PREGNANCY

Planning for a baby is a lovely experience for both parents. It is part of the real fulfillment of the marriage. These nine months of waiting should be a joyful time, a time of happy planning for the future family.

Pregnancy is the time when nature is doing a most remarkable job, and parents must do their part to keep the would be mother strong and healthy. Pregnancy is not something to be afraid of. Childbirth is far safer than in the old days.


What are the signs of pregnancy?
During pregnancy there is progressive anatomical and physiological changes not only confined to the genital organs but also to all systems of the body.

The first indication will be the missing of your monthly period. At the same time, you may feel unusually cheerful, and your breasts may begin to enlarge. Some women who are tense and nervous may have a slight feeling of nausea in the morning. Even a little vomiting at this early stage is not uncommon or serious. Nature is just making adjustment, and this will soon pass away.

If you miss your next period you should consult a doctor. Certain tests will give positive indication of the pregnancy. You should see your doctor at least once each month for the next four or five months, and after every two weeks until the delivery.

There is enormous growth of the uterus during pregnancy. The uterus, which in non-pregnant state weighs about 50 gm and measures about 7.5 cm in length, at term weighs 900-1000gm and measures 35 cm in length.


HOME REMEDIES FOR PREGNANCY


Eat frequently during the day (at least six small meals daily) that will help you avoid an empty stomach.
Low blood sugar aggravates the nausea, so you should try to keep a good level throughout the day, starting staring from the moment you wake up.
Instead of eating your foods, try to drink them, it's easier for your body to digest a milk shake or fruit shake instead of having to chew them.
Avoid foods and odors that make you feel nausea.
Drink plenty of carbonated beverages, without caffeine.
To relax, put a few drops of lavender oil in the bathtub and enjoy the immersion.
Taking ½ to 1 tsp of Wild yam root every day. This will help you deal your morning sickness. This is very useful home remedy for pregnancy.
Light exercise is very important during pregnancy, but you must not become too tired. Housework is beneficial, but avoid lifting heavy things.
You must choose those foods that will keep your baby well.
Your diet should be rich in minerals and vitamins. Milk and other dairy products will help to keep you in good condition. These foods provide calcium for the baby.
Iron is most essential element needed during pregnancy to prevent anemia. Foods rich in iron are eggs, whole wheat, wheat germ, bran, barley, oatmeal, cereals, and dried apricots.
Smoking and alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy.
Take your daily bath. A shower or a sponge bath is equally good.
Soak three or four powdered cloves in some water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink when nausea comes on. This is also very useful home remedy for pregnancy.
Drink a glass of limejuice with a little cardamom.
Ginger tea will get rid of nausea immediately. It has to be real ginger tea, not ginger flavored.
Honey in the tea can help a sore throat from vomiting. If tea is not available, ginger candy or other food-containing ginger (like Chinese ginger chicken) will help.
A teaspoon of cider vinegar in a cup of warm water helps to get rid of nausea.
Remain upright for an hour after eating; lying down can irritate the problem.
Sleep with pillows supporting your legs and back.
Protein is very important in preventing high blood pressure and ecclampsia; you need at least 80 grams of protein daily
Eating cucumbers help reduce blood pressure.
Juice of half a lemon or lime plus two teaspoons of cream of tartar in a half a cup of water once a day for three days, lowers your blood pressure, if needed, repeat after a break of two days.
Drink raw beet juice to balance the sodium/potassium ratio in your blood, about 4 ounces daily.
Avoid junk food, refined starches, sugar, coffee, tea and foods high in acidic content.
Take a short walk or try to sleep with the window open. When you are cooking, open windows to get rid of odors.