Plenty of people are new to pregnancy or just having their first child and aren’t sure what they should be expecting from the months ahead. There is also concern for the good health and safe development of the growing child. This article discusses tips that will help you take good care of your pregnant self and your expected child.
Sleep as much as you want while you are pregnant. Sleep is in short supply for the parents of newborns. Also, while pregnant, your baby is eating up much of your available energy. Don’t be afraid to sleep in, go to bed early, or nap when you want to. You won’t be able to later!
Whenever pregnant, it is important to consume 300-500 more calories than usual to your everyday diet. You are helping grow another body so it is important to eat enough. Place special emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods.
Keep exercising. Especially in those first few months when you may not feel so great, it is even more important to discipline yourself to staying active. Go for a walk in the morning or the evening. Do some light weight lifting. This will keep you body toned during pregnancy and make losing weight after the birth much easier.
The Surgeon General warns against drinking while pregnant, so refrain from any type of drinking during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which can be detrimental to your child for the rest of their life.
Plan to tour the hospital or birthing facilities where you are going to give birth. This will give you the chance to have an active choice on where your child is born and also lets you know the ins and outs of the program. Make sure you feel comfortable with where ever you choose.
Make sure you sign up for your birthing class as early as possible so that the dates and times will fit your schedule. Don’t procrastinate or you may lose out on a seat before the baby comes.
Take breastfeeding classes and bone up with some books prior to giving birth. Breastfeeding is best for baby but there can be a lot of pitfalls along the way that could sabotage your progress. Taking a class prior to having to actually breastfeed, will help you be calmer and more in control of feeding your new baby.
Pregnancy can intensify the sense of smell, making everyday odors nauseating. Try taking a scented handkerchief with lavender or lemon oil anywhere you go. If you’re getting sick because of a strong odor in your environment, put the handkerchief under your nose. The scented oil will help ease your discomfort and block the offensive odors around you from getting to your nose.
Eat fish throughout the course of your pregnancy! Studies have shown that the children of women who ate fish while they were pregnant are smarter, communicate better and have better motor skills than other children. It is important to talk to your doctor about which type of fish to eat; you want to avoid those with mercury, including Swordfish, Shark and King Mackerel.
Allow yourself to indulge in some of your cravings. You want to try and maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy, but it is okay to eat some unhealthy foods in moderation. Make sure to stay away from brie and feta cheese, herbal teas and raw sprouts, which could all negatively affect your baby’s health.
Many moms-to-be aren’t fully sure of the best way to take care of themselves during pregnancy. As society gains more knowledge on the subject, what’s best practice tends to change. However, if you bring to bear the sensible advice in this article, you will have made a major contribution to your health, your baby’s health, and the enjoyment of your pregnancy.