What are the essential dietary restrictions, hormonal markers, and physical recovery strategies for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum transition?
Swelling, or edema, is one of a plethora of symptoms many pregnant women experience. It’s caused by increased pressure in your veins and water retention and is exacerbated by hot weather and fatigue. Edema typically occurs in your ankles, fingers, face and lower back.
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Pregnancy comes with a host of symptoms -- one of which can be cramping. While uncomfortable, mild cramping is typically normal during pregnancy. If you are ever concerned, speak with your obstetrician. Otherwise, don’t underestimate the importance of drinking plenty of water throughout your pregnancy.
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There’s never a more important time in life to eat healthy than during pregnancy. In the past, pregnant women were advised to be cautious of salt intake to minimize bloating and water retention.
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When you’re pregnant, every doughnut and sweet food stares you in the face, but it’s important to eat foods that have a high nutritional value. Empty calories, such as doughnuts, soda and cookies, don’t provide your fetus with sufficient nutrients for growth and development.
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If you’re not already aware of it, you need to add one more food to avoid to your pregnancy list -- smoked meat, which includes bacon, hot dogs and ham. Smoked meat may contain bacteria and other organisms that can make you and your baby sick.
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Between 26 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, you will have a glucose screening test to check your blood sugar levels. If the screening test results are high, your doctor will perform a glucose tolerance test in order to diagnose gestational diabetes.
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High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can lead to gestational diabetes, putting you and your developing baby at risk. During pregnancy, your body makes more insulin to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, but sometimes you don’t produce enough.
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When you’re pregnant, you have enough to worry and think about without feeling bloated. Unfortunately, when you’re pregnant, having gas and feeling bloated are par for the course.
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You should aim to be back at your prepregnancy weight six months after delivering your baby, states the MedlinePlus website. Your recovery from a C-section takes longer than from a vaginal birth, so don’t immediately rush into a weight-loss program.
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