Finding out you are or trying to become pregnant is one of the most stressful and rewarding chapters in a woman’s life. It represents the permanently life altering shift from being an independent adult or wife into motherhood. The stress may be unavoidable, but when you enter into this journey with some of the wisdom in this article, you can find the path far less unknown.
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.
See a doctor before you try to conceive. Your doctor can help you make healthy changes to your lifestyle, ensuring the best pregnancy experience possible. Preparation is key to a healthy pregnancy.
Avoid alcohol when trying to conceive or if you are already pregnant. Alcohol can cause you and your baby to have serious health problems. When trying to conceive, alcohol decreases sperm count and makes getting pregnant more difficult. Even drinks like wine are unhealthy for pregnant women or those trying to conceive.
Check into hiring a doula for your birth experiences and for the period right after. Doulas are mothers’ helpers who are there to provide non-medical support during the labor process and the post partum period. Having a doula will help you to have a shorter and more satisfying birth experience.
Call your doctor for anything that seems “off”. You know your body better than anyone and if something doesn’t feel right, then use that intuition and give your practitioner a call. They will decide if it’s something they need to check out or not, but don’t hesitate to seek help.
Say no to other people that insist you eat more. You should keep your calories high but don’t start eating constantly. There is nothing wrong with kindly declining an offer of food.
Stay away from anything that could harm you or your baby. This includes cigarettes, alcohol and even over-the-counter medications. Talk to your doctor about anything you are considering taking and let them advise you on the best course of action. All these substances could have a negative impact on your unborn child’s development.
If you are trying to conceive a baby, be sure to alert your doctor. This will eliminate the chances of them putting you on any medications or running tests that will make it harder for you to conceive or hurt your baby if you are pregnant.
One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to exercise. If you exercise early in your pregnancy and stay in shape as much as you can, you can reduce your risk of a miscarriage. In addition, exercise can work to minimize potential complications with labor.
Spend your money on good bras. You will definitely need the extra support. Wearing bras that are too tight, will really hurt you, and you will be very uncomfortable. You will outgrow a couple of sizes, so get some nursing bras that are not expensive but will give you good support.
If you experience symptoms like blurred vision, pain in your right side, frequent headaches, very rapid weight gain, or cola-colored urine in the second half of your pregnancy, report them to your doctor immediately. You may be developing preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related condition that can be life-threatening. Your doctor may need to perform tests to check for protein in your urine, and your blood pressure will be closely monitored.
Now that you have read up on some facts about pregnancy, you know more then you did at the beginning of the article. Keep these thoughts in mind as you consider or explore and enjoy pregnancy. Armed with this knowledge, bringing a new life into this world can also be the beginning of a new life for you.