When you are pregnant, you can feel like you practically live at your obstetrician’s office. It is extremely important to attend all of your obstetrical appointments during the course of your pregnancy, so the doctors can monitor how you and the baby are doing. This is a great time to address any concerns you might be having. This article will give you tips for being prepared for your doctor visits.
One of the best things that you can do in order to have a healthy pregnancy is to stop smoking. It might be hard at first, but this will enable you to have a very healthy baby. There are many programs out there that can help you to get rid of this very bad addiction.
It is important to see a doctor once you have a pregnancy test that is positive. It is recommended that for the first trimester, you see your practitioner once a month. Typically, most women are seen between 8 and 10 weeks gestation. At this time, blood work is done and your urine is checked for protein and sugar.
Those who travel while pregnant should stay away from places that are far away from medical care. You need to have access to a doctor throughout the entire pregnancy so as to avoid any complications. You should also always have a phone.
Do not use hot tubs or saunas while you are 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. Clary sage, rosemary and juniper as some of the worst offenders.
Increase your intake of cereals, asparagus, lentils, oranges and orange juice. These foods are all rich in folic acid, which helps the development of the baby’s neural cord and creates red blood cells for your unborn child. It is ideal to begin consuming these foods even before you start trying to conceive.
If you suffer from morning sickness, try sucking on sour candies like lemon drops or sipping tart lemonade or limeade. Ginger and peppermint are other natural ways to control your nausea; you can ingest these foods in the form of teas, candies and other forms that do not aggravate your symptoms.
Keep extra deodorant around wherever you go. Pregnant women sweat. Trust me it’s not just glow, it is sweat. Stay dry and smelling fresh with deodorant. Consider looking into getting a few little portable fans to help stay dry and sweat free as much as possible.
Pregnancy can be a stressful time for couples. So it is better to work on relationship issues as they arise than waiting until after the baby arrives. Counseling can help couples communicate better and strengthen your relationship, which in turn will help you both be better prepared to handle your new baby as partners.
It is a good idea to pack your hospital bag when you reach 37 weeks or so. You are more likely to remember the items that you will both want and need while in the hospital if you aren’t tossing things into a bag as you rush out the door.
If you have decided how to have your baby, maybe natural childbirth, or caesarian section, you should write a birth plan. The birth plan will detail all of your expectations for delivery and should be shared with your doctors. Having this plan will calm your anxiety as your delivery date approaches.
As stated at the beginning of the article, it is extremely important to keep up with your obstetric care during your pregnancy. Although the visits might all seem similar, they are necessary to monitor how the pregnancy is going. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will feel more prepared at your next obstetrical visit.