Getting ready for a new pregnancy is a scary, but wonderful time in your life. There seem to be so many things to do, so much to learn, so many appointments to remember. We keep doing it though for the awesome payoff at the end. Here’s some tips to make your pregnancy as easy as can be.
Sleep as much as you want while you are pregnant. Sleep is in short supply for the parents of newborns. Also, while pregnant, your baby is eating up much of your available energy. Don’t be afraid to sleep in, go to bed early, or nap when you want to. You won’t be able to later!
You should start taking a prenatal vitamin now. Taking a prenatal vitamin is great for your health. Prenatal vitamins can also help you conceive a baby. They are great for many different reasons and your doctor can help you find out which one is the best while trying to conceive.
If you have a cat, make sure you are not the one who is changing the litter box. Soiled cat litter contains chemicals that are dangerous for pregnant women. Ask a family member to take over the chore, or ask a neighbor for help until your baby is born.
A pregnant mother should at all costs avoid any sort of drugs, whether they are alcohol, nicotine, or heavier drugs such as heroin. Your baby can and will develop a chemical dependency in the womb. This also is not to mention the possibility for birth defects. If you’re an expecting mom, stay away from drugs!
When pregnant, avoid drinking excessively before you go to sleep. It is important to drink enough fluids during the day to keep you hydrated. However, you should stop drinking about two hours before going to sleep. This will help you avoid frequent trips to the bathroom when you should be sleeping.
When pregnant, don’t travel anywhere that is far from a medical center. It’s crucial that you have access to a doctor during every step of your pregnancy. If you are traveling, ensure you have a cell phone available at all times.
You don’t want to be in a hot tub or sauna when you’re pregnant. Expectant mothers must avoid these places since they may get overheated, which is dangerous to the child. Certain spa oils tend to trigger contractions, especially in the initial two trimesters. Rosemary, clary sage and juniper need to be avoided at all costs.
Be prepared to lose a few extra strands of hair in the postpartum period. Many women are not aware that this is common and are alarmed when it occurs. The extra shedding is likely due to hormonal changes and should stop within a couple of months. If it continues for a long time or you are concerned, ask your doctor to check your thyroid levels.
When you are pregnant it may be beneficial to find a support group. Being a pregnant woman is certainly not easy. Between the emotions, and the physical sicknesses that accompany it , it can be quite a trying time. Find friends, and others that have been through it that can help support you till delivery day.
When planning to become pregnant, see you doctor prior to conception. Once you have seen the doctor and have gotten cleared to conceive, start changing your eating habits to include a healthy variety of foods. Start exercising now! It will help you stay in shape during the pregnancy and lower the risk of miscarriage.
You can combine these tips with 20 different books and still not be ready for everything that is to come. The important thing is to keep on learning and keep yourself healthy and happy. Soon you will have a beautiful new baby in your life, and all this work will have been worth it.