Managing your pregnancy (or the pregnancy of your partner) can seem overwhelming. There are so many things to remember and all the while there are hormonal changes and finance-related matters to attend to. This article provides some simple, straightforward pieces of advice to help guide you through the time of pregnancy.
Sleep as much as you want while you are pregnant. Sleep is in short supply for the parents of newborns. Also, while pregnant, your baby is eating up much of your available energy. Don’t be afraid to sleep in, go to bed early, or nap when you want to. You won’t be able to later!
Write a birth plan early in your pregnancy. Keep a list of the things you absolutely want to have happen, like the presence of an older sibling, and things you absolutely don’t want unless it begins to affect the safety of the baby. If you have these things written down ahead of time, you can discuss them with your birth team and make sure they happen.
Make sure you register for a childbirth class early during pregnancy to ensure you can take a class during the day that works best for you. Schedule this in advance so that you are assured of a seat well before your due date.
If you have felt your baby moving around in your stomach, and then the movement stops for a few days, you should visit your doctor. Although this may mean nothing, there could be a problem with the baby that your doctor can help fix if taken care of in time.
Taking prenatal vitamins is essential. Your body needs extra nutrition before, during and after your pregnancy. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, start taking these vitamins well before. If you are already pregnant, it’s not too late to start. You will still get the benefits of it. Keep taking them well beyond giving birth. At least until you stop breast feeding.
Make a birthing plan. Write down exactly what you will need to have the experience you want. Make sure who ever will be there when you give birth sees this plan. Making it ahead of time will allow you to make it when you are calm, and will give everyone enough time to be prepared.
When you first find out that you are pregnant it is important to tell anyone and everyone that you are close to. Countless times families have been destroyed over the simple phrase, “Why didn’t you tell me?” Some people may be upset that you are pregnant, but if they were important to you in the first place they’ll be supportive.
It’s really important to remember to make time for yourself. You won’t have much time for yourself after your baby is born; so take the time now to pamper yourself. Take the time to visit with friends, get your nails done, or spend time doing something you enjoy. It will help you feel better, and the baby will too.
Although it might sound odd, you need to avoid all cat litter while you are pregnant. Toxoplasmosis is a dangerous parasite that causes problems for a fetus in utero. One of the most important things you can do to protect your baby’s health is avoid handling cat litter.
Pregnancy can be an overwhelming time. The number of things to remember can seem endless, and stress abounds. This article hopes to guide you (or your partner) during the time of pregnancy so that you can make the right choices. Follow the tips mentioned within this article, and you will have a happier, healthier pregnancy.