Finding out that you're pregnant with your first baby can be an overwhelming surprise. If this is your first child, then your mind is probably swimming with questions. When should you begin seeing a doctor? How should you announce your pregnancy to others? What changes will be happening with your body? This article discusses pregnancy and the things you should know about it.
Start taking a prenatal vitamin while you are trying to conceive, or as soon as you first find out about that surprise pregnancy. There are special nutrients that are needed by your baby for proper development. The sooner you start taking prenatal vitamins, the better chance your baby has of getting the nutrients he or she needs.
Before you get pregnant you should read a book about being pregnant. This way you will know what to expect during pregnancy. Pregnancy books can also teach you many different things you may not have known about being pregnant. You will learn new things along with terminology about pregnancy.
Exercising in pregnancy is good for mom and baby. The benefits include decreased risk for gestational diabetes, less complaints of constipation and back pain and a quicker recovery from birth for mom. Stop exercising and see your doctor if you have signs, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, fluid leaking, uterine contractions or vaginal bleeding.
Pregnant women want to do everything they can to keep their newborn baby safe. Taking folic acid is very important for a baby's development and should be taken especially during the first trimester. Folic acid ensures proper brain and spinal cord formation. The recommended dose for pregnant women is a thousand micrograms each day.
Learn how to do pelvic tilts and use them as you get into late pregnancy. They are a lifesaver for the back pain that will start as you get further along in your pregnancy. As an extra added benefit, they also help the baby work its way into an optimum birthing position.
Try to avoid some of the chemicals that would be harmful to your body such as paint and toxic supplies around the house. These will end up getting into your bloodstream and could affect the overall health of your baby. Be extra cautious when you are pregnant to protect the child you are carrying.
When planning to become pregnant, see you doctor prior to conception. Once you have seen the doctor and have gotten cleared to conceive, start changing your eating habits to include a healthy variety of foods. Start exercising now! It will help you stay in shape during the pregnancy and lower the risk of miscarriage.
Grab some rubber bands if you want to keep wearing your favorite jeans through your pregnancy. A neat trick is to take a heavy rubber band and put it through the buttonhole in your jeans. Attach both ends of the rubber band to the button and voila, extra space. Wear longer shirts over the jeans to hide the rubber band.
Have an HIV test to make sure your pregnancy will be healthy. If you have HIV, you need to plan with your OB-GYN to prevent your baby from getting it. You may want to consult another doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Keep water and crackers next to your bed to deal with bouts of morning sickness. Or if juice and jello help, keep those! Often eating a small amount before getting up and moving can help with early morning nausea. Even if you do not typically eat immediately after waking, you might find this helpful.
Take a critical eye to the exercises you did before pregnancy to see if it is something it is safe for you to continue. Certain sports are no-brainers to avoid. Stay away from long distance running or running on steep inclines. Avoid things that involve rapid jerky movements like tennis or basketball.
Write a birth plan before your birth. A birth plan will allow you to express your wishes in writing. Sometimes during birth you may not be able to verbalize your wishes, but your birth plan can help you to be sure that they are followed. Your birth plan should be made available to your physician and all hospital staff.
Avoid being around people that are sick. The last thing you want to happen while you are pregnant is getting yourself sick. This can affect the health of your growing baby. It's also harder to treat some illness in pregnant women because of the harm the medications can do to your baby.
Know that every pregnancy has its surprises. Try to take it easy and relax as much as possible. If a surprise does come up, try to work it out between you and your doctor to come up with the best plan. Know that worrying about a surprise will not make it any better.
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.
People, in general, want what is best for you and your baby! In an effort to help you, some well-meaning people may offer you unwelcome advice regarding your pregnancy. You may feel like they are "policing" your moves. Do not be afraid to gently inform them of your obstetrician or midwife's advice regarding any long-standing "no-no's" during pregnancy. Remember, they only want what is best for you and your baby, and may not be up-to-date with the latest suggestions!
Congratulations, because your life is going to change and be filled with great joy and excitement for the rest of your life nine months from now. Get help from those you trust, use the medical advice offered and enjoy your days.