There are many things you need to know when you are pregnant that can make all the difference in making your pregnancy easier and better for you and your baby. Just like many other life experiences, pregnancy is a time to learn how to make the right choices. Start with the practical tips in the article below.
Monitor your weight gain during your pregnancy. If you put on too much weight while pregnant, you risk impacting your health later, as the weight will be difficult to take off. The average women should gain 15-30 pounds throughout the pregnancy.
Quit smoking as soon as you find out that you’re pregnant, and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. The dangers of cigarette smoke to your baby are so extensive that it is absolutely worth the stress of trying to quit during your pregnancy. The sooner you quit the less extensive the damage will be.
Inform any doctor before a medical procedure if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. This includes your dentist as well. There are certain drugs that shouldn’t be given and procedures that shouldn’t be done for a women who is pregnant or on her way to pregnancy.
If you are past your due date and you want your baby to be born, try walking. Walking helps get the baby into the birthing position. Have your partner come, too. In addition, make sure to take it easy and not do anything that could hurt you or the baby, such as contact exercise.
If you are working at a desk job during your pregnancy, you will need to make sure that you have lots of times during the day that you can get up and walk. Sitting down will put extra stress on your tailbone and hips, which are already absorbing a great deal more weight. Taking walks and moving around frequently will help keep this from becoming a problem.
Learn the signs of labor so that you will know when it is time to call the doctor and start heading to the hospital. We have all heard the stories of women giving birth in the car on the way. The earlier you can respond to labor starting, the more time you give yourself to get to where you need to go.
Although weight gain is perfectly normal during pregnancy, rapid weight gain is not. If you see that you are gaining weight in a short time period (a few days or a week), you should call your doctor. This could be a sign that there is something wrong.
Try to avoid some of the chemicals that would be harmful to your body such as paint and toxic supplies around the house. These will end up getting into your bloodstream and could affect the overall health of your baby. Be extra cautious when you are pregnant to protect the child you are carrying.
Do not hesitate to inform your obstetrician or midwife if you experience depression during pregnancy. There are antidepressants that are considered safe for pregnant and nursing mothers, and in many cases, the benefits of taking them outweigh the risks of letting your depression go untreated. You do not have to suffer, and you are doing a great thing for both your baby and yourself by speaking up and getting help.
Learning to make the choices that are best for you and your baby start with the common sense and practical tips in the article above. It can make all the difference to your unborn child. You will be well on your way to a healthier and happier baby when you make these choices now.