While pregnancy seems so natural, it is often an intimidating, worrisome time for many women. When pregnant, the mother’s body changes, as does the lifestyle of the whole family. This article is filled with tips you need to know about before you become a parent. Here are just a few of them.
For pregnant women, make sure that you stretch your legs, before going to sleep every night. This is because many pregnant women get intense muscle cramps while they are sleeping, which could be easily prevented, if they stretch. Spend about 5 minutes flexing all of your muscles, before even climbing into bed.
Keep your water intake to six to eight full glasses of water a day. Try keeping a large water bottle with you at all times and fill it up when it empties. As we know, water is incredibly important to keeping our bodies healthy and it becomes even more important when we are drinking for two.
Add 300-500 calories a day to your diet while you are pregnant. Don’t forget you are eating for two so you definitely need to increase your caloric intake. Make sure however that you are adding healthy calories into your diet. Adding 500 calories of junk food isn’t going to do anything to help you and the baby.
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.
Keep a journal while you are pregnant. This will be something fun to look over when your child is grown, and it is also a great way to keep track of what is going on. If you are writing everything down, you will be able to notice quickly when any big changes occur.
It is normal to be excited about preparing a nursery for an incoming baby. Still, it is important to keep your limitations in mind; paint fumes could harm your baby. Keep the room well ventilated and be sure to open all the windows. You may even want to have loved ones do it instead.
When preparing for sleep while pregnant, set up a bedtime routine. Include activities that will relax you. Some relaxing activities are, drinking warm milk, reading a book or having a warm shower. When you are relaxed, it will be easier for you to fall asleep. Be sure that you have your routine set up so that you allow yourself enough time for sleep.
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.
When you are pregnant, one of the things that you will want to stop as soon as possible is smoking. Smoking can cause birth defects for your baby, so stopping immediately will limit this risk. Join support groups to increase the willpower that you will need to stop this unhealthy habit. You must also insist that people who smoke do not do so in the same room as you.
Check thrift stores or consignment shops for maternity clothes. You don’t need to spend a lot for clothing you’ll wear less than a year. You will be saving money and helping the environment by decreasing the environmental effects resulting from making and shipping all new clothes.
Pregnancy only last for a very short period of time. The next step is parenthood. Learning some pregnancy tips can better that time frame and help it avoid feeling like years.
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