The emotional and physical changes brought on by pregnancy can pose a challenge for women, whether they are first time mothers, or already have other children. Over time, it becomes possible to separate the useless advice from the true pearls of wisdom and find your own bearings again. This article lists a few pointers that might just make things run that little bit smoother.
Make sure you adjust your intake of fluids regarding your much smaller bladder capacity. Always drink plenty of water throughout the day, however slow down as the day progresses, stopping completely before bed. This way, you will reduce the number of times you need to get out of bed to empty your bladder.
Eat better foods so that you’re providing the best nutrients to you and your baby’s body. If you ate a lot of fast food, you will have to make big adjustments. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables and lean protein into your diet, starting today.
Start taking prenatal vitamins before becoming pregnant. Your baby will start to develop his neural cord, which will turn into his spinal cord and brain during your first trimester. You need to ensure that you get adequate amounts of certain nutrients, and a good prenatal vitamin is your best insurance.
Avoiding stress while pregnant is imperative. Stress can cause problems for both the mom and the unborn baby. Some babies, who experience excessive stress in the womb, wind up being born prematurely.
Walking may stimulate your baby into being born if your due date has come and gone. This gentle exercise can nudge the baby into the birthing position. Bring one of your friends on the journey. Avoid trying dangerous methods like contact exercising.
Keep a food log. Tracking your food helps you to ensure you are getting the right nutrition. Take it to your doctor for review, too.
Pregnant and traveling? Ensure there is adequate medical care where you’re going. Being close to a doctor during pregnancy is important, should a problem occur. In addition, keep a phone by your side when you are away from home.
Get an HIV test as soon as you find out that you’re pregnant. If you do happen to be HIV-positive, your doctor can arrange for special prenatal care that will minimize the chance that the disease will be passed on to the baby. It will also allow you to seek out medical professionals who are knowledgeable about HIV.
Pregnancy is a time of change and growth for your body, so why not take pictures of your belly as it develops? Once your baby is born, your pregnancy will soon be forgotten, so it’s worth having pictures as a reminder of those nine glorious months.
Follow a set schedule in the evening. Following a schedule will help you get some sleep. Take care to make your evenings calm and relaxing. If you need some help getting tired, take a hot shower and enjoy a cup of decaffeinated tea.
You might want to consider heading to a grocery store when you’re done with a meal. The cravings for junk food you may have when pregnant will be less extreme if you are not hungry when shopping. It’s okay to have a special treat every once in a while, but for the most part, you should focus on feeding you and your growing baby healthy foods. By having a satisfied stomach when grocery shopping, you aren’t as likely to purchase an item that isn’t on the list.
Folic Acid
Get your recommended daily allowance of folic acid every day. Many nutrients are crucial to a healthy pregnancy and baby, but 600 milligrams of folic acid per day significantly reduces the likelihood of neural tube defects. Start taking a minimum of 400 milligrams right away so you will be ready when the time comes.
Make sure to eat foods high in iron or take an iron supplement when you are pregnant. The amount of blood you have in you goes up while you’re pregnant and that means you have to provide your body with more iron. Iron also aids in the development of the fetus and placenta.
Your pregnancy should be something to shout about from the rooftops. Try these suggestions out to see if they work for you, and above all, enjoy your pregnancy!
