Pregnancy : Learning About Pregnancy From A To Z

Learning About Pregnancy From A To Z

When you are pregnant or trying to have a baby, there are so many things to learn. Every facet of your life will be impacted by pregnancy. Do not let this new experience overwhelm you or scare you. Read this article and follow the tips below to help reduce your stress and stay healthy while you are pregnant.

If you are a cat owner, find someone else to clean the litter box. Cat feces can contain a parasite that can be dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn child. Get someone else to take care of the litter box until after the baby is born. Your spouse should be happy to take over this chore for the baby's sake. If you aren't married, don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member to clean the litter box for you during your pregnancy.

When you're pregnant, it's important that you continue to get regular exercise. The benefits of exercise during pregnancy are numerous. You are less likely to miscarry. Your labor may be smoother and quicker. Also, you can get back to your pre-pregnancy weight more quickly, since you will still be in the habit of regular exercise.

Speak to your doctor prior to you making travel plans, when pregnant. Just to be on the safe side though, travel with your prenatal medical records.

Wait until after you've eaten to go grocery shopping. It seems that your body is always craving unhealthy options when pregnant. It's okay to have a special treat every once in a while, but for the most part, you should focus on feeding you and your growing baby healthy foods. Eating before you go grocery shopping will make you less likely to purchase snack foods or unnecessary items.

Have yourself checked for venereal diseases when you are pregnant. These types of diseases can increase the chance of miscarriage and cause birth defects if they are not treated. Many STD tests are conducted using urine, blood samples, or a pap smear. If you suffer from one of these conditions, you will have to get a C-section.

A common problem among pregnant women is morning sickness. If you're struggling with morning sickness, you can make some lifestyle changes to help reduce your feelings of sickness. Eating smaller meals, at frequent intervals, can help to prevent the nausea. Drink as much as you can. Take your prenatal supplements with a meal. If a certain food makes you feel yucky, stay away from it. Take a rest as necessary, and try to avoid exhaustion.

Although a human being's skin has a degree of elasticity, it is not illimitable. When the belly grows, it may itch, which is perfectly normal. Avoid hot baths, as they will make the itching worse. Hot water will wipe away the natural oils on your skin and make it more dried out and itchy. Moisturize with a heavy product, like cocoa butter or Vaseline. Wear a loose fitting wardrobe and despite your inclinations, don't scratch!

Be sure to set aside some time just for yourself. When you finally give birth, life will become much more complicated than right now, and you are going to have much less time to pamper yourself. It may be your last chance for some time to do the things that you love, treat yourself to a spa day, or just relax with your friends. It can be good for your health and for your baby's.

When you visit your OB/Gyn when pregnant, you will be given a prenatal vitamin. You should be sure to take these every day. Prenatal vitamins contain all of the nutrients that your growing baby needs to stay healthy at every stage of development.

During the later part of pregnancy, it is best to lie on your left side to sleep. This eases the flow of blood to your baby in your uterus, as well as to your kidneys. Sleeping while on your back is not a good idea because it causes poor circulation.

Get yourself tested for HIV to make sure your pregnancy is healthy. If you come up with a result that is positive, this will let the OB-GYN create a plan to help prevent spreading the disease to the baby. You will also be able to look for physicians who are well-versed when it comes to HIV.

Do not be scared to ask for help with lifting things when you are a pregnant. The stress of heavy lifting may cause strain on your back and could lead to a miscarriage. So, even though you think the weight is manageable to you, you should still have someone lift and carry heavy items for you.

Do not neglect your partner's needs when you are expecting a baby. Most likely, he is nervous about the baby's arrival too, and he probably requires reassurance. Spend time with each other by either taking a walk or by seeing a movie. Enjoy your alone time before your sweet little baby is born.

While pregnant you need good sleep. Creating a consistent bedtime routine will ease your body into relaxing in expectation of bedtime and help sleep come faster. Try shoulder massages, warm showers, or reading short stories before bed.

Pregnant women should invest in a good sports bra. They will provide more support for your breasts, and help to ease some aches and pains. Also, underwear that is tight around the waist should be avoided, as well. If you do, you could not only cause additional discomfort for yourself, but you could also decrease the oxygen supply for your baby.

You don't have to know all information at the same time. Pregnancy does last a few months, after all. Learn as you go, accumulating the necessary information as you need it. The solid advice in the article above is the perfect way to begin to learn everything you need to know. Your pregnancy should be a wonderful and joyous time, so try not to stress out and just enjoy it!