There is an abundant amount of information about pregnancy. Some of it is good, and some is plain bad. The more accurate information you have about being pregnant, the better able you will be to cope. The following piece will give you helpful tips to allow you to better cope with the process.
Make sure your diet reflects the right nutrients and vitamins for your baby and you. If you have been accustomed to feasting on fast food, you need to make a few changes. Eat more lean meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Exercise and being active are important to a healthy pregnancy and an easier birth and recovery. This will decrease your chances of suffering a miscarriage, reduce the amount of time you are in labor, and it will make it easier to go back to your regular size, after you give birth.
Eat about 400 more calories a day during your pregnancy. You are feeding not only yourself now but also your baby. Eat healthful foods such as lean protein sources, fresh fruits and veggies, as well as whole grains.
Your OBGYN may advise you to take a prenatal vitamin, which can be bought over the counter or by prescription. Take this supplement regularly. These give you essential vitamins that the growing fetus needs that you might not get from your diet.
Begin pregnancy classes as soon as you know you are pregnant. This will help to explain some of the things to expect, which should eliminate some of the stress that comes from fear of the unknown. Take the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have.
Ensure that you’re eating lots of healthy protein while pregnant. This healthy nutrient is beneficial to both you and your baby. Nuts, seeds, eggs, beans, and meat such as chicken and hamburger are all high in protein.
Pregnant women should sleep on their left side during their third trimester. Sleeping on your left provides your baby with a good blood supply, and allows easy circulation to your kidneys as well as the uterus. Don’t sleep on your back, as this position is not good for blood flow.
Cat Litter
Do not change cat litter if you think you are pregnant. Pregnant women should avoid changing a litter box because of the risk of receiving toxoplasmosis. Unfortunately, your cat is the perfect host for this bacteria, so be sure to have someone else change the cat litter. Infection can lead to harm to your baby before it is born.
If an illness during pregnancy causes diarrhea, make sure to increase the amount of water you drink. Dehydration is a diarrhea risk for anyone, but dehydrated pregnant women can wind up hospitalized and hooked up to an IV.
When you are pregnant, do not use a hot tubs or saunas. With the extra stress on your body, it is easy for you to get overheated. This temperature change can negatively affect your baby. There are some products that spas use that can cause early contractions, as well, especially in the earlier stages of pregnancy. Some of the oils to avoid include juniper, clary sage and rosemary.
While you are pregnant, you may notice that your ability to smell is intensified, making everyday odors stronger, resulting in more nausea. If you are sensitive to smells during pregnancy, you can carry a scented handkerchief to counteract the offensive smells. You can pull out the handkerchief and whiff the oil when passing stinky garbage cans, or other odors that bother you.
It is important that your prenatal vitamin supplement has the necessary amount of the B vitamin, folic acid. This is critical to the prevention of neural tube problems, such as spina bifida, and is important for cell formation and tissue growth in the unborn child.
Birth Plan
Take a few minutes to actually write down a birth plan. This plan should detail tasks that others need to take care of during the labor process. Try packing an overnight bag which contains a camera, insurance card, birth plan, clothes, and pre-registration forms for your new baby
When you are pregnant, do not drink any alcohol. When a woman who is pregnant drinks, the alcohol will go right through the placenta to where the baby resides. That is why women who are pregnant or trying to have a baby should avoid alcoholic beverages. Consuming alcohol while pregnant can lead to both physical and mental birth defects and can raise the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Try to alternate periods of sitting with walking or elevating your feet. A lot of pregnant women get swollen ankles and feet near the end of their day. This is caused by the strain pregnancy puts on the body’s circulation. Swelling may also occur when you sit for too long in any one position. 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.
As this article went over in the beginning, there are a lot of things about pregnancy that may or may not be totally true. The above article has provided you with a lot of useful knowledge on how to deal with your pregnancy.
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