If you are looking for practical, no-nonsense advice and tips for yourself or for a loved one who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you have certainly arrived at the right place. The useful information found in these handpicked gems lays the foundation for a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Hit up the bookstore or library and get books about pregnancy. Being armed with knowledge will help you deal with all the changes that your body will go through and teach you how to keep yourself healthy. Pregnancy is natural, but the more information you have about the process, the better it will go.
If you experience any vaginal bleeding when you are pregnant, it is important that you go to your doctor or to the emergency room right away. Although it may be nothing, vaginal bleeding could be a sign that the baby is in distress, or worse, that you are having a miscarriage.
Try to avoid vitamin A as much as you can when pregnant. It is known for causing damage to a baby during early development. Limit your intake of things like mangoes, liver and egg yolks unless advised otherwise by your obstetrician or midwife. A little bit won’t hurt, but it’s best to avoid them completely.
Your nutrition now that you are pregnant, is more important than ever. Not only are you needing more energy and strength just to get through the day, but your baby also needs lots of vitamins and minerals to develop properly. Make sure you eat several solid meals each day and work in items from each major food group.
For pregnant women that are in their 3rd trimester, it is advisable to sleep on their left side. This optimizes blood flow to the kidneys and uterus, and most importantly, your baby. Sleeping on one’s back is conducive to restricted blood flow, and should be avoided.
If you get sick during your pregnancy, try non-medical remedies. Over-the-counter meds can potentially harm your fetus. Do some research on remedies that will be safe for both you and baby. Consult with your doctor for non-toxic alternatives as well.
Swimming is a great exercise for the latter months of pregnancy. Swimming is a great, safe way to work out. The sense of weightlessness offered by swimming can be terrific.
Make sure to get enough folic acid during your pregnancy. Folic acid is a major component to reducing the risk of neural defects like spina bifida. Lots of foods have been fortified with folic acid so keep an eye out for those on your shopping trips. Also make sure that your prenatal vitamins include folic acid.
To help ward off nausea try snacking on something bland throughout the day, like whole wheat crackers or cheerios. Keeping your stomach slightly full alleviates most nausea. Some women also find that eating crystallized ginger or drinking ginger tea to be very helpful. Experiment with healthy snacks to find out what works for you.
Keep a journal while you are pregnant to record special memories and thoughts. This helps with the emotions you experience during pregnancy and also gives you a great keepsake to share with your child later in life. You can use your journal to capture milestones during the pregnancy as well as your thoughts and emotions through the process.
Nine months is a long time when you are pregnant with your first or second or even third child. Make the most of this time of intense and remarkable changes by remembering to practice the tips and tricks which you have just read. A healthy pregnancy is a perfect starting point for the journey to motherhood.