Pregnancy is one of the most wonderful things a woman experiences in her lifetime, but also the most mysterious. A woman is normally pregnant 9 months (40 weeks). In those 9 months, wonderful and not so wonderful things happen, as well as confusing things that are hard to explain. In this article, we will discuss what should happen month-by-month, week-by-week, and one trimester after the next. Hopefully with the following valuable information, you will be quite prepared for what is to come in your pregnancy.
Try eating veggies and fruits that you’ve never tried before. The more fruits and vegetables you eat the better it will be for your body. Start experimenting with items you normally would never have given a second look. Not only will you be making yourself healthier for the baby, you might find a new favorite.
When you are pregnant, it is important that you continue to exercise. Exercise helps reduce the chances of miscarriage and has been prove to help ease the length and pains of labor and delivery. Also, by exercising when you are pregnant, you will help keep off the weight you may gain.
Talk to your friends and family, especially those that have been pregnant, or are currently pregnant. They will be able to support you and help you if you have any questions or if you need anything. Those who have been through it before can be some of the best resources you have.
Engage in Kegel exercises each day. This activity can improve your pelvic muscles, which affect your bladder, bowels and uterus. Kegels will help with your delivery, and they can be done just about anywhere, including in the car or at work. To do them correctly, you should squeeze like you want to stop yourself from using the bathroom. Hold this position for three seconds and then relax for three. Do this in sets of ten.
Keep a record of how much weight you gain. Pregnant women are going to gain weight, but too much can be difficult to lose after the baby is born. On the other hand, not gaining the correct amount of weight can be dangerous for the baby’s development. Knowing what your weight is from week to week can help you make sure that you are on track for a healthy pregnancy.
Think about getting a doula. A doula is a woman who is trained in coaching births. They can provide you with lots of support, ideas and strength during the labor of delivering your baby. They help your partner become the absolute best birth coach possible.
If you are pregnant, try to go swimming when you can. Not only is it a healthy exercise for all people, but for pregnant woman, it helps prevent those pesky leg aches and keeps you from gaining too much weight. Do not over do it though. If you feel yourself getting fatigued, stop.
Cramped legs are quite common in the third trimester. This is normal but can be avoided by stretching before bed. Drinking plenty of water and eating bananas can help also, as proper hydration and potassium can ward off cramping.
Write out your birth plan and make sure your doctor and labor coach have a copy. List out what type of medications you are willing to have and in what circumstances you want to move to different laboring methods. Of course, your birth plan is only a plan and if things need to change for the safety of your labor, don’t worry and just go with it.
All in all, pregnancy is an amazing, not so amazing, and mysterious experience. Women need to be prepared for pregnancy and know what to expect from it. Women also need to know how their baby is developing throughout the weeks of their pregnancy. With our month-by-month, week-by-week, and trimester-by-trimester breakdown of all the happenings of pregnancy, you will be enriched with all you need to know about your pregnancy!