage and wear them with confidence. You’ll feel more comfortable and more positive about your new image.
5
Ask for support. Having a good support network around you is essential during this time and immediately after the birth. Draw on your partner, family members and close friends, and be open about how you feel. Bottling up your fears or negative feelings will only make you feel worse. You might find that the encouragement and reassurance you receive from those around you is enough to make you feel better about the changes you are going through.
If you find that you are still feeling low and depressed after sharing your concerns with friends or family, it’s advisable to seek mental health counseling. Depression in pregnancy is not as common as post-partum depression, but does still occur in many women as a result of hormonal fluctuations. Getting professional help can make the difference between a very negative pregnancy experience and a much more balanced, positive one.
As a general rule, doctors agree that if a particular form of exercise is part of your regular routine, it should be safe to continue in your pregnancy. However, always remember that your primary healthcare provider should be consulted before you take up any kind of exercise or strenuous activity.
Source: (http://www.wikihow.com/Cope-With-Your-Changing-Body-Image-During-Pregnancy)
:noway: These are just a few things and they may leave you confused, but I hope that it offers a bit of guidance and help to those who or struggling and maybe good reminders to those that have been through this but maybe forgot a few things along the way.
Stay strong, ladies!!
I'm not going to sit here and sugar coat things nor am I going to be a debbie downer.
Truth is, waking up and trying to move like a "normal person" doesn't feel so good as I'm having a lot of ligament stretching and the general pains that come along with that. It's frustrating too when the very act that got you pregnant is a bit awkward at times as you strive to not squish the little alien growing inside. :noway:
But, pregnancy is ridiculously awesome too. I am in awe every time I feel this baby turn, roll, whatever he/she is doing. It almost makes me breathless because again I realize that yep, this is real, there really is a baby in there!
It seems most things in life are a double-edged sword, so here are a few websites that may help you to cope with your own personal ups and downs.
Time to grab the bull by the horn, ladies, and take charge! So, here we go:
IF YOU'RE STRUGGLING WITH FOOD CRAVINGS
:drinker:
How to Cope With Food Cravings During Pregnancy
1
Eating a whole grain bagel for breakfast can help to manage cravings
Be sure to always eat a good breakfast. This will help you to cope with midmorning cravings. An example of a nutritious breakfast would be yogurt, fresh fruit, whole grain bagel with jam, and orange juice.
2
Eat a well balanced diet during pregnancy
Eat a well balanced diet. This means eating protein, low fat dairy, grains, vegetables, fruits. If you are able to maintain a healthy diet, indulging occasionally in one of your cravings will not cause problems for your baby.
3
Exercise regularly throughout your pregnancy
Try to exercise daily. Exercise is a good way to curb hunger and keep yourself motivated to eating healthy.
4
Mood swings can lead to food cravings
Pay attention to your own emotional needs. During pregnancy, many women experience mood swings. You may be tempted to comfort yourself through food. Find someone supportive to talk with regularly throughout your pregnancy.
5
Try to substitute healthy foods for the snacks that you crave
Eat healthy alternatives to some of your favorite snacks. If you are craving ice cream, try frozen yogurt. Instead of doughnuts, try a whole grain bagel. Eat graham crackers instead of cookes.
6
When you do indulge in your cravings, limit yourself to small portions
If you do occasionally indulge in your not-so-healthy cravings, practice moderation. Instead of an entire dish of ice cream, try to only eat a few spoonfuls.
Source: (http://www.ehow.com/how_2352275_cope-food-cravings-during-pregnancy.html)
How to Curb Pregnancy Cravings
1
Help your body to maintain blood sugar levels, as fluctuating levels can trigger cravings, particularly for sweets and simple carbohydrates, like fried foods and junk foods. Make sure that you eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy protein, avoiding sugary and processed foods.
2
Drink a cup of green tea when pregnancy cravings become strong. Green tea is rich in a number of antioxidants and vitamins that the body may be craving. Additionally, drinking warm fluids often helps the body to feel full and satisfied.
3
Include more soy milk in your daily diet, particularly if you are craving high calcium dairy such as cheese, milk and ice cream. Not only will soy help to curb your cravings, it will help you baby to develop with strong teeth, nails and bones.
4
Speak to a doctor or nutritionist about taking B-complex vitamins, which are among the greatest vitamin deficiencies in the United States. B vitamins are necessary for the metabolism of simple sugars and carbohydrates and hunger can be affected when a deficiency is present.
5
Curb a sweet tooth with raw honey, fruits or frozen yogurts; however, stay away from artificial sweeteners. You may think that artificial sweetener is better for you and the baby; however, they exacerbate cravings for a number of foods. Artificial sweeteners are found everywhere, so watch labels carefully.
6
Enjoy some of the foods you are craving, in moderation, as they may be telling your body that you need something that food provides. It is never healthy, particularly while pregnant, to overeat on ice cream, fried foods or chocolate. However, many women find themselves craving items that can be eaten in moderation to curb that desire, such as fruit, spices or even a small piece of chocolate.
Source: (http://www.ehow.com/how_4453142_curb-pregnancy-cravings.html)
IF YOU'RE STRUGGLING WITH HORMONAL CHANGES
:explode:
Why have I been so moody lately?
It's common to have mood swings during pregnancy, because of hormonal changes that affect your levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) and the broad range of feelings you may have about becoming a parent. Everyone responds differently to these changes. Some moms-to-be experience heightened emotions, both good and bad; others feel more depressed or anxious. Most find that moodiness flares up at around 6 to 10 weeks, eases up in the second trimester, and then reappears as their pregnancy winds to a close.
Pregnancy can be a stressful and overwhelming time. You may be overjoyed at the thought of having a baby one day, and then just as quickly begin wondering what you've gotten yourself into. You may be worried about whether you'll be a good mom, whether the baby will be healthy, and how the cost of adding a child to your household will affect your family's future finances. And you may worry about how your relationship with your partner and your other children will be affected — whether you'll still be able to give them the attention they need.
Even if your baby is very much wanted, at times you may have mixed feelings about the pregnancy and what's ahead. That's not surprising, considering that the expectations we set for parents are so high these days, and the pressure starts even before the baby is born. You may be constantly wondering: Am I reading the right books? Am I buying the right products? Will I know how to stimulate my child's development properly and build his self-esteem?
How can I manage my mood swings?
Try to remind yourself that emotional upheaval is normal right now. That said, making a conscious effort to nurture yourself can help keep you on an even keel during turbulent times.
Take it easy. Resist the urge to pack in as many chores as you can before the baby comes. You may think you need to stencil bunnies on the nursery walls, reorganize all the closets, or put in serious overtime before going on maternity leave, but you don't. Pencil yourself in at the top of your to-do list. Pampering yourself is an essential part of taking care of your baby.
Bond with your partner. Clueing your partner in about how you're feeling and reassuring him that you still love him will help him avoid taking your outbursts personally. Make sure you're spending plenty of time together and nurturing your relationship. Go on a vacation if you can. Strengthen your connection now so you can really be there for one another after the baby comes. If you're single, do something to nurture your relationship with your friends and family. It'll provide vital support for you now — and after your baby's born, too.
Do something that makes you feel good. This might mean carving out some special time for you and your partner. Or it might mean taking time alone to do something just for you: Curl up for a nap, go for a walk, get a prenatal massage, or see a movie with a friend.
Talk it out. Air your worries about the future with understanding friends. Just putting your concerns into words often helps dissipate them or gives you insight into solutions. Keep the lines of communication between you and your partner free and clear, too. Make it a two-way street. In addition to pouring out your feelings, let him express his own.
Manage your stress. Rather than let frustration build up in your life, find ways to decompress. Get plenty of sleep, eat well, exercise, and have some fun. Identify sources of stress in your life and change what you can, such as trimming your "to-do" list. If you still find anxiety creeping in, try taking a pregnancy yoga class, practicing meditation or other relaxation techniques, or consulting a professional counselor.
What if I can't shake my moodiness?
If your mood swings last for more than two weeks and don't seem to be getting any better, tell your practitioner and ask for a referral to a counselor. You may be among the 10 percent of expectant women who battle mild to moderate depression during their pregnancies. If you notice that you're frequently nervous or anxious, you may be suffering from some sort of anxiety disorder. Finally, if your mood swings become more frequent and intense, you may have a condition called bipolar disorder, in which you may swing from periods of depression to mania.
If you suspect that you have any of these conditions, it's crucial that you get professional help in treating them while you're pregnant. Research has shown that untreated emotional health problems can affect your baby's physical well-being and increase your risk of preterm labor and postpartum depression. Both psychotherapy and medication can be very effective in treating these conditions so that you and your baby can be well during pregnancy and afterward.
In the meantime, your body's changing and you may be feeling unattractive in your own or your partner's eyes. You may be worried about putting on too much weight or looking "fat" as your body expands to accommodate pregnancy, while at the same time feeling that you can't exercise as much as you might want to or used to.
Finally, the physical symptoms of pregnancy, such as heartburn, fatigue, and frequent urination, can also be a burden. It's not uncommon to feel like you've lost control over your body and your life during this time. All these concerns may take your emotions on a roller-coaster ride.
Source: (www.babycenter.com)
HOW TO DEAL WITH BODY CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY
:huh:
We all know that when you become pregnant your body will go through a great deal of many changes. You will gain weight, your legs will swell and your back will ache. All of this comes with the package of getting pregnant.
But, what many women don’t know is that there are certain things that you can do in order to make things less painful during your pregnancy. One of those changes is to have good posture. Your spine will change as your body changes to help support the baby.
A great way to help you get better posture is to stand against a wall. Your shoulders and your bottom need to be touching the wall while you try to stay relaxed. As you walk away from the wall, stand, and pretend that the wall is behind you and keep that posture.
Sitting for long periods of time can tend to make your back ache as well. Placing a pillow beneath will support your back and provide you with relief and help relieve the tension. To also help ease the tension, roll your shoulders forward and back as well.
When you are lying down, a great way to get relief from pressure and stress is to lie on your side. Bend your top knee and place a pillow between your legs. This will help to straighten out your spine and provide you with some comfort.
We all know that when you become pregnant your body will go through a great deal of many changes. You will gain weight, your legs will swell and your back will ache. All of this comes with the package of getting pregnant.
But, what many women don’t know is that there are certain things that you can do in order to make things less painful during your pregnancy. One of those changes is to have good posture. Your spine will change as your body changes to help support the baby.
A great way to help you get better posture is to stand against a wall. Your shoulders and your bottom need to be touching the wall while you try to stay relaxed. As you walk away from the wall, stand, and pretend that the wall is behind you and keep that posture.
Sitting for long periods of time can tend to make your back ache as well. Placing a pillow beneath will support your back and provide you with relief and help relieve the tension. To also help ease the tension, roll your shoulders forward and back as well.
When you are lying down, a great way to get relief from pressure and stress is to lie on your side. Bend your top knee and place a pillow between your legs. This will help to straighten out your spine and provide you with some comfort.
Source: (http://www.girlishh.com/living-with-changes-during-pregnancy/)
1
Body image is often a major concern for women, and during pregnancy this can become even more important. Some women embrace their new shape, seeing it as a tangible sign of the miraculous process their body is undergoing. Others are horrified by the changes in their figure, and worry that they will never return to their original shape.
Accept the changes by understanding why they happen. As soon as an egg is fertilized and implanted in your uterus, your body starts to function differently. It develops a fetal life support system, consisting of the placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic sac. One of the most important functions of the placenta is to produce hormones that support the pregnancy and ensure the baby stays healthy, and it is these hormones which kick-start the visible changes in your body.
One of the first changes you might notice is swollen breasts, as the hormones prepare them for lactation. Many women find they go up several bra sizes during pregnancy, an increase which is sustained after the birth if you choose to breastfeed.
Your metabolism also increases during these first few weeks, so you may find you have an urge to eat more, or a craving for a particular kind of food. At the same time, your blood flow increases, creating the famed ‘pregnancy glow.’
The uterus, where the fetus is slowly growing, will start to expand and the amniotic sac will fill with fluid, forming a protective cushion around the baby. Though many women will not start to ‘show’ until their second trimester – this is particularly true of those with well-defined abdominal muscles – the gradual expansion soon becomes obvious.
You might also experience swollen hands or feet, varicose veins, stretch marks and pigmentation or acne outbreaks.
2
Appreciate the importance of developing a positive body image. Those with a negative attitude towards their body image are usually more prone to eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Long-term sufferers may find that they have problems conceiving, but even if they do, an eating disorder can affect the entire reproductive process and the health of the baby. According to womenshealth.gov, the following complications are associated with eating disorders during pregnancy:
Premature labor
Low birth weight
Stillbirth or fetal death
Intrauterine growth retardation
Likelihood of cesarean delivery
Delayed fetal growth
Respiratory problems
Gestational diabetes
Low amniotic fluid
Preeclampsia
It is important to ensure that any body image issues are dealt with before or during the early stages of pregnancy.
3
Maintain a positive attitude. There are a number of things you can do to ensure you handle your changing body image in the best possible way throughout your pregnancy.
Start out the right way. Being positive about your body image before pregnancy usually makes it easier to cope with the physical and emotional changes that are about to take place. If you know you suffer from low self-esteem because of your appearance, you might find it even harder to accept your newly pregnant shape. Unfortunately, the fact that your body goes through such major changes in such a short space of time makes it even harder to adjust. But finding ways to come to terms with your new figure will help you enjoy your pregnancy much more overall.
Focus on the purpose of the changes. Rather than worry about the fact that you’re losing your figure, think instead about the miracle of life that is taking place inside you. Remind yourself that your body is changing to help your baby grow and develop. It’s a natural process, and one that you are lucky enough to experience.
Read as much as you can. Educating yourself about the minute processes of pregnancy will help you understand and appreciate the wonder of new life. Consider investing in a book that tracks the development of the fetus inside you, or a calendar that details each new stage through the forty weeks of pregnancy. Educating yourself about your experiences will help you embrace them in a positive light.
Stay active. Most doctors recommend some form of light exercise during healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies, like going for regular walks. Swimming is also good exercise, and is often preferred by women in advanced stages of pregnancy because of the feeling of weightlessness produced by the water. Yoga is another popular option, for its low-intensity benefits.
Learn to be flexible. Women sometimes feel scared by the lack of control inherent in pregnancy. Sometimes this signifies ‘letting go’ after a lifetime of controlling your diet and weighing or measuring yourself. Exercising regularly can help to alleviate those feelings of helplessness, and allow you to still feel healthy and fit even while your baby grows.
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Celebrate your pregnant body. Feeling positive about yourself will be easier if you understand that this is a time to pamper your body, celebrate it, and enjoy it. Treat yourself to regular pedicures or massages. Taking up self-massage is also a good way to become familiar with your changing shape and be more accepting of it.
If you find yourself dressing to conceal your bump even after the first trimester, it could be a sign of trying to deny your new curves. Instead, feel proud of your pregnancy and don’t be afraid to show it off. The days of women hiding themselves away when expecting are long gone; today it’s acceptable, expected even, that you will celebrate the changes you are going through as you bring new life into the world. Invest in some well-fitting maternity clothes that accentuate your bump and enhanced cleavage and wear them with confidence. You’ll feel more comfortable and more positive about your new image.
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Ask for support. Having a good support network around you is essential during this time and immediately after the birth. Draw on your partner, family members and close friends, and be open about how you feel. Bottling up your fears or negative feelings will only make you feel worse. You might find that the encouragement and reassurance you receive from those around you is enough to make you feel better about the changes you are going through.
If you find that you are still feeling low and depressed after sharing your concerns with friends or family, it’s advisable to seek mental health counseling. Depression in pregnancy is not as common as post-partum depression, but does still occur in many women as a result of hormonal fluctuations. Getting professional help can make the difference between a very negative pregnancy experience and a much more balanced, positive one.
As a general rule, doctors agree that if a particular form of exercise is part of your regular routine, it should be safe to continue in your pregnancy. However, always remember that your primary healthcare provider should be consulted before you take up any kind of exercise or strenuous activity.
Source: (http://www.wikihow.com/Cope-With-Your-Changing-Body-Image-During-Pregnancy)
:noway: These are just a few things and they may leave you confused, but I hope that it offers a bit of guidance and help to those who or struggling and maybe good reminders to those that have been through this but maybe forgot a few things along the way.
Stay strong, ladies!!
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awesome info lady!!!
Oh, i had the round ligament pain really really bad, so i started walking either on the treadmill or walking the dog no less than 20 minutes a day or at least a mile and pain is gone! Pilates didn't help for me, in fact it made it worse (i may have been doing it wrong too, i don't know) but for me, walking was the answer. I also drink over a gallon of water a day - no excuses - and my cravings are non-existent and i am not having constipation issues. I also feel better.
Thanks again lady!
Nicki...0 -
OMG this is AWESOME information!!!! I wish I had known all of this when I was pregnant w/my first. I gained 65 pounds that I have YET to lose all of, and I just found out that I am preggo with #2! Thanks for this!0
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So so happy that this information is helping others besides myself! I can't say I follow it to the T. But, it does help to be informed in general. Keep on going, ladies!
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Hey ladies!!!! I am kind of confused. Two of my favorite things are extremely healthy and good for me: green tea and soy milk. I have read in many pregnancy books and articles that both are not a good idea during pregnancy. Green tea robs the baby of the folic acid it needs. Soy milk is supposed to be bad because of the soy component. Have any of you heard this?? Last time I was pregnant, 5 years ago, my OBGYN told me not to drink either one. I think its kind of weird that things that are so good for you, you cant have during pregnancy????0
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Hey ladies!!!! I am kind of confused. Two of my favorite things are extremely healthy and good for me: green tea and soy milk. I have read in many pregnancy books and articles that both are not a good idea during pregnancy. Green tea robs the baby of the folic acid it needs. Soy milk is supposed to be bad because of the soy component. Have any of you heard this?? Last time I was pregnant, 5 years ago, my OBGYN told me not to drink either one. I think its kind of weird that things that are so good for you, you cant have during pregnancy????
Listen to your ob-gyn. I have never drank soy milk but I did drink a lot of green tea and have completely stopped. There are certain things in products that really can harm your baby. For example, there is bacteria that can live in cold deli meat, therefore if you want a sub sandwich, your meat should be hot before you eat it otherwise baby could become infected. Soft cheeses, certain types of fish...the list goes on. That being said: You can't avoid everything, but you can do everything in moderation. It has been said that even 1 glass of wine per day is perfectly acceptable for pregnant women. So, it really depends. I think you should listen to your doctor, even if it's challenging, and yes, I have definitely heard that both are not good... Good luck!0
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