How to alleviate discomforts during pregnancy?

How to alleviate discomforts during pregnancy?



By: Dr.Weka Gunawan (ÇSP Wěkādigunawan)



I have been experienced three times pregnancy. The last was in August 2008 – March 2009. I felt really discomfort with all of my pregnancy. It was hard because I was sick all the time all day long! But, I tried to minimize all discomforts situation. So these are my tips for you all guys.

1. Sleepless in the Nights


I couldn’t sleep well in the nights but I was so sleepy in the morning. I avoid drinking lots of fluids a few hours before bedtime and avoid coffee, even tea. I had dinner before 7 p.m. o’clock. Then, drink a small glass if I felt thirsty.


I took relaxation techniques. I did exercise early in the day never before bedtime.


2. Bleeding Gums


I experienced my gums bleed when I brushed or flossed. That called pregnancy gingivitis. Do not worry pregnancy gingivitis is a common occurrence during pregnancy. However, if it is not treated it can lead to complication with your pregnancy. If you notice any of symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis it is important that you visit your dentist. I was so sick when brushing my teeth during pregnancy. But, I didn’t want to give up. I was maintaining my oral hygiene routine. You can try to eat apple in order to clean up your teeth. Then try gargling with antiseptic fluids like povidone iodine.


3. Morning Sickness


I don’t know the differences of morning sickness or night sickness. I felt nausea when I tried to have lunch and dinner. I chose orange juice as my breakfast. I like to sniff lemons, suck on them or sprinkle them with salt and lick them. It is effective to reduce my nausea and relieve my bad mood in the morning. Try whatever you think works for you.


4. Cramps


This is a sharp pain situated in your calf muscles or feet. It is common to get these cramps at night during the last three months of pregnancy. You will notice it more alter a physical workout or it hot weather. Potassium deficiency also plays a role: eat more fruits. Banana has lots of potassium. Fish and meat are contains potassium. But, I did not eat meat during my pregnancy. I preferred fruits.


During the night, pull your toes up toward your ankles or rub the ailing muscle. The occasional cramp is not a serious problem. If you notice the cramps are painful and frequent, you better check to your doctor. Doctor will check your blood level. Sometimes cramps related with preeclampsia and eclampsia ( a disease could lead to death).


5. Stretch Marks


I got stretch marks on my belly . This occurs if you gain more than average weight or if you have a family history of stretch marks. I put lots of Vaseline cream on my belly after bathing and anytime when it feels dry. It works to me.






I love to share my experience with you all. Pregnancy was amazing period in my life..Thanks to ALLAH.

I can boost my mood with foods!

I can boost my mood with foods!



By: Dr.Weka Gunawan (ÇSP Wěkādigunawan) Family Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia


Nowadays, I feel so stress. I must do a lot statistics on my research. I have to manage my time correctly since I have to keep 3 children by myself. It is hard because I do not have a maid to help my homework. Then, my husband is living far away from us.


I worry on my timetable, I feel down often.


Then, I realized, I must keep logic. I believe that mind and body cope better when you get the right foods, with essential vitamins and minerals that not only boost your energy but keep you mellow too.

ALMONDS
I tried to eat almond. I bought it in groceries not far from my place. Just a few will keep your heart from racing when panic attacks. They help lower blood pressure and keep oxygen flowing throughout the body.

SPINACH
It is rich in magnesium which helps lower stress level by keeping you calm. I made it as ‘tumis bayam’: heat cooking oil then fried the spinach with Bombay onion and garlic.


ORANGES
Get your cocktail of vitamin C from an orange. Stress can deplete your supply of vitamin C which your body does not produce naturally. Vitamin C helps your immune system function more efficiently under stress. I always buy oranges in a big cartoon box.


MILK
The calcium in milk can help soothe anxiety and restore tranquility. A small glass gives restless bodies a close of vitamin B2.


I share those tips for you all. May it would be useful.


Kajang, July 10th 2010.