When Your Body Talks Back

Even if you eat all the right foods, there still may be times when you don't feel as well as you'd like. Being pregnant can have its ups and downs. But there are ways to make the down times easier. Here are some common problems and tips that might help.

Cravings

Like many women, you may crave certain foods when you're pregnant. Sometimes these foods are rich in the nutrients your body needs, such as the iron in a hamburger or the calcium in milk. But other times you may crave things that aren't so healthy. If you're concerned about your cravings, talk to your health care provider.

Constipation

Constipation is common during pregnancy. That's because your digestion slows down so your body can get more nutrients from your food. To help reduce constipation, try these tips:

• Get at least 20 minutes of light exercise daily.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as whole-grain cereals, vegetables, and fruit.

• Avoid eating too many refined grains, such as white bread, white rice, or pasta.

• Don't use stool softeners or laxatives without asking your health care provider first.

Heartburn

It's likely to be heartburn. Once again, your hormones may be to blame. They relax your muscles so food and acids stay in your stomach longer. Sometimes acids back up into the passage between your stomach and throat. Later in pregnancy, heartburn may be caused by pressure from your growing baby. In either case, these tips might help prevent heartburn:

• Don't eat spicy or greasy foods. Also, cut down on citrus fruit, tomatoes, black pepper, and any foods that bother you.

• Limit caffeine. This may mean avoiding coffee, tea, certain soft drinks, and chocolate.

Leg Cramps

Are leg cramps keeping you up at night? If so, here are some tips that may help prevent or reduce cramps:

• Eat more foods that are high in calcium. Or ask your health care provider about taking calcium pills.

• Drink plenty of liquids.

• Stretch your calf muscles.

• Sleep with your legs raised on a pillow.