It does not matter how old you are, or how many children you have, pregnancy is an awe inspiring, nerve racking, exciting time in your life. It is also one of the greatest miracles a woman can experience. Following are some handy hints on how to make the nine months as healthy and stress-free as possible.
Incorporate safe exercise activities into your daily routine. Exercise is crucial to helping pregnant women feel better, sleep better, and control their weight. Consider engaging in exercises like yoga, swimming, and walking. Always ask your doctor before beginning any type of exercise program to make sure it is safe for your unique situation.
Make sure the water you’re drinking during your pregnancy is safe. Tap water may contain fluoride, percholate, and lead, while bottled water may contain the same impurities as well as other chemicals such as BPA. Instead, invest in a tap water filter, and use a stainless steel or glass water bottle when out of the house.
As a pregnant woman, never change kitty litter. Cat feces may be contaminated with a harmful parasitic infection that can be passed to you through handling the litter. Get someone else to take care of the litter box until after the baby is born. Your spouse should be happy to take over this chore for the baby’s sake. If you aren’t married, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member to clean the litter box for you during your pregnancy.
Visit your chiropractor regularly. During pregnancy there is a lot of stress and weight put on your spine, hips and other joints. Do yourself a favor by having a regular adjustment. It will keep you feeling better, more limber and prevent those aches and pains of pregnancy.
You might wish to hire a doula. A doula is a woman who is trained in coaching births. This can give you much support during labor. They are also a great support for your partner during the delivery.
Be sure to be checked for sexually transmitted diseases if you are pregnant. Left unchecked these conditions can cause serious harm to your child. Simple tests such as a pap smear or blood and urine samples can easily pick up any evidence of sexually transmitted disease. If you suffer from one of these conditions, you will have to get a C-section from pregnancy pillows Australia.
If you know a friend or relative who has just had a baby, talk to her to learn how she handled her pregnancy. Obtaining advice from a person who has already been pregnant is vital, because she will be experienced in the matter and can help advise you.
When you become pregnant, make sure that you inform your job, as soon as possible, so that you are able to file for a maternity leave when the time comes. This will allow you to prepare in advance and allow your employer to find a replacement, for the time you are out.
Learn when you have eaten enough. Although you should eat more while pregnant, remember there are limits! There is no harm in saying no thank you.
Take some precautions when traveling by plane. The second trimester is often noted as the best time to fly, because you are not experiencing morning sickness as often, and there is less risk of miscarriage. Always speak to your doctor first and make sure to drink a lot of water on the plane to stay hydrated. Get up and walk frequently to help avoid blood clots.
Grab some rubber bands if you want to keep wearing your favorite jeans through your pregnancy. A neat trick is to take a heavy rubber band and put it through the buttonhole in your jeans. Attach both ends of the rubber band to the button and voila, extra space. Wear longer shirts over the jeans to hide the rubber band.
Eat first, visit the grocery store second. Cravings for unhealthy foods will occur frequently during your pregnancy. The healthier you eat, the better for you and your child. Eating before you go grocery shopping will make you less likely to purchase snack foods or unnecessary items.
It is critical to monitor your iron intake when you are pregnant. Low levels of iron can make pregnant women suffer from severe fatigue and can make the unborn baby have a low birth weight. Take your prenatal vitamin, which includes iron, every day and add foods high in iron to your diet.
Watch your intake of fish during your pregnancy. Many fish have levels of methylmercury that are unsafe for consumption while you are pregnant. Mercury is toxic to the baby’s neurological system. The worst offenders of mercury levels are shark, king mackerel, and swordfish so stay far away from those.
Talk with your doctor about getting a DHA supplement during your pregnancy. DHA is a omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for proper development of the brain and eyes of your baby. Supplements are generally needed to ensure the proper amount of DHA. Fish is a strong source of DHA but women are generally told to stay away from most fish during pregnancy due to mercury levels so a supplement is generally your best bet.
Write a birth plan before your birth. A birth plan will allow you to express your wishes in writing. Sometimes during birth you may not be able to verbalize your wishes, but your birth plan can help you to be sure that they are followed. Your birth plan should be made available to your physician and all hospital staff.
Be certain to properly care for your teeth while pregnant. As your pregnancy hormones increase, your gums may swell or bleed while you brush or floss. Using a soft toothbrush is recommended. You should also continue flossing your teeth, but try to do so gently.
Always ensure that if you have doubts or concerns about any part of your pregnancy, that you contact your doctor as soon as possible. We are confident the the above tips will fit you ease any stress you may have had. So, sit back and enjoy the ride, and the blessing that will arrive at the end.