Congrats, you’re going to be a mama! The first pregnancy is always the scariest for women. Their body changes and life is now growing inside. Listed below are a few tips to make your pregnancy easier and keep you and your unborn baby healthy.
Get Rid of Bad Habits
Smoking and drinking are bad for you. However, now you have a new reason to quit: you have a developing baby inside of you. Everything you put into your body affects them too. Even second-hand smoke can cause problems for the fetus. Luckily, most indoor environments are now smoke-free zones. If you need help, reach out to your partner or family friend. If that is ineffective, talk to your doctor. Certain types of remedies may be harmful to your unborn child.
Advancements in Technology
Pregnant women can now use a baby heartbeat monitor to check on the baby between visits to their doctor to offer peace of mind. Other gadgets let you share your favorite tunes, reduce the pain of contractions, and reduce nausea that comes with morning sickness. Some of these handy devices will allow you to build a strong bond with your unborn child.
A Healthy Diet
Now more than ever before, eating healthy is important. It will encourage strong baby growth and development. Good foods like fruits and vegetables loaded with a natural form of essential vitamins and minerals, protein, whole grains, and dairy are critical. Eating a diverse group of foods every day will make it easier to be sure that you receive the proper amount of these nutrients from day to day. Along with healthy eating habits, prenatal vitamins will fill in the gaps and ensure proper nutritional intake. This will also help you to avoid illness.
Getting Exercise
As the months progress your belly will begin to protrude further out and it may become difficult to get up and down easily. This is exactly the reason you need to keep your body in motion from the first month of pregnancy. Aside from keeping your body strong and toned and making delivery easier, exercise can reduce backaches, improve digestion and posture, and keep you upbeat. There are many studios that have classes specific to pregnant women.
Know What to Expect
Childbirth classes can be very educational. They will also reduce the fears many new moms face once they go into labor. The first time isn’t easy, mainly because you don’t know what to expect. By you and your spouse taking these classes, you’ll know the process, when the contractions are close enough to head off to the hospital and the proper way to breathe during delivery. Additionally, the classes will also teach you the basics of handling your infant for the first few months including how to hold, nurse, bathe, and burp as well as any problems that may develop.
Pick a Good Hospital
Choosing the right hospital for your baby’s delivery is one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. The quality of care, the expertise of the medical team, and the availability of essential equipment and facilities can all have a significant impact on your health and well-being as well as your baby’s. Unfortunately, medical negligence can occur in any hospital, resulting in devastating consequences like stillbirth. Cases of parents seeking legal advice for their birth injury claims are a dime a dozen, and in most cases, the causes can be traced back to the fact that they did not choose the right medical facility for the birthing process. Therefore, by picking a good hospital, you would reduce the risk of medical negligence, and ensure a safe and healthy birth of your child.
Keep Your Pelvic Muscles Strong
Having an easy delivery is important to every soon-to-be mom. Kegel exercises will allow you to achieve strong muscles in the pelvic area. Performing these exercises will lift and support your bowels, bladder, and uterus. It can also prevent urinary leaks and even a prolapse in the future. The best part, you can do them anywhere, at any time without anyone ever noticing.
Selective Duties
You may be a strong person who performs every task in the household from taking out the garbage to changing the cat box. However, at this moment in time, it isn’t just about you. Heavy objects and steep climbs can cause you to have a miscarriage. Exposure to toxins can harm your baby during development. Make sure to perform only light duties, wear gloves, and wash your hands often.
Having a baby is an exciting time for parents. Thankfully, there are many ways to ensure that you protect your and your baby’s health throughout the pregnancy.
Guide created by Natera, who provide ctdna testing