Being pregnant is such a joyous time. There is so much to think about for the future, so much promise and hope. A new life is about to join the ranks of your family. But even in all that hope, sometimes you just need to know that others have been there and done it too. This article has lots of wisdom from other women who can help you understand your pregnancy.
Listen to your body. Some women will find that they need more sleep when they are pregnant, and others will find that some foods no longer agree with them. Don’t push your body to do something it clearly does not want to do. Being able to listen to what you need will help your pregnancy go a lot smoother.
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.
Get prenatal vitamins from your doctor or over the counter and make sure you take them on a regular basis. A good prenatal vitamin will take care of the needs of both you and your new baby. Make sure that your vitamin contains .4 mgs of folic acid for optimum brain development.
Try taking your prenatal vitamins at night. These pills, while essential for the proper growth and development of your baby, can make some mothers feel nauseous. Taking them before you lay down or with food can help your body adjust to their effects. If you need to take them during the day, try chewing gum afterwards.
Sleep whenever you get a chance to during your pregnancy. Difficulty sleeping is one of the biggest complaints women have while pregnant. As our bodies go through these massive changes, the ease of being able to get a full night’s sleep decreases. Take naps when the opportunity presents itself.
Should you contract a cold or virus while pregnant, consider non-medicated approaches for help. Over-the-counter meds can be harmful. You can find a lot of natural cures online, especially for things such as nausea, constipation and heartburn. You may ask a doctor for some tricks to safely combat these issues.
Before attempting to become pregnant, make sure you make an appointment to have a full check-up with your doctor. They can ensure that you are generally well enough to cope with the rigors of pregnancy along with providing advice on what types of vitamins and foods you should be consuming before conception is achieved.
Make sure the prescription drugs you are taking are not dangerous to the health of your baby. Every prescription drug on the market has a “pregnancy class” that tells you whether the drug is safe to take during pregnancy. If you are taking a drug that is unsafe for pregnant women, ask your doctor about alternatives. Most drugs have one or more.
Don’t drink alcohol while pregnant. Drinking any alcohol at all during pregnancy increases the risk of several birth defects and puts the baby at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause mental retardation, loss of motor skills, and other problems. Consider drinking milk or tea instead if you are used to having a drink with dinner.
If you are currently pregnant or hoping to become pregnant, you are in for the ride of your life. There are definitely highs and lows, but thanks to the tips you are given here, you will ease through those lows and celebrate the highs with even better style.