Being pregnant is one of the most wonderful things in the world. It’s a wild journey with many ups and downs. When you’re pregnant, you want to know about everything that goes along with it.
From getting pregnant to pregnancy care and postpartum recovery, you’d be surprised at all there is to know! Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We know that nine months is a long time to wait for your new arrival. In the meantime, why not learn more about what’s in store.
Getting Pregnant
For some women, getting pregnant is easy. But, for many others, fertility is a struggle. The Centers for Disease Control report that about 12% of women up to age 44 have trouble getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term. Knowing you’re not alone can help ease some of the stress that goes along with infertility.
When you’re trying to get pregnant, keeping track of your ovulation is key. This will let you know when your best chance of getting pregnant is each month. Some women visit their doctor to help sort this out.
If you think you are pregnant, the first step is to buy a pregnancy test. While many test results are cut and dry, there are other times when you could get an invalid pregnancy test. If this is the case, you’ll want to re-do the test and possibly call your doctor.
Many women also look for common pregnancy symptoms if they believe they’re expecting. But, it’s best to get confirmation from your doctor to make sure because these may be signs of something else going on in your body.
Being Pregnant
Once your pregnancy is confirmed, your nine-month journey is underway! If you haven’t already, you’ll want to book your first appointment with the obstetrician. During your first prenatal visit, you’ll find out your due date and may even get to hear the baby’s heartbeat. It’s an emotional time for sure!
Everyday Pregnancy Care & Safety
Women know that from the moment they find out they’re pregnant, they’re automatically doing everything for two. This is why taking care of yourself while pregnant and being safe is so important.
Nutrition is a big part of being pregnant. Taking prenatal vitamins is key as well as eating a balanced diet. When women are pregnant, they often have lots of questions about what they can and can’t eat. This includes those pregnancy cravingsyou’ve heard so much about. Here are just a few common food concerns:
- Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe for Pregnancy?
- Can You Eat Cheesecake When Pregnant?
- Can Cinnamon Cause a Miscarriage During Pregnancy?
- Can You Eat Hot Cheetos While Pregnant?
- Can You Eat Chicken Salad While Pregnant?
- Can Pregnant Women Eat Salami?
- 13 Starbucks Drinks Safe for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy Safety
When you’re pregnant, your safety and the safety of your unborn baby are most important. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Take a look at the medications you’re taking and always ask questions about any over-the-counter medicines or remedies before taking them.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Avoid hot tubs.
- Stay away from drugs, alcohol, and nicotine.
- Avoid too much caffeine.
As always, if you have any questions about the food you should or should not be eating or any activities, be sure to ask your doctor.
Pregnancy Exercise
Being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t exercise for nine months. As long as your doctor approves, you can stay active…in fact, it’s often encouraged. Being active during pregnancy can help your body prepare for labor and delivery
Walking and doing moderate exercise can also help if you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Always check with your doctor first before starting exercise (yoga included) when pregnant.
Pregnancy Sleep
When you’re pregnant, you’re going to need more sleep than before. You’re growing another human inside of you. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep per night. There will be days that you feel like you need a nap too. Get all of the sleep you can now because once the baby comes, sleep will be hard to come by.
Many doctors will tell you to avoid sleeping on your back because it will put the weight of your uterus on your spine and back muscles. During the later stages of pregnancy, sleeping on your back can also decrease the blood flow to your baby. Sleeping on your left side is often recommended because it maximizes blood flow to the uterus.
Pregnancy Skin Care
Pregnant women often notice a change in their skin. This is due to hormone fluctuations. Some women experience oilier skin than usual, while others have dry skin.
Another big issue is stretch marks. Stretch marks can show up on your stomach, legs, hips, or bottom. It’s hard to avoid them, but you can try to by keeping your skin hydrated. Drink plenty of water and use moisturizers to help minimize them.
Pregnancy-Safe Products
When you’re pregnant, you may think about changing the products that you use. From deodorants to even self-tanners, many women are more conscious of what they’re putting on their bodies.
If you’re ever unsure about whether a product is safe to use while pregnant, you can always ask your doctor.
Giving Birth & Postpartum Recovery
When the big day arrives, you’re going to be a mix of excitement and nerves. Whether you’re being induced or go into labor naturally, to say this is a busy time is the understatement of the year. This is why you want to make sure you have your hospital bag packed ahead of time so that you’re ready to go when the moment is here.
Once the baby is here, you’ll be busy taking care of your child, but you’ll also realize postpartum care is important for you. This means taking care of yourself and getting the right supplies you need, including new underwear! Some women even opt for belly wraps. It’s all up to you. You’ll also want to invest in nursing tanks if you’re breastfeeding. Also, be sure to take time for yourself. Taking a walk alone or meeting a friend for lunch will help to deal with the stress that comes along with motherhood.
While there is a lot to know and do during pregnancy, try to enjoy the experience and make the most out of it. You’ll be surprised at how fast those nine months really do go by!