 Early
pregnancy concerns
The first few weeks of pregnancy are some of the most exciting
as you get used to the new life inside you. However, with your new shape
come concerns. We asked mums in the babyworld antenatal club what
their most common early pregnancy worries were and midwife and acupuncturist,
Zita West, answers them here.
Most women do worry about every pain in early pregnancy. However it's
very common to have the odd twinge or niggle so don't worry too much!
However you need to be concerned if the pain doesn't go away, or if it
is sharp and accompanied by spotting as this may be a sign of an ectopic
pregnancy. A constant pain like a period pain may possibly be a sign of
early miscarriage so you should see seek medical advice if this happens.
Usually however a pain will go away if you rest so try to relax and not
worry.
Usually it is 2kg for the first 20 weeks , 9 kg for the second 20 weeks.
I find some women put weight on at different rates - some at the beginning
of the pregnancy and others towards the end. I am not concerned by reasonable
weight gain, as long as it not affecting your or your baby's health -
if weight is an issue for you it's probably best to seek the advice of
your hospital nutritionist.
I don't really like exercising in early pregnancy as I think in early
pregnancy the body needs to get used to being pregnant. Many women feel
very tired, nauseated and so if you go to the gym but don't feel like
it you may end up working against your natural resources. Excess exercise
in pregnancy may also divert the blood away to other centres of the body
and not away from the developing baby. However gentle exercise such as
walking, swimming pregnancy yoga etc are fine.
No I'm afraid not. You are pre-disposed to stretch marks but you can
help to keep your skin nourished with safe natural oils and creams designed
for use during pregnancy.
Very commonly I find that pregnancy headaches can be caused by too much
citrus fruit - grapefruit oranges etc - although at the moment there is
no evidence to support this I find this to be the cause time and time
again with my clients.
Ginger has been shown to be effective but there has been a lot of research
done to show that that pressure on Acupuncture point - pericardium 6,
helps with nausea. This point is found in the wrist so ask a qualified
therapist to show you how to locate it yourself. Try using an oil burner
to burn lemon and lime aromatherapy oils in your room to help give relief
from the nausea. Rest is also very important - morning sickness and fatigue
seem to be linked.
There is no reason to avoid foot massages providing pressure points are
not used. However according to the guidelines supplied by ITEC the regulating
body for Reflexologists, Reflexology should not be used during the first
trimester of pregnancy.
No, you must continue to take Folic Acid right the way through your pregnancy
- it is important for the health of your developing baby.
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