Getting the needed care during the months of pregnancy can leave a woman a healthy mom that is ready to keep pace with her booming family. Here are a few pointers for a healthy pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, you need to make sure to exercise on a regular basis. Exercise helps protect you and your baby during your pregnancy. You’re less likely to miscarry if you exercise regularly; in addition, mothers who exercise have shorter labor times and more quickly lose weight after delivering their babies.

Make sure you’ve gotten rid of any harmful chemicals that don’t need to be around during your pregnancy. Cleaning solutions are a huge problem, so try to use natural brands when possible. Keeping them out of your home will make for a much safer environment for your baby.

If you experience heartburn or indigestion, eat several small meals throughout the day instead of a few large ones. By eating tinier meals, you keep something in your stomach most of the time, which can help with the upset stomach. Eat fresh and light foods as well. Fresh fruits, meats, and vegetables are very helpful.

You should familiarize yourself with symptoms of premature labor. Make sure you consult with a doctor and read as much information as you can.

When you find out you are pregnant, it is important to get tested to see if you have a sexually transmitted disease. These diseases can cause you and your baby serious health problems if left untreated. Tests for STDs can be conducted through blood, urine or a pap smear. If you are tested positive, you may need to deliver your baby by caesarian section.

If you find out you are pregnant, you should immediately stop changing your cat’s litter. Pregnant women should avoid changing a litter box because of the risk of receiving toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite known as parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Cats carry this parasite, and it causes no problems for them or for most people; however, if it is transferred to a developing fetus, it can cause stillbirth, miscarriage or birth defects.

Your legs may cramp during your last trimester. Consider implementing a few stretches into your nighttime routine in order to prevent them or lessen the frequency of them. Drinking water and eating bananas can also help keep them away.

Keep a daily journal of your diet. Go over the list of foods you ate at the end of the day to make sure you met all your nutritional requirements and made good nutritional decisions. Take it with you to appointments with your doctor for review.

If you want your non-maternity pants to last a long time, use a hair tie that’s elastic and look it through your button hole and put it over the button. Then keep your pants zipped up only a little bit. Wear a long shirt to cover it up. This trick can help you buy some time and avoid buying too many maternity clothes.

If your friend has given birth recently, talk to her to see what tips she used when pregnant. It’s of utmost importance that you learn from people that have had to deal with pregnancy before so that you can learn some tips and tricks from them.

Extended periods of sitting should be avoided. Your feet and ankles may swell as the day goes on, becoming very uncomfortable. This is most likely because of the significant increase of fluids in your body during pregnancy. If you sit for too long, the swelling may get worse. To reduce the swelling: lie on your left side when you sleep, soak your feet in cold water, avoid socks with tight bands and do not cross your legs at the ankles when sitting.

Writing down a birth plan will put your hopes, expectations and feelings about birth in perspective. You can talk about everything you want, from the location to the people involved. It can be complex or simple; it’s up to you.

It is crucial to have proper medical care throughout your pregnancy. Because pregnancy is such a life and health-changing experience in more ways than one, mothers need to follow wise guidelines. Care is essential to a woman, whether she is currently pregnant, thinking of getting pregnant, or has just had a child, so make sure you get what you deserve.