How To Choose Properly Fitting Maternity Clothes
It is important that any pregnant woman get the necessary prenatal care to keep both herself and the baby healthy. The tips and advice in this article are specifically compiled to help pregnant women maintain optimum health.
Never skip out on one of your doctor appointments or check-ups. Missing even a single one may prevent you from discovering an important health problem or issue. Your appointments are set up at certain points in the pregnancy for a reason. This allows the doctor to monitor the baby during key points in its development. To make sure the both of you are in tip top shape, don’t miss an appointment!
When pregnant, you should eat roughly 300-500 additional calories per day. You are feeding not only yourself now but also your baby. Stick to healthy foods like vegetables and fresh fruits.
Visit the hospital you plan on giving birth in. Meet the staff and take a tour. This helps you become more confident. This is especially beneficial for your partner, as they will be the ones talking to the staff while you give birth.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Make sure you are tested for diseases that are sexually transmitted when you are pregnant. Sexually transmitted diseases when left untreated can cause many serious health problem for both you and your unborn child. Most sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed using a pap smear or urine and blood tests. If you find out that you have an STD, you might have to have a C-section delivery.
Invest in a body pillow to support your growing belly at night. Many stores offer special body pillows specifically designed for the pregnant woman. If you cannot afford or find one, you can try using a normal pillow instead. Use a pillow to support your stomach and another to support your knees.
If you happen to be pregnant, make certain you drink enough fluids if you develop diarrhea from getting an illness, or from eating a certain food. Everyone can get dehydrated when they have diarrhea. Pregnant women can end up in the hospital if they do not stay hydrated when pregnant.
Your prenatal vitamin should contain folic acid in the recommended quantity. Folic acid reduces the chances of certain birth defects and aids in the development of tissue and cells.
Make a point of speaking and singing to your growing baby every day. Studies show a baby can respond to touch at approximately ten gestational weeks. After a few weeks later, you will be happy to note that your child can react to lights and your voice. Talking to the baby helps improve your bond with each other.
Try to alternate periods of sitting with walking or elevating your feet. Your feet and ankles may swell as the day goes on, becoming very uncomfortable. The reason that pregnant women experience swelling while at rest is because of the poor circulation throughout the legs and feet. Extended periods of sitting in a car or at a desk can increase the swelling. There are a few things you can do to fight the swelling, including soaking your feet in icy water, wearing loose socks, sleeping with your body angled to the left, and refraining from sitting with your legs crossed at the ankles.
Before getting pregnant, you should go to a doctor with your partner for a check-up. This will let you know if you need any further testing or find out if you have any hereditary conditions in your family. This also lets you ask questions about potential pregnancy.
If you have not already had one recently, an HIV test is something you should take when you find out you are pregnant. This can ensure your pregnancy stays healthy regardless of the outcome of the test. If a doctor is aware that a woman has HIV, the doctor can help ensure that the infant does not contract the disease. You will also be able to look for physicians who are well-versed when it comes to HIV.
Taking good care of yourself and your baby throughout your pregnancy is crucial to a happy and healthy delivery. As this is such an amazing and life altering event, moms-to-be need all the helpful advice they can get. Take great care of yourself and your baby!