6 Foods that Fight Nausea During Pregnancy

Author: Dr. Anuja Thomas MBBS. DGO, DNB (OBGY)

Consultant: Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Kharghar

As a leading healthcare provider, we at Motherhood Hospital understand the unique challenges that expecting mothers face, especially morning sickness and nausea. For many expecting mothers, these uncomfortable symptoms can make it challenging to maintain a healthy pregnancy diet, which is crucial for the well-being of both mother and baby. However, with the right strategy, nausea during pregnancy can be effectively dealt with.

What Is Nausea During Pregnancy?

Nausea during pregnancy, commonly known as morning sickness, affects many expecting mothers. Although the exact cause of morning sickness is still unknown, hormonal changes, blood sugar fluctuations, and metabolism changes are believed to play a role.

Causes and Symptoms of Nausea During Pregnancy

Morning sickness symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and general discomfort, and typically occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, some women experience morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancy.

It is essential to note that morning sickness is a normal part of pregnancy and does not necessarily indicate a problem with the pregnancy. However, severe or persistent nausea and vomiting should be brought to the attention of a healthcare provider.

By understanding the causes and symptoms of morning sickness, it is possible to alleviate discomfort. In the following sections, we will explore the top foods that can help alleviate nausea during pregnancy, provide tips for eating habits and meal planning.

5 Foods to Include in Your Pregnancy Diet to Combat Morning Sickness

When it comes to pregnancy, morning sickness can make you feel uncomfortable and interfere with your daily routine. Fortunately, certain foods can help alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness and make you feel better.

Here are some of the best foods to include in your pregnancy diet to combat morning sickness:

Ginger: Ginger is a popular natural remedy for nausea and has been found to be effective in combating morning sickness. You can include ginger in your diet by adding it to your tea, smoothies, or as a flavoring agent in your cooking.
Peppermint: Peppermint is another natural remedy for nausea that can help alleviate morning sickness. You can include peppermint in your diet by drinking peppermint tea, chewing peppermint gum, or using peppermint oil as a flavoring agent in your cooking.
Lemon: Lemon is a great source of vitamin C and can help alleviate nausea. You can add lemon to your water, tea, or even your meals to help combat morning sickness.
Plain crackers: Plain crackers are an excellent source of carbohydrates that can help prevent nausea. You can snack on them in between meals or before getting out of bed in the morning.
High-protein snacks: Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help prevent nausea. High-protein snacks like nuts, cheese, and yogurt can help you feel full and satisfied while also preventing morning sickness.
Bananas: As banana is rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, consuming banana on regular basis can help you reduce stress during pregnancy.

Healthy Eating Habits and Meal Planning Tips for a Nausea-Free Pregnancy

Maintaining healthy eating habits during pregnancy is essential, as it impacts not only the mother’s health but also that of the growing baby. In this section, we provide expert advice on healthy eating habits and meal planning for a nausea-free pregnancy. These tips can help you combat morning sickness and promote a healthy pregnancy journey.

Firstly, it is essential to avoid skipping meals, as this can worsen nausea. Instead, opt for small, frequent meals throughout the day, including nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, coconut water, or herbal teas.

We also recommend that you avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt, as they can worsen nausea and negatively impact your overall health. Additionally, it is essential to avoid foods that are known to be harmful during pregnancy, such as raw or undercooked meat, fish with high levels of mercury, and unpasteurized dairy products.

Meal planning can also be helpful in ensuring a healthy pregnancy diet. Consider planning meals in advance and keeping healthy snacks on hand to prevent hunger and avoid reaching for unhealthy options. Consult with our nutritionists to develop a customized meal plan that works for you and your baby.

Here are other useful tips that you can follow to alleviate nausea:

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or diluted juice, to stay hydrated.
Avoid spicy, fatty, or fried foods, which can exacerbate nausea.
Try to eat protein-rich foods, such as chicken, fish, eggs, or beans, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full for longer.
Don’t skip meals, as an empty stomach can worsen nausea

Debunking Common Myths and Misconceptions About Nausea During Pregnancy

While it is natural for expecting mothers to seek advice and guidance on how to navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy, it is important to distinguish fact from fiction. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding nausea during pregnancy that can be not only misleading, but potentially dangerous for both mother and baby.

Let’s debunk some common myths and provide accurate information to help you make informed decisions.

Myth: Morning sickness only happens in the morning
Fact: Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day, not just in the morning.

Myth: Nausea during pregnancy means you are having a girl
Fact: There is no scientific evidence linking nausea during pregnancy to the gender of the baby.

Myth: Cravings are a reliable indicator of what your body needs
Fact: Cravings are often influenced by psychological and social factors, and not necessarily an indicator of what your body needs.

Myth: Nausea is always a sign of a healthy pregnancy
Fact: While some nausea during pregnancy is normal and can be a sign of a healthy pregnancy, severe and persistent nausea may require medical attention.

Myth: Ginger is the only natural remedy for morning sickness.
Fact: While ginger can be helpful for some women, it may not work for everyone and there are other natural remedies that can also be effective in alleviating nausea during pregnancy.

Myth: Pregnant women should eat for two
Fact: Pregnant women only need an additional 300-500 calories per day, depending on their pre-pregnancy weight.

Conclusion

It is also important to maintain a balanced and healthy pregnancy diet to combat morning sickness. At Motherhood Hospital, we recommend that pregnant women include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in their diet. Consult with our nutritionists and healthcare professionals at Motherhood Hospital to create a meal plan that works for you and your baby, ensuring that you are getting all the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy. We offer comprehensive care for pregnant women and are committed to providing the best possible care to ensure a healthy pregnancy journey for both you and your baby.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best nutritionist in Kharghar, Mumbai. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries.

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital in Kharghar, Mumbai, at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Anuja Thomas, please book your appointment here.

FAQ’s:

What causes morning sickness during pregnancy?
While the exact cause of morning sickness is unknown, it is believed to be related to hormonal changes in the body.
What are the common symptoms of morning sickness?
Common symptoms of morning sickness include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and food aversions.
What are some effective natural remedies for nausea during pregnancy?
Some effective natural remedies for nausea during pregnancy include ginger, peppermint, lemon, and high protein snacks.
What are the best foods to include in a pregnancy diet to alleviate morning sickness?
Ginger, lemon, whole grains, high protein foods like lentils, yogurt and nuts, and foods rich in vitamin B6 like bananas, spinach and sweet potatoes are some of the best foods to include in a pregnancy diet to alleviate morning sickness. Additionally, consuming small, frequent meals throughout the day and staying hydrated can also help alleviate nausea during pregnancy.
Can severe or persistent nausea during pregnancy be a cause for concern?
Severe or persistent nausea during pregnancy, especially accompanied by other symptoms such as dehydration or weight loss, can be a cause for concern and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Benefits of Saffron (Kesar) During Pregnancy

Benefits & Side Effects of Saffron During Pregnancy - Motherhood Hospitals

Author: Dt. Arti Singh MSc – Nutritional Science

Consultant – Nutritionist and Dietician at Motherhood Hospital Kharghar

Pregnancy is a time of great joy and anticipation, but it is also a time when expecting mothers need to be very careful about their diet and nutrition. Eating a well-balanced diet is crucial for the mother and the baby’s well-being. One way to ensure a healthy pregnancy is to include saffron in your pregnancy diet. Saffron is a spice that is commonly used in our cuisine and has several health benefits for pregnant women.

What Is Saffron?

Saffron is a spice derived from the Crocus Sativus flower. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. Saffron is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for the body. Let’s take a closer look at how saffron can benefit pregnant women.

Essential Nutrients found in Saffron for a Healthy Pregnancy

Saffron is a spice that is commonly used in Indian cuisine and has several essential nutrients that are important during pregnancy. It is a good source of iron, which is crucial for the production of red blood cells and prevents anemia. Saffron is also rich in vitamin A, which is vital for fetal development, and vitamin C, which helps in the absorption of iron.

Additionally, saffron contains several antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals, supporting a healthy pregnancy. Incorporating saffron into an Indian diet can help expecting mothers receive the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy pregnancy. However, it is important to consume saffron in moderation and after consulting with a doctor.

Psychological Benefits of Saffron during Pregnancy

Apart from its nutritional benefits, saffron also has psychological benefits that can help expecting mothers maintain a positive mood and good mental health during pregnancy.

It contains natural antidepressants that promote the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters.
Saffron has calming effects, reducing anxiety and stress levels in pregnant women.
It is believed to improve memory and cognitive function, which can be helpful during pregnancy when women often experience brain fog.
Adding saffron to the diet can help pregnant women maintain a positive outlook and enjoy a stress-free pregnancy.
It is important to consume saffron in moderation and after consulting with a doctor, especially if taking antidepressant medication.

Medical Benefits of Saffron during Pregnancy

In addition to its nutritional and psychological benefits, saffron has several medical benefits that can protect maternal and fetal health during pregnancy

Saffron has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, a condition that can lead to pre-eclampsia and endanger the health of both the mother and baby.
Saffron is also believed to have anti-spasmodic effects that can ease cramps and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Saffron has been found to have a positive effect on digestion, which can alleviate pregnancy-related digestive issues such as constipation and bloating.
Saffron has been found to have a positive effect on uterine contractions, making it beneficial during labor.

Incorporating saffron into your pregnancy diet can help you benefit from its medicinal properties and ensure a healthy pregnancy. However, it is important to consume saffron in moderation and after consulting with a doctor.

Using Saffron Safely: Risks and Precautions for Pregnant Women

While saffron can be beneficial during pregnancy, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to use it safely.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Saffron should be consumed in moderation, as excessive consumption can have adverse effects on maternal and fetal health.
Pregnant women with a history of mood disorders or taking antidepressant medication should consult with a doctor before consuming saffron.
Saffron can be an allergen for some people, so it is important to test for allergies before consuming it.
Only purchase high-quality saffron from trusted sources to avoid adulteration with other substances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, saffron has several benefits during pregnancy. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, can help alleviate anxiety and depression, regulate blood pressure, and reduce inflammation and pain. However, it is crucial to consume saffron in moderation and after consulting with a doctor.

Do take an appointment with the best maternity hospital in Kharghar, Mumbai at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dt. Arti Singh , please book your appointment here .

FAQ’s:

Is saffron safe to consume during pregnancy?
Yes, saffron is safe to consume during pregnancy, but only in moderation. Do consult with a nutritionist to define the best diet plan for a healthy and safe pregnancy
.
How much saffron should a pregnant woman consume daily?
Clinical studies have reported consumption of up to 1.5 gm per day of pure saffron to be safe.
What are the nutritional benefits of saffron for pregnant women?
Saffron is a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, potassium, and vitamin B6, which can support the healthy growth and development of the fetus.
Can saffron be harmful to the baby if consumed in excess?
Yes, consuming excessive amounts of saffron can have adverse effects on maternal and fetal health, so it should be consumed in moderation, in consultation with your healthcare provider.
What precautions should pregnant women take when consuming saffron?
Pregnant women should take precautions such as testing for allergies, before consuming saffron. You should avoid adulterated saffron. It always best to consult with your healthcare provider before consuming saffron.

What is the best diet for pregnancy?

Food is the main source of nutrients for the body and fetus. So, one must know what to eat and avoid during pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is better to consume different types of food which include a variety of lean meats, grains, fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated fats.

What are the foods that should be avoided?
Some foods can affect your or baby’s health and should be avoided, such as:
• Seafood high in mercury
• Raw, undercooked or contaminated food
• Undercooked meat, poultry and eggs
• Unpasteurized foods
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables

What is the normal weight for pregnancy?

Your health care professional will reflect on Body Mass Index (BMI) for weighing aspect. You will be suggested to maintain weight in healthy ways.

What are prenatal vitamins?
For the better growth and development of a baby, prenatal vitamins are important as they contain nutritious elements like vitamins and minerals. Your healthcare provider will suggest you consume any prenatal vitamin.

Should a pregnant woman exercise?

Exercise is a way to a healthy lifestyle, but a pregnant woman should avoid activities that are risky and excessive.

Can a person travel during pregnancy?

It is safe to drive or travel during pregnancy where even air travel is allowed up to 37 weeks gestation. However, a woman can talk to her doctor about following some safety measures as well during travelling.

What are the safe medications during pregnancy?

To ease some symptoms of pregnancy, you can have some non-prescription medication where the healthcare professional will recommend you safe over-the-counter meds as well.

How Not To Stress Your Fetus

The Harmful Effects of Excess Stress During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is accompanied by a lot of emotions, stress and anxiety as it is a way of enduring the continuity of species. Stress and pressure are common during pregnancy, but excess of everything is not beneficial. The persistent stress and pressure during pregnancy can be harmful to the baby as well as to the mother. The buildup of stress can stimulate the levels of hormones including stress hormones that fuel up the muscles and make up your heart beat faster.

Tips for Reducing Stress During Pregnancy

• Try to stay fit and healthy by eating healthy foods. It’s important to manage your sleep where you prioritize the rest that is required for your body.
• You need to know that this situation is temporary by being mindful of the present. Mindfulness can help you to live in the present moment and avoid the problems that may be building up.
• Exercise and yoga go hand in hand and can be extremely helpful. Relaxation activities such as yoga and meditation can be helpful in managing stress along with preparing for labour.
• Talk about this to your partner or friend. Try to build a supportive network around you that can help you to come out of this period, and where you can easily share your worries and feelings to get relief.
• You can take some childbirth education classes where you will come across the knowledge of pregnancy and its related procedures. You will also learn some techniques to cope with the pressure.
• If by any means you are suffering from depression, you should consult a professional. Getting early treatment and counselling can map this problem and ensure your well-being as well.

Signs And Symptoms Of An Ectopic Pregnancy

Age and Fertility: Understanding the Relationship

Age is perceived as a major element that can determine the chances of getting pregnant because of the ability to conceive. As put before, the conceiving ability of women decreases steadily after 30 when pregnancy is thought to be gruelling. Nonetheless, the chances of getting pregnant are still valid as fertility is gradually tending to a lower bar, not diminishing suddenly go.

Complications in Pregnancy After 35

The rising graph of age concurs with many changes that occur in women. The major problem for women in their 30s is related to the difficulty of getting pregnant. As a matter of fact, the number of eggs in women starts to decrease after the 30s which affects the chances of getting pregnant due to the lower odds of conception. In that case, there are complications like premature birth, birth defects, high blood pressure etc. that may arise in older women as compared to women in their 20s. It’s better to opt for some prenatal screening tests in order to look and check out for any risks pertaining to birth defects.

Ways to Increase the Chances of Getting Pregnant at a Certain Age

Older women can try to conceive in a natural way and wait for some time. By the time, there is no success in doing so, a woman can consult a doctor and look for other possibilities, like taking reproductive medicines. Doctors can recommend drugs/medicines that may enhance and stimulate the production of eggs in women. And for another case, IVF (In Vitro fertilization) or egg donors may be suggested when the former method doesn’t work.

Besides, a woman can adapt to some healthy lifestyle changes to increase the chances of getting pregnant at a certain age, like taking a healthy diet and quitting smoking. Moreover, trying to conceive during the ,ovulation period can also maximize the chances of conceiving.

Pregnancy & Addiction: Birth Defect Caused By Drugs

The period of pregnancy is crucial in one’s life where there is a need to adapt and avoid. It is very important to be cognizant of the things that can prove fatal for the mother or fetus both. In the same context, some drugs, alcohol or medications can cause some significant problems if taken during pregnancy. These have been attributed with causing birth defects as well where they are known as “teratogens”. Teratogen has the ability to alter the normal growth and development of the fetus.

Understanding the Risks: Medications and Pregnancy

The risk factor adhered to such drugs is inclusive of many factors, such as the type of the drug, size of the dose, periodicity of consumption, etc.

Types of Drugs that can Cause Birth Defects

The generic drugs that are linked to birth defects are:
• Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): The drug has the potential to cope with mental health disorders. However, recently it has been evaluated to be a risky factor in causing newborn hypertension, heart defects and other birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
• Accutane: As the name suggests, Accutane is helpful in treating acne problems. It is also enlisted in the list of drugs that cause significant problems as it has been examined as causing birth defects and stillbirth during pregnancy intake.
• Benzodiazepines: These have the potential to trigger calmness as they are psychoactive drugs. However, their intake during pregnancy can cause developmental birth defects like lacking muscle control and respiratory defects.
• Antibiotics: While antibiotics are regarded as a safe option during pregnancy, some groups have been established to generate developmental birth defects like heart defects and skull malformation.
• Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: They are useful in coping with pain and fever, but also concur with the risk of the neural tube and related birth defects.
Therefore, it is always necessary to consult the doctor before opting for medication.

Fetal Developmental Stages And Baby Growth

After the fertilization of sperm and ova, the egg develops that rapidly divides into many cells which reach the fallopian tube and remain there for three days. Then the fertilized egg is passed to the uterus and persists in dividing slowly, where it attaches to the endometrium for implantation. The further growth and development of the fetus occur in the uterus where the period is divided into three stages as:

First Trimester: From Fertilization to Baby’s Development

First Trimester: After the baby is conceived, this period begins and spans 12 weeks. It constitutes the first 3 months of pregnancy where the fertilized egg is divided into cells that will change into a fetus. The fetus begins to develop baby-like features where after three months all the organs and limbs are present. Generally, it is about 4 inches long.

Second Trimester: Comfortable and Baby-Like Features

Second Trimester: This is the second stage of pregnancy which has to be the best experience and remains up to 7 months or 28 weeks. The discomfort and symptoms of early pregnancy are no longer here. Facial features along with some movement are seen in the developing fetus, where it also responds to stimuli as well. The fetus is generally 14 inches long at the end of the seventh month and weighs between 2-4 pounds.

Third Trimester: Fetus is Fully Prepared for Birth

Third Trimester: This is the last stage of pregnancy which remains up to 40 weeks or 9-10 months (in some cases). During this stage, the fetus starts to gain weight along with body fat. Lungs are almost fully developed along with the brain, internal organs and other reflexes that begin to coordinate like the closing eyes, turning the head etc. The fetus is generally 17-19 inches long and weighs 5-6 ½ pounds. Finally, at the time of labour fetus is developed with all the organs and is prepared for birth.
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Is There A Right Time To Get Pregnant? Consult The Doctors

Timing is Key: Understanding Ovulation and Getting Pregnant

Timing is the key to getting pregnant. All you have to do is be in sync with the ovulation cycle. A brief window is available each month for conceiving. Women are more likely to get pregnant at the most fertile point of their monthly menstrual cycle which is marked by an upsurge in the luteinizing hormone. The most fertile phase lies 5-6 days before and after the day of ovulation.

While sperm can survive in a woman’s reproductive tract for five days, the egg can be fertilized only between 12-24 hours after being released from the ovaries.

What happens during ovulation?

The ovary releases a mature egg.
The egg travels way down the fallopian tube.
The sperm may meet it in the process and fertilize the eggs.

Estimates say that the majority of pregnancies result from having sex during the periods. The likelihood of conceiving is therefore marked at 10% five days before ovulation and 33% on the day of ovulation.

In many cases, the lack of knowledge about the ovulation cycle and the signs of ovulation creates an obstacle to conceiving. The tricky part lies in identifying when ovulation occurs because every woman’s menstrual cycle is different.

Ways to Track the Ovulation Period

Track your basal body temperature: It is the temperature when you wake up in the morning. During ovulation, it goes slightly up and stays up until the next period.
Make use of an ovulation predictor kit that is used to detect a surge in Luteinizing hormone.
Cycle charting apps could be helpful
Fertility monitors to keep a check on Luteinizing hormone and estrogen levels.
Cervical mucus method

There is a right time to get pregnant. All you have to do is track your cycle and time it right. Making out on the days close to ovulation is important.

Birth Defects & Exposure To Prescription Drugs In The Womb

What are Birth Defects?

When there is any visible, chemical or internal abnormality in the newborn, it is referred to as a birth defect. This defect may be a result of genetic factors, radiation or exposure to some drugs. It is important to know how some drugs can pertain to birth defects if taken without acknowledgement. It is due to the fact that some substances can affect the development of a fetus along with influencing the health of the mother as pregnancy is the crucial stage in one’s life.
Prescription medicine is used to treat a health condition when recommended by a health provider. A certain exposure to some drugs proffers high chances of disabilities in the fetus, particularly congenital disabilities, which are known as teratogenic drugs. These disabilities can concur to infant mortality along with leading to premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage etc.

Factors that Can Harm the Development of the Fetus

The baby inside the womb goes through two important developmental stages; an embryo stage during the first 10 weeks where the systems and organs are formed, and the fetal stage where the growth of the organs and fetus happens. During the fetal stage, the developing baby is more at risk of injury or any abnormality where infections and drugs are some significant causes that can damage it. There are certain factors that are underlined for potentially harming the development of the fetus, like the type of drug, size of the dose, how frequently it is used, the stage of pregnancy, individual response etc.

The Risk of Teratogenic Drugs During Pregnancy

Some drugs are most severe during the first three months of pregnancy, like Thalidomide which was used to treat nausea can cause birth defects known as phocomelia, and Isotretinoin (used to treat skin conditions) can cause malformations and abnormalities in the skull, CNS and heart.

Tips To Get Your Body Ready For Pregnancy

Preconception checkup and screenings at motherhood india hospital

You may be planning for pregnancy, but there may be some questions in your mind regarding how to make your body ready for it. There are some steps that if taken will give you the best possible chance of having a healthy pregnancy along with a healthy baby.

Quick fact:
Your heart actually grows during pregnancy as the blood volume increases up to 50% which makes it beat faster.

The importance of preparing your body for pregnancy

Here are some important steps that you can plan to undertake in order to begin your motherhood easily:
• A preconception checkup: If you are ready to get pregnant, it is better that you schedule a preconception checkup. During this checkup, your overall health status will be reviewed along with the health history. Besides, there may some health areas where you need some improvement which can be analyzed by the doctor as well.

• Taking folic acid supplement: Before you start conception, it is advised that you should take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day though your first trimester. The process can be started 30 days prior to conception. By taking folic acid, you are decreasing the chances of birth defects in your baby.

• Avoid alcohol intake: Excessive drinking is prohibited when you are trying out for pregnancy, though a moderate drink is considered fine. While during pregnancy, it is better to avoid drinking as this may pose health problems for the developing fetus.

• Cut off smoking: Smoking can lead to miscarriage or premature birth, where you should halt this activity as it can also make it difficult for you to get pregnant.

• Eat well and exercise: Having healthy preconception diet including of whole grains, lean proteins, low fat diary can prepare your body for pregnancy. Moreover, exercising can keep your body strong and healthy.

• Monitor your weight: A healthy weight can make your pregnancy smoother where you can easily get pregnant as well. It is better to maintain a healthy weight before trying to conceive.