A woman’s pregnancy affects more than just her body. Her emotions, feelings, and behaviors will likely change over the entire nine months in ways that she may or may not totally expect. Fortunately, this handpicked selection of pregnancy tips and advice represents the best and brightest of pregnancy blogs, healthcare publications, and advice from other mothers.
Stop smoking immediately if you have found out that you are pregnant or if are trying to become pregnant. Smoking, as we all know, is incredibly dangerous for us but it becomes even more important to quit when we are trying to take care of a new life. Talk with your doctor immediately if you are having trouble quitting.
Make sure to avoid household chores that can be harmful to your unborn baby. Pregnant women should not clean with harsh chemicals, such as bleach, climb ladders, and especially should avoid cleaning a cat’s litter box. Pay attention to your surroundings and get help for any activity you think might be dangerous.
Stay away from household cleaning products when you are pregnant. Inhaling these products when you are pregnant can cause serious health problems for you and your baby. Have someone else in your home do your cleaning, or, if you have to clean, wear a protective mask over your nose and mouth.
When pregnant, fill up your car at full-service stations or have someone else fill your gas for you. Gas fumes can actually have a negative impact on your unborn child. Try not to put your baby in any risky situations during your pregnancy.
Your pregnancy means the decisions are yours. Just because someone in your office or a distant relative doesn’t believe that you should drink coffee or lift something heavier than 20 pounds doesn’t mean they control your pregnancy decisions. Talk to your doctor and make your decisions with them. Ignore unsolicited comments from others.
If you plan on breastfeeding your baby, make sure to do your research before you give birth. Many women have their mind set on breastfeeding and then have no idea how to do it when the time comes. You can get advice through breastfeeding classes at local hospitals or buy books that give you techniques.
Make sure you support your pregnant body, when you are pregnant. You can buy “pregnancy pillows” in most stores or online. These special pillows are made to support pregnant women’s entire bodies while they’re sleeping. A regular pillow can be used for support if you don’t have a pregnancy pillow. Think about sleeping with pillows underneath your stomach and knees.
Drink plenty of water if you get diarrhea during pregnancy. Pregnant women are especially prone to dehydration caused by diarrhea, and it can even put them in the hospital.
When pregnant, avoid reclining after a meal. This can help your prevent heartburn. If you experience heartburn, you should sleep with your head elevated by pillows. Try to avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, or fried. These can be the main causes for heartburn during pregnancy. Those types of foods can also worsen your heartburn.
Try babysitting a friend’s baby to get more comfortable with caring for a newborn. Having some hands on experience will help you feel more comfortable with the impending birth of your new baby. Don’t take off more than you can chew though as you get farther along in your pregnancy.
You may find that pregnancy is accompanied by overwhelming developments and drastic changes. Some of these may be completely expected, but others may take you by surprise. Prepare yourself for all aspects of pregnancy by recalling the information that you just read. You never know when you will need to use it.