During the approximately forty-week long pregnancy period, the expectant mother may experience various physical and psychological issues. The body’s adaptation to pregnancy, the changes observed month by month, and the supplements the body requires create a unique phase for the expectant mother. This is a period in which both hormones and body structure are very sensitive, and there are various ways and options to navigate this time without harm.
Some traditional approaches during pregnancy may confuse the expectant mother. For example, many older family members may advise, "Eat for two." In fact, the pregnant woman should focus on a balanced and healthy diet. Overeating leads to weight gain, making both the pregnancy and delivery difficult and painful.
Similarly, you may receive unhealthy suggestions from the internet or your social circle about various aspects of pregnancy, such as bathing, sleep patterns, exercise, and nutrition. The most important thing to remember is that pregnancy is not a disease. Unless a specialized doctor gives specific recommendations or advice, it is best to continue your life with small changes and adaptations to pregnancy naturally.
How Should the Pregnancy Process Be?
Pregnancy requires special attention and care. There are various factors to be considered and managed for the health of both the baby and the expectant mother. The pregnancy process begins with confirming that you are pregnant. Women usually realize they are pregnant when they miss their period, but a urine pregnancy test is needed to confirm this.
If you want to be absolutely sure about your pregnancy and have clear information, you should visit a health institution for a blood test. With a high level of BHCG hormone in the blood test, you can confirm that you are pregnant.
Things to Pay Attention to During Pregnancy
The use of folic acid is strongly recommended during pregnancy. Folic acid is very important for the mother’s health and the baby’s mental development. The amount of folic acid in food may not be enough, so it should be taken as a supplement.
Iron deficiency can also be an important issue during pregnancy. Even if iron deficiency does not cause many problems before pregnancy, fatigue, weakness, and palpitations may increase during pregnancy. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which can cause developmental delay in the baby and palpitations, fatigue, and post-delivery anemia in the mother. Therefore, if iron deficiency is detected before pregnancy, you must not neglect your treatment. Throughout pregnancy, it is recommended that you remain under the supervision of your doctor and consult with them before starting any prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
One issue to watch for during pregnancy is early nausea. This is often triggered by food, cosmetics, perfumes, and particularly cigarette smoke. Staying away from smells and things that cause nausea should be the primary preventive measure. If nausea is triggered by eating, it’s better to stay hungry, as this will reduce nausea without causing any developmental problems in the baby. The biggest mistake here would be eating excessively and then vomiting.
Sometimes, staying hungry can also irritate the stomach due to excess acid and cause nausea. To prevent this, pregnant women can eat small amounts but frequently. This way, the stomach won’t remain empty, and the effects of nausea will decrease. Therefore, a personalized management process should be followed during this period.
To relieve nausea, consuming protein-rich snacks and choosing food that is not spicy will benefit expectant mothers, especially during the first trimester. This is because spices not only intensify nausea during pregnancy but can also cause stomach pain, which affects comfort during pregnancy.
Hydration is very important during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women consume about ten to fifteen cups of water daily, which is roughly 2 liters or more.
Having an active lifestyle is also essential during pregnancy. Through exercise, it is possible to have a more comfortable pregnancy and prevent body aches and contractions. Intense sports or overly strenuous activities can pose a risk. Stretching upwards and lifting heavy objects should be avoided.
Avoid extremely hot places such as saunas, steam baths, or hot springs. After the 16th week of pregnancy, it is not recommended to sleep on your stomach.
Pregnant women should avoid environments that may cause anxiety or stress. Prolonged driving should be avoided, as it increases stress levels and poses risks, including seatbelt-related injuries.
If your job exposes you to stress, radiation, coal dust, chemicals, or similar substances, it is essential to take a leave of absence or change your work environment during pregnancy.
One of the most bothersome factors for pregnant women is the stretching of the skin due to weight gain, which can lead to stretch marks. These marks are generally permanent and can create an uncomfortable appearance for the expectant mother. Therefore, skin care during pregnancy is important. Various products like a mixture of almond oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter, or baby oils, can assist mothers in this regard.
Insomnia is one of the most common issues during pregnancy. Especially in the later stages of pregnancy, excess weight on the spine can cause discomfort. Therefore, rest and sleep patterns are crucial. Small naps during the day, at least 20 minutes of rest, can be very valuable. Keeping anything that could disturb your sleep at night out of the bedroom can help improve your sleep quality.
To reduce the formation of varicose veins caused by pressure during pregnancy, it is recommended not to stand for long periods and to keep the feet elevated while resting. Wearing compression stockings is one of the best preventive measures for this. You can consult your doctor and use compression stockings if they recommend it.
