Pregnancy is one of those issues that can come as a great opportunity to the experienced, but completely overwhelm those who are new. Read on to find helpful information and guidance on issues for expecting mothers.
Try not to wear clothing that is too tight when pregnant. This kind of clothing can actually cause your fetus to not get enough oxygen and make you uncomfortable. There are maternity jeans available for pregnant women. Also, when at home, try to wear sweatpants or pajama bottoms with a loose T-shirt.
Your pregnancy means the decisions are yours. Just because someone in your office or a distant relative doesn’t believe that you should drink coffee or lift something heavier than 20 pounds doesn’t mean they control your pregnancy decisions. Talk to your doctor and make your decisions with them. Ignore unsolicited comments from others.
It is important to see a doctor once you have a pregnancy test that is positive. It is recommended that for the first trimester, you see your practitioner once a month. Typically, most women are seen between 8 and 10 weeks gestation. At this time, blood work is done and your urine is checked for protein and sugar.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience large amounts of discharge from your vagina while pregnant. This could be a sign of a vaginal infection, something common during pregnancy. If it is not treated, it could cause serious health problems for both you and your unborn baby.
Be prepared to lose a few extra strands of hair in the postpartum period. Many women are not aware that this is common and are alarmed when it occurs. The extra shedding is likely due to hormonal changes and should stop within a couple of months. If it continues for a long time or you are concerned, ask your doctor to check your thyroid levels.
Your prenatal vitamin should contain folic acid in the recommended quantity. This vitamin is good at keeping birth defects, like spina bifida, at bay. It also makes tissue and cell development a lot more healthy as well.
When everyone around you wants you to eat when pregnant, find a way to say no. Though you should increase your calorie intake when pregnant, you should not be eating all the time. Just say, “No thanks.” That is just fine and is often the right thing to say to too much food.
Do not be ashamed to talk to the baby in your belly. Babies can respond to touch at about 10 weeks of pregnancy, research shows. In a few more weeks, your baby will have the ability to react to light and hear your voice. Talking to your child can make you bond more with them as well.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience unusual or troubling symptoms. Your doctor is there to help you; do not be afraid to contact her if you think you might need assistance. If you experience pain, cramping, contractions or shortness of breath, call immediately to ensure that both you and the baby are doing well.
Leg cramps are a common occurrence during pregnancy and can be annoying. To minimize the cramping you should exercise, make sure you get enough calcium each day, and finally you do a few light stretches just before going to bed. That should help you avoid leg cramps while you sleep.
As you have seen, the more you know about your pregnancy, the easier it is to handle. You can help yourself as well as your baby by educating yourself about the process. Use the tips from the article above to help you sail through your pregnancy without being overwhelmed.
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