Pregnancy Diet and Relief Measures for Early Pregnancy Discomfort

During the early stages of pregnancy, there are significant fluctuations in the endocrine system and metabolism in the expectant mother's body, leading to discomfort symptoms, especially during the first three months, when morning sickness is more prevalent. If the expectant mother experiences abdominal bloating during the early stages of pregnancy, attention should be paid to daily diet. Eating smaller meals more frequently can effectively relieve gastrointestinal bloating. Additionally, consuming acidic foods such as hawthorn, strawberries, grapes, and the like can also be beneficial.

Here are some specific recommendations:

1. Eat small meals frequently to assist in gastric digestion. Effective relief of bloating begins with dietary modifications. Eating large meals when experiencing gastric bloating will increase the burden on the digestive system, worsening the bloating symptoms. Therefore, pregnant women may consider switching from eating three meals a day to six to eight meals, with reduced portion sizes per meal. It is also important to avoid eating too many different types of food or overly liquid foods at each meal, as liquid foods are not necessarily easy to digest. Instead, pregnant women can opt for semi-solid foods such as wheat bran.
2. Develop a daily bowel movement habit, and consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods to promote gastrointestinal motility.
3. Engage in appropriate exercise, as physical activity involving whole-body or waist muscle movements can promote intestinal motility. Moderate exercise during pregnancy, such as walking, can also help promote bowel movements and relieve bloating. It is recommended that pregnant women take a 20-minute walk outside 30 minutes to an hour after meals to aid in bowel movements and gas expulsion. However, it is important to avoid impactful or intense exercises.
4. Consume moderate amounts of spicy foods such as ginger, scallions, and garlic, which can promote gastrointestinal motility and warm the body.
5. Ensure adequate water intake, drinking at least 2,000 milliliters of water per day, especially before breakfast. Adding a small amount of honey to water can help prevent dry and hard stool.
6. Perform abdominal massages, starting from the lower right abdomen and moving in a clockwise direction with gentle pressure. Perform 10 to 20 circles each time, two to three times a day, to help relieve abdominal bloating.

By following these dietary and lifestyle recommendations, pregnant women can effectively manage early pregnancy discomfort and promote a healthy pregnancy.