Common Problems During the 1^st Trimester

After discovering you are pregnant, whether it was planned or not, you may experience a mix of emotions - anxiety, happiness, calmness, disbelief and what not. These emotions can usually be managed by Yoga techniques of breathing and relaxation such as Yoga Nidra.

The first noticeable physical symptoms are the failure to menstruate, breast tenderness/swelling, nausea, tiredness, bloated feeling in the abdomen and increased urination.

You may have a feeling of constant nausea/vomiting in the first trimester not only in the morning but also throughout the day. This can begin happening as early as 1 week pregnant and may last up to 12 weeks pregnant.

This occurs due to the increase in progesterone but rather than bearing with it, you should find the cause that might be increasing the nausea - is it due to some wrong diet or emotional stress.

Eat something light and easily digestible when you wake up in the morning, as nausea is more likely to occur on an empty stomach.

When stressed out, adrenal hormones are released in the bloodstream. So this along with the already increased progesterone (due to pregnancy) creates a cocktail of hormones, which creates trouble in the stomach.

So it is best, to try to keep away from stressful situations as much as possible.

The most effective way to keep nausea at bay is by practicing stomach wash early in the morning. This is the practice of Kunjal Kriya in Yoga.

This practice strengthens the digestive system; gives relief to the frustration of nausea and the appetite becomes stronger for the rest of the day. It is advisable to learn and practice it under guidance and confirmation from your doctor.

After conception, in the first trimester, even the best of prepared women feel low in energy level and tired.

The extent of tiredness can vary from day to day depending on that day's work, emotions, pattern of sleep, etc. The reason of tiredness has not been properly understood by medical experts.

But one thing this tiredness clearly indicates is that, it is time to take it easy, delegate work and do away with situations creating tension/stress. It is a message for the woman, that she should now find the right balance of activity and rest. Too much of either - rest or activity will be harmful to you later in your pregnancy.

The best way to tackle this tiredness is through the strong relaxation practice of Yoga Nidra. One hour of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to 4 hours of normal sleep.

Miscarriage has been included not because it is a feature of the 1^st trimester, but because it is a very common occurrence.

Warm wishes,
Ankita Goel

This newsletter is based on my experience and understanding of "Mother as First Guru" by Swami Gurupremananda Saraswati which I consider a complete 'Biblical Guide' to natural womanhood, pregnancy and spiritual mothering. To read more about it, go to:
http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/preg/mafg_intro.html