Nutrition Zone: Nutrition Zone: PREGNANCY FOES

Nutrition Zone: Nutrition Zone: PREGNANCY FOES

Nutrition Zone: PREGNANCY FOES

Nutrition Zone: PREGNANCY FOES: "Pregnancy and motherhood are the two very important milestones of a women’s life and we cherish it dearly. In this post I have discussed a..."

PREGNANCY FOES

Pregnancy and motherhood are the two very important milestones of a women’s life and we cherish it dearly.  In this post I have discussed about the most common complications that arise during pregnancy.

COMMON PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS:

        I.            MORNING SICKNESS: or nausea is a common during the first trimester of pregnancy and affects more than more than half of the pregnant women. Morning sickness is associated with the changes in the hormone levels of the expectant mothers basically estrogen levels.  Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy have many considerable effects on the women both physical and psychological.

Here are some dietary measures that can be followed to ensure optimum health for the mother and child.

·         Have small frequent meals and avoid bulk eating.

·         Simple sugars like biscuits, fruits etc which are easily digested.

·         Nausea in some women is greater in the morning and therefore it is advised to have cream biscuits which give instant energy and simple carbohydrates.

·         Adequate amount of fluids to be taken in between the meals rather than with the meals.

·         .Fatty foods, fried foods, excessive seasoning and coffee in large amounts should be avoided.

Unfortunately, there is no cure available for morning sickness and pregnant women are advised to have anything they like and avoid strong odors and flavors that produce nausea

      II.            HEART BURN:  due to gastric reflux often occurs at night.  The pressure exerted on the stomach and intestine by the enlarging uterus causes regurgitation of the stomach contents into the esophagus producing heart burn.

·         Limit food intake before bedtime.

·         Take small but frequent meals.

·         Sit upright atleast for 3 hours after meal.

·         Drink plenty of fluids between meals rather than with meals.

    III.            CONSTIPATION AND HEMORRHOIDS: constipation more commonly  occurs during the third trimester and is due to:-

·         Reduced gut motility

·         Physical inactivity

·         Increased pressure on the bowels by the enlarged uterus

·         Muscle relaxant effect of the placental hormones.

The weight of the fetus and the downward pressure raptures the veins causing hemorrhoids.It is suggested that the pregnant women increase the consumption of fibre rich foods like whole grains, vegetables and fruits, dried fruits like prunes and figs to relieve constipation and prevent hemorrhoids. Plenty fluids are also recommended.

    IV.            EDEMA AND LEG CRAMPS: - Edema develops in the extremities during the third trimester of pregnancy and usually associated with the weight and pressure of the uterus on the legs. Hence no sodium restriction is suggested. Leg cramps during pregnancy is due to calcium deficiency related to calcium phosphorus imbalance.

·         Calcium supplementation, however, to prevent leg cramps is not supported.

·          On the other hand using magnesium supplementation has been found to bear better results.

·         The best evidence available so far for treating leg cramps is for magnesium lactate or citrate taken as 5mmol in the morning and 10mmol in the evening.( Young and Jewel)

      V.            HYPERTENSION: - in pregnancy is known as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific syndrome observed after the 20^th week pregnancy accompanied by proteinuria.

In a woman with preeclampsia blood pressure usually returns to the baseline within days to weeks after delivery.

Sodium retention is a feature of preeclampsia and so sodium restriction has been a widely used dietary intervention.  With recent studies Cochrane review indicated that manipulating sodium intake doesn’t affect the incidence and frequency of preeclampsia. Studies have also shown that reducing sodium intake had adverse effects on protein, calcium, and energy.

Most of the above mentioned problems are faced by every pregnant woman but with proper care and support they can be conquered. You must remember that the overall experience of pregnancy is far more precious than anything and should be thoroughly enjoyed.