Whether you are expecting your first child, or are adding to your family, each and every pregnancy is different. Your mood swings may be more severe the first time around, or perhaps you have some seriously odd cravings. Not to mention, struggling to find a comfortable sleeping position and look after your body and mind before baby arrives. So, if you are looking to stay happy and healthy during pregnancy, and are feeling slightly overwhelmed, then worry not. These top tips will ensure that you look after both your body and baby so that you are both in the best possible health in time for the birth and first few weeks of motherhood.
It is vital that you make regular appointments at your local clinic or health center and do not delay in visiting the doctor if you feel that something is not quite right. Remember, it is better to visit your local doctor or nurse just to be on the safe side. Many women suffer from acute morning sickness or reflux, so if these are just some of your symptoms, then you are not alone. Mild dizziness, morning sickness, headaches, and constipation are common during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, if you experience changes in your vision or begin to suffer from abdominal pain, develop a fever or infection, then book in urgently to see your doctor. You should also schedule regular prenatal appointments every four weeks. During your consultation, you should discuss any medication or supplements that you are taking, as these could be aggravating your symptoms rather than providing relief. You may also want to talk through any concerns that you have, such as if you are gaining weight too quickly, or worry that you are not putting on enough weight. If the doctor prescribes you any medication then why not use online pharmacies to help keep the costs down. Once you have taken this first step, you can begin to enjoy your pregnancy.
Diet and exercise
Now that you are pregnant your body will begin to take nutrients from your own diet to your baby. As a result, you need to consume more calories, vitamins, and minerals, in particular, those that will benefit your baby and allow for it to develop and grow. Try to up the amount of protein that you eat and keep your diet full of whole grains, fruits, and low-fat dairy. During your regular health checks, you may also want to discuss how you can get adequate iron, calcium, vitamin D, and folate in your diet, in addition to calculating the optimal amount of calories for you to consume each day. If you are a keen gym bunny, then you can still enjoy working out – exercise can help to relieve stress, keep you strong during your first trimester and also improve your sleep. You can try out different exercises to suit you – from walking to swimming or even Yoga and Pilates, try not to overdo it if you are new to working out. However, it is worth being aware that changes in your blood pressure and blood sugar levels could make you feel dizzy or tired. Talk to your doctor or health practitioner before beginning any exercise program.
Look after yourself
Now that you are pregnant it is even more critical that you listen to your body and look after yourself. Do not smoke and cut out alcohol. Remember that your moods are likely to change and you may get very cranky or emotional for no reason! Your family and partner will have to learn to support and take extra care of you during this magical time. During your pregnancy, now is the perfect time to sit down and educate yourself about what to expect during the birth. You may want to consider attending antenatal classes or pregnancy yoga to help get your body ready and improve your flexibility. Take time to draw yourself up a birth plan, and explore different options that you think will work best for you and your baby. You should also brush up on your family’s medical history, and do schedule an extra appointment with the doctor if this includes serious illness or birth defects.
Rest up
As your pregnancy progresses, it is even more vital for you to slow down and rest up, ready in time for the arrival of the baby. Try sleeping on your side with your legs bent up into a comfortable position. As you progress through your pregnancy, remember that tender breasts and a growing stomach will soon make it much harder to sleep on your stomach. As you progress through your pregnancy, you will also need to avoid sleeping flat on your back as well, as this position means that the weight of your uterus could press on your spine and blood vessels, restricting the flow of blood to your body and your baby. If you are finding it hard to drop off or are having trouble slowing down and sleeping, then try listening to some relaxing music, ask your partner to give you a massage and explore different relaxation techniques so that you can unwind and prepare for the birth. It is important that you catch up on your sleep now, as you will soon be struggling to get a decent amount of shuteye once your baby arrives.
If you are expecting your first child, or are soon about to welcome your second or third into the world, then you need to make sure that you remain in the best possible shape during your pregnancy. Make sure that you book regular appointments with your doctor, and schedule in to see your nurse for prenatal check-ups. Try to pay more attention to your diet and ensure that you also increase your exercise levels, to reduce stress and get you in the best shape ready for the birth. Take care of yourself and look after your body. Finally, rest up and relax, try sleeping in a variety of positions until you find what is comfortable for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment