Keeping Healthy While Pregnant

If you’re pregnant or want to become pregnant, you’re certainly familiar with some of the most basic pregnancy recommendations, such as not smoking or being around secondhand smoke, not drinking, and getting enough sleep. More tips and guides on pregnancy for mothers to be, ranging from vitamin intake to cat litter disposal, can assist promote safe and healthy prenatal growth. 

Take a vitamin prior to beginning pregnancy

It’s a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins even if you’re still trying to get pregnant. It is critical that you consume nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, etc., as your baby’s neural chord grows during the first month of pregnancy. 

Staying Active

Staying active is beneficial to your overall health since it helps you manage your stress, lose weight, improve circulation, enhance your mood, and sleep better. To avoid overheating, enrol in a prenatal fitness class or walk for a minimum of 15 minutes per day at a leisurely pace in cool and shaded places. Most pregnant women will benefit from Pilates, yoga, swimming, and walking, but see your doctor first before beginning any exercise regimen. On most days of the week, set your goal for 30 minutes of exercise and pay attention to your body to ensure you’re not overdoing it. 

Change Housework

When you’re pregnant, even simple duties like cleaning the restroom or cleaning up after pets could be dangerous. You and your baby can be affected by harmful chemicals, lifting large objects, or coming into contact with germs. Therefore, it’s best to stop climbing ladders, avoid cleaning the litter box, do not use strong chemicals, and also do not stand for too long, especially around the hot stove. 

Keep an eye on your body weight

Gaining too much weight may make it difficult to reduce them later. Conversely, not growing enough weight puts the baby at danger of a low-weight birth, which is a leading cause of developmental difficulties. 

Consume Foods High in Folate

It is recommended to consume five or six well-balanced meals each day, with lots of folate-rich food. According to Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D., author of Feed the Belly, “Folic acid is essential for the correct growth of the neural tube (which surrounds the spinal cord) and the formation of new red blood cells.” 

Find Out More About Postpartum Depression

You’ve definitely heard of postpartum depression, but did you know that 10% to 20% of pregnant women have symptoms of major depression? According to the March of Dimes, about 15% of women have experienced depressive symptoms during pregnancy. This may raise your

chances of having a baby prematurely. Tell your doctor if you’re feeling unusually depressed, angry, or guilty, or if you’re losing enthusiasm you typically enjoy. Therapy, a support group, antidepressant medication, or a mix of the three will almost certainly be beneficial. However, not all antidepressants are healthy for pregnant women. Work with a doctor who is experienced with mental health issues associated with pregnancy. 

Pamper Yourself

Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep each night, and if you’re having trouble sleeping, take naps throughout the day and visit your doctor if the problem persists. Relax and de-stress with a lunchtime pedicure, a night out with the girlfriends, or simply taking a peaceful walk—healthy for both you and the baby. 

What You Need To Know When Preparing For Childbirth

Attending a maternity class, even if it’s not your first kid, will help you feel adequately prepared for childbirth. You will not only get the opportunity to know more about labour and newborn care, but you will also have the opportunity to ask particular questions and share any worries. You’ll also get to know the facility and its staff better. It’s also a good idea to review your family’s medical history. Discuss any previous pregnancies with your doctor, as well as any birth defects in your family. 

As your due date approaches, you will experience labour pains. It’s critical to speak with a doctor to know what “coming into labour” entails. It’s another important piece of information when you’re pregnant, and recognising this would make it much easier for you to manage your labour. Frequent uncomfortable contractions that get stronger over time are a quick symptom of labour. Walking is frequently advised during early labour since it makes women relax. 

Fear of childbirth can cause labour to be delayed. Women who are afraid of childbirth will take an hour and a half longer to give birth than women who are not worried. Fear and worry would raise catecholamine levels in the bloodstream, weakening the uterus’ ability to contract. It’s also possible that miscommunication between you and your doctor is causing the labour to drag on. It is recommended that you attend prenatal breathing classes. 

If you experience morning sickness during the first trimester, you should indeed be prepared with a few necessities. For example, always keep a bottle of water on you. Eating a lemon or lime, and smelling a lemon will also help in morning sickness. Ginger tea can also ease morning sickness as it is one of the teas that can be used safely while pregnant. Taking a short walk is also encouraged. 

It is recommended to call your insurance company during the first trimester to find out what you are approved for and what you will have to pay after you conceive a child to inquire about your deductibles. Also, check the number of ultrasounds that are covered. It is important to know the risk you’re facing if you deliver early. Check to see if your doctor is covered by your insurance to prevent paying any additional out-of-pocket costs. 

Bleeding can happen during pregnancy. Missed periods are typically the first indicator of pregnancy. Yet, some women bleed throughout the first trimester of pregnancy, which might be mistaken for menstrual blood. In contrast to the usual red colour of menstruation blood, it is frequently brown or pink in colour. Despite the fact that it is not a bothersome element, it is prudent to seek medical advice.