Tag Archives: immune system

Being Pregnant: A Short Guide To Being Happy

Even if this is not your first pregnancy, it can be quite emotional and stressful. Knowledge is an important key in dealing with any situation. Keep reading for terrific advice about coping with pregnancy.

For a better night’s sleep while pregnant, remember that your bladder capacity will be less. Drink during the morning and afternoon, but slow down at dinnertime. The last thing you want is to have to get up in the middle of the night and head off to the bathroom.

Use sun protection while you are pregnant. You should avoid all tanning beds, as well. Your skin may be more sensitive while you are pregnant, making sunburn or sunspots more likely. But, be certain that your sunscreen is safe for unborn babies.

During pregnancy, good dental care is important and so is visiting the dentist. Significant dental issues, like gingivitis, often crop up during pregnancy. Brush and floss teeth twice daily, and use a good mouthwash. If you experience problems, call your dentist right away.

Even before you conceive, you should take prenatal vitamins. The first trimester of your baby’s development includes the neural cord, which ultimately becomes the spinal cord and brain. Folic acid, iron and calcium are very important during this crucial development.

Consider taking a pregnancy class when you learn you are expecting. Learning in a classroom setting will help to ease your mind. Ask any questions that you have about your pregnancy.

If you suspect you are pregnant, purchase a test kit or visit your physician immediately. Waiting too long to confirm a pregnancy can cause complications and stop you from getting all the necessary care.

Decorating the nursery can be quite exciting. Being around paint fumes while pregnant may not be the healthiest thing. Keep as many windows open as possible to ensure proper ventilation, no matter how chilly it is outside. Keep friends and family around during this time to help you with any heavy lifting.

Flu Shot

Be sure you obtain a flu shot if you’re pregnant. Your immune system might be compromised during pregnancy. Some women choose the flu shot to increase immunity, while others look to more natural options in order to avoid injecting anything into their bodies. Try to keep your immune system from becoming weakened. Both you and the baby are in harm’s way if you get the flu.

If you are expecting a baby and you get diarrhea, remember to drink as much fluid as possible. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which may require hospitalization and IV fluids.

There will never be too much information and advice about pregnancy. The more you learn, the greater your understanding of your pregnancy. Pregnancy is to be a time of happiness and joy. It will be a great experience if you know what to expect.

Getting Through Nine Months Of Pregnancy Now

Giving birth is a miracle. If this is your first time being pregnant, you will have a lot of learning to do. If you’ve already had a child, you are already aware of the negative aspects of pregnancy and would probably like to know how to make this pregnancy a better one. This article was written for woman that are pregnant, and those looking for some great information to understand the process.

Are you with child? Considering breastfeeding? Are you going to breastfeed in public while being discreet? Look for types of nursing clothes to help! Rather than creating controversy, invest in some clothing designed with discreet public breastfeeding in mind. This means that you can breastfeed without anyone realizing. So you can tell what it looks like to others in public, try nursing at home looking in a mirror and making adjustments.

As long as most of your diet consists of a healthy balance, go ahead and surrender to your cravings! Your cravings happen for a specific reason, and your body may need whatever those foods contain. You can enjoy having cravings because you know that you need the extra calories for your baby.

Give your office and home a quick check for harmful chemicals during pregnancy. Some of the chemicals you should avoid are found in cleaning solution, so consider replacing your normal brand with a natural one. Keeping them out of your home will make for a much safer environment for your baby.

To prevent stomach upset at the beginning of your pregnancy, eat small meals. Keeping the stomach full of something can prevent upset stomach issues. However, you should ensure that the foods you choose to eat are fresh and light. You might be surprised by the difference you feel when you eat fresh veggies, fruits and lean cuts of meat.

Go to a pregnancy class, if you can. Forewarned is certainly forearmed when you know what to expect in the weeks ahead. You should encourage the father to come with you so he can ask questions too.

For pregnant women that are in their 3rd trimester, it is advisable to sleep on their left side. Sleeping on the left side allows the fetus to get the blood supply needed, and allows blood to flow to your uterus and kidneys with ease. The worst position to sleep in is on your back because it impedes your blood flow and puts pressure on your spine.

Flu Shot

Make sure to get a flu shot when you are pregnant. Your immune system might be compromised during pregnancy. Some women choose the flu shot to increase immunity, while others look to more natural options in order to avoid injecting anything into their bodies. Try to keep your immune system from becoming weakened. This is dangerous for you and the baby.

With the above tips, you will be able to feel better about pregnancy. Pregnancy is amazing, but also difficult. This article provided you with advice to help ease your pregnancy problems.

Important Advice About Managing Your Pregnancy For Expectant Mothers

Having a relaxed and healthy pregnancy will make the experience of being pregnant a wonderful and joyous time in your life. These are simple to accomplish by applying the wise ideas and insights shared in the following paragraphs. These suggestions may work in your case and you will enjoy every moment.

Prior to attempting to become pregnant, make an appointment with your physician. He’ll let you know what to change before you become pregnant. You can prepare yourself for pregnancy in healthy and safe ways.

Make sure you take good care of your teeth and regularly visit your dentist. Pregnancy has been known to make a lot of dental problems occur, such as gingivitis. Make sure you floss your teeth, brush them a couple times a day and also use mouthwash. See your dentist right away if you notice any irregularities or problems.

Neural Cord

Start taking prenatal vitamins before becoming pregnant. During the first three months of pregnancy, your baby’s neural cord will being to grow. The neural cord will eventually develop into the spinal cord and brain. As soon as you conceive, it is important to get the right amount of iron, calcium and folic acid.

When you are pregnant, make sure that you add about 300-500 calories to your daily intake. Pregnancy means you now eat for two. Get these calories through fresh produce and lean proteins.

Remember that getting pregnant can take upwards of a year. When a year passes, then you should seek help. Your doctor can tell you whether there is a medical reason that is a problem.

If you suspect you might be pregnant, try a home test or see a doctor immediately. If you don’t take a pregnancy test in a timely manner, you may miss the opportunity to receive important prenatal care or experience preventable complications.

Don’t neglect your spouse when you are expecting. Make sure to include them, and pamper them too. Most likely, he is nervous about the baby’s arrival too, and he probably requires reassurance. Spend time together by going to the movies or taking a walk. Enjoy this private time before the arrival of your child!

Be sure to be checked for sexually transmitted diseases if you are pregnant. When left untreated, these conditions can have negative consequences for both you and your unborn child. Testing for STD’s can be done in several ways, inclusive of pap smears, blood test, and urine tests. If you do have an STD that cannot be treated, you might have to deliver your baby by C-section.

When pregnant, you should never expose yourself to your cat’s soiled litter. Toxoplasmosis can be contracted by pregnant women who change the litter in their cat boxes. Cats may have this parasite and the infection may be passed on to the fetus, resulting in miscarriages or birth abnormalities.

Flu Shot

See your doctor for a flu shot as soon as you learn you are pregnant. Your immune system might be compromised during pregnancy. Some women choose the flu shot to increase immunity, while others look to more natural options in order to avoid injecting anything into their bodies. Try to keep your immune system from becoming weakened. Both you and the baby are in harm’s way if you get the flu.

As this article indicates, the methods and techniques you can use to have a comfortable and uncomplicated pregnancy are simple to employ. These simple yet valuable hints and tips can relieve some of your stress and help you gain confidence that both your and your unborn baby are going to remain strong and healthy.

How To Make It Through A Summertime Pregnancy

There are a lot of things to learn and experience when you are pregnant; so much so that it can leave you in a daze. Fortunately, the information from this article is available to keep you from getting overwhelmed during this happy time.

Make sure you adjust your intake of fluids regarding your much smaller bladder capacity. Ensure you’re drinking enough during your day, but don’t drink as much toward dinner and stop before you go to bed. This will help reduce the need to get up during the night to use the restroom.

Try not to gain excessive amounts of weight when pregnant. Gaining too much can create health problems and it will be hard to lose later. You should only gain around 20-30 lbs during pregnancy.

When pregnant, make sure that your diet contains enough proteins. Protein is one of the most important nutrients to ensure that your baby grows healthy. There are many healthy high-protein foods to choose from, including legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, eggs, tofu, meat, poultry and fish.

Bland Foods

Many pregnant women find that eating bland foods is easier on the stomach. When your stomach is filled with bland foods, you’ll be less likely to feel nausea, and it will decrease the likelihood that you vomit. In addition, you should stay away from greasy and acidic foods because they will worsen your nausea and also give you heartburn.

Preparing a room for the baby is very exciting for both parents. Being around paint fumes while pregnant may not be the healthiest thing. Keep as many windows open as possible to ensure proper ventilation, no matter how chilly it is outside. Talk to friends and see if they can help you with the heavy work.

Consider getting a flu shot while you are pregnant. Your immune system might be compromised during pregnancy. Some women choose the flu shot to increase immunity, while others look to more natural options in order to avoid injecting anything into their bodies. Try to keep your immune system from becoming weakened. This could be dangerous to you and your unborn child.

Keep a food diary when pregnant. Keeping a record of your dietary intake will help to make sure you meet all your nutritional requirements. You can share this information with your obstetrician to make sure that you are eating right.

Give swimming a try during the later months of pregnancy. Swimming is a fabulous exercise during pregnancy because it keeps you fit and helps you feel better as you go further into the pregnancy. The water will make you buoyant and weightless, which is a nice feeling when heavy with pregnancy.

Leg Cramps

If you are experiencing leg cramps while sleeping, do some stretches before going to bed. Any woman who has experienced pregnancy will recall at least one night of troubled sleep that was caused by painful knots in their legs. Doing some leg stretches before bed will help your muscles to loosen and keep leg cramps at bay.

Always set aside ample time to develop a solid birth plan. This plan should include tasks for other people to do on your behalf while you are at the hospital. Try packing an overnight bag which contains a camera, insurance card, birth plan, clothes, and pre-registration forms for your new baby

If this happens to be your first time being pregnant, it is good to take in a class on childbirth. Childbirth classes can give you all kinds of excellent tips and advice on what you can expect while pregnant. The classes at the hospital you chose often include a maternity area tour which can help you be aware of what to anticipate.

As previously mentioned, there is an overwhelming amount of information to learn about how to take care of yourself and your unborn baby when you’re pregnant. After familiarizing yourself with the information in this article, you’ll be off to a good start towards enjoying a low-stress pregnancy.

Congratulations! A Baby Is On The Way!

Pregnancy is a time in your life like no other. As your body adjusts to the new life, you will undergo many changes. These suggestions will help you understand the issues faced by pregnant women.

A regular bedtime routine will ensure that you get enough sleep while you are pregnant. If you can follow a consistent bedtime routine, then your body will learn that bedtime is near. This should ease the process of falling asleep. Use soothing tools like a shower that is warm, a good book or getting a massage.

Even if you don’t normally use sunscreen, you should use it while you are pregnant. Don’t go near a tanning bed. During pregnancy, your skin will become more sensitive, and you could end up with some sunspots or sunburns if you do not protect it. Be sure that your sunscreen is safe to use while pregnant.

Make sure your oral health is solid, and continue seeing a dentist during your pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause or aggravate many types of dental issues, such as gingivitis. Brush your teeth two times per day and use floss and mouth rinse. See your dentist whenever problems arise.

It is very important that women, especially pregnant women avoid overexposure to the sun. When a woman is pregnant, her skin becomes more sensitive to the sun, which makes her more prone to sunburn and increases her risk of skin cancer.

Are you in your first trimester and experiencing an upset stomach? Try eating several small meals instead of three big ones. You may find that your stomach is more settled this way. Concentrate on eating foods that are light and fresh. You might be surprised by the difference you feel when you eat fresh veggies, fruits and lean cuts of meat.

You should inform your doctor if you find that your feet are excessively swollen so that he can keep an eye on this potential warning sign or problems. It may not be of concern, or the edema can be indicative of high blood pressure, which can be extremely dangerous for you and the baby. This condition must be treated so that the birth can be healthy.

Flu Shot

Get your flu shot. Your immune system might be compromised during pregnancy. Some women choose the flu shot to increase immunity, while others look to more natural options in order to avoid injecting anything into their bodies. Try to keep your immune system from becoming weakened. This can be a danger for your child and you.

Be sure to set aside some time just for yourself. When you finally give birth, life will become much more complicated than right now, and you are going to have much less time to pamper yourself. Take some time to indulge yourself with something you enjoy, whether it is a coffee date with friends or getting a pedicure. You will feel better, and so will the baby.

Making sure that you are prepared is the best thing you can do to ready yourself for a new addition to the household. Understanding the changes that will happen and learning how to deal with them will make for a much happier and calmer 9 months. Keep learning and enjoy your pregnancy!

Simple Answers For All Your Pregnancy Questions

Weight loss is not always a simple matter after birth. It isn’t an easy task. Among them are stress and lack of sleep. In addition, it can be difficult to exercise adequately with a newborn in the house. If you’re trying to do what’s best for you and your child when you’re pregnant, then you have to learn a few things. The good news is that adjusting your life now will lead to a healthier you and a healthier family too.

Provided the majority of what you eat is balanced and healthy, it’s okay to give in to those cravings! You might need the nutrients from whatever you are craving as cravings happen for a reason. You can enjoy having cravings because you know that you need the extra calories for your baby.

Your OBGYN may advise you to take a prenatal vitamin, which can be bought over the counter or by prescription. Take your vitamin at the same time each day, usual with a meal to prevent nausea. These will give you some of the vitamins that you may not be getting from your diet, and will help your baby grow healthy in your womb.

If you are experiencing constipation while pregnant, increase your consumption of high fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grain breads and cereals. The hormones a pregnant woman has is what causes constipation. Constipation can cause some gastrointestinal issues for someone who is pregnant, and it does not feel very good.

You should be touring your birthing facilities when time is near. If you are comfortable in a facility, your labor goes easier. Check out several different places so you can select the best birthing facility for you. Make sure that the facilities are what you need for both you and the person staying with you during labor.

Learn what premature labor is like so that you can alert your physician if necessary. Do this with the hopes that you will not ever need to use this information. But knowing the realities can really help you if an emergency strikes. By reacting in the best possible way, you have a better chance of saving your baby’s life.

Lots of folks get caught up in the excitement of decorating a nursery. Being around paint fumes while pregnant may not be the healthiest thing. Keep the room well ventilated and be sure to open all the windows. It is wise to enlist family and friends to do the hard work.

Immune System

Get your flu shot. You immune system isn’t what is used to be, and the flu is easy to catch. A healthy immune system can improve the health of your baby.

Decline offers from others that wish to feed you each time you see them. It is necessary to take in extra calories while you are pregnant, but that does not mean you should eat constantly. You can always say no when you need to do so.

As strange as it may sound, do not be near cat litter when pregnant. Cat litter can contain a disease called toxoplasmosis, which can be harmful to a growing baby. Don’t risk your child’s health; stay away from the cat litter.

If you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t sit all day long, or even for a few hours at a time. Pregnancy often comes with swollen ankles and feet, especially in the afternoon. The reason that pregnant women experience swelling while at rest is because of the poor circulation throughout the legs and feet. Swelling may also occur when you sit for too long in any one position. There are several things you can do to help relieve the swelling. Try sleeping on the left side of your body, avoid tight socks and sit with your ankles uncrossed.

After you change yourself to deal with being pregnant, you will be able to lose a lot more weight after the baby is born. It may take awhile for you to get used to your new way of life, but one good thing is that you were already making a big life change with your new baby. Remember that you gained the weight over nine months, so don’t get discouraged if you cannot lose it in a week.

It Is Possible To Have A Happy And Healthy Pregnancy

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.

Don’t miss an appointment with your doctor. Each appointment is just as important as the next, and give your doctor a chance to closely monitor your health and your baby’s health and development. Making your appointments keeps both you and the baby in good shape.

Do not pump gas when you are pregnant. Gasoline fumes may harm your baby. Do not take the risk of injuring your child; instead, ask for help.

During the third trimester, you may find it more comfortable to sleep while lying on the left side of your body. Sleeping on your left provides your baby with a good blood supply, and allows easy circulation to your kidneys as well as the uterus. Do not sleep your your back, as it’s not a good way to get blood flowing.

Relatively tasteless foods, like crackers, can help you feel better while you’re pregnant. These foods fill your stomach and keep the acid levels low, easing your morning sickness. Don’t make pregnancy-related problems like nausea and heartburn worse by eating acidic or greasy foods.

Although it is common to have cravings during pregnancy, choose the ones you indulge, with care. You need to keep in mind that your developing baby has a need for healthy nutrition, in exactly the same way you do. Indulging in too many cravings will fill you up and not leave room for the healthy foods that you and your baby need to be healthy.

Flu Shot

If you are pregnant, have a flu shot for winter. Your immune system might be compromised during pregnancy. Some women choose the flu shot to increase immunity, while others look to more natural options in order to avoid injecting anything into their bodies. Try to keep your immune system from becoming weakened. This could be harmful to you and the baby.

Look for stories of giving birth online to be better prepared for the experience yourself. Reading stories will give you a personal touch that books won’t give you. Read many stories and you will be much more prepared.

If your friend has given birth recently, talk to her to see what tips she used when pregnant. It’s crucial to obtain knowledge from a person that has been pregnant beforehand since they have real life experience.

Proper medical care during pregnancy, birth, and after birth ensures that both mother and child stay healthy. As this is such an amazing and life altering event, moms-to-be need all the helpful advice they can get. Taking good care of yourself is up to you, and you deserve to have the best pregnancy possible.

Have A Smooth Pregnancy By Using These Tips

When you are pregnant, it is arguably the most natural thing in life. However, it can be frightening and confusing as well for a mom-to-be. That’s because a pregnant woman’s body will go through significant changes, and she will have to make some serious lifestyle changes aswell. There are tons of things to help alleviate your fears. Several of them follow below.

Be sure to minimize your intake of fluid before bed so that your sleep will not be disturbed by an over-full bladder. Drink plenty of water in the day time; however, you should taper off in the evening before you go to bed. The last thing you want is to have to get up in the middle of the night and head off to the bathroom.

Work with a doula. This is a birth coach who can guide you through the process of pregnancy. They are able to provide support, assistance and encouragement during labor. They can assist your partner in being the best birth coach they can, and it gives you the comfort of having someone who is very experienced in the room with you.

It is very important for a woman in her third trimester to sleep on her left side. Sleeping on the left side allows the fetus to get the blood supply needed, and allows blood to flow to your uterus and kidneys with ease. Try not to sleep on your back, as it is a bad position when it comes to blood flow.

Preparing a room for the baby is very exciting for both parents. Being around paint fumes while pregnant may not be the healthiest thing. Ventilate the room and keep your windows open at all times if you are painting. You may even want to ask friends to do it instead.

Immune System

Be sure you have a flu shot while pregnant. When pregnant, your immune system is weakened, and you are surely more likely to acquire the flu. A healthy immune system can improve the health of your baby.

You don’t want to be in a hot tub or sauna when you’re pregnant. High temperatures are not good for your pregnancy. Some spas even use oils that can cause contractions early, especially during the first three months of pregnancy. You should avoid rosemary, clary sage, and juniper.

Learn to say no to people who want to feed you every time they see you. Pregnancy is not a good excuse to overindulge. You can say thanks and decline.

It’s really important to remember to make time for yourself. After your baby arrives, you will have little time to pamper yourself due to all of the demands of your new little one. Dedicate a few hours to spending time with your friends, working on a hobby or passion or just getting a manicure. This will help you feel better, and make you able to give the best care to your baby.

Prior to conceiving a child, live your life as though you were pregnant already. Quit cigarettes, become a teetotaler, exercise regularly and just try to be healthy. It takes a while to get adjusted to this lifestyle, so plan in advance.

Something to keep in mind when it comes to pregnancy is that it’s not permanent. You and your partner will be at a far more crucial stage in your lives: parenthood. Learning what you can about pregnancy will make those nine months much easier.

Simple Answers For All Your Pregnancy Questions

Your pregnancy will depend on several variables. Keeping yourself in proper health will make your pregnancy that much easier and enjoyable. Expecting a child is one of the most important milestones in life and these tips should help you maneuver through this phase with joy.

You need to buy maternity bras and other clothing as you realize you need them. Your comfort is paramount, in and outside of the house while you are pregnant. Go ahead and go shopping even before you start to show. You should enjoy this time, and maternity clothes are no exception to this rule.

As long as most of your diet consists of a healthy balance, go ahead and surrender to your cravings! The body craves what it needs, and it just may be trying to tell you something. While pregnant, you need more nutrition and energy, so do not feel bad about succumbing to your cravings.

Change your food habits to ensure optimum nutrients for both you and the baby. If you are a fast food eater, then it’s best that you change your diet to something that is much healthier as soon as possible. Eat plenty of fruits, veggies and protein starting now.

Make sure your oral health is solid, and continue seeing a dentist during your pregnancy. There are a variety of dental issues which can arise at this time. Brush and floss teeth twice daily, and use a good mouthwash. If you have an issue, visit your dentist immediately.

Check your workplace and home for chemicals that are potentially harmful to pregnancy, and immediately get rid of them. Common chemicals you should watch out for are cleaning solutions, so replace them with natural solutions if possible. After the baby is born, do not buy new chemical based products ones once you have turned to more natural products.

If you suspect there is even the slightest chance you could be pregnant, you should immediately have a pregnancy test done or consult your doctor. This will help ensure that you get the proper care you need.

During your pregnancy, you must not neglect your partner. The chance is that they are nervous as well about your baby being born, so they need to be reassured as much as you do. Even simple pleasures like a walk, or a good movie can be quite relaxing. Enjoy this one-on-one time as much as possible before it is no more!

If you have any cravings during your pregnancy, try not to give in to them. Put your baby’s needs first when making your food choices. Indulging in too many cravings will fill you up and not leave room for the healthy foods that you and your baby need to be healthy.

Immune System

A flu shot is imperative to get while pregnant. This will help your immune system to function at its highest level. A healthy immune system can improve the health of your baby.

No one wants to make pregnancy any harder than it has to be. Make the best out of your pregnancy by using the advice from this article. By sharing this article with your partner, you can garner extra support. If your partner knows what you will be going through and doing, he will know how to support you better!

What To Know About Dealing With Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be both amazing and anxiety-ridden. Your body and lifestyle are among the first to change. However, new parents need not fear. Here are a few tips to get you started.

If you want to conceive, learn to track your monthly cycle. These cycles will provide you with the best times for attempting conception, and any kind of help will go a long way in situations like these. This will help you find a precise due date since you will be able to tell during which period of time you got pregnant.

You shouldn’t gain too much weight. Excess weight can lead to serious health problems in the future. You should only gain around 20-30 lbs during pregnancy.

You should eat high-fiber foods like cereals and wheat bread to avoid getting constipated while pregnant. Constipation in pregnancy is caused by hormones. You need to take care of the problem so it does not become overly uncomfortable or cause more serious issues.

If your due date has came and gone and you’re ready for your baby to come, give walking a shot. Walking helps naturally lower your baby to the ideal position for childbirth. Have someone accompany you on your walk. Avoid anything dangerous, especially things that deal with contact exercise.

Lots of mothers are excited about decorating their expected child’s nursery. Just remember that you are pregnant and paint fumes are not good to be around. Be certain to well ventilate the room and open the windows. Keep friends and family around during this time to help you with any heavy lifting.

Flu Shot

Consider getting a flu shot while you are pregnant. Your immune system might be compromised during pregnancy. Some women choose the flu shot to increase immunity, while others look to more natural options in order to avoid injecting anything into their bodies. Try to keep your immune system from becoming weakened. This isn’t good for you or your baby.

If your friend has given birth recently, talk to her to see what tips she used when pregnant. Learning information from a first-hand source is quite helpful.

Folic acid is important to a developing baby, so ensure that your prenatal vitamins contain it. Folic acid can reduce the risk of common neural tube defects and also enhances cell formation and tissue development.

Don’t feel bad declining food from food-pushers. It is necessary to take in extra calories while you are pregnant, but that does not mean you should eat constantly. Just say, “No thanks.” That is just fine and is often the right thing to say to too much food.

Get involved with a class that goes over every aspect of pregnancy. Be sure that you’re signed up as soon as you become pregnant so you’re able to reserve a spot. You may wish to enroll in a breastfeeding course as well. Each class will help to prepare you for the first few weeks of life after bringing your baby home.

Make sure your maternity clothes fit you. Don’t let embarrassment over your changing body persuade you to keep squeezing into your pre-pregnancy clothing in a futile effort to avoid the maternity look. You’ll be a more comfortable and confident mother-to-be if you choose to wear clothes that are specifically made for your body’s new shape.

Alcohol is best avoided during pregnancy. When a woman who is pregnant has a drink, the alcohol is passed to the unborn baby through the placenta. For this reason, women who are pregnant or even trying to get pregnant shouldn’t consume any alcohol. Babies who are exposed to alcohol in the womb can be born with mental or physical birth defects. In addition, women who drink alcohol while pregnant are more likely to have a miscarriage or give birth prematurely.

A birth plan is a great way to plan for labor. You can outline exactly what you want to happen during the birth, easing your mind somewhat as you get closer to your due date. You can make it as in-depth or brief as you see fit.

Something to keep in mind when it comes to pregnancy is that it’s not permanent. For better or for worse, in 40 weeks the new parents will be beginning a new life – parenthood. Learn what you can about pregnancy early on, so that you can enjoy the gestation period.