Pregnancy Tips and Advice

THE INFORMED MOMMY PREGNANCY TIPS

 

If you haven’t already discovered, there is a wealth of resources for pregnancy tips available through The Informed Mommy, friends and family, in books, and on the Internet. It can be overwhelming to say the least. How do you know what’s best for you and your child? Fortunately, we have compiled a list of some of the most important things you should know to have a successful pregnancy.

Remember, your pregnancy is unique to you and your baby. Don’t ever take advice from others that don’t align with you and your core values. You should consult your healthcare professional if you have questions or concerns at any time during your pregnancy. To find a healthcare professional to assist you throughout your pregnancy and birth, you will want to take your time and do your due diligence to ensure you find the right person for you. You have several options, from doctors to midwives. You could decide on a home birth or to give birth in a hospital. There isn’t any right or wrong answer to any of these situations. What is best for you and your baby is solely up to you.

Here are our top pregnancy tips for giving your infant a great start in life:

GET FREQUENT PRENATAL CARE

The first of our pregnancy tips is to make an appointment with your chosen medical professional as soon as you suspect you might be pregnant. Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll need to see this person quite frequently. Do not miss any of these appointments, as they are all crucial.

Obtain all medical tests that are prescribed to you. Many problems can be avoided or cured if they are treated early. These tests aid your medical professionals to ensure you and the baby are healthy at all stages. Should you have questions, be sure to ask. After all, this is your body and your baby.

It is critical for both your and your baby’s health that you:

  • Maintain physical activity.
  • Consume a nutritious diet and acquire adequate folic acid.
  • Don’t consume alcohol or smoke.

MAINTAIN A NUTRITIOUS DIET

Next up in our pregnancy tips is your diet. While it’s fine to indulge in your cravings occasionally during pregnancy, keep in mind that you usually only require an extra 300 calories each day.

Certain nutrients, such as iodine, calcium, folic acid, iron, and protein, are required in more significant quantities during pregnancy.

You want to make appropriate eating choices that contribute to the health of you and your baby. As another pregnancy tip, take your time to discover nutrient-dense foods and speak with your medical professional about what foods you should incorporate into your diet.

PRENATAL VITAMINS SHOULD BE TAKEN

A nutritious diet is the most effective way to obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals. However, critical nutrients may be depleted during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins can assist in covering any gaps if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive.

Talk to your medical professional about which prenatal vitamins are best for you and your baby. Understanding how much calcium and folic acid you’ll need is essential. Prenatal vitamins guarantee that your baby gets essential nutrients and vitamins such as DHA, calcium, iron, and folic acid. These vitamins are essential for brain development, eyesight, and bones.

REGULAR EXERCISE IS ESSENTIAL

Pregnancy may appear to be the ideal time to kick back and relax. Your back may suffer from the additional weight, and you’re probably more tired than normal.

Sitting around won’t help. Unless you’re facing complications, you should be up and moving. In fact, if you haven’t exercised in a while, pregnancy can be a terrific time to start.

Regular daily exercise boosts your chances of having a vaginal delivery. It can also help you handle common pregnancy discomforts. Postpartum healing can also benefit from exercise.  You should always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY

You will most likely feel exhausted during the first and third trimesters. This is your body’s way of asking you to rest. However, ensuring you get enough vitamins and minerals that your body needs through your diet and supplements is also essential. If you are exhausted, don’t push yourself. While exercise is essential, getting the rest you need is just as important.

Resting during these two trimesters can be difficult as you might have morning sickness. Or as your belly grows it is hard to find a position that you are comfortable in. A good pregnancy pillow might help in this situation.

CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL SHOULD BE AVOIDED

It is critical to take good care of your body while pregnant. Throughout your pregnancy, we urge that you avoid nonprescription medicines, restrict your caffeine intake and avoid alcohol. Too much alcohol can harm your baby’s spinal development and brain while too much coffee has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, and nonprescription medications can cause behavioral problems or birth defects.

SEE YOUR DENTIST

Even if you merely suspect you are pregnant, notify your dentist. When you book your appointment, let them know how far along you are. Inform your dentist about any drugs you are taking and any particular instructions from your doctor. If your pregnancy is high-risk or you have specific medical issues, your dentist and doctor may advise you to postpone some treatments.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can raise your risk of gingivitis. Bleeding, sensitive, or swollen gums are caused by increased progesterone and estrogen levels interacting with the bacteria in plaque.

USE SUNSCREEN

Because pregnancy might increase your skin’s sensitivity, it’s critical to wear sunscreen to protect yourself from UV damage. However, you should be more aware of the substances in the sunscreens you use.

Specifically, you should avoid the chemical oxybenzone. According to animal studies, it may cause alterations in the mammary glands.

Instead, zinc oxide-containing sunscreens may be a healthier choice for both you and your baby. Zinc oxide is a safer alternative to typical sunscreen ingredients because it scatters the sun’s rays, preventing UV radiation from penetrating and injuring the skin.

When pregnant, your skin is more vulnerable to sunburn and chloasma (dark, blotchy areas on the face), so use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and avoid tanning beds.

KNOW WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

Do you know when and if you should call your doctor? When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to consult your practitioner – yet there are a few signs that definitely demand a visit. These are:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Baby’s decreased activity
  • Dizziness or Fainting
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Constant cramping
  • Any form of pain
  • Contractions that are 20 minutes or less apart
  • Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage

We hope these pregnancy tips help you to understand what to avoid and do while pregnant.