It can be the most exciting time in your life, as well as, the most overwhelming. Pregnancy can be a breeze for some women but for some women, it can mean month after month of morning sickness. Knowing what to expect and what you can do to make your pregnancy as easy as possible, can be a big help. Here are just a few tips to, hopefully, make your pregnancy more enjoyable.
Use a cold-water bath for swollen feet. One highly common symptom of pregnancy is swollen feet and ankles, especially in the heat. A cold water bath can reduce the blood flow to your feet, which in turn will reduce the inflammation. It also cools you down and gives you an excuse to be off your feet for a few minutes.
Try everything you can to keep your stress low. A fetus can feel when you are under stress, and you want to keep your unborn child as comfortable as you can. Use meditation and deep breathing along with any other tricks that you have to keep calm under high pressure.
Write a journal about your experiences through pregnancy! This will give you a place to write down the mundane and the sublime. Write down new things you notice and things that worry you! This will be a great tool for remembering things to ask your doctor about and it is something you can pass down to your child or their significant other as they prepare for your grandchildren.
Let yourself be pampered. Especially in the last few months you will probably be very uncomfortable. Check with your local massage parlors and day spas. Many of them will offer pregnancy massages that are designed for your needs. If you are past your due date some of them may actually be able to use pressure points to induce labor.
Don’t be afraid of the weight gain. You are going to gain weight. It’s not only normal but necessary. Your body needs fat reserves for breast milk, energy for labor and delivery as well as lots of extra fluids. Embrace the added weight and know that it will come off afterwards.
Always include your spouse or significant other in every aspect of your pregnancy. They are probably nervous like you and they will need reassurance, too. Try to be together more often, even if it means going for a short walk or seeing a movie. Enjoy what time you have alone together before your little bundle arrives.
Try to stay away from caffeinated drinks when you are pregnant. Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea and soda can cause your blood pressure to become elevated, which can lead to serious health problems for both you and your fetus. There are a variety of different decaffeinated versions of soda, tea, and coffee.
When you are in the later stages of pregnancy, especially in your third trimester, try not to travel too much. Some women think that because their due date is a month away, they will not go into labor on the train or plane, only to find themselves delivering their child with no medical assistance.
Keep exercising, even after your pregnancy is over and you have your baby. Pay attention to how you feel and take it slow, but keep active as much as you can. Staying fit after birth, will help you to recover faster from the effects of the pregnancy and labor.
Pregnancy can be an exciting and wonderful time for many women. The more tips and suggestions that you have under your belt for how to handle your pregnancy with a minimum of discomfort, the more enjoyable these next few months will be for you and for your baby!