By Ismail Loukman
If you are looking for practical, no-nonsense advice and tips for yourself or for a loved one who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you have certainly arrived at the right place. The useful information found in these handpicked gems lays the foundation for a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Before you get pregnant, it is wise to visit your doctor. You can make sure you are in excellent health, and they will also give you some advice that can help you out. They can tell you when you should be ovulating, and some vitamins that you should be taking.
Make sure to avoid household chores that can be harmful to your unborn baby. Pregnant women should not clean with harsh chemicals, such as bleach, climb ladders, and especially should avoid cleaning a cat's litter box. Pay attention to your surroundings and get help for any activity you think might be dangerous.
Incorporate safe exercise activities into your daily routine. Exercise is crucial to helping pregnant women feel better, sleep better, and control their weight. Consider engaging in exercises like yoga, swimming, and walking. Always ask your doctor before beginning any type of exercise program to make sure it is safe for your unique situation.
Before you are pregnant, it is a good idea to visit your dentist. Many times during pregnancy, your gums can be very sensitive, and a dental cleaning can be bothersome. You also will not be able to get any x-rays during your pregnancy, so it's best to get that out of the way before hand.
Get help with lifting while pregnant. Carrying heavy things could cause stress to the baby as well as potentially lead to a miscarriage. In addition to this, you could also injure your back muscles as well. It is better to be on the safe side and allow someone to help you, even though you may feel that you can handle it.
It is important that pregnant women make a labor plan before the big day comes. This is because when a woman is in labor, she may not be able to make decisions like she normally does. Make sure you have a bag packed, pick out who you want in the room when you give birth and make a list of phone numbers so your spouse or other family members can call your loved ones when the baby is born.
If you must travel while you're pregnant, make sure medical care is readily available at your destination. It's essential that you stay near good doctors at all times. Complications can arise at any time. If you are traveling, ensure you have a cell phone available at all times.
Once you find out that you are pregnant, make sure that you find a doctor or midwife that you are comfortable with. Many times, women choose the first doctor that they see and end up having an unpleasant experience with them. Ask friends and family if they know of a good, reliable midwife.
Folic acid should be found in any prenatal vitamin you're taking. This important ingredient will reduce the chances of serious birth defects, and it helps aid in cell formation and cell development of your child.
When you first find out that you are pregnant it is important to tell anyone and everyone that you are close to. Countless times families have been destroyed over the simple phrase, "Why didn't you tell me?" Some people may be upset that you are pregnant, but if they were important to you in the first place they'll be supportive.
Take care when you ride in a car. Pregnant women should sit as far away from the airbag as possible and refrain from placing safety belts over the portion of the abdomen with the baby. Doing both of these things reduces the risk of sudden impacts with the possibility of injuring or killing the baby.
When you first find out that you are pregnant it is important to tell anyone and everyone that you are close to. Countless times families have been destroyed over the simple phrase, "Why didn't you tell me?" Some people may be upset that you are pregnant, but if they were important to you in the first place they'll be supportive.
Don't sit for any length of time. By the end of the day, many expectant mothers experience swollen feet and ankles. Pregnancy makes it more difficult for blood to circulate through the lower half of your body. Extended sitting, such as in a car or at your desk, can aggravate the swelling. You want to lie right on the left side of your body, then make sure with cold water you soak your feet, just be sure to avoid crossing your legs while you sit.
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.
Understand your health insurance coverage pertaining to prenatal care and childbirth. Some insurance companies require you to pre-register before checking into the hospital. It is much better to take care of any required paperwork a few weeks before your due date instead of trying to remember your insurance information between contractions.
If you have just discovered that you are pregnant, you will have to decide when to tell others. This decision is very personal and will be different for each person. One person will tell everybody on earth before her pregnancy test even turns positive. Another woman may be superstitious, and prefer to wait until she feels her pregnancy is far enough along that she doesn't feel any problems will arise. Do what feels right to you.
Make sure to schedule some last minute pampering before the baby is born. Get your hair cut and your nails done. After the baby is born it may be a long long time before you will be able to do that again. If you do get a chance to do it you will be anxious to get back as soon as possible. Take advantage of the time you have and enjoy it before the baby is born.
Nine months is a long time when you are pregnant with your first or second or even third child. Make the most of this time of intense and remarkable changes by remembering to practice the tips and tricks which you have just read. A healthy pregnancy is a perfect starting point for the journey to motherhood.