If You Are Pregnant, Here's Some Advice

By getting the proper care when pregnant, mom can be as healthy as baby. Keep reading to learn a few things that'll help you through your pregnancy.

You should start taking a prenatal supplement as soon as you decide that you want to have a baby. The initial trimester of your pregnancy is when your baby starts growing his neural cord that eventually develops into a spinal cord and brain. Folic acid, iron and calcium are very important during this crucial development.

Pregnant women who struggle with edema--swollen hands and feet--should notify their physician. While this could be part of your pregnancy, it might also be preeclampsia, which is a serious condition that elevates blood pressure. To ensure the health of you and your baby, this condition must be investigated.

The sense of smell will be heightened when pregnant, so everyday smells are likely to make you feel quite ill. If you experience this problem frequently, add a few drops of lavender or lemon oil to a handkerchief, and carry it with you at all times. The handkerchief can easily be pulled out and sniffed whenever you're around a bothersome odor.

Follow a set schedule in the evening. Pregnant women may have trouble falling asleep, and a consistent routine can help. Keep your evenings as calm and comforting as possible. A warm shower before bed can relax you, as can a cup of herbal tea.

Pay close attention to your iron intake during your pregnancy. If your iron levels are low, you are more likely to experience fatigue during pregnancy, and your baby may have a lower birth weight. Consume foods rich in iron, and your prenatal vitamin should contain iron.

While pregnant, always ask for assistance when lifting heavy objects. Lifting heavy things can cause miscarriages or stress on your baby, not to mention that it can cause back strains. Even if you find it an easy lift, be safe, get help.

Ensure that you understand all of the symptoms and signs of going into labor prematurely. Reading up on all of the possible events of pregnancy can help you feel more in control and better equipped to do the right thing if something goes wrong.

If you have found that you are pregnant, yet you do not wish to disclose this information, you can enjoy non-alcoholic beverages at events in a way that does not attract the attention of others. Sometimes you'll find that you choose to tell little white lies to explain why you aren't drinking alcohol, such as claiming to be on antibiotics. You could also enjoy an alcohol-free beverage, such as cranberry juice, and let people believe you're drinking something alcoholic. Your partner can help you make this ruse believable.

Nibble on bland foods during the day while you are pregnant. This helps protect against common pregnancy problems like vomiting and nausea. Also, it is important that you avoid greasy and acidy foods as this will make your nausea worse and give you heartburn.

Try to avoid situations where you must sit for extended periods of time. By day's end, many pregnant women will find that their feet and ankles are swollen. This is due to the strain on the circulation in your lower body during pregnancy. The longer a woman sits still, the worse the swelling can become. To reduce such swelling, try sleeping on the left side of your body and soaking your feet in cool water. Also, don't wear socks with tight elastic bands, and when sitting, avoid crossing your ankles.

If you think that your water may have broken, do not be afraid to call your doctor to make sure. This type of situation is not uncommon. However, if your water truly did break, it is crucial for your baby's health that they are delivered quickly.

Learning everything at one time is not necessary. Pregnancy is a condition that will last you a lot of months! Learn as you go, accumulating the necessary information as you need it. The tips in the article are a beginning. You can learn more as you go along. Make sure you relax and truly enjoy this experience.