Pregnancy’s responsibilities can be overwhelming, but luckily, there are many ways to make it easier for you, if you know what to do. There are a number of smart ways to get the information you crave, and to make it even simpler, you can start with the solid advice laid out here.
Sunscreen and other sun related precautions are just as important during pregnancy as they were before. A woman’s skin is more sensitive when they are pregnant and they can easily be sunburned, which in turn, could eventually cause more serious problems like skin cancer.
Eating crackers and other neutral foods through your pregnancy is important. Keeping your stomach full with these foods will help ease nausea and vomiting. Also, foodstuffs that contain grease or acid can exacerbate the nausea and also cause heartburn.
Pregnant women who struggle with edema–swollen hands and feet–should notify their physician. While this might just be a side effect of your pregnancy, it might also be a symptom of preeclampsia, which is a dangerous condition of high blood pressure that afflicts expecting mothers. This condition needs immediate treatment to ensure the baby is healthy.
Lots of mothers are excited about decorating their expected child’s nursery. It is important to remember that paint fumes are unhealthy for both you and your unborn child. Keep as many windows open as possible to ensure proper ventilation, no matter how chilly it is outside. You may even want to ask friends to do it instead.
It is common to have leg cramps during late pregnancy. Stretch at all times to loosen your muscles internally. Drinking water can help you avoid them too, as may potassium from banana and other potassium-rich foods.
While pregnant, avoid traveling if medical facilities are not located nearby. You need to have access to a doctor throughout the entire pregnancy so as to avoid any complications. If you’re traveling, you’ll also want to keep a cell phone with you.
Try to avoid hot tubs and saunas while you’re pregnant. Pregnant women should never allow themselves to get overheated, because this can be extremely dangerous for their unborn babies. Some spas also use oils that could cause early contractions, particularly during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Clary sage, rosemary and juniper as some of the worst offenders.
Once the third trimester rolls around, you should ensure your hospital bag is packed and ready to go. Do not wait around and end up at the hospital without all of your necessities. You need a camera, insurance cards, birth plan, and batteries.
Birth Plan
Set aside some time to write down your birth plan. A birth plan will include what you expect during your delivery. Get an overnight bag packed that has all the essentials, including a camera, an insurance card, any preregistration forms, and clothes for your baby to wear home.
One thing to avoid, while pregnant, is prolonged periods of sitting. Most pregnant women have to deal with swollen ankles and feet, especially at the end of a long day. The lower part of your body is strained in regards to circulation thanks to pregnancy. If you sit for too long, the swelling may get worse. Some methods to reduce swelling include lying on your side while you sleep, choosing socks without elastic, soaking your feet with cold water and not crossing your ankles when sitting.
Take extra care of yourself while you’re pregnant, and you’ll find that it will help you through the pregnancy and beyond. The useful information from this article can help you deal with the demands of pregnancy and make your pregnancy a time to enjoy and remember forever.
