It can be scary and overwhelming when you are having your first baby. Even if you have had a child before, there will still be many questions and concerns. Examples are when is the right time to see the doctor for the first time, when is a good time to spread the good news to everyone, and what changes will your body go through. The following article will get you up to speed on all the basics you need to be aware of.
If you do not feel well while you are pregnant, you should not hesitate to decline any invitations to social events. People will understand that this is a trying time and you may not be able to keep up socially. During pregnancy you may feel fatigued and nauseous. Don’t force yourself to do more than your body can handle.
Don’t miss an appointment with your doctor. The important appointments scheduled by your doctor are to monitor your baby’s development, and to see how you body responds. This will keep you and your baby in the highest health possible.
Consult your physician, prior to planning travel during your pregnant months. When you do travel, bring your prenatal records along, just in case something happens.
Much like others, women who are pregnant should make every effort to apply sunscreen any time they are going out in the sun for a while. Female skin is much more sensitive when pregnant and can sunburn easily, which can increase the chances of skin cancer.
While there are many nutrients you need to increase during pregnancy, you actually need to reduce vitamin A intake during this period. Excess vitamin A is very dangerous for your developing embryo. You should avoid mangoes, egg yolks, mozzarella cheese, liver and other foods containing this vitamin. Although you can have these foods on occasion, you shouldn’t consume them every day.
As the pregnancy progresses, make sure you have a birthing facility tour booked in. If you are comfortable in your surroundings, you will find labor becomes easier to bear. It is very important that you look at and inspect these places so you have a greater idea what to expect when the time comes. The facility should be comfortable for you, as well as your partner.
Keep a food log. Having a log of all of the food you have eaten will allow you to make sure that you are meeting all of your nutritional requirements. Taking this list to the doctor will also come in handy for him or her to look over as well.
Unusual amounts of vaginal discharge during your pregnancy should be reported to your doctor. This usually indicates a vaginal infection, which many women experience during pregnancy. But, if the infection isn’t treated, it may cause health issues for yourself and your baby.
Look at thrift stores and consignment shops if you want to get a good deal on maternity clothes. You can get wonderful deals at these shops, for the clothes you will only wear for a short period of time. You will save your money, plus you will do the environmentally friendly thing about re-using materials.
You can act as though you’re pregnant before conception. You should live healthy when pregnant. It can sometimes take a year or longer to finally get pregnant. Change your lifestyle now.
Birth Plan
Create a birth plan while you’re pregnant. A birth plan will include what you expect during your delivery. Try packing an overnight bag which contains a camera, insurance card, birth plan, clothes, and pre-registration forms for your new baby
Avoid the kitty litter box while pregnant. Cat litter can contain a disease called toxoplasmosis, which can be harmful to a growing baby. Don’t risk your child’s health; stay away from the cat litter.
Alcohol is a big no-no when you’re pregnant, so avoid it at all costs! If a woman drinks during pregnancy, the alcohol is passed onto the unborn fetus by way of the placenta. As such, those who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant soon should abstain from alcohol entirely. Alcohol consumption by pregnant women may cause mental or physical birth defects, and it can create a heightened risk of premature delivery or miscarriage.
Do not use salicylic acid to help treat acne when you are pregnant. Even though it can deeply clean and exfoliate your skin, it can cause damage to your baby. To avoid this damage, try using less acidic cleansers in your quest for clear skin.
Stay hydrated with at least 64 ounces of water every day. Good hydration will keep you and your baby healthy and help you prevent excessive eating. Oftentimes, you think you are hungry, but you are really thirsty. If you’ve eaten recently but still find yourself hungry, try drinking some water instead.
When you are pregnant, do not smoke. Smoking can cause multiple risks to pregnant women and their babies. The risks are to the fetus and the mother. There is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Women who smoke have a higher rate of stillbirths and miscarriage. Premature delivery and birth defects are also more common.
Stop Eating
As you reach the later stages of your pregnancy, you still only need to consume around three hundred additional calories each day. Gaining too much weigh often leads to high blood pressure, a longer labor and diabetes. Don’t wait until you’re full to stop eating. Stay on a healthy diet and monitor how hungry you are. Stop eating when you feel satisfied.
You might experience heartburn while pregnant. Since progesterone production is increased during pregnancy, heartburn may often ensue. Don’t eat right before you sleep, and try to avoid foods that are spicy, fatty, or acidic. You can also sleep with pillows elevating your body. Speak with your doctor about antacids if your heartburn persists.
You are to be congratulated for the amazing life experience you are about to enjoy in about 9 months. Take advice of your social support system, keep up with your prenatal care, and most importantly, enjoy your pregnancy.
About The Author
