As I went through my pregnancy I received help from a lot of sources - internet, friends, siblings, elders in my family and even just random people! I have tried to collate all of it here so it helps you maintain a healthy diet and also hopefully soothe some of your nausea!
- To treat nausea and excessive puking, try eating watermelons. Consider them your guardian angel. Watermelons rich in Vitamin C help remove any gaseous feeling in your abdomen and also help in absorption of Iron in your body.
- There is an accupressure point just below your wrist on the bottom side which when applied pressure relieves some of the nausea.
- Keep yourself hydrated especially when you are vomiting excessively. If plain water nauseates you further, try flavored water like lime juice, glucose or anything else you personally prefer. Even tender coconut is a good choice but a dangerous one. Excessive consumption of tender coconut can put you at risk for diabetes. A recommended consumption is 2 per week.
- A walk in fresh air despite your tiredness actually makes you feel better.
- If you face early morning nausea especially when you brush you teeth, try this. Eat some dry biscuits or crackers as soon as you are up before you brush. It helps soothe some of that uneasiness.
- Eat walnuts and apricots especially in your first trimester as these are rich in folic acid and will aid growth of the brain of the fetus.
- Also don't worry if you cannot eat much or cannot keep much food within. The fetus does not need much nutrition yet and can sustain by itself without your food. So take is slow and eat whatever you can stomach.
- Avoid eating apples if you get too constipated as this can increase it and may even lead to fissures. If you really wish to eat them, add a lot of fiber in your diet eating fruits like banana, pomegranate etc and eating veggies like green leafy vegetables, radish etc. Radish when had raw with curd and salt is considered a safe stool softener.
- Sadly there's no cure for the tiredness you feel. Your body is a machine working non-stop in building a home for your baby. So you will definitely feel tired. Easier said than done, try to take rest as much as you can and wherever you can. Don't feel hesitant to speak about it. It's not laziness and it's actually your body asking you to rest so it can continue building that home. So ask for help from anyone and everyone!
- Though there are a lot of myths regarding what foods to take and to avoid. I will personally say anything that you are doubtful about, better avoid it. Pregnancy will not last all your life and you will get lot more chances to eat them later! Some things to consider avoiding - papaya (an unripe one can apparently carry an enzyme which can cause miscarriages), bitter gourd (karela), mangoes (a few slices may not harm though).
- Try to keep your diet filled with nuts, dry fruits, fresh salad, fruits, milk and curd. It's said that if you have a diet consisting common allergens like nuts, milk etc in your pregnancy, chances are your baby will be less allergic to it when outside.
- Avoid staying hungry for longer periods as this adds to your nausea. Try to munch on something every 2 hours once. Something light and healthy like biscuits, nuts, fruits.
- Avoid foods containing Maida or plain flour such as buns and breads made from them. Instead try to choose a whole wheat alternative of that. Maida is known to cause constipation which I am sure you don't want to add to your list of problems!
- If you wish to eat out, try safer options which likely wont cause you any infections.
- Avoid overly spicy food. You sure don't want your entire food pipe and nasal tract burning after you puke!
- Most importantly completely eliminate caffeine from your diet. It will be difficult in the beginning but you will get used to it. Try taking a walk whenever you crave for your coffee or tea. Will help you distract and unwind. If you really care for a cup, you may have one or two per week and of course occasionally only!! Caffeine can cause serious damage to the fetus growth and brain which I am sure is a good deterrent!
