PREGNANCY GUIDE AND TIPS

Pregnancy Guide and Tips

• If you are a smoker, you should now stop smoking.

• Decide with your husband when you want to break the good news to everyone. You need to be united on this.

• Talk through all the symptoms of early pregnancy with your husband so he knows what to expect. It will help him to be more understanding.
• Prefer an assortment of foods from every of the different food sets to make certain you’re receiving a superior balance diet for your baby.

• Inquire your health and fitness care professional regarding supplements if you are concerned you are not receiving what your infant needs from an exacting food group.
• Your health care professional will also advise to get folic acid, if you are not by now having it, for at least the primary 12 weeks subsequent to conception.

• Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day.

• Include extra drinks and liquids in your diet for instance

1. low-fat milk
2. fresh fruit juices
3. healthy soups

• Use improved vegetable oils in your cooking for example:

1. canola
2. olive
3. sunflower oil

• Reduce caffeine intake.

• Avoid alcohol completely.

• Have a dry biscuit before getting up if morning sickness is a problem. Ginger or lemon can also be effective.

• Make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss your pregnancy. Though it’s still early, talk about where you will have your baby.

• Make an appointment for a dental check-up. Your gums are more susceptible to problems at this time.

• Remind your husband to book time off work to come with you to your scan. Seeing your baby on screen will make it more real for him.

• Don’t take any medicine or drugs without asking your doctor first. But if you get a headache or a bad cold, it is fine to take paracetamol in moderation.

• If you normally wear high heels, its time to swap them for lower ones to prevent backache.

• If you can swim, fit a couple of swimming sessions into your weekly schedule. It’s an excellent way of keeping fit and supple as you grow bigger.

• You may start experiencing heartburn. A burning sensation in the lower part of the chest and possibly brings up small amounts of acid. Ask your doctor to give you an antacid remedy and prop yourself up in bed at night.

• When choosing your maternity clothes, looks for classic styles that don’t date. You may go through all this again. You will find that some designs are suitable both for pregnancy and for breast-feeding afterwards.

• Start shopping for the baby before you feel too tired. Most department stores will let you place an order now and deliver nearer your due date.

• Think about getting a haircut. A style that’s easy to care for is the best.

• Avoid going to the supermarket alone because pushing a trolley, bending over and lifting heavy bags will not do your back any good at this stage.

• Try to avoid the classic pregnant woman posture that is back arched and bump sticking out. It puts extra strain on your back. Instead, try to tilt your pelvis forwards and keep your shoulders relaxed, back and down.

• Don’t be embarrassed to ask for a seat on the bus. You may feel faint if you stand for too long.

• Put your feet up and take it easy whenever you are given the chance. This is not the time to rush around shops in your lunch hour.

• You may feel hotter than other people. Avoid synthetic fabrics and wear loose-fitting clothes.

• Use pillows as supports to help you sleep more comfortably. Lying on your side with one under your top knee and another under the bump should help.

• If you get cramp, ask your husband to pull your toes up towards your ankle, or to rub the sore muscle firmly.

• Visit the maternity lingerie department to be fitted for a feeding bra. Try several designs to find the style that’s most comfortable for you.

• In 36th week you will need to visit the clinic once a week from now on. Don’t hesitate to discuss any worries with your doctor even if they seem trivial.

• Pack your hospital bag. As 36th week is a good time to do it. Don’t forget your favorite cologne or bath gel.

• Keep the car filled with petrol and your partner ready for the drive to the hospital. Or arrange to have a friend or relative take you there if neither of you drive.

• Make sure that you and your husband know how to fit your babys car seat correctly because soon the three of you will be driving home together.