9 LESSONS IN 9 MONTHS!

9 LESSONS IN 9 MONTHS!

I am into my 36th week of pregnancy and almost due as I pen down this one. Can’t wait to hold my little bundle of joy. Pregnancy; what an experience!

There isn’t a word that can sum it up. It’s hard yet easy, weird yet amazing, and as I think of the last 9 months I’ve feel like I’ve experienced the whole spectrum of emotions. Below are 9 basic but important lessons of pregnancy which I’d like to share. And I hope these will help first time moms and their loved ones to absorb it more and enjoy the beauty of each day!

Here are 9 lessons which I learned in my 9 months.

LESSON#1.

LOAD UP ON THE “IMPORTANT” NUTRIENTS: FOLATE, CALCIUM, IRON, ZINC AND FIBER

Before conception and in the first six weeks of pregnancy, no nutrient is more vital than folate (i.e. folic acid) as it reduces the risk of neural-tube defect. A minimum of 400 micrograms is needed daily. Food Sources: Cereals, Beans, Papaya, Berries, Green veggies, Mushroom, Corn, Carrots, Cauliflower, Spinach. But folate received from these foods may not be enough, and supplements like a prenatal vitamin or folic acid help meet the deficit.

Calcium -1,200 mg per day, obtained from low-fat dairy products, dark green vegetables and soy products. It also plays a key role during the 2nd & 3rd trimesters, when your baby’s bone and tooth development reaches its peak. Because the fetus leaches calcium from your body, getting enough of this mineral can protect your own bones, too.

Iron helps increasing blood volume up to 50 percent, is crucial in the third trimester. Aim for 30 mg per day, commonly obtained from garden cress seeds, nuts, dates, black currents.

Zinc deficiencies have been linked with birth defects, restricted fetal growth and premature delivery. Nuts, whole grains and legumes are good sources, the mineral is best absorbed from meat and seafood.

Fiber (found in fruits, vegetables & whole grains) is particularly essential for mothers own health. It helps prevent or reduce constipation, which is a common pregnancy complaint. High fibre options: Black grapes, banana, ripe mango, dates, cashewnuts, apricot are very beneficial

LESSON#2.

DO CHOOSE “NUTRIENT DENSE” FOODS

“Nutrient-dense foods, such as sprouted moong, pistachios, dates, bananas, yogurt, peanut butter, nuts, chicken, eggs and dairy products are higher in protein, calcium and iron, all these nutrients are needed by your baby to grow and develop properly.

LESSON#3.

DON’T “EAT FOR TWO.”

Most women gain too much weight during pregnancy. Research suggests that when moms-to-be gain excess weight, babies have a higher risk of obesity later in life, Also the mothers tend to retain extra poundage after giving birth. I strongly believe in the philosophy of “practice what you preach”. I gained 11 kgs in 36 weeks & have monitored by babies’ growth during the scan which is going as expected. So, I am talking with my experience there is no correlation with your weight gain and baby’s growth. It should just be slower ideal gain depending on every mom to mom that’s why said not to eat for two.

Ideal gain norms mentioned below-

1st Trimester – 1.5 kg – 3 kg

2nd Trimester – 5kg – 6 kg

3rd Trimester – 4kg – 5 kg

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LESSON#4.

WATER IS MUST

You need water to keep your body hydrated. Dehydration during pregnancy can lead to many complications such as headaches, nausea, cramps, oedema & dizziness. This is especially important in the third trimester when dehydration can cause contractions that can trigger preterm labor. The best way to tell if you are dehydrated is to check the colour of your urine. It should be pale or straw-coloured. If it is dark you need to drink more water. Talking with experience drinking 3 litre waters per day has helped me not to have any bloating issues till 8 months, Best compliment received that I don’t look puffy or bloated and that credit goes to my water intake per day.

LESSON#5.

SLEEP- THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE

Sleeping gets difficult as you come to end of your pregnancy, but your body needs it most and I would say catch up most before the sleepless nights begins. According to doctors and researchers, if the pregnant woman sleeps turning to her left side and bend her knees a little bit, least pressure is put on the womb carrying the foetus and the internal organs are also at ease. Importantly, the sleep pattern of pregnant women also affects the development of her baby.

LESSON#6.

EXERCISE/ACTIVITIES IS A MUST FOR TO BE MOM.

I have been 100% on this lesson, as I am a Working to-be-mom and was handling my house and my work both together till my 36 weeks, my pedometer count was always about 8000-13000 steps per day. I always made a point to walk or be as much mobile which helped me in my journey. Exercising during pregnancy can reduce the risk of excess weight gain, back issues, prepare muscles for childbirth, and can give the baby a healthier start in life. Researchers suggest that the babies of exercisers have ideal birth weights & may even become more intelligent adults because of their bigger brains as the blood flow to brain in womb is more. So, I would suggest activities depending on your comfort like Swimming, brisk walking, yoga, and stationary cycling all these are good ways to be active during pregnancy.

LESSON#7.

HOW TO COPE UP WITH MORNING SICKNESS.

Being a Thyroid patient, I had the extreme… as I am supposed to have med with water first thing in morning which is worst for morning sickness issue. But then I found some natural treatments which worked for me so sharing them.

1st Ginger, (popular in Chinese medicine) used for its tummy-taming properties. You can drink it in soda or tea or try ginger-laced lollipops whenever you’re feeling queasy. 2nd. Mint, it Can be added in your water or chaas. 3rd Saltines or toast– Simple starches like crackers can help settle a queasy stomach.

LESSON#8.

HEALTHY SMALL MEALS IMPORTANT IN PREGNANCY

I always opted for easy & quick snacks which I could have in mid breaks while consulting and won’t take much time to eat with my hectic schedule & travels but always in small portions like nuts, coconut water, til laddoo, seasonal fruits, figs, kokum paani, crackers, yogurts, poha & eggs. They are nutrient dense too & also helped me to control my portions in my main meals.  Also, you’re eating pattern helps baby to learn good eating habit from your womb, so my baby was already getting trained.

LESSON#9

WHAT TO AVOID IN PREGNANCY

You should avoid Green tea consumption, as it reduces the folic acid content. Aerated drinks and Cola’s which are not good for the growing foetus rather I always opted for nimbu paani or coconut water instead. Excess consumption of tea and coffee, as they are harmful for the growth of the foetus! Common NO’S– alcohol, cigarette, under cooked egg, raw meat or fish, processed or packaged foods

All these lessons have surely helped me in my 9 months, but this journey wouldn’t have been possible without my ever-supporting Husband Mr. Sunil who has always been there for me and my Loving mom Mrs. Malti who has been my emotional support the whole time. I Hope my experiences which I am sharing will help the new moms & their families too.

I would like to conclude by saying that May your pregnancy be a powerful lesson in loving yourself and your body, knowing that you are perfect and more than capable of being the best mother to the little one who has chosen you!

Be Happy and Be Healthy Always!!! Keep reading and sharing.

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