In the second month of pregnancy, you will gradually begin to notice changes in your body. The hormonal changes induce certain changes in your health. Some of these changes can be very hard for you to manage. You might even feel depressed emotionally if the changes are not handled appropriately.
Read:
Morning sickness
Morning sickness is one of the common complaints given by pregnant women. It is characterized by discomfort in the stomach that makes you puke out. Morning sickness develops due to changes in the hormones and it gets better by the end of the first trimester but, in very few women it continues until the end of pregnancy. Making simple changes in diet and daily routine will provide relief from morning sickness.
To prevent the stomach discomfort it is very important to have small meals in intervals of 2 hours so that, you do not feel hungry. Take sufficient amounts of fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinking water before and immediately after taking food. Certain smells also churn up your stomach, stay away from them. Some of the common troublers are the fried and spicy foods and the smell of just cooked foods. The smell of lemon helps to calm down the stomach. Stay in rooms where there is free flow of air. If nausea is troubling you very badly, do not forget to request your gynecologist for a prescription medication on your next visit.
Fatigue
Pregnancy causes your body to work more in an attempt to provide the required nutrients for the fetus and to prepare the body for labor and lactation. So, it is very normal to feel tired and fatigue and it is not required to take any measures to regulate it. Take sufficient rest. Sleep whenever the body demands you to sleep. Take the nutritious diet and you will start to feel normal as the body adjusts to the additional demands.
Headaches
Headaches are quite natural during pregnancy. Few may suffer only during the first trimester while few may suffer throughout the pregnancy. There is no specific cause for a headache. It can be due to hormonal changes, increased appetite, fatigue, and weakness. Women with the previous history of migraines may find it worse during the pregnancy. The reduction in caffeine intake during pregnancy could also be a cause for headache.
Taking rest is the best remedy to control headaches. Do not wait until you get too hungry, eat something healthy. Drink plenty of fluids. Do not indulge yourself in a stressful work. Consider using a cold or hot compress on the head for instant relief from a headache. Splash the face with hot or cold water for temporary relief. Regular practice of exercises also helps to avoid frequent episodes of headaches. Relaxation exercises such as meditation and yoga also help to gain control over headaches. A lovely head massage from your partner will also give you relief.
Do not take medications to control headaches without consulting the physician. Women with severe migraines should consult a neurologist. Call your physician immediately if you are experiencing severe headache accompanied disturbances in vision, vomiting and fever as something might be going very badly wrong.
Vaginal discharge and vaginal thrush
White vaginal discharge is common in pregnancy in few women. Sometimes vaginal discharge is observed due to sexual intercourse as the vaginal is very sensitive during pregnancy and can result in discharge even with a touch. However, it could also be a sign of underlying infections like the bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Vaginal discharge with a fishy odor and itching in the vagina is the characteristic symptom of bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis has to be treated immediately when it is noticed as it can spread up to the uterus and cause rupture of the membranes causing miscarriage.
Vaginal thrush or the yeast infection of the vagina is common in woman. It is characterized by redness and soreness in the vagina and white cottage cheese like discharge. A burning sensation while urinating may also be noticed. This can be treated very easily by taking probiotics under the guidance of the physician.
Maintaining the hygiene of the vaginal region helps to keep the bacterial infections under control. Increased intake of yogurt and vitamin C rich foods like guava and grapefruit help to fight against infections.
Leg cramps
Leg cramps are often noticed in women who are weak. They generally develop out of increased fatigue. However, in later months of pregnancy leg cramps develop due to the carrying of increased weight of the fetus.
Leg cramps can be prevented by moving around without standing or sitting for long hours. Practice stretching exercises that concentrate on the calf muscles. Consider rotating your toes and ankles whenever you sit for long hours. Take a bath with lukewarm water before bedtime to relax the muscles and enjoy a pleasant sleep.
Consult the physician if leg cramps are uncontrollable as it could be a sign of blood clots that needs immediate medical attention.
Increased appetite
You might notice a small increase in appetite during the second month of pregnancy. Hence, increase your food intake. However, make sure to increase only healthy food items. Avoid spicy and fatty foods as they aggravate the problem of nausea and vomiting. Do not wait until you feel too much hungry as you might feel nausea and would not be able to eat anything. Lack of sufficient intake of food to suffice the appetite may trigger headaches or a migraine in women with the history of migraines.
All these changes noticed in the second month of pregnancy would get better by the time you reach the fifth month of pregnancy. So, do not worry much and rejoice yourself thinking of the wonderful moments you can enjoy with the baby after birth. Shop for maternity clothing as you might fight it hard to shop in later days of pregnancy.