Have you found in your pregnancy that you have many questions and just can’t seem to find the answers? If so, you’re not alone. Many women struggle with finding the answers to some of their most basic questions during this special time. In this article we will discuss some of the questions you might have, and offer some helpful tips as well. Read on to learn more.
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.
Avoid any chemicals that could harm your baby. Many cleaning products have a strong smell and can be found in your home, your work and anywhere else you go. When you breath in these fumes, they can harm your child. Use products that are only made out of natural ingredients.
Decorating the nursery can be quite exciting. Paint fumes can hurt you and your baby. If you are going to paint, open your windows to ensure that the room is properly ventilated. You should have loved ones around to assist you and to do the harder tasks.
Check into hiring a doula for your birth experiences and for the period right after. Doulas are mothers’ helpers who are there to provide non-medical support during the labor process and the post partum period. Having a doula will help you to have a shorter and more satisfying birth experience.
Watch out for toxins and fumes when you are decorating your new nursery. If you are planning on painting or doing wall paper, keep the windows wide open, and try to stay away from the heavy work. Provide a helping hand, but let others do the heavy labor.
Write out your birth plan and make sure your doctor and labor coach have a copy. List out what type of medications you are willing to have and in what circumstances you want to move to different laboring methods. Of course, your birth plan is only a plan and if things need to change for the safety of your labor, don’t worry and just go with it.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you experience vaginal discharge during your pregnancy. You could have an infection, which is common, or you could be leaking fluid from your uterus. It is always best to have a doctor determine the cause to prevent any harm to you or your baby.
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.
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.
Pregnancy is full of unanswered questions. Sometimes you just don’t know where to turn when you have them, yet answering them can feel more important than anything. In this article we have discussed some of the most asked questions and offered some beneficial tips as well. We hope that you have found the information to be helpful and that it has eased some of your confusion.