Dealing with a pregnancy can be a scary and difficult thing to do, especially if it is your first time. If you're a first time mom or a concerned husband, read on to see what kinds of things you ought to expect and be aware of during a pregnancy.
Do you have bun in the oven? Are you thinking of breastfeeding? Do you plan on doing so in public? Nursing clothing was designed with this in mind. Many maternity lines also carry "breastfeeding shirts." With this sort of clothing, people can't see that you are breastfeeding. Also, practice nursing facing a mirror so that you'll be able see what you look like to others.
Increase your intake of cereals, asparagus, lentils, oranges and orange juice. These foods are all rich in folic acid, which helps the development of the baby's neural cord and creates red blood cells for your unborn child. It is ideal to begin consuming these foods even before you start trying to conceive.
Eat five or six well-balanced meals every day. This will help you to get all the nutrition that you need, as well as the calories. You should not be eating junk food all day. There is no nutritional value in that, and the only thing it will do for you is put on extra pounds.
Avoid pesticides by eating locally grown organic foods. We don't know how much effect these pesticides can have on a fetus but it is better to be safe than sorry. If not buying organic, stick with items with heavy peels like oranges as they are likely to be less contaminated.
Not smoking while you are pregnant is very important. The reason is simple: as you smoke, your baby is exposed to dangerous chemicals which can minimize your child's oxygen flow. Oxygen is critical in order to help your baby grow healthy. Please don't risk the healthy development of your baby just to smoke.
The best thing an expectant mother can do for her unborn child's health is to quit smoking. A mom-to-be should talk to her doctor or midwife for help and support. If you cannot quit, cut down! Studies show that women who are pregnant and do not quit, should attempt to limit themselves to five cigarettes a day. Even if you do not quit, continue to follow the other directions given to you by your health care professional, such as taking dietary supplements and eating sensibly.
Your body changes so much during pregnancy that it's worth documenting it through photos. The awesome experience of your baby's growth inside you from one month to the next is something that you may soon forget once you are involved in all the challenges that come with taking care of a newborn. These photos will serve as a reminder.
You may find it difficult to sleep during the third trimester. For a more restful slumber try sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your knees. This position alleviates pressure on a the IVC (a large blood vessel in your back,) and increases the blood flow to the fetus.
You need to exercise while you are pregnant. It is important to keep your body as healthy and fit as you can even during pregnancy. A pregnant woman who has kept herself in shape will have an easier time during delivery and may even experience fewer contractions during labor, which is what every woman really wants.
If you are put on bed rest for the duration of your pregnancy, it is important that you listen to your doctor and stay in bed. Your doctor put you on best rest for a reason and by not listening to him or her, you are putting you and your baby's health in jeopardy.
When pregnant, what a women eats or drinks is passed along to their baby. Prescription drugs, alcohol, and street drugs can all be very harmful, so always follow your doctor's advice regarding them. The baby may become harmed from your poor choices.
There are many benefits of exercise during pregnancy. Staying active can increase your energy level and make you feel better through the endorphins that are released by the body. It can also reduce the joint pains and help you sleep better. Staying active through your pregnancy can also make it easier to lose the baby weight after the baby is born.
If you have hemorrhoids do not use dry scratchy toilet paper, which can cause further inflammation and irritation of external hemorrhoids. Choose fragrance-free baby wipes or flushable personal wipes instead, and apply a barrier cream such as diaper ointment if the skin is especially irritated. Alternately, you may find it helpful to use a peri-bottle, which is a squirt bottle used for rinsing during the postpartum period.
If you are one of the unfortunate ones that suffer from heartburn while pregnant, there are over-the-counter remedies that you can take. Most of these will contain magnesium or calcium, and should ease your discomfort. As with any medicine you take during pregnancy, discuss this with your health care provider.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to think about and keep in mind, when dealing with a pregnancy to ensure a healthy, happy baby. Make sure to be aware of the advice in this article at all times, so that you can know what you should and shouldn't do for your baby.