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.
Write a birth plan early in your pregnancy. Keep a list of the things you absolutely want to have happen, like the presence of an older sibling, and things you absolutely don’t want unless it begins to affect the safety of the baby. If you have these things written down ahead of time, you can discuss them with your birth team and make sure they happen.
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.
To prevent an upset stomach in the first few months of pregnancy, eat more smaller meals. You will have a small amount of food in your stomach at all times but not enough to make you feel ill. Opt for meals made with fresh, light foods. Lean meats, vegetables and fresh fruit do wonders.
Pack your bags early. Don’t wait until you are 37 weeks or later to finally pack your bag for the hospital. Obviously you want your baby to reach full gestation, but you never know when something is going to happen. Having your bag packed will give you peace of mind in case there is an unexpected event.
Make plans to take a tour of your maternity facilities as the birth nears. It can calm your nerves about the experience since you understand what your environment will be. Check out multiple locations to find the best for you. Also, check to be sure their facility is up to your standards.
Read a pregnancy book. They provide expectant parents with a wealth of information on what to expect both during the pregnancy and after the baby is born. They give new parents piece of mind by helping them plan, and they answer questions that they may not want to ask their friends or family members.
Once you find out that you are pregnant, make sure that you find a doctor or midwife that you are comfortable with. Many times, women choose the first doctor that they see and end up having an unpleasant experience with them. Ask friends and family if they know of a good, reliable midwife.
When pregnant, you should exercise regularly. Exercising regularly throughout your pregnancy will help you avoid gaining excessive weight. Exercising can also increase your circulation which will help you prevent leg cramps at night. Try to avoid exercising in the evening as it will make it difficult for you to go to sleep.
Consider swimming while pregnant. Swimming is a great exercise to do in the last trimester because you stay active, and you also deal with the pains and aches that you are experiencing. The water will make you buoyant and weightless, which is a nice feeling when heavy with pregnancy.
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.