From the minute you tell anyone that you're pregnant, you'll be bombarded with advice from well meaning friends, family and colleagues. And if it's your first child, figuring out which people to listen to can be tricky. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by the information being thrown from every direction, you can follow a few basic guidelines.
Doctors – The most valuable thing you can do to ensure you remain healthy during your pregnancy is to see your doctor early – and as often as you feel you need. You'll also need to be entirely honest and transparent with your healthcare practitioners. If you deny your fatigue, your doctor can do nothing about alleviating the symptoms (which are, unfortunately, exceedingly normal when your body is busy growing a new life).
Food Rules – Everyone knows that pregnancy causes some strange food related side effects. From the women who can't keep anything down for a few months to the bizarre cravings that kick in later. However, nutrition is one of the most significant factors in maintaining proper health for you and your developing baby. And one of the most crucial things you can do is to adapt healthy eating patterns as early as you can in your pregnancy.
- Fill up on fruits and vegetables as often as you can, focus on them before considering your meat and protein options.
- Be wary of any uncooked or undercooked foods – it's not the foods themselves that are the concern, but the potential bacteria they carry. In some cases, the medicines that you would need may harm your baby.
- Make sure you wash your food (for the same reasons) and avoid any items past their expiry dates. Your body may have been able to fight off germs before, but now it needs to focus on building a baby (and you don't certainly want to distract it from that, do you?).
- Expecting mothers with restricted diets should consult a nutritionist as early as possible to determine whether any changes or additional nutrients may be required.
- Take advice from friends and family with a grain of salt. What worked for them may not work for you. Talk through any pregnancy related food concerns with your doctor, or review reports online rather than assuming your neighbour is correct.
- Take pre-natal vitamins. Your doctor, or nutritionist, may recommend some that they trust, but typically, you're looking for anything with a super boost of folic acid and calcium.
Steer Clear of Unhealthy Habits – You know that you're not supposed smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or take illicit substances while pregnant; these items are detrimental to the health and development of your baby. A small glass of champagne on New Year's Eve is not likely to do a lot of damage – but that doesn't mean you'll enjoy it the way you did previously. In addition to alcohol, caffeine (as much as you feel you need it) can also impact on your baby's growth, so cut down or cut out your consumption as much as possible. You will also want to stay away from many over-the-counter medicines, including anything with aspirin. Don't be afraid to check with a pharmacist, even if you don't need a prescription for the medicine.
Exercise – Your body is going through something incredible at the moment, and as you already know, exercise is the most effective way to build your strength and keep yourself healthy. However, pregnancy is not the best time to start a hectic, new exercise routine. If you're not used to training, chat with your doctor before starting any programme (even something as seemingly gentle as yoga). Focus instead on activity rather than exercise; add in an evening walk, take the stairs instead of the lift, and don't let the housework slide. And if anything causes you pain – stop immediately and report it to your doctor. Although it's unlikely, something as small as a twisted ankle could cause complications, and you won't want to risk that!
Rest and Relaxation – Don't ignore the advice to sleep. Pregnancy, especially the later stages, will leave you feeling exhausted. It's your body's natural response to the work it's doing. As much as you should invite activity into your life, you also need a great deal more relaxation. Sleep, sleep, sleep – it's advantageous for you and the baby. A lot of sleep and feelings of fatigue are normal, but if you can barely drag yourself out of bed, then you'll probably want to mention it to your healthcare practitioner. Take a moment or two to relax and even pamper yourself. A long soak in the back can work wonders on your tired back or swollen ankles. There are companies out there who provide pampering products for pregnant women, so seek them out.
Sex – It's perfectly normal to have sex during pregnancy, and for most women, it's also safe and healthy. In fact, orgasm can stimulate blood flow to your uterus, which is beneficial for strengthening both the baby, and the muscles needed for a safe delivery. But, depending on your stage of pregnancy, some positions may not be particularly pleasant. Remember that sex should not be uncomfortable; if you feel any pain or discomfort, stop and report it to your doctor.
Oral Health – When you're pregnant, your body takes the resources it can get from wherever it can get them. And sometimes that means that your oral health may suffer, as calcium and nutrients that are directed to your teeth now travel somewhere else. If you find that your teeth become sensitive during pregnancy, you'll want to consult with a dentist. And of course, you'll want to keep your mouth healthy – the range of anaesthetics available during pregnancy is limited, and the last thing you want is dental surgery without pain killers.
Winter Dangers – There's up to 50% more blood pumping through your body when you're pregnant – and that tends to make you warm. Sometimes that inner heat is enough to convince you that you don't need to bundle up in winter. While skipping an extra layer is a good idea, giving up your winter coat is not. Remember, it's also germ season, and finding yourself pregnant with the flu is never comfortable.
Pets and Animals – There's a reason that you're told to steer clear of your cat's litter box during pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis and the medicines used to treat it are dangerous to a baby – no matter what stage of development. If you've got a litter box that needs cleaning, hand over the reins to someone else – or take sincere precautions when cleaning it. You'll also want to avoid holding onto the leash of larger dogs if you can – your centre of balance may not be where you think it is if they yank on their chain.
More important than any guideline or precaution is that you feel comfortable. Stressing yourself about what is right, and what is unhealthy, is also likely to have an impact on your overall health. If you've got questions, speak to your doctor – or consult the references they've recommended. And yes, you can totally justify a soak in the tub, or a new footstool to put your feet up. The more relaxed you are, the more you'll be able to enjoy your pregnancy – and stay healthy doing it!
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