Fix It With Food

Self-medicate a range of pregnancy symptoms safely – with what you eat.

- Margot Bertelsmann

Whether it’s swollen feet or seeing stars, reflux or retching,the tortures your pregnant body inflicts on itself are certainly inventive. Yet most medicines are on the “no” list during pregnancy – irony alert! So trick your body right back: many foods contain ingredients that can counteract common pregnancy niggles. Here’s our guide:

1 NAUSEA

Only a very few lucky women seem to escape the horrid feeling of nausea, at least for around weeks six to 14 of pregnancy. The theory is that the rush of the hormone hCG and possibly oestrogen, a hypersensitivity to smell, and the physical changes in a sensitive tummy cause the sensation.

But isn’t it weird how you can be starving even while nauseous? This is because, in pregnancy, nausea is often caused by low blood sugar, explains Shirley Norman, a registered dietician from Johannesburg. Your body needs extra kilojoules for the work of building your baby – up to 1 900 of them a day by the third trimester. “Frequent carb snacks can help stave off nausea caused by low blood sugar,” Shirley says. “Your body needs the extra energy, but you can choose low-GI snacks such as a Provita with Marmite. And tart, spicy flavours such as lemon and ginger steeped in hot water also seem to alleviate nausea.”

IF THIS DOESN’T WORK: If you’re losing weight, dehydrating and battling to keep any food down, your doctor may diagnose hyperemesis gravidarum and prescribe pills that are safe to use.

2 HEARTBURN