Pregnancy can be simultaneously thrilling and terrifying. Nothing matches the wonder of knowing that you are bringing a new life into the world, yet the unknowns can be very stressful. Having a good base of knowledge about pregnancy can help relieve many of these fears, so here is some great advice for any expectant mother.
Listen to your body. Some women will find that they need more sleep when they are pregnant, and others will find that some foods no longer agree with them. Don’t push your body to do something it clearly does not want to do. Being able to listen to what you need will help your pregnancy go a lot smoother.
If your diet is generally nutritious, you can give into cravings without concern. Your body may need whatever you’re craving. When eating during pregnancy, you may find that you use nutrients at a much faster clip, so feast away!
Start exercising for a healthy you and a healthy baby. Pregnancy is not an excuse to sit on the couch for nine months. Being active during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of miscarriages and can help shorten the length of your labor. Keeping yourself active will go a long way towards having a smooth pregnancy.
Try to reduce the fat that you consume while pregnant. If you add too much weight, it can be tough taking it off later. This can lead to real health issues down the line. A woman can expect to add about fifteen or more pounds whene she’s pregnant if she has an average-sized body.
Listening to your body is almost as important as listening to your doctor. Pushing yourself too hard during pregnancy is asking too much of your body and not being fair to your baby. The boss, husband, in-laws or whoever else may be demanding of your resources need to take a back seat so that you can take care of yourself and your baby.
Don’t clean the cat’s litter box while you’re pregnant. While a woman is pregnant, these chemicals in a used litter box can actually cause a lot of toxic harm. Ask a friend or family member if they can take care of this chore for awhile.
It is important that a woman takes folic acid during the first three month’s of her pregnancy. Folic acid helps create a strong nervous system for the baby and prevents Neural Tube Defects, including Spinal Bifida and Cleft Palate. For women who do not want to take a folic acid pill, you can find it naturally in green vegetables, rice, and peas.
Leg cramps happen a lot in the late stages of pregnancy. Consider implementing a few stretches into your nighttime routine in order to prevent them or lessen the frequency of them. Drinking water can help prevent leg cramps. Getting enough potassium can also help you avoid them.
Before attempting to become pregnant, make sure you make an appointment to have a full check-up with your doctor. They can ensure that you are generally well enough to cope with the rigors of pregnancy along with providing advice on what types of vitamins and foods you should be consuming before conception is achieved.
By educating yourself on the basics of pregnancy and answering the most common questions, you can help relieve yourself of anxiety and stress and just focus on the joy of expecting a new child. This will be healthier for you and your baby. Remember what you’ve learned from this article and before you know it, you’ll have a healthy, happy newborn in your arms.