Getting ready for carrying a child to term, and going through the emotional and physical journey that accompanies it, can be difficult for any woman. More sensible advice will surface once a little time passes, however. This article will give you some suggestions on how you can have a happier pregnancy.
Exercise regularly while you are pregnant. Exercise can reduce your risk of miscarriage, decrease the length of time you spend in labor, and make your post-partum recovery and weight loss easier.
Whenever pregnant, it is important to consume 300-500 more calories than usual to your everyday diet. During this time you will be eating for you and your baby and will need the extra calories. Lean towards eating foods that are good for you, like fresh fruits and vegetables.
Prenatal Vitamins
If you are pregnant, then you should visit an OBGYN to get prenatal vitamins. You need to take your vitamin every single day to help prevent problems down the line. Prenatal vitamins contain all of the nutrients that your growing baby needs to stay healthy at every stage of development.
Enlist the help of a doula. Doulas are people who receive training in how to be birth coaches. Their support can be both moral and physical. Not only will they help you, but they can advise your partner on the best ways to provide you with comfort and support. Having an experienced helper with you as you go through labor will be a huge comfort.
Pregnancy classes should be taken early during pregnancy. Learning about pregnancy in a classroom setting will help you relax a little and understand more about the experience. Use this opportunity to ask any questions you may have about what to expect.
Make sure that you take a tour of your birthing hospital near to your due date. By learning all about the facility you give birth in, you can ease a lot of your concerns, and the process will run much more smoothly. Check out a few places before you know for sure what you prefer. Be sure that you have what is necessary for the baby and the other person that sits with you when you’re in labor.
Learn the signs of premature labor, and when it is necessary to call your doctor. Hopefully, you will never have to put this information to use. But, it’s important to have certain information, should anything occur. The sooner you take action against preterm labor, the greater your chances of a safe and healthy delivery.
Tell your doctor if you feel really swollen when you’re pregnant. While this may be a normal part of the pregnancy, it may be a symptom of preeclampsia. This dangerous condition causes high blood pressure in pregnant women. Leaving this condition untreated could cause birthing problems.
Leg Cramps
Prior to retiring every evening, do some leg stretches to avoid cramping while you sleep. Many women experience leg cramps during their pregnancy. Doing some leg stretches before bed will help your muscles to loosen and keep leg cramps at bay.
Wear maternity clothing that fits you. Some women don’t want to wear maternity clothes, preferring to continue to wear their pre-pregnancy clothing. You’ll be happy, comfortable, and stress-free, helping your baby to remain healthy as well.
Skin has elasticity, but it can only stretch so far. Women who are pregnant often experience itchy skin, which is nothing to be concerned about. You can help ease the itchiness if you resist taking hot showers or baths. Hot water rids skin of natural oils and causes itching. Moisturize with a heavy cream, like petroleum jelly or cocoa butter. Wear a loose fitting wardrobe and despite your inclinations, don’t scratch!
Create a routine that fits into your lifestyle. Having this routine may lead to better sleep, which is not always an easy thing to accomplish during pregnancy. Keep your evenings as calm and comforting as possible. Calm yourself with a warm, soothing shower or by sipping on decaffeinated herbal tea.
You may want to take a Lamaze course if you are pregnant for the first time. They provide all you need to know about childbirth. Your hospital is sure to offer classes that include a tour of the labor and delivery area.
It is important to monitor your iron intake throughout the entire pregnancy. Iron deficiencies during pregnant will cause you to have more severe fatigue and it can cause low birth weights in your baby. You can get iron from certain prenatal vitamins and iron-rich foods.
Don’t neglect teeth hygiene during pregnancy. Of course this is something everyone should be doing whether they are pregnant or not. But, it’s more so during pregnancy. Gum disease, or gingivitis, is more likely when a woman is pregnant. And, if you aren’t taking care of your gums and teeth, it can only speed up any issues. Therefore, brush and floss at least twice a day.
Folic Acid
When you are pregnant, it is vital to get enough folic acid. You need to consume at least 600 mg of folic acid daily to help reduce neural tube defects in your child. Try getting 400 milligrams each day before getting pregnant and it will help prepare your body.
To help you ease your lower back pain while pregnant try doing pelvic tilts. Get on the ground with your hands on the floor and knees as well and arch your back high, then arch it low, and stretch the muscles in your back. These types of tilts can bring the body some relief. Your baby will also be in the position for birthing.
It can be hard to get enough sleep when you are pregnant. There may be some discomfort, so anticipate this in advance. Exercise can help with leg cramping. Drink less fluids in the evening to reduce the amount of times that you’ll have to use the bathroom at night.
Ideally, being pregnant should be a wonderful experience. Try out any or all the tips you just learned and you will be surprised at how enjoyable your pregnancy is.