Out of the Usual Experiences: Some pregnancy troubles

There are some things that future moms experience and feel uncomfortable about these because we are too preoccupied by celebrity moms who seem to be pulling off their pregnancy with much glow and radiance.

Let's be honest here -- we all dream of having that pregnancy glow like pregnant Blake over here. I mean how does she do it?!




But reality bites... The world can be unfair. HAHA! And no matter how hard we try to take care of ourselves with all those safe creams and healthy fruit diets during our pregnancy, not all of us can pull off a bikini with a baby bump like Miranda Kerr.


But don't fret! There are a couple of things that you, as a future mom, could experience that most moms might not -- and it's completely fine.


THE HEAT

We usually associate having hot flushes for those women who are about to enter the menopause phase. But if you're having those moments of hot flushes in your second or third trimester, it's definitely fine. Don't be embarrassed about it. So what can you do about it?


  • Keep hydrated! I personally end up drinking 13-18 glasses of water a day. 
  • Stay calm and have deep & slow breaths.
  • Stay in front of a fan until it cools you down.
  • Avoid unnecessary movements and just try to place yourself comfortably.

GASES & MORE GASES

Whether it exits up there, down there, or both ways, it's perfectly fine. We all do it once in a while anyway -- but definitely more than often. This is because of our increased levels of progesterone in our body. Yup. It's our hormones that cause more gas.

Now how do you avoid these embarrassing gases? The sad part is, you can't! But watching what you eat may help a lot -- just make sure you still get enough nutrients for you and your baby. 

THE ZOMBIE & THE VAMPIRE

Personally, this is definitely one the least favorite things I'm currently experiencing... Sleepless nights! So, every night (more like morning) I usually end up sleeping around 4-5 in the morning and wake up before lunch time. It might be a sign of insomnia during pregnancy, but don't think of it as something harmful for your baby even if you think it would seem that you had little time of sleep.  Having difficulties in sleeping during pregnancy have various causes such as frequent urinating, sudden hot flushes, uncomfortable sleeping position/s, small movements of your baby, anxieties, and again -- HORMONES! 




So, I've tried several things that might also help you sleep faster and better:
  • Coloring book. YES! You don't have to buy those pricey adult coloring books though. I have about 3 different coloring books keeping me company. 
  • Puzzles. Whether it is sudoku puzzles or the actual jigsaw puzzles, this activity would surely help you get sleepy faster.
  • Exercise. We're not talking about those rigorous gym exercises or sports activities -- walking nearby your house or even just doing house chores would help you get a little tired and make you fall asleep faster. 
  • Read a book! It doesn't have to be a novel or a baby-book-guide. It can be as easy as Dr. Seuss! Not to mention if you read those a little loud like reading to your baby, then it's definitely a plus. 
  • Don't watch TV or play video/pc games. A number of studies show that led light actually has this effect that causes you to stay up more.
  • Have a nice long and warm bath and drink a glass of milk. 

FLAWFULL SKIN

We usually associate pregnancy with having that beautiful & radiant glow. WRONG! In most cases, pregnant women experience having a bad case of acne and the worst part is, you can't treat them like how it can be treated with magic. This is definitely my least favorite part of pregnancy.

Most cases of acne are treated with a cream or pill that contains retinoid or any similar component which is very harmful for your baby! So until the pregnancy is over, embrace those zits and suck it in, woman!

But don't worry about it. They will disappear a couple of days after you give birth, not unless you've been popping and scratching them, then it will leave you with acne scars which are harder to get rid of... SO! Don't put anything on it -- though you may try to consult with your dermatologist for some topical creams. Don't scratch it. Don't pop it. Just don't! LOL. 

It can be frustrating. Trust me, I know! But this pregnancy acne will be gone soon and just think that you wouldn't want to deal with acne scars or any skin infections that may occur.

And now... The fear of having those horrid stretchmarks. Bye bye bikini.

Some women are lucky enough not to be cursed with those stretchmarks. But these stretchmarks that appear on our pregnancy are due to rapid increase of abdomen that stretches the skin, genes, and again -- HORMONES! Yup. Hormones take a huge part in the changes of our body during pregnancy. And what's worse is that you can't avoid having these... But you can definitely try making these stretchmarks less visible:


  • Again. Hydrate yourself with plenty of water!
  • You can use either petroleum jelly or body lotion (make sure to read the contents of the lotion to make sure that there is no component that might be harmful for your baby)
  • You may also try Palmer's Oil -- there's been a lot of reviews that it helps a lot! But it doesn't really work for all. Everyone has a different skin type -- so it's always a risk. 
  • Do some basic morning stretches or yoga if you can.
  • Watch what you eat. Eat plenty of fruits and greens! My advice is to eat a lot of papayas, avocados, watermelon, and apples.
  • Have more protein. It doesn't have to be those expensive steaks. It can be as simple as boiled eggs -- not to mention it's also a lot healthier too. 

There could be a lot more of minor troubles that you might experience along the way of your pregnancy. But what matters is that you and your baby are healthy. Don't let yourself have anymore unnecessary stresses. Going through this journey is faster than you know it and all these worries will be over soon. 

So own that baby bump and keep rocking!