When it comes to pregnancy, one size does not fit all, meaning that what works for one woman won’t work in the same way for you and vice versa. As early as now, it’s essential to understand that a pregnancy journey depends on you and how you choose to take care of yourself and the baby. If you want a safe and healthy journey, there are some things you should take note of and do. Read on and find out how you can do it.
Table of Contents
1. Avoid Secondhand Smoke And Alcohol
When you become pregnant, always ensure that you take precautionary measures, especially around people who smoke or in smoke-filled areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoke, in general, can induce preterm birth, defects of the lip and mouth, and many more. Alcohol, on the other hand, can cause a collection of disabilities called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
2. Ask Your Doctor About Prenatal Vitamins
The most critical development stage is when the baby is still inside of you because that’s when they develop parts of their brain and spinal cord. You have to make sure that you have access to proper vitamins and supplements during the first few months of your pregnancy. For more details, check this and start stocking up on the needed supplements.
Checkups are an excellent way for you to find out if there are deficiencies, defects, or issues that can, overall, ensure excellent health. You can discuss with your doctor the different ways you can address the problem if there are any.
3. Exercise Still
Most pregnant women think that exercises affect the baby negatively. Activities such as yoga, pilates, and walking are highly recommended by physicians because not only does it help your heart and improve circulation, it also improves muscle sores, reduces stress, and boosts your mood.
Remember, before you start doing these activities, always consult first with your doctor to avoid complications in the future.
4. List Down Your Plans When “It’s Time”
When you start having contractions, it might be challenging to instruct the doctor on what you want during the birthing process. As early as the first month of conception, list down what you want to happen when giving birth. You may use the following questions as a guide if you’re having a hard time:
- Who do you want with you when you give birth? (Your husband? Children? Your mother?)
- What is your preferred birthing position?
- What are the procedures that you want to avoid doing?
- Do you wish to have a doula with you?
- Are there pain medications you want onhand?
- What to do when there are complications?
5. Attend Classes
Whether you’re an experienced mother of five or it’s your first baby on the way, attending childbirth class is an investment that benefits you and your baby. With each session, you get the chance to ask more specific questions about your pregnancy while also learning a lot more. If you attend classes with the same people who will assist during childbirth, it becomes more advantageous because you familiarize yourself already with the staff.
6. Switch Up The House Chores
Even with a perfectly healthy pregnancy, it’s still not safe for you to engage in chores that are tiring and strenuous. If you would gladly clean up the bathroom pre-pregnancy, now is not the time to volunteer to do it because it can cause contractions. Take note of the following chores that you should avoid while being pregnant:
- Taking care of, or handling the cat (cats are known carriers of Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by a parasite that can be passed from the mother to fetus).
- Lifting heavy items like water jugs, baskets full of clothes, furniture, etc.
- Using chemicals to clean the house, such as disinfectants, air spray, or bleach.
- Climbing on ladders or stools (this can cause stress on the pelvic area, especially when you try to balance yourself).
7. Talk To Your Doctor About The Meds You Take
Even a simple ibuprofen tablet for pain can be a cause of miscarriage and pregnancy problems. Talking to your pediatrician is a necessary action when it comes to the medicines you take and use. Remember that you should thoroughly discuss every detail with your physician. Even the natural remedies that you do or the detox juices you drink are an essential matter. Leave no information untold.
8. Always Check Your Weight
Although some women use their pregnancies as a way not to become weight-conscious, tracking your weight is also essential. You might not be gaining enough for the baby to grow properly, or you might be gaining too much and become obese, which puts both of your lives in danger. Here’s the recommended weight gain based on your pre-pregnancy weight:
- If you are underweight: gain 28 to 40 pounds during your pregnancy
- If you have average weight: gain 25 to 35 pounds during your pregnancy
- If you are overweight: gain 15 to 25 pounds during your pregnancy
- If you are obese: gain 11 to 20 pounds during your pregnancy
9. Invest In Excellent Shoes
Being pregnant means that you’re doing stuff for two people now, and that also means carrying another person with you wherever you go. One of the biggest complaints in pregnancy is swollen and hurting feet because your center of gravity gets thrown off by the weight gain. In turn, it exerts extra pressure on your feet. Invest in soft, non-restricting shoes that can help you walk for a longer time than usual. In addition, if you are looking to shop some good burp cloths for your baby you can check it out here shopping for baby clothes.
10. Increase Your Water Intake
As cliche as it sounds, now is the perfect time to practice proper hydration. Make sure that you drink at least eight glasses of water daily, because now that you have a living person growing inside of you, your body is also doing the extra work to keep the both of you well-sustained. Water is the perfect source of oxygen while also being a great way to carry and flush toxins. It also prevents UTI, hemorrhoids, dehydration, and many more.
Conclusion
When you become pregnant, everything automatically becomes for the good of you and your baby. Whenever you make decisions, always remember that your baby should always be a part of the plan. Motherhood is not a comfortable journey, but you can make it worthwhile and beneficial for your baby by following this article’s advice.
