When it
comes to pregnancy, there are so many things going on. On one hand you and your
partner are so excited you can barely contain yourselves. While on the other
hand there are so many things that need to be considered, especially during the
first trimester, that need to be taken into consideration.
Granted
did you know that there are a few simple things that you can do to make sure
your pregnancy is as safe as possible? If you follow at least some of these
little tips throughout the nine
months of your pregnancy,
chances are your baby will be as healthy as possible.
1. Stay Healthy.
If you
are thinking about getting pregnant, or if you already are, chances are you
already know the basic pregnancy advice. Most of your doctors will make sure
that you know the big no- no's in pregnancy. You should not be smoking or put
yourself in a situation where you are around second-hand smoke and no drinking
are the biggest ones.
2. Take your Prenatal Vitamins.
Even if
you are at the beginning of the conceiving process, it is not a bad idea to go
ahead and start taking prenatals. This is because the neural cord, which ends
up being your babies spinal cord and brain, will develop within the first 4-6
weeks of pregnancy. So things like folic acid, iron, calcium, and several other
essential nutrients are very important to put into your body on a daily basis.
3. Exercise.
Being
active in general is very important for your health. It can reduce your stress
levels, help you control your weight, boost your mood, improve circulation in
your limbs, and help you sleep better. When you are pregnant taking an exercise
class that is modified specifically for pregnant women or even just going on a simple
20 minute walk can help keep your body running like a well oiled machine.
Things
like swimming, pilates, and yoga are some other really good activities that
pregnant women can do. Before doing any of these though, you need to make sure
it is completely ok with your doctor first.
4. Make a birth plan.
Are you
depending on an epidural? Or dead set on having a doula? One of the best things
you can do to make sure most, if not all, of your wishes, are met is to make a
birth plan and make sure that it includes everything from how you want to give
birth to who exactly you want in the delivery room.
Your
birth plan should also include things like the positions you think you would be
most comfortable in for labor and delivery, procedures you would like to avoid
if you want music or not, and even who you want to be the first to meet your
new baby. For more information click here.
5. Get Educated.
It
doesn't matter if this is your first baby or your tenth, a birthing class will
help you feel as prepared as possible for your big day. You will not only have
a chance to learn all there is about childbirth and infant care, but you will
be able to ask very specific questions about any concerns you may have.
6. Practice Kegels.
To
strengthen your pelvic floor muscles are as strong as needed to help you during
delivery, kegel exercises are the way to go. The best part about Kegels is that
no one can even tell if you are doing them or not. This means you can do them
in the car, at your desk at work, or even while standing in line at the grocery
store.
