Many mothers-to-be focus their attention on the changes that will occur in their lives after the baby is born. The nine months beforehand can bring about many great things and changes too. Here, you will find a number of suggestions to assist you during your pregnancy.
Stop smoking before you get pregnant. Smoking can affect your ability to conceive, so find something that will help you stop. You should talk to your doctor to see what recommendations they have to help you quit. There are many options available such as pills and patches.
Your OBGYN may advise you to take a prenatal vitamin, which can be bought over the counter or by prescription. Remember to take your prenatal vitamins every day. This type of supplement provides you and your baby with vitamins and nutrients that are needed for healthy development.
If you do not yet have an OBGYN, now is the time to find one. You can set up interviews, and find one that you feel you connect with. You will be seeing this doctor often, and they may deliver your baby. Make sure you choose one that you feel extremely comfortable with and can trust.
If you have a cat, make sure you are not the one who is changing the litter box. Cat feces may be contaminated with a harmful parasitic infection that can be passed to you through handling the litter. You could ask your husband to do this chore while you are pregnant, or another family member or neighbor if your spouse is not available.
Know that it can take close to a year for someone to get pregnant. If you are trying for that amount of time and are not pregnant, see a physician. Your doctor is the one best able to determine if you have any medical problems getting in the way of pregnancy.
If you have never had a baby before, find women you can talk to about the experience. Most moms are more than happy to give you all the little details of their birth experience. This will help to answer your questions and gain a better understanding of the process.
When you are pregnant, be sure to sleep with good support for your body. There are pillows available that are made to cradle the pregnant belly for comfort and support when sleeping. If you do not have one, you can use a regular pillow for support. For the best support, you should put a pillow between your knees and under your belly.
One of the best things that you can do when you are pregnant, is to purchase books on pregnancy that will allow you to develop a structure for what to expect in the upcoming months. This will assure that there are no surprises so that you are prepared when the time comes to give birth.
Plan out your meals for the day in order to avoid snacking on items that aren’t good for you. Pregnancy is full of cravings and if we aren’t planning out our meals we can end up eating nothing but unhealthy snacks all day. Make sure to keep healthy snacks with you all day like carrot sticks and whole-grain crackers.
Be prepared for the hospital keep an old towel and a plastic bag in your car just in case your water breaks on the way to the hospital. Pack a robe for pacing the hospital halls, as well as nonskid slipper socks. Fill a small bag with electronics, such as an iPod for music and a still-photo and video camera. You will also need your insurance card, toiletries and a going home outfit for you and the baby. Staying prepared ensures this stressful time is easier, and keeps your emotions on a more even keel.
As stated before, pregnancy is full of questions and concerns for expecting parents. The valuable information in this article can increase your knowledge concerning what can be expected while anticipating the birth of your baby.