9 Pieces of Advice in Early Pregnancy

9 Pieces of Advice About Early Pregnancy

Congratulations on your pregnancy! It’s such an exciting time…but we know that many Mummies feel the worry during early pregnancy. What are the symptoms? Why do I want to eat chocolate spaghetti? Do not worry…we take you through 9 pieces of advice to help you…

Morning Sickness Doesn’t Always Happen in the Morning!

The most heard about symptom of early pregnancy is nausea and morning sickness. However, despite it being the most common earworm, not everyone will have morning sickness. If you do, it won’t always be in the morning. TV and Film often really emphasise Morning Sickness when the character is pregnant… IT IS NOT ALWAYS LIKE THIS! Don’t worry if you don’t experience morning sickness or even if you do, everyone has different experiences and journeys. Try to monitor it, and if you really believe something isn’t quite right…contact your doctor.

Food Aversions and Cravings

Leah from our Marketing Team is 29 weeks and has found chicken is now her enemy. This can happen, certain foods you love may become unbearable to eat. You can also start to go for foods you weren’t so keen on before. It goes both ways! This happens due to hormonal changes in your body. What’s important is that you make sure you’re getting a balanced diet. If you feel like you’re missing out something important in you and your baby’s diet, consider speaking with a nutritionist to find alternative ways to get what you need.

Heartburn

Majority of pregnant women will suffer heartburn. Rennies may become your best friend. This is because progesterone, the hormone that relaxes muscles in pregnancy, also relaxes the stomach valve that keeps acid out of the esophagus. In addition, the growing uterus crowds the stomach, forcing acid into the oesophagus. Eating smaller meals more slowly can help, avoid eating straight before bed, standing or sitting after a meal and knowing your triggers. Does caffeine set it off? Citrus? Chocolate? Try to get to know your body and avoid foods and drinks that give you an increase in heartburn symptoms. Use heartburn medicines, and check they’re okay for pregnant women, or ginger products have been known to be effective in fighting heartburn…as well as nausea. Two birds one stone!

Sensitive Breasts

This can be an unavoidable discomfort, and can range from mildly sensitive to very. Once again this occurs due to the hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your breasts. They are likely to get bigger as your milk glands multiply and the fat layer in them thickens. Although it can be uncomfortable, a lot of women can see the positive in having bigger boobs! The change can happen rapidly, or gradually across your pregnancy. To help ease this symptom, purchase a supportive and comfortable bra and get regular fittings as your body changes. Especially when you’re exercising, a well supporting bra is super important!

Bloating

The dreaded feeling of bloating…like you’ve just eaten a 12 course meal…this is common in the early stages. Once again, your good old friend hormone is to blame. Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscle in your digestive system. As your pregnancy progresses it all starts to get a bit crowded down there and as your baby begins to push on your intestines, it slows down the digestion of food, leaving you with that ‘beach ball’ feeling. There is most likely not much sign of a bump until around 13 weeks, so prior to that it is most likely bloating. Foods that can cause an increase in gas are artichokes, beans, broccoli, cabbage…you may also feel the need to trump more after eating food and drinks with fructose or the sweetener sorbitol. So avoid things containing these, such as certain fruits, diet drinks and chewing gum!

Forums are Scary

Every woman has a different journey. You must remember that when you read forums that these accounts are not you. Even if you have similar symptoms you may be having a different cause. Do not let other women’s experiences scare you. If you feel like you may be suffering from an underlying issue, consult your doctor directly, one to one!
Despite this, forums can be a wonderful way to gain support from women just like you. It’s okay to take advice, but with caution. It is seeing women in the same boat as you. Know and understand your bodies before you act on advice.

Your Body is Built for it!

Pregnancy is amazing, whatever your personal experience, but at the core, your body is growing a tiny human! You grow a new organ (the placenta), your hair can become thicker, you become more stretchy, you produce more blood, and many, many more changes. It is important to keep in mind that you must trust what your body is designed to do, all for an amazing purpose. Your job is to be your own personal trainer and guide it in the best direction. So eating well, exercising, researching, sleeping well and trusting yourself is vital.

When to Worry About Cramps

Mild tummy cramps are a normal part of early pregnancy as your body is gearing up for pregnancy. It’s as if your body is putting up the foundations for your baby’s house!
With cramping, it is vital to keep your midwife or GP informed, especially if they get worse. This is just so they can check for underlying issues such as UTI infections or constipation. Spotting and bleeding with your cramps are usually very normal, but can be signs of something more serious. You need to keep tabs on this symptom. Your GP/midwife can examine you and reassure you. To soothe tummy cramps, a relaxing bath, gentle exercise, recommended doses of paracetamol and curling up on the sofa with a hot water bottle can help!

Keep Moving

Keeping up your normal physical routine is okay, until you feel comfortable. It’s incredibly beneficial for you and babies health to keep moving. If you didn’t move much before you were pregnant, now is the time to start. Inactivity can lead to unwanted weight gain, higher blood pressure, aches and pains, and more serious risks. Your body is actually becoming more flexible due to hormonal changes and it’s great for baby to get your blood flowing! This doesn’t mean you go climbing Everest! Find exercises to suit you, from yoga to walking, there’s many approved activities you can get involved with to keep active. Research local classes or find a buddy to do them with you.
Here is a list of exercises that are okay for you and baby: Safe exercise during pregnancy

Most of all, this can all be overwhelming, but remember that your body is amazing, and so are you!

Love from all of the team at Window to the Womb. xxx

If you have any concerns or questions, contact your GP or Midwife for support.

Many of our clinics now offer early pregnancy scans from 6 weeks. For more information please visit our firstScan website here. Or if you’re after gender, 4D & well-being baby scans, visit our packages and prices page here.