The emotional and physical changes brought on by pregnancy can pose a challenge for women, whether they are first time mothers, or already have other children. There are many wives tales that are still around, but luckily there is also sound advice to help you deal with the unique situations that pregnancy can bring. Start by reading this article to find out about ways to create a smoother experience during your pregnancy.
For a better night’s sleep while pregnant, remember that your bladder capacity will be less. Drink plenty of water early in the day, but cut back later in the day and before bedtime. This will keep you from waking yourself up to use the bathroom.
While pregnant you need good sleep. Your body will be more aware of it being sleep time if you have a regular routine each night. Try soothing rituals such as a warm shower, reading a short story, or having a shoulder massage.
If the majority of your meals are healthy, there is nothing wrong with giving in to cravings. The body craves what it needs, and it just may be trying to tell you something. Eat it in a small portion and enjoy.
Women in the seventh month of pregnancy or later should sleep on their left side. This position give your baby the best supply of blood, and increases circulation to your uterus and kidneys. Don’t sleep on your back, as this position is not good for blood flow.
Leg cramps are common in late pregnancy. Be sure that you’re stretching your legs before climbing into bed so that you won’t have to deal with them. Also, be sure to stay well hydrated and eat bananas for the potassium they contain. Both these tips will help avoid leg cramps.
It is important to stay hydrated if you become ill or get diarrhea when pregnant. While diarrhea causes dehydration in everyone, it’s more serious for someone who is pregnant, as you could end up being hospitalized needing an IV drip.
If you experience an increased volume of vaginal discharge during pregnancy, you are advised to consult with your doctor. This may be an indication that you have an infection, which is not all that uncommon for a pregnant woman. If this goes untreated, serious causes for health concern may arise for both the mother as well as the baby.
Talk to friends with newborns to learn more. The more you can learn from them, the better off you’ll be.
Buy a prenatal vitamin with the appropriate amount of folic acid. This vitamin is good at keeping birth defects, like spina bifida, at bay. It also makes tissue and cell development a lot more healthy as well.
Just because people want to serve you food, it does not mean that you have to accept their offer. You need more calories during pregnancy, but not too many. You have the right to make healthy food choices.
Take a few minutes to actually write down a birth plan. Be sure to include your expectations of others while you are in labor. You should include your birth plan as well as your insurance card and a camera in an overnight bag.
Follow a set schedule in the evening. A routine can help ease your body into anticipating sleep and help you sleep better. Spend calm evening and find things that relax you before you go to bed. If you need some help getting tired, take a hot shower and enjoy a cup of decaffeinated tea.
It’s important to get adequate rest while you’re pregnant. Getting enough sleep helps your baby’s development as well as helping you recharge. To help you get the most restful sleep, maintain your bedroom at comfortable temperature.
Go to a class about childbirth, especially if you haven’t been pregnant before. Regardless of if you are delivering normally or by C-section, these classes are a useful source of information about the childbirth process. Most childbirth classes also allow you to tour the hospital’s maternity wing, which will make you more comfortable when the big day comes.
The popular acne treatment salicylic acid should not be used during pregnancy. Though salicylic acid is an effective way to clean and tone your skin, it is also dangerous to your developing baby. Use a mild facial cleanser to keep your skin acne-free during pregnancy.
Be sure you look closely at your iron intake when you find out you’re pregnant. If you are deficient in iron, you will tend to be tired during pregnancy, and your baby may weigh less than optimal at birth. Eating iron-rich foods as well as taking prenatal vitamins can help to ensure that you get the proper amount of iron throughout your pregnancy.
Pregnancy should be a time of joyous expectation. Resolve to put the information provided in this article to good use.