Having A Baby? What To Expect Next
Whether you are planning to start a family or are already pregnant, you have so many different things to think about. Pregnancy involves everything in your life. It’s possible it may feel overwhelming at times with everything you need to know. These tips, however, will help you make sense of that whirlwind of information.
Talk to your doctor before you plan any traveling, while pregnant. Take documents that detail the prenatal care you’ve received to this point, so that you’ll have them in an emergency.
Begin pregnancy classes as soon as you know you are pregnant. Learning about pregnancy in a classroom setting will put you at ease with your situation. Ask any questions that you have about your pregnancy.
As the pregnancy progresses, make sure you have a birthing facility tour booked in. You need to be comfortable when giving birth. Check a couple different places to find out what you like. Check out the facilities and the staff.
It is best you know what to look out for during premature labor so you know when is the right time to call the doctor. You may never need to utilize it. That said, it might be a lifesaver if the need should arise. The earlier you respond to preterm labor, the greater the chances are you will be able to stop it or deliver a healthy baby.
If you’re pregnant, make certain you are tested for STDs. When left untreated, these conditions can have negative consequences for both you and your unborn child. Most tests for STDs are done with a blood, urine or pap smear sample. If the results show that you are infected with one, your baby may need to be delivered through a C-section.
Lots of folks get caught up in the excitement of decorating a nursery. Paint fumes can hurt you and your baby. Keep the room well ventilated and be sure to open all the windows. It’s best to have your family and friends with you so that they can do most of the labor themselves.
Keep a food log. This allows you to know that you’re eating the nutrients you need. This can be presented to your doctor as well, to make sure you are on the right course.
Consider swimming as a form of exercise during your pregnancy. In the later months of pregnancy, swimming can be an ideal exercise because it keeps you active and soothes the strains and aches caused by your condition. The feeling of weightless that you get when swimming is very soothing.
Do not use hot tubs or saunas while you are pregnant. An overheated body can do serious damage to your baby. Some spas may use oils that are known to cause early contractions. Scents like juniper, clary sage and rosemary are possible culprits.
Folic Acid
Be sure to take prenatal vitamins that have adequate amounts of folic acid when pregnant. Folic acid can reduce the risk of common neural tube defects and also enhances cell formation and tissue development.
Before getting pregnant, you should go to a doctor with your partner for a check-up. In some cases, medical history will dictate that certain tests should be run in order to protect the baby’s health. This appointment will also give you a chance to ask questions concerning your future pregnancy.
Your body is always changing during pregnancy, so it can be nice to photograph yourself regularly during this time. Later on, you will be distracted with the needs of the newborn baby. This journal will be there to remind you of the miracle of growth that took place during pregnancy.
One way to reduce pregnancy-related stress is to prioritize tasks with a list and do only those tasks that need immediate attention. Often times, you will be able to delegate certain tasks to loved ones. At other times, there may be things that you can eliminate from the list.
Childbirth Classes
Attend childbirth classes. Childbirth classes can give you all kinds of excellent tips and advice on what you can expect while pregnant. A class will offer hospital tours and an explanation of what to expect during labor and delivery.
Have a good stretch before bed to relax your muscles and help you drift off to sleep. Leg muscles experience more strain during pregnancy, which can cause painful cramping. Having a good stretch before you climb into bed will provide your muscles with great relaxation and thus, you will not be prone to cramps in the wee hours of the morning. In addition, your sleep will be of better quality.
Apply sunscreen to your skin, as it will become more sensitive. The sun has the ability to make your body produce too much melanin which causes “pregnancy mask”. This turns your face red, but it is avoidable.
A doctor’s visit is vital, if you are thinking of becoming pregnant. It is a good idea to have a checkup with your doctor before you try to get pregnant, to make sure you are in good health and don’t have any problems that might cause problems. If your physician lists or recommends particular changes to your lifestyle, engage in them immediately to boost you odds of conception.
Learn one thing at a time. Pregnancy is not just one day, it’s a process that will stretch over some months. Like pregnancy, your quest for knowledge should be gradual, so take it slow. You can begin by using the advice from this article and learning little things at a time. Above all, try to relax and enjoy your pregnancy!
