If you are pregnant or thinking to be pregnant you probably know some of the basic pregnancy advices about taking some care for yourself and for your baby.
First of all don’t drink, don’t smoke or be around secondhand smoke. Follow the following pregnancy care tips on safety and nutrition to stay healthy during 9/10 months of pregnancy period.
Take a prenatal vitamin:
Even when you are trying to be conceived, it is very wise to take prenatal vitamins. At the beginning of pregnancy the neural cord which becomes the brain of the baby and spinal cord are developed. So it is very much essential that you need to get nutrients like calcium, iron, folic acid from the very start.
So as an early pregnancy care tips you should take prenatal vitamins. The prenatal vitamins are available in most of the counters in many drug stores or from doctor’s prescription. When you take them you feel queasy, try to have those at night or with light snack. Sucking hard candy or chewing gum can also help too.
Exercise:
Always staying active is very important for general health and can help you to reduce tension, stress, improve blood circulation, control your weight, and boost your mood and ultimately a better sleep. It is recommended to take a pregnancy class or a walk of at least 15-20 minutes every day in a cool area or indoor in order to prevent overheating.
Yoga, swimming, walking or Pilates are also great activities for pregnant women but be sure to consult your doctor before taking such activity. It is better to take 30 minutes mild exercise everyday during pregnancy. So in addition to use pregnancy pillow you need regular exercise.
Write a birth plan:
Be confirmed to have a doula and write down your wishes and give copy to everyone those who are involved with delivery. As per American pregnancy association here are some hints how to write a birth plan.
- Whom do you want to be present including children and sibling?
- The procedures that you want to avoid
- What is the position that you prefer for labor and delivery?
- Any special clothing that you prefer to wear.
- Whether you want any music or any other entertainment.
- Do you like any painkillers?
- What is your suggestion during complication?
Educate yourself:
Though this may not be the first child for you yet you need to attend childbirth class which will help you better during delivery. This will help you to learn more about the aspect and you can ask any specific question or voice any concerns.
You will be more acquainted with available facility and its staff. Now you can talk to your doctor about family history, problem with past pregnancy and any other birth defects.
Practice Kegels:
This exercise will definitely strengthen your pelvic floor muscle that will support your bowel, bladder, and uterus. This simple exercise will help you a lot during delivery with comfort. It is so easy that you can do it in car, on standing or even when you are sitting at your desk.
Change up chores:
When you are pregnant it is risky for everyday’s works like bathroom scrubbing, cleaning. During this period you cannot lift heavy materials. You should not come in contact with toxic chemicals or any bacterial that will be harmful for you and for your baby. Here are some of the following tips.
- Heavy weight lifting
- To climb on ladders or stepstools
- To change kitty litter
- To use harsh chemicals
- Standing for long periods
- Wearing gloves during work
- Washing hand thoroughly after cutting meat.
Track your weight gain:
We know that you are taking food for two now but too many extra pounds may be risk for the baby. On the other hand not gaining enough weight can also put the baby at risk for low weight birth, later the major cause of non development of baby’s health.
Recently IOM, the institute of medicine has issued new guide lines in order to weight gain during pregnancy. Below are the guidelines.
- Under weight: Gain 28-40 pounds
- Normal weight : Gain 25-35 pounds
- Over weight: Gain 15-25 pounds
- Obese : Gain 11-20 pounds
Check frequently with your doctor to make sure that you are gaining a healthy rate.
Go Shoe Shopping:
As soon as you gain natural weight there is extra pressure on your tootsie. Over time the pressure can cause painful flattening of the feet. You can retain fluids in the body but it will swell your ankles and feet.
So we can say that it is important to wear comfortable and non restricting shoes when you are pregnant. Many expectant moms want larger shoes even after they give birth. Be sure to put your feet several times in a day in order to prevent swelling and fatigue of leg, feet and ankles.
Rethink your Spa style:
Actually speaking pregnancy period is for pampering and you need to be very careful. Avoid saunas which can make your body overheated. As per American pregnancy association, it takes only 10-20 minutes of sitting to reach your temperature 102 degree Fahrenheit, a safe temperature for a pregnant woman.
Certain essential oils can cause uterine contraction, mainly during first and second trimester. So you need to check with your message therapist which essential oil is safe for you.
Eat Folate-Rich Foods:
During pregnancy period you need to drink 8-10 glasses of water and also you need to take 5/6 balanced meals with plenty of folate-rich food like lentils, wheat germs, orange, asparagus and orange juices. Folic acid is very important for quick development of baby’s neural tube. Folic acid is also vital for creation of new red blood cells.
Recharge with Fruit:
Most of the doctors recommend to limit caffeine at pregnancy as it has got harmful effect for you and your baby. Apples and bananas have natural sugar that can lift energy levels.
Wear Sunscreen:
When you are pregnant your skin is very sensitive to the sunlight, and therefore you are more prone to chloasma and sunburn. These are dark and patchy spots that appear on face. At this stage apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more and wear a hat and sunglasses. Though the time spending in tanning beds are good you cannot do so during pregnancy as because this may hurt your baby.
Travel Smart:
It is recommended that mid- pregnancy is the best time for flying and travelling but precaution must be taken. Though there is a risk of miscarriage and early delivery you need consult your doctor with travel plans. Some airlines have restrictions for pregnant women. On the plane drink sufficient water to stay hydrated.
Try to walk frequently on plane so that you can reduce risk of blood clotting. An aisle seat gives you more space and movement to bathroom easier. While moving with a car fasten seat belt always. As per national highway traffic rules, the shoulder portion to be positioned over the collar bone and lap portion should be placed under the abdomen as low as possible the hips.
Know when to call the Doctor:
Being pregnant sometime can be confusing especially for the first time. It is a common question that how to determine which tingle is normal and which is not. As per instructions given by centers for disease control and prevention you should call your doctor when the following symptoms arise.
- Feel pain of any kind
- Strong cramps
- Contractions feeling at 20 minute s interval
- Vaginal bleeding or leaking fluids
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling heart palpitation
- Constant nausea and vomiting
- Trouble walking and edema
- Decreased activity by the baby.
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