A new pregnancy can be such a joyous time, but it is also a time when your other children might feel confused or left out. Make sure that you involve your other children as much as possible. This article will give you some helpful tips so your little ones understand your pregnancy better.
Take a childbirth class. Classes are offered in many doctors’ offices and online. Topics covered include nutrition, exercise, relaxation, epidural anesthesia, pain relief in labor, preparing for labor and childbirth, as well as breastfeeding and baby care. Classes are generally offered once a week over a six to eight week period. Studies show that couples that attend regular childbirth classes are prepared and relaxed during childbirth.
Leg cramps can be expected when you are in the stages of late pregnancy. Stretch before bed to try to prevent leg cramps. Also, be sure to stay well hydrated and eat bananas for the potassium they contain. Both these tips will help avoid leg cramps.
Invest in comfortable shoes when you’re pregnant, as it will definitely help you. You are walking around with a lot of extra weight that your body is not use to, and it will take its tole on your feet. You will find they will start to swell, and you need shoes that are non-restrictive to battle this.
You can act as though you’re pregnant before conception. Quit cigarettes, become a teetotaler, exercise regularly and just try to be healthy. It could take over a year to conceive, and adjusting to your new lifestyle during this time is extremely helpful.
Be sure to find a good prenatal vitamin. In many cases your doctor will prescribe the best one for you but you can also find them over the counter. Be sure that it has at least .4 mg of folic acid in it. You may also want to look for an additional source of iron to take while you are pregnant.
Enroll in a comprehensive childbirth class. Sign up early on to ensure you get a space. You might also want to think about a breastfeeding class. All classes will mentally prepare you for the weeks ahead.
Help reduce morning sickness by munching on slices of cucumber. Keep cucumber slices in water in your fridge and try snacking on them throughout the day. No one is sure why it works, but for a good percentage of women it has a calming effect on their morning sickness symptoms.
Don’t leave the house without a change of clothes and a fresh pair of underwear. Pregnancy leaves us with a lot less control over our bodies and accidents can happen. It is better to act like a boy scout and be prepared than have to run home in the middle of the day because we were caught off guard.
Make sure to get enough folic acid during your pregnancy. Folic acid is a major component to reducing the risk of neural defects like spina bifida. Lots of foods have been fortified with folic acid so keep an eye out for those on your shopping trips. Also make sure that your prenatal vitamins include folic acid.
Make sure that you understand which pregnancy-related expenses your health insurance does, and does not cover, including prenatal visits, tests, and ultrasounds. Having an idea of what you will owe ahead of time – including your deductible – can reduce the shock when the bills do start rolling in.
As stated at the beginning of the article, although a new pregnancy is a time to celebrate, it can leave your other children feeling confused. Sometimes children are not sure “where they will stand” once the new baby comes. This article has hopefully given you some great ideas for making the transition of the new baby as easy as possible on your other children.
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