Pregnancy is one of the most special and personal times in a woman’s life. It is full of surprise, mystery, optimism, and speculation. There’s also a dash of worry, anxiety, and wonder thrown in, just for good measure. So how does a woman work through all of these mixed feelings? Read on, to hear some of the best tips available for a pregnant woman.
Eat for one! Many people think that because they are pregnant, they can eat as much as they want. This is not true. If you want to be able to get your body back after you give birth, you need to make sure that you only raise your calories by a very little bit (you should consume around 2,000 calories a day, no more!)
Start taking a prenatal vitamin while you are trying to conceive, or as soon as you first find out about that surprise pregnancy. There are special nutrients that are needed by your baby for proper development. The sooner you start taking prenatal vitamins, the better chance your baby has of getting the nutrients he or she needs.
Don’t feel bad about needing to take care of yourself. You are growing a small person inside of you and you deserve to take a break! Eat more than you usually would, because you will need those extra pounds. Take a break after dinner and let your husband do the dishes. Its those small things that will add up and make you feel much better.
Consider hiring a doula. A doula is a person who can help you through the entire birth process. They are a source of support, information, and an advocate for you during labor and delivery. They help your partner become the absolute best birth coach possible.
If you are having trouble getting a full nights rest while pregnant, try taking a nap during the day. Taking a nap can help reduce fatigue. If you are feeling tired, find a quiet spot to relax and try to nap for as long as you can. You may not end up napping for hours but any little bit helps. Try to avoid napping close to bedtime as it will cause you problems when trying to fall asleep for the night.
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.
If you know someone who has recently had a baby, ask if she has any advice for you. Learning information from a first-hand source is quite helpful.
Learn new cooking methods for healthier eating while you are pregnant. Broiling, steaming or baking your favorite foods to reduce the fat and calories are a great way to make your food healthier. If you are eating out, ask the waiter how items are prepared and stay away from items that are fried.
Avoid pesticides by eating locally grown organic foods. We don’t know how much effect these pesticides can have on a fetus but it is better to be safe than sorry. If not buying organic, stick with items with heavy peels like oranges as they are likely to be less contaminated.
Pregnancy is a time like no other. A woman who is pregnant goes through a full range of emotions, from positive to negative and back again. Working through all of these emotions poses very unique challenges. In this article, we have discussed some of the best tips for handling the mixed bag of feelings that comes with being pregnant. We hope these tips will help you as you work through these unique nine months of your life.