While the impending birth of a new child fills people with joy, it can also give them feelings of fear and uncertainty. There are a few tips, however, that can make a huge difference during a pregnancy. By keeping them in mind, you can make sure your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible.
To avoid nighttime heartburn while pregnant, eat your last meal at least two hours before you go to bed. Reclining just after eating will lead to increased acid reflux and heartburn. Also, use extra pillows to elevate your head and upper back above the level of your abdomen to reduce symptoms.
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.
If you want to know the sex of your baby, you have to wait until you are about 20 weeks pregnant. This is around the time that the ultrasound technician can get a clear picture as to what gender your baby is. But be aware, ultrasounds are not 100 percent accurate!
Eat healthy during pregnancy. Both the mother-to-be and her unborn fetus need a balanced diet. Because you are carrying a life within your body, you must take in more calories, about 300 more each day. Remember to eat healthy food products like vegetables and fruit and drink lots of water.
When you find out you are pregnant the first thing you want to do is go to see the doctor, especially if you feel you have found out late in the pregnancy. This will make sure the doctor has a good look at your health and the child’s health and gets you on a program to fit the two of you best.
Avoid plastic containers that have BPA during your pregnancy. BPA acts like estrogen in the body and can have an adverse effect on babies. The BPA can have a feminizing affect on the fetus that you want to avoid. Switch out your plastics for glass and stainless steel to avoid the risk.
Stock up on notepads and sticky notes and write everything down that you are supposed to remember. Many pregnant women realize that their memories are just not what they were pre-pregnancy. Counteract this development by making yourself reminders of everything before you find yourself at the store with no idea why you are there.
Keep away from cat litter when you are expecting. Cat litter might contain toxoplasmosis, a parasite that could hurt your baby. Don’t go near cat litter to make sure your baby is safe.
Stay away from all alcohol when you are expecting a baby. When a woman who is having a baby drinks alcohol, it goes through the placenta, then to the fetus. Because of this, women having a baby or trying to have a baby should never drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol while pregnant could result in mental and physical birth defects, and it can cause miscarriage or premature birth.
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.
Everyone has some fears when it comes to pregnancy. For nine months, your body and emotions are drastically different than any other time in your life. It can be difficult to know what to do and how to act. By listening to the tips given here, though, you can ensure that your pregnancy goes well.