The constraints of pregnancy may be intimidating, but thankfully with a bit of knowledge you can get through it with a little know-how. Educating yourself is a very important part of being pregnant and there are many resources to help you do that, beginning with the following article.
Make sure your diet reflects the right nutrients and vitamins for your baby and you. Fast food, caffeinated colas and sugary snacks are not appropriate staples during your pregnancy. Add healthy foods to your diet such as vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins right away.
Figure out what the signs are for premature labor and the things to look for when you’ll need to contact a doctor. You will, hopefully, not ever use this information. But having this knowledge can help you stay calm should something out of the ordinary occur. It is important that you know exactly what to do in the event this happens.
If you feel impatient and have passed your due date, walk a bit. Walking is healthy and will gently move the baby lower into your uterus. Take your partner with you. Steer clear of riskier methods, like contact exercise.
If your feet swell up during pregnancy, discuss it with your physician. While this may just be a normal side effect of pregnancy, it’s a possible symptom of preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure in pregnant women. Your baby’s health depends on prompt treatment of this condition.
Stop cleaning the cat litter box if you happen to be pregnant. Cat feces can contain Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan that can cause toxoplasmosis. Cats may have this parasite and the infection may be passed on to the fetus, resulting in miscarriages or birth abnormalities.
Your legs may cramp during your last trimester. Be sure that you’re stretching your legs before climbing into bed so that you won’t have to deal with them. Staying properly hydrated and getting enough potassium in your diet will also help.
Use a food diary for tracking what you eat. This allows you to know that you’re eating the nutrients you need. It will also come in handy at doctor appointments.
Do not consume alcohol at all when pregnant. Drinking while pregnant will cause the alcohol to pass through the placenta, affecting the unborn fetus. It’s important for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy to refrain from drinking alcohol. Consuming alcohol while pregnant can lead to both physical and mental birth defects and can raise the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Take extra care of yourself while you’re pregnant, and you’ll find that it will help you through the pregnancy and beyond. Using the practical ideas in the article above will help you face this responsibility with the knowledge you need to have a healthy and happy pregnancy.