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Be prepared for the mood changes along with the changes in her body. She will be unpredictable with emotions all tangled inside her. Help your spouse through this stage of pregnancy by staying involved, active and above all calm.

The symptoms of pregnancy include fatigue, nausea, morning sickness, constipation, hemorrhoids and headaches which are common. You can help your spouse with natural remedies during pregnancy, which are safe both for the mother and her unborn baby.

• Overcoming Morning Sickness

Morning sickness, which almost all expectant mothers have to go through during the first trimester, generally tends to go down as the second trimester starts. During this especially stressful time for both, you can help your spouse during this stage of pregnancy with some natural therapy.

• Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to neutralize the stomach acids. Include fresh grated ginger in her soups, meals and salad dressings or add ginger to her cup of tea.
• Sour or peppermint candy can also help to reduce the symptoms of nausea.
• She has to eat easily digestible bland meals and avoid large meals. Protein and nutrients-rich options would be smart choices, for instance, a glass of milk, yogurt or a cheese stick with carbohydrate-rich foods like toast or crackers.
• Vitamin B6 can help with the morning sickness. Consult her doctor about a supplement.

• Relief From Constipation

One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is constipation which is accompanied by nausea, dizziness and food cravings. Constipation occurs due to the increase in the secretion of the hormone progesterone. This results in the relaxing of the intestinal wall muscles, making it difficult to move the waste matter.

• In a glass of warm water, squeeze half lemon. Drinking this every morning will facilitate bowel movements.
• Dry fruits such as raisins and prunes also give relief from constipation.
• Give your wife plenty of fruit juices as a remedy for constipation.

• Dealing with Hemorrhoids

Pregnancy tends to swell up the anal or rectal veins, especially as your wife goes into the third trimester. This results in constipation and straining during bowel movements causing hemorrhoids or may even worsen a pre-existing hemorrhoid condition.  Hemorrhoids disappear after delivery but in the meantime take some natural steps to alleviate your spouse’s discomfort during her pregnancy.

• Consuming fiber prevents hemorrhoids. Your wife should consume fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, prune juice, whole grains, beans, and flaxseeds.
• She has to drink plenty of water and keep herself hydrated.
• Warm water in a tub and let her soak in it for 10 – 15 minutes as many times as she can during the day.
• An ice pack or cold compress, when applied to hemorrhoids, can bring relief.
• Kegels exercises not only helps with your pelvic floor muscles and urinary inconsistency during pregnancy, but they also increase circulation in the hemorrhoid area.

• Remedy for Heartburn

Your ever-growing baby in his mother’s uterus tends to push the stomach acid in the wrong direction. This results in a feeling of the sensation of burning in the throat and chest. Help your wife to try some natural remedies to overcome heartburn caused during pregnancy.

• Instead of large heavy meals, get your wife to eat smaller ones at frequent intervals.
• Avoiding spicy or greasy foods will reduce the symptoms of heartburn.
• Sugarless gum, barring peppermint which is highly acidic, stimulates the saliva and thus, neutralizes the acid affect.
• Give her a glass warm milk with honey added to it.
• Discourage her from lying down right after a meal. Ensure that her head is elevated when she sleeps.

• Remedy for Headaches

Hormonal changes, blood and sugar swings and fatigue can leave your spouse with headaches.

• Encourage her to eat small but frequent meals and ensure that she gets enough rest.
• If she has a headache, give her a cool compress on the forehead.
• Give her neck and shoulder massage.
• Deep breathing relaxation techniques, meditation, and some yoga can bring relief from headaches during her pregnancy.
• A severe headache, though, will need her doctor’s intervention.

As your spouse journeys through pregnancy, be her partner through the ups and downs; educate yourself on your new role, ensure that she gives herself enough rest, take some time off and help her with the household chores and above all, spent time with her. Click here and learn more about remedies for symptoms during pregnancy.