Obtaining proper prenatal care is the best way to ensure the health of the mother and the future care of her expanded family. Here are some tips for having a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy.
Create a bedtime routine in order to improve your sleeping schedule when pregnant. Following this sort of evening schedule prepares your body for sleep. Try doing some soothing things like reading a book, taking a warm shower, or having someone give you a massage.
Eat better for the best health of you and you child. If fast food was a staple in your diet, you’ll have to change that as it’s not healthy for you or the baby. Eat healthy foods such as lean proteins along with fruits and vegetables.
Always wear sunscreen. This is especially important while you are pregnant. Also steer clear of tanning beds. You are much more likely to burn while you are pregnant, and getting so hot is not the best thing for either you or the baby. The key is to remember to use a sunscreen that is free from harmful chemicals that could affect the baby.
Don’t clean the cat’s litter box while you’re pregnant. The chemicals found in litter and cat feces can be harmful to pregnant women. Make sure you have someone else do this if you are the one that is pregnant. You can ask your spouse, another family member or even a friendly neighbor.
If you must travel while pregnant, avoid places where proper medical care will not be readily available to you. This is because complication could arise during any stage of your pregnancy. Always have a cell phone with you no matter where you go.
Women who are pregnant should wear sports bras. They provide extra support to your breasts and can help ease some of the pains and aches. As well, be sure to not wear undergarments that cut into your waist too tightly. If your underwear presses too tightly against your waist, it is not only uncomfortable for you, but can be dangerous for your baby, as he/she may not be able to get enough oxygen.
Some great ways to share the pregnancy, once the baby is older, is through writing stories and taking pictures. Kids like seeing their very earliest photos. Take photos every month and write a note each time.
Wear regular pants longer by using an elastic to close the button. With elastic maternity bands or long shirts covering pants, nobody will see that they’re technically unbuttoned. When you do this, you can continue wearing your favorite clothes for a while, and you won’t have to invest so much money in maternity clothes.
Act like you’re pregnant before actually conceiving a baby. Adjust to a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise, no smoking or alcohol and improved diet. Getting pregnant could take several months or even a year or longer. Therefore, adjusting your lifestyle before pregnancy can really help you prepare.
Maternity Clothes
Make sure you adjust your wardrobe with plenty of maternity clothes that actually fit, at least for the time being. Many pregnant women don’t want to wear maternity clothes because they are embarrassed. Clothing that fits you properly will keep you more comfortable and allow you to move around more easily during the day.
One thing to avoid, while pregnant, is prolonged periods of sitting. Many pregnant women suffer with badly swollen ankles and feet towards the end of the day. Pregnancy makes it more difficult for blood to circulate through the lower half of your body. Extended sitting, such as in a car or at your desk, can aggravate the swelling. To reduce such swelling, try sleeping on the left side of your body and soaking your feet in cool water. Also, don’t wear socks with tight elastic bands, and when sitting, avoid crossing your ankles.
You may have some swelling when you are expecting a baby. Reduce your sodium intake to also reduce such swelling.
Try to keep the stress you’re suffering from at bay when your pregnant by creating to-do lists while keeping your priorities in line. Perhaps your friends or family can help you out by completing some of the items. Make sure more personal items get done yourself, and don’t put them off too long- you are on a time limit!
Eat foods that are rich in iron and take iron supplements when you’re pregnant. You are not only providing iron for your own body, but your baby’s as well, so you’ll need to consume up to 50 percent more iron. Iron is used to make hemoglobin which carries oxygen through your body. You need to consume even more iron as your pregnancy progresses.
Tell your dentist that you are expecting. Some doctors don’t allow their patients to undergo dental x-rays while pregnant. In fact, they may need to be skipped. You should also avoid teeth whitening treatments and not have your fillings removed. Make sure your dentist is aware that you are pregnant before agreeing to any procedures.
To take care of the health of mom and baby alike, it’s important to get good care throughout the pregnancy and afterwards. In order to avoid mistakes and adjust to this life-changing experience, mothers prepare themselves by setting up parameters and following wise tips. Taking good care of yourself is up to you, and you deserve to have the best pregnancy possible.
