Whether you are currently pregnant or if you are trying to get pregnant, there is a wealth of information to absorb. Your life will be affected in areas you would never have expected by your pregnancy. It’s easy to feel overloaded by all the information out there. The following advice can help make sure that your pregnancy goes smoothly.
You can eat junk food once in a while, but not too often while pregnant. The cravings may be a signal of your body’s need for specific nutrients found in the foods which are triggering the cravings. While pregnant you need extra nutrients, so enjoy your cravings.
Wear sunscreen while pregnant, even if you didn’t really require it before. You should also stay away from tanning beds. Pregnant women are more susceptible to sunspots and burns because their skin is more sun sensitive. The key is to remember to use a sunscreen that is free from harmful chemicals that could affect the baby.
Consider hiring a doula. A doula is a woman who is trained in coaching births. This can give you much support during labor. Their experience can be an incredible source of strength during the birthing process.
Blood Flow
Women in the third trimester of pregnancy should sleep on their left side. It allows your baby to get the greatest blood supply possible, and also allows optimal blood flow to the uterus and kidneys. Don’t sleep on your back, as this position is not good for blood flow.
Use alternative treatments for illnesses. Over-the-counter medications may harm the fetus. Check out information online from Dr. Mercola and similar websites. Your doctor will also have good ideas on what you can do.
Use a food diary for tracking what you eat. Keeping track of what you eat will help to ensure that you are getting the proper nutrition. Taking this list to the doctor will also come in handy for him or her to look over as well.
If you’ve got a lot of vaginal discharge during your pregnancy, tell your doctor. Discharge is a symptom of vaginal infection. This disease is common during pregnancy and can be treated easily. However, you and your doctor need to address vaginal infections as soon as possible, because these infections can interfere with your baby’s health, as well as your own, if left untreated.
Reading stories about birthing experiences, often found online, can help to prepare you when your turn comes. Textbook type books may provide you with a lot of factual details and medical terminology, but reading a first-hand account will give you a much livelier and realistic perspective. Read many different stories, and you will notice that your anxieties will significantly decrease.
Do not feel pressured to find out everything there is to know right away. You have several months to learn all there is to know about pregnancy. Learn as you go, accumulating the necessary information as you need it. Start by using the ideas here, and then over time add more to your knowledge. More important than anything though is to just enjoy the process and relax!
