Pregnancy is the beginning of that greatest human adventure: parenthood. Just like the child-rearing that comes after it, pregnancy can seem bewildering and challenging. Expectant parents can take heart, though, because few people are born knowing all the tricks to make a pregnancy healthy and free of stress. This article contains a few tips that may be handy for any parent-to-be.
Pay attention to your body, and don’t write strange things off as simply symptoms of pregnancy. For example, swelling of the joints and face is common during pregnancy, but excessive and sudden swelling can herald pre-eclampsia. If you notice any symptoms that seem strange or haven’t been mentioned as expected by your doctor, give them a call.
Quit smoking as soon as you find out that you’re pregnant, and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. The dangers of cigarette smoke to your baby are so extensive that it is absolutely worth the stress of trying to quit during your pregnancy. The sooner you quit the less extensive the damage will be.
If you are seeing a doctor for anything, you need to tell them that you are pregnant. Some of the tests that they perform at the doctors office can be harmful to a pregnant women, and they will skip these for you. Even if there is only a small chance you could be pregnant, you need to speak up.
If your due date has came and gone and you’re ready for your baby to come, give walking a shot. Walking helps naturally lower your baby to the ideal position for childbirth. See if you can get your partner to join. Don’t do contact exercise, as that could be dangerous.
Decide if you want to use a Douala when giving birth. If you do, start talking to some that are local. Douala’s can help you have a shorter birth, and one that is more satisfying and safe then going the traditional route. Don’t let someone talk you into doing this, it needs to be 100% up to you.
Exercising in pregnancy is good for mom and baby. The benefits include decreased risk for gestational diabetes, less complaints of constipation and back pain and a quicker recovery from birth for mom. Stop exercising and see your doctor if you have signs, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, fluid leaking, uterine contractions or vaginal bleeding.
Sleeping will become harder for you during your pregnancy. During the third trimester, sleep on your left side, this will provide you with the best blood flow to your fetus, uterus and kidneys. Remember, not to lay on your back.
It is important for pregnant women to avoid eating certain fish, like shark, swordfish, and tilefish. These fish contain high levels of mercury, which can cause health problems for your baby. There are some seafood that is safe for pregnant women to eat including canned tuna, pollack, salmon, catfish, and shrimp.
Although it may be controversial to some, if you are pregnant it may be wise to think over your options. Sometimes you simply are not ready to have a child. With so many options ranging from abortion, to adoption, to having the child, it is in one’s best interests to think it through thoroughly, because the only person you’d end up hurting is the child.
Whether parents are expecting their first child or have experienced pregnancy before, they may well benefit from learning a little more about the process. Advice like what is in this article, can be of use to any soon-to-be parent. Pregnancy can be trying and any hints that help ease parents through it, will surely be appreciated.