Are you fed up with images of glowing pregnant women who are smiling from ear to ear while graciously hosting a party or going to work? Pregnancy is an intense process that changes you and puts your body through many physical hardships.
Once you are on that nine-month countdown, you are going to face one pregnancy challenge after another. You don’t have to be happy about it, but there are some things you can do to make the ride a little smoother. Here are four natural solutions to help you have a more comfortable pregnancy.
- Ginger and Peppermint for Nausea
Nausea can happen at any time of day during pregnancy, so consider ginger and peppermint your two best friends when it comes to fighting this symptom. Unfortunately, people still refer to nausea in pregnancy as “morning sickness” and generally believe that it goes away after the first trimester. While that’s true for some women, you may end up experiencing nausea in the evening and at meal times, and it may last throughout your pregnancy.
Luckily, Nature has provided a solution to this problem. Ginger and peppermint are two ingredients you might find in your kitchen that have incredibly potent properties that quell nausea. You can pick up fresh ginger and mint or choose a tea, candy, or essential oil as long as the ingredients are naturally derived. Essential oils are especially convenient when you need something on the go or in the middle of the night next to your bed. High-quality Young Living Essential Oils are a great and natural option.
- Acupressure and Massage for Body Aches
As your little one grows inside you, you’ll likely face a variety of body aches throughout your pregnancy, and acupressure and massage are both very good ways of managing these symptoms. For beginners, gentle massage is a great remedy for pain in your feet, calves, head, and neck. Remember that you shouldn’t lay on your back for very long once you hit the second trimester, otherwise you risk compressing vital veins in your body. Instead, sit in a supported and upright position when someone gives you a massage.
Acupressure can help relieve certain aches in pains based on pressure points on your body. If you’re feeling up for it, you can even explore acupuncture, which is related to acupressure. Always do your research to find an experienced and safe practitioner.
- Exercise and Hydration for Constipation
If you’re experiencing constipation during pregnancy, it might be time to revisit your prenatal activity plans and increase your water intake throughout the day. These two remedies go hand in hand, especially because when you do exercise, you have to maintain good daily hydration. Exercise is a proven way to get your bowels moving, and drinking lots of water can help keep things smooth.
If you don’t mind caffeine, you could try drinking one cup of coffee or tea in the morning to stimulate a bowel movement. Speak to your doctor, but it’s generally agreed that an eight to twelve-ounce cup of regularly brewed coffee or tea is not harmful to your baby.
-
Yoga and Lavender for Anxiety and Insomnia
Besides exercise, prenatal yoga is a very effective way of managing anxiety and insomnia during pregnancy. Add a touch of lavender to your daily routines, especially before bed, and you will have a powerful solution for sleep problems and stress. Scientists have studied lavender for a long time, and there is a lot of documentation to show that lavender is genuinely connected to relaxation and stress relief.
Doing yoga during pregnancy is extremely beneficial. Yoga uses specific stretching and strengthening positions along with breath work that equates to a holistic, full-body experience. Doing just stretches or just deep breathing alone is not as effective as practicing yoga.
Of course, you should always listen to your body and never push yourself beyond your limits. It’s also important to only do specific yoga postures that are safe for pregnant people. Prenatal yoga is different from any other type of yoga practice because it takes into account the ways that pregnancy affects the body. Make sure that you undergo a baby scan with your doctor to make sure that those exercises are safe for you and your baby.
Moreover, a tailored wellness check-up from Mummy MOT in London or any reputable provider in your area is essential. An osteopath carefully checks the pelvis joints, spine, and abdominal muscles. They can advise on improving your birth experience and reducing the pains you are dealing with at the moment.
Pregnancy is a time of constant change. One day these solutions might work for you, and another day you might want to eat an entire pint of ice cream while binging TV on the couch. Take your journey one day at a time and remember that you have the power to make healthy choices.