The following article will help you learn more about pregnancy and offer good advice on the best ways to take care of yourself and baby during this most amazing yet fearful time.
You should start taking a prenatal vitamins prior to getting pregnant.
Try not to gain so much weight while you are pregnant. If you put on too much weight while pregnant, you risk impacting your health later, as the weight will be difficult to take off. You should only gain around 20-30 lbs during pregnancy.
Take your prenatal medical records along with you, so you will be prepared in the event of an unexpected complication.
Try not to pump gas when pregnant or having your passenger or partner fill the tank while you’re in the car. The fumes that are emitted by the gas pumps at a service station can cause harm to an unborn baby. It is much better to ask for help than to risk any harm.
Gasoline fumes can be harmful and unpleasant during pregnancy, try to have an attendant or friend pump gas for you. Gas fumes are not good for you or your baby. Just ask for help, don’t risk it!
Pregnant women must take care when it comes to sun like everyone else. A pregnant woman’s skin is often more sensitive, a sunburn can cause extreme problems down the road, such as melanoma.
Visit the hospital you plan to give birth in. Tour and get to know the staff. This will make you at ease since you have a better idea of your questions answered so you won’t be as stressed out.
Pregnancy is a time to be careful with the consumption of caffeinated beverages and foods. Caffeine can trigger insomnia, which can keep you from getting enough sleep. Sometimes eating crackers can help alleviate the nausea. Eating a healthy diet can also help you get the restful sleep that you need.
Women in the third trimester of pregnancy or later should always sleep on their left side. Sleeping in this position gives the greatest amount of blood to your fetus, and allows easy circulation to your kidneys as well as the uterus. Try to not sleep on your back, as it is a bad position when it comes to blood flow.
Birth Abnormalities
Keep a food diary. Writing down what you put into your body let’s you know that you are getting the proper nutrition while pregnant. You can share this information with your obstetrician to make sure that you are eating right.
Do not change your cat’s litter if you think you are pregnant. Toxoplasmosis can be contracted by pregnant women who change the litter in their cat feces. Cats happen to be the host for the life cycle of toxoplasmosis, and if the infection gets passed on to their fetus, birth abnormalities, birth abnormalities and stillbirth.
Swimming is especially useful as you reach later stages.Swimming is something that can really help you out later in your pregnancy because it helps get those aches and pains out. The weightless feeling can be very relaxing.
Pregnancy can improve your olfactory, so typical, everyday scents can make you nauseous. If you encounter this problem frequently, dab some lemon or lavender essential oil on a handkerchief and stash it in your pocket or purse. When nasty smells assault your nostrils, break out the tissue and take a sniff of the oil.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience large amounts of discharge during your vagina while pregnant.
Birth Plan
Talk to friends who have given birth so you know what you are in for. The more you can learn from them, the better off you’ll be.
Pack a suitcase for your hospital early in advance of your due date. Putting off this important step is simply tempting fate.Be sure that you have your medical insurance card, your birth plan, and your birth plan.
Children really enjoy pictures of what their mother looked like while she was pregnant mommy! Take a series of pictures and write little notes to share with them when they’re ready.
Check thrift stores or consignment shops for maternity clothes. You will be wearing these items temporarily, so there is no need to pay full price. This will help you save money that you will need for diapers and baby food later.
Talk to friends or family members who have given birth so you know what you are in for. You need to find out knowledge from a person who has gone through the experience before you.
Take a class to learn some great information that you will use during your pregnancy and the aspects of childbirth. Sign up early on to ensure you have a spot. You may also think about taking a class about breastfeeding. These two classes will teach you for what you need to know about your immediate future.
Live like you are pregnant when you are trying to conceive. Reduce smoking, eat healthy and cut the alcohol out of your diet. It can sometimes take a year or longer to finally get pregnant. Change your lifestyle now.
If by chance the result comes back positive, it is better to know so you can prevent it causing harm to your baby. It also allow you to seek out medical profession that have knowledge about HIV.
As mentioned earlier in the article, there is much to know about pregnancy and what to expect during this process as well as how to handle certain situations. In order to make sure you have the best possible experience, simply take the time to gather the information both here in this article and from other helpful resources and you will feel any stress start to seep away.
Alcohol is a big no-no when you’re pregnant, so avoid it at all costs! Drinking while pregnant will cause the alcohol to pass through the placenta, affecting the unborn fetus. For this reason, women who are pregnant or even trying to get pregnant shouldn’t consume any alcohol. Drinking while pregnant can cause physical or mental problems to the developing baby and also increases the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.