A lot of people wonder what do expect during pregnancy, and have a lot of questions about it. How to best ensure the health of their growing baby is of prime concern. This article discusses tips that will help you take good care of your pregnant self and your expected child.
Get prenatal vitamins from your doctor or over the counter and make sure you take them on a regular basis. A good prenatal vitamin will take care of the needs of both you and your new baby. Make sure that your vitamin contains .4 mgs of folic acid for optimum brain development.
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.
Give swimming a try during the later months of pregnancy. Swimming is something that can really help you out later in your pregnancy because it keeps you active while easing some of the pain you may feel later in your pregnancy. The sense of weightlessness offered by swimming can be terrific.
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.
Do not take any medications when you are pregnant until you have asked your doctor if it is okay. Depending on your pregnancy, certain medications can cause you or your baby serious medical problems. Many antidepressants need to be avoided as they could cause your child to be born with birth defects.
A tip quite often given to pregnant women is to avoid heavy lifting. This is a tip that ought to be taken quite seriously. Anything can happen to the baby in the womb, and it is important not to do anything that might put the mother, or the child, in a dangerous situation.
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.
Attend a breastfeeding class during pregnancy to learn the basics of nursing. These classes prepare you for the experience of breastfeeding your baby, and may provide tips for dealing with commonly encountered issues. You can also find out about resources for breastfeeding support in your community, such as local La Leche League chapters and meetings.
Before conceiving, a visit to your doctor for a general physical is a great idea for both you and your baby’s father. This will help you to know if you whether or not you need any medical tests. You can also ask your doctor any questions you might have about your situation or the pregnancy itself.
Many moms-to-be aren’t fully sure of the best way to take care of themselves during pregnancy. As society gains more knowledge on the subject, what’s best practice tends to change. However, if you bring to bear the sensible advice in this article, you will have made a major contribution to your health, your baby’s health, and the enjoyment of your pregnancy.