Read This Article To Learn About Pregnancy

TIP! Make sure you always keep your doctor’s appointments in order to be prepared for any situation. Each appointment is just as important as the next, and give your doctor a chance to closely monitor your health and your baby’s health and development.

While you can’t control all aspects of your pregnancy, there are many ways that you can make the growing process easier for you and healthier for your baby. Take a look at the advice below to see what action you can take to be in more control during your pregnancy.

TIP! Watch your weight even when you are pregnant. If you put on too much weight while pregnant, you risk impacting your health later, as the weight will be difficult to take off.

Your doctor will most likely give you prenatal vitamins. 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.

TIP! When you need to get gas for your car during your pregnancy, have your partner fill it up or ask for anyone with you to help out. Gas fumes can actually have a negative impact on your unborn child.

Stress is not something that a pregnant woman should be dealing with. Not only does stress bring about a variety of issues to a pregnant woman, but it may also have the baby feeling stressed. Some babies, who experience excessive stress in the womb, wind up being born prematurely.

TIP! Don’t clean the cat’s litter box while you’re pregnant. A cat’s soiled litter may have harmful chemicals that are not beneficial to a pregnant woman.

If you are a cat owner, find a volunteer to take over changing the cat litter. Cat feces can contain a parasite that can be dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn child. Make sure you have someone else do this if you are the one that is pregnant. You can ask your spouse, another family member or even a friendly neighbor.

TIP! If you haven’t already done so, arrange to tour a variety of birthing facilities. Familiarize yourself with the facility to make your labor less stressful.

Although some swelling of the feet and ankles is normal during pregnancy, make sure to discuss this with your OB/GYN. Excessive swelling may also be a symptom of a more serious condition called preeclampsia, which is a major cause of high blood pressure in pregnancy. For a healthy birth, this condition must be prevented or detected as soon as possible.

Be sure you have a flu shot while pregnant. Immune systems are typically weaker during pregnancy, making various diseases more likely. This is dangerous for you and the baby.

TIP! Late pregnancy is usually the time when this situation occurs. Stretch before bed to try to prevent leg cramps.

Late pregnancy is usually the time when this situation occurs. If you stretch out before bedtime, you can reduce the chance of this happening to you. Also, you will want to consume as much water as possible to avoid cramps.

TIP! Swimming is a wonderful exercise when you’re late into your pregnancy. Since it helps keep you active when pregnant and reduces aches, swimming is beneficial.

Your need to support your body, while sleeping, when you are pregnant. You can find various body pillows specifically designed for those who are pregnant at a number of stores. If you do not have one, you can use a regular pillow for support. It may be a good idea to place a pillow underneath your growing stomach as well as under one of your knees.

TIP! Pregnancy can make a woman’s sense of smell more sensitive than normal, so ordinary smells may be unbearable. If you find this to often be the case, carry a handkerchief dabbed with a little lavender or lemon oil.

Keep a food log. Keeping track of what you eat will help to ensure that you are getting the proper nutrition. You can also take it to go over with your doctor.

TIP! Talk to friends who have recently had a baby. Pick their brain to learn any tricks they may have used or learned while pregnant.

It is a good idea to get a head start on signing up for child birthing classes. Don’t wait a long time to schedule the dates since babies don’t always wait to arrive at the appointed time.

TIP! Take a childbirth class which covers all the phases of pregnancy. Be sure that you’re signed up as soon as you become pregnant so you’re able to reserve a spot.

Stretching before you crawl into bed will help reduce the frequency of leg cramps. Many women experience painful knots at night. Stretching well before going to bed will relax your muscles and avoid that agonizing midnight awakening.

TIP! Set aside enough time to create a comprehensive birth plan. This plan should include tasks for other people to do on your behalf while you are at the hospital.

Take plenty of pictures and write down your experience so you can show your baby as they get older. This will make a good memory book for the future of your child. You can take a series of photos with captions that tell a story.

TIP! Skin is pretty stretchy, but that doesn’t mean it can stretch infinitely. When the belly grows, it may itch, which is perfectly normal.

If you want to wear your pants just a little longer, take a hair band and loop it around button hole on your pants. Wear a longer shirt or a maternity band to keep the waistband covered, and nobody will be the wiser. This is a good way to wear your normal clothes longer and keep from purchasing excessive maternity items.

TIP! Planning on being outside a lot during the hot summer? If so, then wear a lot of sunscreen. The sun increases melanin production and you may develop a “pregnancy mask”.

While odd sounding, pregnant women should avoid kitty litter. This is due to toxoplasmosis, a condition caused by parasites which can pose serious health dangers to your fetus. Don’t risk your baby’s health. Stay away from cat litter.

TIP! Eat foods that are rich in iron and take iron supplements when you’re pregnant. You’re sharing your nutrients with another person, so you need to up your iron intake by 50 percent.

Begin gently massaging your stomach starting near the end of the second trimester. You should place a few pillows behind you, and sit at a comfortable angle on the couch or your bed. Put some oil on your stomach and massage with light pressure. Put on some relaxing or enjoyable music and focus on your breathing. This helps to soothe your baby and to keep you relaxed as well.

TIP! Eat foods that contain iron for the health of your body. When a woman in pregnant, her blood volume increases, which increases the need for iron.

Speak with your significant other about how you’ll each take care of your child before it is born. If you do not discuss this, you might find yourself doing all the work. Designating newborn related responsibilities can help to resolve potential issues before they even arise and ensure that you both agree on things.

TIP! A common problem among pregnant women is morning sickness. If morning sickness is giving your problems, there are a number of tactics for helping alleviate or minimize the symptoms.

Attending childbirth classes can be very helpful if this pregnancy is your first. Regardless of the type of birth you have planned, these classes provide important information about what to expect during childbirth. The classes at the hospital you chose often include a maternity area tour which can help you be aware of what to anticipate.

TIP! If you’re pregnant, but aren’t ready to make an announcement, you can easily pass on alcoholic beverages without giving your secret away. One way is to say you are on antibiotics.

Take your iron pills and keep eating iron rich foods during your pregnancy. You’re sharing a body with another person, so you need about 50 pecent more when pregnant. The iron produces hemoglobin, which in turn transports oxygen through blood vessels. You need more during the second and third trimesters.

TIP! Keep records through your pregnancy. This will give you a chance to reflect after it is over.

Make sure to drink plenty of water while pregnant. You minimize the likelihood of overeating and ensure you and your unborn child remain properly hydrated. Sometimes, people mistake thirst for hunger. Having some water should make the hunger disappear until it is time to eat again.

TIP! Folic acid is a must for pregnant women. You can find lots of folic acid in spinach, which also has lots of iron too.

If you are unsure of whether or not your water has broken, do not hesitate to phone your doctor and ask. Many women have been in your situation and if your water did break, the baby has to be out within a specific amount of time in order to prevent infection.

TIP! Whether you are already pregnant or just considering having a baby, think about certain things. Smoking is dangerous to your health and that of your unborn child.

As you have seen in the article you have just read, there are numerous ways in which your actions can positively impact your pregnancy. You can start off with beneficial steps to maintain your own health and that of the baby too, while awaiting your big day to arrive.