Pregnancy 101: Everything You Need To Know

By Hanson Brightley


You may be pregnant, or just thinking about the possibility, but the following advice will be helpful. No two women have the exact same experience. Therefore, it is wise to gain as much information as possible.

When you are pregnant, it is perfectly acceptable to vent a little. Being pregnant is difficult, especially during the third trimester. Just because you're having a hard time and feel like venting isn't something that means you're not grateful that you're about to have a child.

To minimize your potential discomfort while nursing, prepare your nipples well ahead of the initial feeding frenzy. Use lanolin cream to soften by gently massaging it with your finger tips or a washcloth. Little things like this will save you discomfort later.

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't exercise. You will need to adjust the intensity of your workouts as you near your due date, but you need to keep exercising to stay physically fit.

Look for maternity clothes from thrift and consignment shops. You'll just be wearing them for several months, so paying full price is sort of a waste. This will help you save money that you will need for diapers and baby food later.

Try to incorporate a doula into your life. A doula is a person who is essentially a birth coach. They are a wealth of information on pregnancy, as well as a calming presence. Also, a doula can make you feel very comfortable in a time of high stress.

Be sure that you have a flu shot given to you when you get pregnant. A weak immune system can lead to catching the flu. This can be a danger for your child and you.

Stretching your legs before you go to sleep can help you avoid leg cramps in the middle of the night. There are few pregnant women who cannot recount a night spent waking up with knots in their legs. Doing some stretches before bed is a good way to stave off such cramping.

Make sure you take good care of your teeth and regularly visit your dentist. Gingivitis is more prevalent in pregnant women. Keep brushing and flossing, too. See your dentist if you experience any troubling issues.

Remember that your bladder will not be able to contain as much fluid as before during pregnancy. Be sure you drink plenty of water daily, however, you should slow down after your dinner. Stop prior to bed. This will keep you from waking yourself up to use the bathroom.

Doing kegel exercises is very helpful. You can do these exercises anywhere. Repeat 10 times and hold for 3 seconds. When you are regular with such movements, you will have a stronger pelvic floor and a smoother delivery. They also help with an embarrassing side effect of pregnancy- incontinence.

Try to keep the stress you're suffering from at bay when your pregnant by creating to-do lists while keeping your priorities in line. Try delegating some things to family or friends whenever you can. You can also get things done on your list by yourself.

Find out by using a pregnancy test or by visiting your physician as soon as possible if you suspect there is a possibility that you might be pregnant. Pregnancy problems can arise when women delay confirming their pregnancy.

Tour your birthing facility prior to your due date. It is especially important if this is your first child so that you know what it will look like. It can help you learn where to go so that you don't panic when that time arrives.

As this article went over in the beginning, there are a lot of things about pregnancy that may or may not be totally true. Fortunately, everything you've read here will allow you to feel more informed and in-touch with your body and its changes.




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