Self Care During Pregnancy - Health & Nutrition Guide

July 10, 2020 by Forest Essentials

Table of Contents

Motherhood is a magical time that brings the joy of being able to raise an angel, coupled with pain that may not let you sleep for weeks! Issues like weight gain, backache, stretchmarks, pigmentation, hair fall and stress are all part and parcel of this wonderful yet taxing time that requires special care in terms of nutrition, skincare and overall well being for the mother.

Ayurveda,describes antenatal care as Garbhini Paricharya and post-natal care as Sutika Paricharya for a healthy and fulfilling motherhood. Taking note from the science that has been tried and tested for eons, here we address some important issues during pregnancy and how we can manage them effectively.

THE RIGHT NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY

How to Monitor Weight Gain during Pregnancy and Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Monitor Weight Gain during Pregnancy

While weight gain is a natural during pregnancy, it’s important to keep a check on healthy weight gain with the help of right nutrition. A healthful diet during pregnancy is one that contains the most essential nutrients your body needs and one that provides the right balance of macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients.

In general, pregnant women need around 2,200 calories to 2,900 calories from the diet a day depending on one’s body mass index and a gradual increase in calories as the baby grows is the right way. Therefore, “eating for two” is actually variable and dependent on the various phases of pregnancy.

Here is an overview of how to introduce extra calories during each trimester:

The first trimester does not require any extra calories, because weight gain is naturally 1-2 kgs in this early stage of pregnancy

An additional 340 calories, from the usual, a day are recommended in the second trimester of pregnancy

During the third trimester, 350-450 added calories are suggested.

When it comes to how to choose your additional calories, nutrient-dense, and fresh are the best foods for women at each stage. These foods include lean protein, whole grains, dairy, lush vegetables and fresh fruit.

Avoid eating raw and under cooked meat like minced meat, sausages, etc. Food with large doses of vitamin A can also be avoided. Understand how your body reacts to certain foods and make note of what is not suiting your body in your pregnancy, as your body goes through many changes internally and externally.

best foods for women during pregnancy

CERTIFIED SAFE SKINCARE DURING PREGNANCY

For all the mamas and their little ones, the good news is that our Mother & Child Care range is now certified Made Safe^TM.This certifies that there are no carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, high-risk pesticides, or toxic solvents used in our products and that they have been rigorously tested by an independent third party based out of the USA. This certification is a coveted one, as it enables you to ascertain that our products contain ingredients completely safe to use according to FDA and international standards.

How to Relieve Stress For Mothers to Be?

Stress is common during this new and often uncharted phase of life. Feeling of panic, irritation, frustration may happen as it’s a demanding time and sometimes hormonal changes create emotional turbulence. It’s important to understand these reasons behind varied emotions and manage them in a healthy, careful manner.

A gentle body massage and a soothing head massage are excellent to relieve the tension and stress that often accompanies pregnancy.

For a nutritious yet stress alleviating body massage, you can use the Balaswagandha Mother’s Body Massage Cold-pressed Oil. This 100% pure and Natural Ayurvedic oil has organically grown herbs including Anantmool, Renuka and Kumud. The oil is specifically designed for this special period considering the demands of your body and mind. A gentle massage, at least once or twice a week relieves the muscle tension and makes the skin beautifully toned, supple, firm and glowing.

How To Reduce Hair Fall During Pregnancy?

A warm head massage with the Cold Pressed Virgin Almond Oil is one highly recommended for stress relief but also to nourish and strengthen hair from within its roots. It is the purest form of Almond Oil which is extracted by the labour intensive and traditional method of Cold Pressing. It is often noticed that pregnant women experience hair fall post giving birth, a regular head massage is a great preventive measure.

How To Treat Back Pain During Pregnancy?

Back pain can be experienced during any stage of the pregnancy; however, it most commonly occurs during the later stages when the weight of the baby increases. Hormonal changes, additional weight, and change in posture are some of the causes for this back pain.

Instead of taking the chemical route of painkillers, we suggest the most traditional recipe for back pain relief with the warmed Kshthyathailam Mother’s Back pain Massage Oil. This age old, tried and tested Ayurvedic recipe specifically targets pains in the lower back and legs that come with motherhood.The main ingredients are the leaves of the Betel nut and the Drumstick plant known for their penetrative and effective qualities to ease pain, while being completely safe and natural.

How to Avoid Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when the skin stretches or shrinks quickly – natural of course during pregnancy or any other rapid weight gain/loss. The hasty changes cause the rupture of collagen and elastin, which support our skin. As the skin heals its way back to its original state, stretch marks may appear.

The Mother’s Stretch Marks Oil Nalpamarathy Keram is a completely organic stretch mark oil that contains Green Turmeric and Kachura amongst its varied ingredients, in a base of Virgin Coconut Oil.

This should be applied on all the areas where marks and blemishes are imminent, for instance on your belly. Leave the oil for thirty minutes and then gently wipe off with a warm towel.

Regular use leaves the skin clean and supple with no marks.

Dr. Taruna Yadav

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.).

Diploma in Stress Management.

For Forest Essentials.

Written By:

Forest Essentials Luxurious Ayurveda

India’s leading beauty brand with products offering a sensorial journey with the purest natural ingredients and traditional Ayurvedic formulations, bringing timeless beauty rituals to the forefront of your self-care routine.

Reviewed By:

Arjun Singh Senior Ayurveda Expert

Arjun is a marketing professional turned Ayurveda Expert. After the completion of his post-graduation in 2008, he started his journey in the beauty industry. He has since worked with several global luxury beauty brands including DIOR & Estee Lauder. With now more than 12 years of experience, he is driven by the idea of making Skin Care, ‘simple’ and ‘accessible’ for all and help clients transform their lifestyle and skin with solutions rooted in his extensive understanding of Ayurveda. A Senior Ayurveda Expert at Forest Essentials, he carefully curates Ayurvedic remedies and is continuously working towards bridging the gap between time-honoured skin care solutions and the modern consumer of the fast-paced world.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.