Body
During pregnancy your body changes a lot. You experience the following changes:
- You do not have your menstrual period.
- You gain weight.
You may have one or more of the following discomforts, which are normal:
Later in your pregnancy, you may get other discomforts:
- stretch marks on your belly;
- painful/swollen legs and feet;
- backpain.
Emotions
Your emotions and moods can change very quickly. For example, you may be happy one moment and feel sad or anxious the next.
Nausea
- Have a light breakfast;
- Eat several small portions of food during the day;
- Drink enough water during the day;
- Go to a doctor if you have to vomit more than 3 times a day.
It can also help to:
- Eat something small before you get out of bed and when you go to bed;
- Drink some milk or ginger tea.
Constipation
- Drink a lot of water;
- Eat food which is rich on fiber, like whole-grains, vegetables and fruit;
- Stay active.
Infected gums
- Brush your teeth 2 times a day;
- Use dental floss and toothpicks daily;
- Go to a dentist if the infection remains.
Stretch marks
If you are bothered by sore stretch marks while pregnant, it might soothe the soreness to massage the stomach with hydrating creams or oils.
Painful/swollen legs and feet
Raise your legs up high when sitting down.
Back pain
- Sit so that you have good support for your lower back;
- Bend your knees when lifting heavy objects;
- Do not wear high heels;
- Take light exercise, for example: walking, swimming or cycling.
