Although certain aspects of pregnancy are beyond your control, there are things you can do to keep you and your unborn baby healthy. Use these tips below to see what you need to control.
You need to buy maternity bras and other clothing as you realize you need them. These clothes are there to make you feel more comfortable leaving the house even in the final months of your pregnancy. Don’t feel embarrassed or self-conscious purchasing the maternity clothes early. If you feel confident, you will give off a positive aura, regardless of what you wear.
As long as you are getting the proper nutrients, you can enjoy your cravings. Your body is craving something for a reason, and you may be in need of whatever it is you have a hankering for. When you are eating for two your body uses up energy and nutrients so much faster than normal so enjoy satisfying those cravings!
Don’t put on too much weight while pregnant. By gaining too much, your health will be jeopardized later because you will struggle to lose all the weight after your pregnancy. As a guideline, a woman of average height should gain no more than 15-30 pounds during the course of her pregnancy.
If you are a cat owner, find a volunteer to take over changing the cat litter. Litter can have chemicals that are harmful to a woman, while she is pregnant. If you have a husband or live-in boyfriend, he can change the litter while you are pregnant. If there is no one else around, see if a friend or relative can help out.
While there are many nutrients you need to increase during pregnancy, you actually need to reduce vitamin A intake during this period. It can cause problems in embryos if taken in larger doses. Avoid foods that have this vitamin, including liver, mozzarella cheese, egg yolks and mangos. You can have a bit of these, but don’t consume them every day.
For women who are constipated when they are pregnant, attempt to consume high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits and whole wheat foods. Constipation is caused by hormones produced by a pregnant woman. Constipation may lead to serious gastrointestinal issues and extreme discomfort.
Consider bringing a doula on board for your birth. Doulas are trained birth coaches. They are able to provide support, assistance and encouragement during labor. They are also able to help your partner provide the type of support you need.
When you are pregnant, it is important that you are tested for STDs. These diseases, if left untreated, can cause serious health issues for both you and the baby. Many tests for sexually transmitted diseases can be done through urine, blood or a pap smear. If you are diagnosed with an STD, you may need to deliver your baby via C-section.
Cat Litter
When you are pregnant, keep your hands out of the cat litter box. Toxoplasmosis is a risk for pregnant women that you can contract from contact with cat litter. Cats host the parasite, and if an infected mother passes it on to her fetus, the consequences may include miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects.
While you are pregnant, you should avoid all foods that contain caffeine. Caffeine can cause sleep deprivation, amongst other negative side effects. Nausea can often be dealt with by keeping crackers with you and nibbling them when you feel nausea starting. Eating a healthy diet can also help you get the restful sleep that you need.
As you read in the tips above, avoid sitting and just letting the pregnancy happen. You can begin to take positive steps to safeguard your health and the health of your baby while you wait for the big day.
