Pregnancy is a joyous occasion. It has its ups and downs, but remember that there is a new life about to enter the world. The best thing you can do when you’re pregnant or know someone who is, is to learn everything you can about the subject. In this article you will be given a variety of tips to help make your pregnancy go as smoothly as possible.
If you eat a healthy diet already then you shouldn’t feel ashamed about giving into your cravings from time to time. A craving is usually your body telling you that you need something. When you are eating for two your body uses up energy and nutrients so much faster than normal so enjoy satisfying those cravings!
Change your eating habits to make sure the baby and you to receive the best nutrition. When you were eating lots of junk food, that habit has to stop. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables and lean protein into your diet, starting today.
See your dentist routinely and maintain good oral hygiene during your pregnancy. Significant dental issues, like gingivitis, often crop up during pregnancy. Be certain to keep brushing two times a day, floss and use mouthwash. See your dentist if you have any problems.
Don’t skimp on exercise because you are pregnant. The benefits of exercise during pregnancy are numerous. You are less likely to miscarry. Your labor may be smoother and quicker. Also, you can get back to your pre-pregnancy weight more quickly, since you will still be in the habit of regular exercise.
Consider using non-medical ways of treating colds and other illnesses. Over-the-counter treatments can harm your baby. You may be able to find natural things on the Internet that can help with heartburn, constipation or nausea. Your doctor may also have some advice to give you as well.
Blood Pressure
Your doctor or nurse will check your legs and feet for edema during each prenatal visit. Swollen feet are common in pregnancy, but they can also indicate elevated blood pressure and a dangerous condition called preeclampsia. High blood pressure caused by preeclampsia requires more stringent prenatal monitoring.
Act like you are pregnant before you conceive. Adjust to a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise, no smoking or alcohol and improved diet. It will take a while to get pregnant, so practice these life changes.
Skin has elasticity, but it can only stretch so far. It is not uncommon for the skin of the stomach to become itchy as it expands. Avoid taking a hot shower or bath to try to soothe your skin. The hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and makes it itch more. See to it that you moisturize using something heavy like petroleum jelly or cocoa butter. Choose loose fitting clothing made of soft fabrics and stop scratching!
Make sure that your diet is nutritionally healthy so your body receives its nutritional needs. You need to take supplements of folate and folic acid. Make an effort to add a prenatal vitamin to your daily regimen for an extra nutrition boost.
Loosen up your muscles with a good stretch before bedtime. Leg cramps, especially at night, are a common problem during pregnancy and are due to the additional strain on your muscles. Stretching prior to bed relaxes muscles, so that they don’t cramp later in the evening. You will also sleep better!
You should closely monitor your intake of iron. Not only will insufficient iron cause you to feel excessively tired but it can also be a factor in lower birth weight for baby. Take a prenatal supplement that contains iron, and eat foods that are high in iron, such as spinach or red meat.
During pregnancy, it is important to make sure that you are getting enough iron from food or supplements. When you are pregnant the blood in your body increases, therefore your body requires more iron to compensate. Iron also aids fetus development and is good for the placenta.
Pregnancy should an easy process provided you know what you’re doing. The more you know about pregnancy, the better prepared you will be to avoid unnecessary stress that could compromise your health and that of your baby.
