Preparing for a new baby and dealing with the physical and emotional changes wrought by pregnancy can be challenging, even for women who are already mothers. However, as time goes on, the amount of good advice that is available increases. The common sense advice in the article below may be just what you need to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Use a cold-water bath for swollen feet. One highly common symptom of pregnancy is swollen feet and ankles, especially in the heat. A cold water bath can reduce the blood flow to your feet, which in turn will reduce the inflammation. It also cools you down and gives you an excuse to be off your feet for a few minutes.
You need to establish a sleeping routine when you are pregnant to get the best sleep possible. It will be easier for you to drift off to sleep, if you instill some bedtime rituals such as reading a few pages of a book and/or having a cup of warm milk or chamomile tea. Try soothing rituals such as a warm shower, reading a short story, or having a shoulder massage.
Stay away from Vitamin A. Vitamin A can cause severe damage to the embryo. Avoid eggs, mangos and carrots, as these foods contain a lot of the vitamin. You can enjoy these foods occasionally, but not every day.
Keep a journal while you are pregnant. This will be something fun to look over when your child is grown, and it is also a great way to keep track of what is going on. If you are writing everything down, you will be able to notice quickly when any big changes occur.
Make sure you know all of the signs of premature labor. Research as much as possible, so you know when it's time to contact your doctor.
During your pregnancy it is important to get a full nights rest. Stress can be a major cause of not being able to sleep. If you are feeling stressed, find someone that you can talk to about the problems that you are having. Pregnancy can be a stressful thing and you should always talk about the things that are causing you stress.
Try babysitting a friend's baby to get more comfortable with caring for a newborn. Having some hands on experience will help you feel more comfortable with the impending birth of your new baby. Don't take off more than you can chew though as you get farther along in your pregnancy.
Stretch your legs back and forth if you want to reduce cramps at night. Leg cramps are common. A few simple stretches, completed just before bedtime, can help the muscles to relax and might even lead to a peaceful eight hours of rest.
Read other peoples birth stories. This will let you see what it is really like, and you will be able to gain some inside tips that will help. People may write about what not to do, and you will benefit learning from their mistakes. You may also learn some positive things to do that you haven't thought of.
When you are pregnant, it is best to avoid or limit your caffeine intake. You can still have one cup of coffee in the morning, but no more than that. Try drinking decaff or half-caff if you can. Any caffeine that you drink will go straight to your baby and may have negative effects.
You want to make sure you have the infant car seat all ready to go before you give birth. They can be very complicated to set up, and you want to have the time to make sure it is right. There are many police stations you can go to that will check your car seat for you, and many hospitals that won't allow you to leave without it.
Don't drink alcohol while pregnant. Drinking any alcohol at all during pregnancy increases the risk of several birth defects and puts the baby at risk for fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause mental retardation, loss of motor skills, and other problems. Consider drinking milk or tea instead if you are used to having a drink with dinner.
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.
Signing up early for your childbirth class can prevent the disappointment of not getting the dates and times that you want. While the birth of your baby may seem a long way away, it is never too early to find the classes you want and make your reservation with the providers.
If you are thinking about having a child, see a doctor as soon as you can. It is important to talk to your doctor before attempting to conceive, so that you can make sure that you are able to have a healthy pregnancy. If you are asked to make changes or take new steps, take action now.
Before you get pregnant make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations. The most important diseases to be vaccinated for are Rubella and Varicella. These childhood diseases can be harmful to your fetus. Even if you think you were vaccinated but are not sure, it is better to be safe than sorry.
There is an incredible amount of information about pregnancy, beginning at conception all the way to delivery. It may be fun, and quite illuminating, to look at a few books on the topic of pregnancy. Learn about the stages of pregnancy and also figure out what complications to keep an eye out for. Doing so will give you an edge in having the healthy and happy pregnancy you desire.
Your pregnancy should mainly be a joyous experience. Try these suggestions out to see if they work for you, and above all, enjoy your pregnancy!
