Finding out you are pregnant can be an overwhelming and frightening. You probably have a myriad of questions you want answered. This article discusses pregnancy and the basics that you need to know.
Taking a prenatal vitamin prior to pregnancy is a smart and safe idea. There are many of your baby’s vital organs, such as the spinal cord and brain, which begin developing right from the beginning of pregnancy. The critical nutrients are calcium, folic acid and iron. These are needed for the baby’s earliest stage of development.
To get better sleep while pregnant, plan your fluid intake around your smaller bladder capacity. Drink plenty of water during daylight hours, you should taper off in the evening before you go to bed. This will keep you in bed and out of the need to go to the bathroom.
When you’re pregnant, try adding around 300-500 more calories to your everyday diet. You will need to feed your baby and combat your fatigue with extra food. Place special emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods.
You can indulge your cravings if your general diet is generally healthy and balanced. Your body sometimes craves what it needs and may need whatever you’re craving.You can enjoy having cravings because you know that you need the extra calories for two people.
Don’t be too proud to ask for assistance when lifting heavy objects. Lifting places great stress on you and your baby and can cause back pain and, in some cases, miscarriages. Always have others life heavy objects, even if you think you can do it.
You should increase your caloric intake by 300-500 calories when you’re pregnant. You are feeding not only yourself as well as your baby. Eat healthier foods, fruits and vegetables.
You might need to add more proteins to your diet. Your baby needs to have protein to build their body, from their muscles to their hair. Protein-rich foods include tofu, certain types of seeds, chicken, eggs, legumes and nuts.
Your doctor will most likely recommend a prenatal vitamin at your first visit. You should be sure to take your vitamin every day.
Consider getting a flu shot while you are pregnant. While pregnant, you can be more likely to contract the flu because your immune system isn’t as strong. This can put you and your child in danger.
Pregnant women need to try to remove as stress-free as they can be. Stress can cause problems for both the fetus as well as the woman carrying it.In some cases, stress can bring labor early and endanger the baby and mom.
The later months of pregnancy are known for leg cramping. If you stretch each night before bed you’ll be able to lessen these cramps. Getting sufficient hydration is also key to warding off cramps, just as increased potassium will also help.
Don’t touch your cat’s litter box if you’re pregnant. Soiled cat litter can contain chemicals that are very harmful to pregnant women.If you are married, then ask your spouse to change the litter, if single ask a neighbor, see if there is a neighbor or family member that can lend a hand.
Take some “me” time. Parenting is a complex job that often doesn’t leave a lot of free time available, so take the time to pamper yourself while you can. 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 more relaxed and content which will also be good for your baby.
It may take a whole year to get pregnant. If you are trying for that amount of time and are not pregnant, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They can inform you of any medical reason for your struggles.
Take a childbirth class which covers all the phases of pregnancy. Sign up for classes early on in your pregnancy, so you will be given a space in the class. Breastfeeding classes are also a good idea. These classes can help you understand what to expect in the days ahead.
Walking can get the baby to the right position. Ask a partner to accompany you.
Before becoming pregnant, take the time to get tested for HIV. If you have not already done so, schedule an HIV test as soon as you found out you are pregnant. If by chance the result comes back positive, at least you will be able to take the proper precautions with your OB-GYN to help ensure the baby does not contract the disease. This also will help you attain help from medical professionals that know about HIV.
Women in the third trimester of pregnancy or later should always sleep on their left side. Sleeping in this position will provide your fetus with a good blood supply, and allows easy circulation to your kidneys as well as the uterus. Try to avoid sleeping on your back, as you don’t get adequate blood flow in this position.
Develop a daily routine. Pay special attention to getting ready for bed when you plan your new routine. This makes it easier to fall asleep, which can be unusually difficult for some pregnant women. Avoid stimulating activities before bed. A warm shower works to relax you and may make you sleepy, or try drinking caffeine-free tea.
Do not change your cat’s litter while pregnant. The reason behind why women should not suppose to change litter boxes when pregnant is toxoplasmosis. Cats are considered a host for toxoplasmosis life cycle, and if it passes to an unborn fetus it can cause stillbirths, the repercussions for the pregnant woman could lead to birth abnormalities, stillbirth and miscarriages.
Allow your baby to develop properly and maintain your own energy levels by making sure to get enough sleep. Make your bed a refuge with comfortable sheets and pillows, and keep your room at a temperature you are comfortable with to ensure your most restful sleep.
Be sure that you have a flu shot if you’re pregnant. When you are pregnant, you have a weaker immune system, and you are more apt to get the flu. This could harm your baby.
It can be helpful to create a list of all the things you are going to need and need to do during your pregnancy. Perhaps your friends or family can help you out by completing some of the items. Sometimes, you might be able to drop unimportant tasks from your list, also.
If you experience diarrhea during your pregnancy, drink lots and lots of fluids. Diarrhea could cause dehydration, but for women who are pregnant, this could land you in the hospital, having to be hooked up to intravenous fluids.
If you wish to get pregnant, start tracking your cycle. When you become familiar with these, your pregnancy will flow easier. You can also tell if your period is late and test for pregnancy immediately.
You need to avoid being in contact with cat litter if you’re pregnant.Toxoplasmosis is transmitted in cat feces and can cause health problems for your baby. Don’t put your child’s life at risk; stay away from the cat litter.
If you are thinking about getting pregnant, go see your doctor. Consulting with a doctor is crucial to ensure that you can achieve a healthy pregnancy. If you are asked to make changes or take new steps, take action now.
Maternity Clothes
When you become pregnant, stay away from vaginal cleansing products. These products may cause health problems in your baby. If you have any odors, talk to your physician since this is a symptoms of urinary tract infections.
Make sure your maternity clothes that fit. Many pregnant women don’t want to wear maternity clothes because they are too embarrassed to buy “pregnancy clothes.” Wearing ill fitting clothes that fit your body will make you more comfortable and happy.
Heartburn while pregnant is very common and you may experience it yourself. To avoid any type of acid reflux, you should work to avoid certain food and beverages, such as carbonated sodas, citrus fruits, fatty foods, and any food item with high acidity or spices.
If there is any chance you could be HIV positive, your doctor can make plans and make sure your baby does not get the disease. It also allows you can talk to physicians about HIV.
Avoid consuming caffeinated products. During pregnancy, caffeine can be detrimental to your baby. This is the reason why it’s vital to stay away from consuming caffeine during your pregnancy.
You may have lots of swelling when you are expecting a baby. Try to decrease the amount of salt you eat.
Do not treat your due date as a guarantee but rather as an estimated day of arrival. If you forget and focus too much on your due date, you may find yourself severely disappointed when your baby doesn’t show up on that date. Instead, look forward to the surprise when your baby arrives, and in the meantime enjoy small pleasures like a peaceful home or soaking in the tub.
Stretch before you go to sleep each night to ease your muscles relief. Leg cramps are a common issue when pregnant because of added strain on your muscles. This can also better your quality of sleep!
Eat plenty of foods with folic acid. Spinach is a great source, and it also is full of iron. Folic acid reduces the chances of defects that occur within the neural tube.
It is important to monitor your iron consumption when you are pregnant. Iron is important to avoid fatigue and low birth weight for the baby. Take your prenatal vitamin, and eat foods that are high in iron, such as spinach or red meat.
As soon as you decide to become pregnant, see your physician. This is a great way to learn what things you can expect. It will also ensure that you are physically and emotionally prepared. Don’t start a journey that your body isn’t prepared to handle.
It can be tough to sleep when you’re pregnant. You can have less cramps in your legs by exercising.
If you are switching to healthier foods and a healthier lifestyle, advise your partner to join in and follow suit. It will make the process much easier and less stressful on you as well as the baby, and your relationship in general will be much healthier.
Get prepared for the joy that is to come while enjoying this special time in your life with you can. Get any help you can from your family and immediate friends, apply all medical advice given to you and make the best you can of the days ahead of you.
Work on preparing your nipples prior to your baby’s birth. Use lanolin cream to soften by gently massaging it with your finger tips or a washcloth. Doing this before the baby arrives will help lessen any discomfort later on!