The Pregnancy Journey: What You Need To Know

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Pregnancy is a scary time for many. It is filled with joy and happiness, but it can also be very nerve racking as you are unsure of the future. Then, for the mother, there are changes in hormones and body that may be difficult to navigate. Not to mention the medical choices for parents. This article will give you some tips on how to get through it all.

You may want to change your diet to ensure that you are getting all of the proper nutrients for the baby and yourself. If you’re a poor eater, you need to make some changes. In your new diet, you’ll want to have lots of vegetables, fruits, and lean protein.

During pregnancy, increase your daily calorie intake by roughly 300 to 500 calories. You are helping grow another body so it is important to eat enough. Make sure that you eat healthy though, as you should not be eating junk food.

The Surgeon General warns against drinking while pregnant, so refrain from any type of drinking during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which can be detrimental to your child for the rest of their life.

Pregnant women who are in their final trimester should attempt to sleep on the left side. Sleeping in this position allows the fetus to receive optimal blood supply, while also allowing you to receive the proper blood flow to the uterus and kidneys. Try not to sleep on your back, as it is a bad position when it comes to blood flow.

It is important to see a doctor once you have a pregnancy test that is positive. It is recommended that for the first trimester, you see your practitioner once a month. Typically, most women are seen between 8 and 10 weeks gestation. At this time, blood work is done and your urine is checked for protein and sugar.

It is a good idea to receive a flu shot while pregnant. While pregnant, you can be more likely to contract the flu because your immune system isn’t as strong. This could pose a danger to both you and your baby.

Avoid caffeine when you are pregnant. Caffeine can trigger insomnia, which can keep you from getting enough sleep. If you feel nauseated during the day, consider eating crackers. A balanced, healthy diet is a little difficult to maintain, but it’s important for good sleeping routines and should be adhered to closely.

It is important that you allow your legs to get sufficient circulation when you are pregnant. Getting blood to flow can be difficult when a woman is pregnant and by not moving your legs enough, you can get blood clots, which can be deadly. You could also wear special stockings that help blood flow.

Just take one day at a time! Remember life is full of uncertainties. But, what a delight to have a baby you can call your own! Take heart! You can be successful in spite of all of the changes you have to navigate through. Take a few minutes to really think about the above advice. Apply what will be beneficial to you and your family. Congratulations on your little one!