Tips for a Smooth Pregnancy

Being pregnant is a beautiful experience, but it is not always like that. It has hardships and discomforts. It is essential for pregnant women to know about those discomforts, how they can be avoided and how they can be solved. Not only they are responsible for themselves, but also for their little one that is soon to be born. We have collected tips on what pregnant moms can expect or do during pregnancy.

Have yourself checked by a health provider

If you feel you are pregnant and if by any chance you have a positive pregnancy test kit, it is vital to consult an OB-GYN. Your doctor will do confirmatory tests to check your pregnancy, how far along you are, and determine when is your estimated date of delivery. She will also prescribe prenatal vitamins to keep you and your baby strong and healthy. She will give you advice regarding your pregnancy and your current health status.

Managing morning sickness

Morning sickness usually occurs in the first three months. It is when pregnant moms feel like throwing up. It may be called morning sickness, but it doesn't just occur in the morning; it can strike anytime. Pregnant women experience morning sickness when they smell certain odors or eat certain foods. Sometimes, nausea and vomiting can be severe if the patient has a thyroid or gallbladder problem. Fluid loss of about 5% of body weight is called hyperemesis gravidarum, which requires the pregnant woman to go to a hospital. Symptoms include little urine output, cannot keep liquids down, feeling dizzy when standing up, and palpitations.

Expecting moms can avoid foods or odors that may trigger them to throw up. Experts recommend eating toast or plain biscuits before going out of bed, eating small frequent meals, eating more carbohydrates, and eating something with ginger as it can help reduce nausea. Plenty of rest is also recommended to avoid nausea getting worse.

Mild exercises

Exercise is important for everyone as it keeps our minds and body healthy. Moderate-intensity exercises for 2.5 hours a week are recommended for expecting moms who do not have pregnancy complications. It is always best to ask your doctor if it is okay for you to do exercises. You can do exercises like walking, stationary bicycle, yoga, and pilates classes. low-impact aerobics classes and strength training as long as the lifts are not that heavy.

Moms who don't want to do these exercises can be physically active by doing other things like gardening, taking the stairs, cleaning, etc. Stop doing physical activities if you feel dizzy, experience headaches, have a fast heart rate, are bleeding, and have muscle weakness. Call your doctor if needed.

Drink plenty of water

Stay hydrated when you are pregnant. Your body requires more fluids to form amniotic fluid, build new tissue, produce extra blood, enhance digestion, carry nutrients, and flush out toxins and wastes. Being pregnant can also put you at risk of getting urinary tract infections, and having more fluids can have it prevented. Drinking lots of water also helps you stay more relaxed, increases energy, and makes your skin softer. Staying hydrated can make your skin soft, thus helping your skin to stretch further.

Good hygiene

Pregnant women have an increased blood flow in their bodies, causing them to sweat more and feel warmer. Good hygiene is essential to feel relaxed and comfortable and to avoid infections. It is recommended that preggy moms take a bath twice a day or more. Warm water is recommended. To be safe in the shower, you can put on a rubber mat to prevent slipping. You can put lotions or creams to make your skin softer and smoother.

To keep your intimate hygiene, stick to cotton garments as they are light and breathable. Unlike synthetic underwear, cotton can absorb sweat quickly. Avoid wearing tight clothes or shapewear, as it may add pressure to your uterus or bladder, which can cause more bathroom breaks. In terms of cleaning your intimate area, washing it with cold water will suffice because some lactic acid cleansers may cause a PH imbalance. Remember to pat it with a dry towel, as moisture ca n be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

Wearing maternity outfits

In your second trimester ( about 4 to 6 months), you will need to start wearing more oversized clothes for comfort so you can give room to your growing tummy. You do not need to buy a bunch of maternity clothing; all you need to have is a few key pieces like:

• maternity bra
• maternity trousers
• maxi dress
• jacket
• stretchy or large shirts
• cotton underwear
• comfy flat shoes

Backaches

Pregnancy causes a change in hormones that stretches your ligaments in preparation for labor. In addition, your baby's weight also adds up, causing a strain on your back and lower pelvis. To avoid backaches as much as possible, you may need to make a few changes in your daily activities:

• Avoid heavy lifting and activities that might hurt your back
• Having a good posture
• Take caution when getting out of bed
• Avoid bending and tying shoes (2nd or 3rd trimester)

Dealing with fatigue

Feeling tired is common during pregnancy. You may feel exhausted, especially in the first 3 months. Also, in your third trimester, you may quickly feel tired because of the extra weight you carry. The only solution is to get more rest and sleep as much as possible. Relax and put your feet up while sitting. Do afternoon naps. Also, it is recommended to sleep on your side to lessen discomfort.

You may also read: Self-Care Ideas For Pregnant Moms