How Should Pregnant Women Eat for Extreme Nausea?
Gastrointestinal complaints during pregnancy are among the most common issues. Nausea affects 50-90% of pregnant women, while vomiting affects 25-55%. Factors such as young age, obesity, first pregnancy, and smoking can exacerbate these symptoms. Nausea is particularly prevalent in the first trimester, typically lasting for weeks.
To alleviate nausea during pregnancy, consider the following:
- Opt for frequent, small meals.
- Choose a low-fat diet, and toast bread before consuming.
- Avoid triggers such as cigarettes, strong odors, and certain foods.
- Ensure the stomach is never empty by increasing meal frequency to six times a day.
- Consume something dry like breadcrumbs upon waking and rest for a while before getting out of bed.
- Stay hydrated between meals.
- Take short breaks and rest during the day.
How Should Pregnant Women Eat to Avoid Gas Problems?
To address bloating and gas during pregnancy, eat smaller, more frequent meals. Fast food can exacerbate bloating, so it’s best avoided. Additionally, steer clear of gas-inducing foods like dried legumes, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, and onions.
How Should Pregnant Women with Reflux Eat?
Reflux, where stomach acid flows into the esophagus, is common during pregnancy, affecting about two-thirds of pregnant women. Symptoms include a burning sensation behind the breastbone and sometimes in the throat. To mitigate reflux:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Elevate the head of the bed.
- Avoid eating within three hours of bedtime.
- Limit consumption of alcohol, coffee, chocolate, and high-fat foods.
- Quit smoking, as it worsens reflux by increasing stomach acid production.
What Should Pregnant Women Pay Attention to When Drinking Herbal Tea?
It’s advisable to avoid herbal tea during pregnancy due to the risk of fluid loss and miscarriage.
How Much Weight Should Be Gained During Pregnancy?
Monitoring weight gain is crucial during pregnancy to ensure both maternal and infant health. Weight gain should be gradual, with recommendations as follows:
- In the first three months, aim for 0.5-1 kg per month.
- In subsequent months, target an average gain of 1.5-2 kg per month.
- Overall, aim for a total weight gain of 10-14 kg, averaging around 12.5 kg.
Nutrition Recommendations for Pregnants:
- Limit consumption of sugary, floury, and fatty foods to prevent excessive weight gain.
- Opt for white meat like chicken and fish.
- Choose lean cuts of red meat when consumed.
- Avoid processed meats such as sausage, salami, and pastrami.
- Use healthier cooking methods like boiling, grilling, or baking instead of frying.
- Reduce salt intake, opting for iodized salt when used.
- Thoroughly wash fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains to remove chemical residues like pesticides.
- Limit coffee and tea consumption, ideally consuming them at least 45 minutes after meals.
- In cases of nausea and vomiting, consume small, frequent meals and consider resting for 15 minutes after consuming dry foods like toast or crackers before getting out of bed.
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