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6 foods that help relieve pregnancy symptoms

6 foods that help relieve pregnancy symptoms

Following conception, pregnancy symptoms can be detected as early as two weeks. Nausea, fatigue and irregular cravings, among others are valid indicators of the possible onset of pregnancy. A pregnancy test will be required to confirm it. Once that happens, most of these symptoms still persist and cause real discomfort to the expecting mother. Dietary changes can help manage the pregnancy symptoms, with some of the most potent ones mentioned below:

Ginger tea

In the first trimester of pregnancy, women often suffer from nausea and vomiting. It can sometimes last all day for certain women, starting around the sixth week of pregnancy and lasting until the 12th week. Ginger root contains specific chemicals that help ease some of this discomfort.

Gingerols and shogaols – two compounds found in ginger, are thought to act as receptors in the digestive system and help empty the stomach. Additionally, ginger is known to relieve pain due to uterine cramping.

Banana

Besides providing some beneficial nutrients and minerals to the mother and the child, bananas also impart comfort by easing some of the pregnancy symptoms. It helps prevent constipation problems, controls abdominal bloating, and smoothens bowel movement. Women also suffer from loss of appetite during pregnancy, and eating bananas helps boost their urge to eat.

Heartburn is another common symptom in expecting mothers but can be easily addressed by consuming fruits like bananas and melons.

Spinach

Loaded with vitamins, sodium, phosphorus and magnesium, spinach is highly recommended, especially during pregnancy. Mood swings are common in expecting mothers and consuming spinach lowers depression and anxiety, which greatly helps in this regard. The nitrate content in spinach regulates the blood pressure and prevents it from rising.

Iron-deficiency, meanwhile, is common in pregnant women and makes them tired. Adding iron-rich spinach to the diet would be helpful, as it boosts energy.

Warm milk

Heartburn and other gastric ailments are common during pregnancy. Milk is an effective antacid, with some varieties also containing probiotic bacteria that help maintain digestive health. Sleeplessness is common among expecting mothers, but a warm glass of milk before bed works best to counter the problem. It provides relaxation and avoids complications like vaginal infections and allergies, among others.

Lemon

Most of the citrus fruits are safe and should be part of an expecting mother’s diet. They are filled with multiple vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that deliver strength to both the mother and child. According to various studies, inhaling lemon essential oil is more than effective in reducing nausea and other pregnancy symptoms.

Combining it with water is also beneficial and reduces morning sickness. However, one must also steer clear of its overconsumption, as its high acidic level may cause heartburn. The concentration of lemon in solutions must always be kept in check.

Beans

Constipation is a common byproduct of pregnancy. Most women often suffer from irregular bowel movements, which can cause serious discomfort as well. Eating plenty of fiber-rich foods help reduce this risk, and therefore, including beans in the diet is highly recommended. Lentils are great too, as they improve gut health and raise the level of “good” cholesterol in the system.