Dealing with a pregnancy can be a scary and difficult thing to do, especially if it is your first time. If you’re a first time mom or a concerned husband, read on to see what kinds of things you ought to expect and be aware of during a pregnancy.
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!
Don’t stop using a seat belt in your car while driving or riding as a passenger. The danger to your baby from the seat belt is much less than the danger from you being loose in the car in the event of a crash. Make sure the belt is as low on your hips as possible, preferably underneath your belly.
Speak to your doctor prior to you making travel plans, when pregnant. It’s a good idea to pack a copy of your medical records, too, in case anything occurs while you are gone.
Pregnant women need to be as stress-free as they can be. The woman not only suffers from problems related to being stressed out, the baby can become stressed too. A lot of stress is known to cause a premature birth, in some cases.
Get a home pregnancy test or get right to your doctor if you think you might be pregnant. Sometimes, it takes women a long time to realize they are expecting. This can bring complications during pregnancy and prevent getting adequate and necessary care.
If you are having trouble getting a full nights rest while pregnant, try taking a nap during the day. Taking a nap can help reduce fatigue. If you are feeling tired, find a quiet spot to relax and try to nap for as long as you can. You may not end up napping for hours but any little bit helps. Try to avoid napping close to bedtime as it will cause you problems when trying to fall asleep for the night.
Buy a prenatal vitamin with the appropriate amount of folic acid. This vitamin helps with tissue development and reduction in risk of certain birth defects.
When you are pregnant, you will want to limit the amount of alcohol that you consume. This means that when you are out with your friends, you will need to become more responsible for the sake of your baby. Practice good drinking habits to maximize the success of your pregnancy.
Slightly increase your calorie intake while pregnant. The phrase “eating for two” isn’t just a cute throwaway line. Expecting mothers need to eat about 500 additional calories a day to adequate provide for the baby’s needs. Make sure that extra calorie intake is composed of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables.
Educate yourself with a class on childbirth. Make sure you register at the early stages of pregnancy to guarantee yourself a spot. You may want to consider signing up for breastfeeding classes, as well. These classes will give you an idea of what to expect.
Leg cramps are a common occurrence during pregnancy and can be annoying. To minimize the cramping you should exercise, make sure you get enough calcium each day, and finally you do a few light stretches just before going to bed. That should help you avoid leg cramps while you sleep.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to think about and keep in mind, when dealing with a pregnancy to ensure a healthy, happy baby. Make sure to be aware of the advice in this article at all times, so that you can know what you should and shouldn’t do for your baby.