Being pregnant is such a joyous time. There is so much to think about for the future, so much promise and hope. A new life is about to join the ranks of your family. But even in all that hope, sometimes you just need to know that others have been there and done it too. This article has lots of wisdom from other women who can help you understand your pregnancy.
A pregnant mother should at all costs avoid any sort of drugs, whether they are alcohol, nicotine, or heavier drugs such as heroin. Your baby can and will develop a chemical dependency in the womb. This also is not to mention the possibility for birth defects. If you're an expecting mom, stay away from drugs!
It is important to stay hydrated if you become ill or get diarrhea when pregnant. Dehydration is extremely dangerous for the pregnant woman and her baby.
It is important that you allow your legs to get sufficient circulation when you are pregnant. Getting blood to flow can be difficult when a woman is pregnant and by not moving your legs enough, you can get blood clots, which can be deadly. You could also wear special stockings that help blood flow.
Learn to reject food from people who pressure you to eat all the time. You should keep your calories high but don't start eating constantly. You can say thanks and decline.
Do not hesitate to inform your obstetrician or midwife if you experience depression during pregnancy. There are antidepressants that are considered safe for pregnant and nursing mothers, and in many cases, the benefits of taking them outweigh the risks of letting your depression go untreated. You do not have to suffer, and you are doing a great thing for both your baby and yourself by speaking up and getting help.
Realize that "morning" sickness can happen at any time of the day and check with your doctor if it seems really bad. Most new parents are only affected by morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is usually one of the first signs that a women picks up on to signify that she may be pregnant. If it is keeping you from being able to keep down any food, see your doctor for ideas on how to help.
Help reduce morning sickness by munching on slices of cucumber. Keep cucumber slices in water in your fridge and try snacking on them throughout the day. No one is sure why it works, but for a good percentage of women it has a calming effect on their morning sickness symptoms.
Spend your money on good bras. You will definitely need the extra support. Wearing bras that are too tight, will really hurt you, and you will be very uncomfortable. You will outgrow a couple of sizes, so get some nursing bras that are not expensive but will give you good support.
Before you begin trying to conceive a baby, visit your doctor and check to be sure your vaccinations are updated. In particular, you want to make sure that you have the rubella and varicella vaccines. Exposure to these two diseases could be detrimental to your pregnancy if you haven't already been protected.
When you are pregnant, eat foods that are low in sugar and high in fiber. This will help you maintain a healthy pregnancy weight. Sugary foods often leave you feeling hungry, which make you more likely to snack. Foods that are high in fiber leave you feeling full and also help your body remove excess fat.
Make sure that the extra calories you consume during pregnancy are nutritious ones. Try having a yogurt and fruit as a morning snack, and a sandwich with 2 ounces of chicken to add your calories without overeating. Do go ahead and splurge on a treat every once in a while.
Get your protein during pregnancy to ensure your baby's health growth. It is the material that structures every cell of your baby's growing body. If you are not taking in enough protein you are putting your baby at risk of issues with fetal growth. You should be taking in approximately 70 grams of protein a day while pregnant.
Some common foods can be dangerous to the unborn fetus. During your pregnancy, you should avoid anything that contains uncooked eggs like Caesar dressing, unpasteurized cheeses like queso blanco and under-cooked meats. Listeria can be present in precooked meats such as hot dogs and deli meats, so it is important to reheat them before consumption. For more information visit the CDC website or discuss the topic with your doctor.
The most important thing to do during pregnancy is to look after yourself. If your body says it is tired, then sleep if you can. There is no point trying to maintain high standards of home tidiness if you are going to be exhausted for nine months and not enjoying the pregnancy. Remember to give yourself a break and take as much time out for yourself as needed.
Use a birth ball during pregnancy to stay fit. You can sit on the ball instead of the sofa to strengthen your muscles. It will help you keep your posture straight which will help in preventing the aches and pains that come from bad posture. You can also use it after pregnancy as well to get back into the swing of things.
One pregnancy tip that bears repeating is: stop smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy! Smoking and drinking can cause devastating complications in a baby that can last a lifetime. Babies can inherit an addiction to drugs as well as having problems such as low birth weight and developmental problems. Love your baby and stop!
If you are currently pregnant or hoping to become pregnant, you are in for the ride of your life. There are definitely highs and lows, but thanks to the tips you are given here, you will ease through those lows and celebrate the highs with even better style.