There are many things you need to know when you are pregnant that can make all the difference in making your pregnancy easier and better for you and your baby. Just like many other life experiences, pregnancy is a time to learn how to make the right choices. Start with the practical tips in the article below.
If you are trying to get pregnant, but are not yet, start tracking your menstrual cycles. This will let you know when you are ovulating, and will also be able to tell you what date you conceived on when you find out your are pregnant. This will help you to be more accurate with your due date.
Talk to your friends and family, especially those that have been pregnant, or are currently pregnant. They will be able to support you and help you if you have any questions or if you need anything. Those who have been through it before can be some of the best resources you have.
If there’s a chance you’re pregnant, find out as soon as you can. Sometimes women neglect to do this in a timely manner and may find that their pregnancy is complicated because they didn’t get the care they needed soon enough.
Get tested for all STDs if you’re pregnant. STD’s can affect your health and your baby’s health, if you do not take care of them. Certain STD tests can be done via pap smear, urine, or blood. If you discover that you do have a sexually transmitted disease, then it is likely that a Cesarean section is the best option for a healthy delivery.
It is important to see a doctor once you have a pregnancy test that is positive. It is recommended that for the first trimester, you see your practitioner once a month. Typically, most women are seen between 8 and 10 weeks gestation. At this time, blood work is done and your urine is checked for protein and sugar.
It is important to love and appreicate your body when you are pregnant. By not appreciating it, you could cause yourself unnecessary stress or even depression. Keep in mind that once you have your baby, you can work on getting your body to look the way it did before you were pregnant.
Feelings of depression or anxiety are quite common during pregnancy. With hormones rising and falling all the time, stress from the pregnancy, as well as, other issues that come up, it is no wonder that we can sometimes feel blue. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor, if you think that it’s not getting better with time.
When you are pregnant avoid taking any over-the-counter (OTC) medication without first consulting your pharmacist. Several of the OTC medications can actually be toxic to the baby, if they are passed on through the womb. The fact is many OTC medications – can and will – be passed on through the womb!
Avoid pesticides by eating locally grown organic foods. We don’t know how much effect these pesticides can have on a fetus but it is better to be safe than sorry. If not buying organic, stick with items with heavy peels like oranges as they are likely to be less contaminated.
Before you conceive the baby, pretend like you’re pregnant already. This means cutting out harmful or unhealthy habits, such as drinking alcohol, smoking or eating unhealthily. It may take you six months to a year to get pregnant and practicing this new lifestyle beforehand is going to go a long way.
Don’t leave the house without a change of clothes and a fresh pair of underwear. Pregnancy leaves us with a lot less control over our bodies and accidents can happen. It is better to act like a boy scout and be prepared than have to run home in the middle of the day because we were caught off guard.
Pregnancy can be a stressful time for couples. So it is better to work on relationship issues as they arise than waiting until after the baby arrives. Counseling can help couples communicate better and strengthen your relationship, which in turn will help you both be better prepared to handle your new baby as partners.
Open the windows when decorating or painting the nursery. Creating a space for your baby is a joyful process, but paint or wallpaper fumes can be dangerous. Do your home decorating on a day when you can keep fresh air flowing. If you are doing significant renovations or repairs, have others do the remodel to limit your exposure to chemicals and fumes.
Stay active during your pregnancy to improve your health and make childbirth easier. Walking and swimming are great exercises even late in pregnancy. Staying active can keep your mood positive and make the process of giving birth less traumatic physically. If you have concerns about exercise, talk with your doctor to determine what activities are appropriate for you.
You should eat enough while pregnant. Being pregnant requires your body to consume about 300 more calories than normal. If you are also exercising, it will increase your calorie needs even more. Your body knows what it wants, if you are hungry, you need to eat, just make sure to make good food choices.
Avoid exercises that involve lying on your back or lifting overhead. You could end up doing damage to yourself or the baby so it is safer to avoid them. Try to do all of your exercises in a position where you are supported. Modify workouts to allow you to sit down or hold on to something for safety.
Talk to a doctor prior to trying for a child. Your doctor can provide you with a physical to ensure you’re in good enough health to have a baby. They can also examine you to make sure you there are no extenuating circumstances.
Learning to make the choices that are best for you and your baby start with the common sense and practical tips in the article above. It can make all the difference to your unborn child. You will be well on your way to a healthier and happier baby when you make these choices now.
Ultra Pregnancy Care 