It would seem like little things, but in fact, these details can change everything.
The first child is like a supernova explosion in the head of an expectant mother. After all, nothing is clear, everything is scary, everything is new. What is harmful, what is useful, what makes sense to follow closely, and what to give up on? If you combine all the tips from smart books, you can go crazy. However, there are some little things to do for yourself. They will not take much time and effort, but they can be of great importance for the unborn baby. And for you too.
Ask your doctor about folic acid
It is prescribed for almost all pregnant women. The fact is that it is a vital element for a child: folic acid reduces the risk of developing brain and nervous system pathologies in the fetus. These organs begin to form already in the third or fourth week, so it is so important to start taking folic acid right away. Unless, of course, the doctor recommends another.
Give up sushi
Raw fish is not the best choice. As well as large sea fish in principle. The fact is that fish species such as tuna, for example, contain a lot of mercury. You don’t need extra mercury during pregnancy. In addition, raw fish can be infested with parasites. Therefore, it is better to opt for grilled salmon.
Take a walk so your legs don’t swell
It is imperative to be in the fresh air. Comfortable shoes, a walk – your feet will thank you. Lying or sitting for a long time causes the ankles to swell a lot. During walking, blood circulation improves, muscles also come to the aid of the heart and blood vessels, which help blood flow. It is not necessary to walk to the other side of the city, but it is definitely worth walking for 10-15 minutes several times a day.
Sign up for yoga for pregnant women
This will help you deal with your anxiety. Perhaps, you can not even talk about the rest – this point is so important. But, among other things, you will learn to relax, concentrate on your breathing, and breathe properly.
Get a flu shot
Experts have already said more than once that vaccinations for pregnant women can and should be done. The main thing here is to choose the right vaccine. It must be inactivated.
“They are safe for both the fetus and the mother’s body. In addition, you can choose vaccines without preservatives in the composition. In America and Europe, women are vaccinated in any trimester. In any case, everything is decided individually with the attending physician, “said Tatiana Butskaya, pediatrician, author of the Marathon in maternity hospitals project.
Say goodbye to soft cheese
If you like blue cheese or very soft cream cheese, then it is better to skip them for a while. The fact is that these types of cheeses are not pasteurized. Therefore, they can contain various disease-causing bacteria. And being in position, I would not even want to catch an upset stomach.
Take special vitamins
If, of course, the doctor recommends. If so, then ask which one is better to drink. Not all regular multivitamins are suitable for pregnant women, so you need to be very careful here. You now need vitamins, trace elements and amino acids in full, because you are now responsible for two organisms.
Read the instructions for the tablets twice
It is better not to take anything at all without consulting a gynecologist, because even ordinary aspirin may be contraindicated. As well as dietary supplements – although they are not medicines, they may well harm a woman in position.
Eat small but frequent meals
This will help manage bouts of nausea. Of course, food will not relieve you of toxicosis, this misfortune of the first trimester, but it will help you to endure them easier. A side effect is that it will be easier for you to stay in shape, not to overeat your weight.
Take a nap
If the last time you slept in the afternoon was when the kindergarten teacher forced you, it’s time to remember this golden time. In the first trimester, you will be very tired – while the body is still rebuilding. Therefore, sleeping for an hour or two in the afternoon does not hurt at all. In the third trimester, this wonderful habit is also worth returning to. And the second will not be so “sleepy”.
Do joint exercises
Again, in consultation with the doctor. Yoga and other gentle stress on the hip joints will help them open up better during labor. And then the whole process will be easier, faster and less painful.
Check household chemicals
Or even go for DIY home tools. Excess toxins, which are found in almost every bottle with household chemicals, are not useful for pregnant women. For the same reason, it is worth refusing to dye your hair and cover your nails with varnish. In an urban environment, we already breathe a lot of rubbish, we don’t need to add it to ourselves.
Take care of your skin
Stretch marks. Yes, they are. Some mothers claim that they did without this misfortune solely due to the fact that they smeared their belly several times a day with creams and oils. Others lament that they also smeared, but stretch marks are still from the neck to the knees. Perhaps this is a purely genetic trait. but it doesn’t hurt to play it safe.
Don’t ignore the dentist
Dental problems happen all the time during pregnancy. Calcium is needed by the baby, and often the mother of this trace element begins to lack. Therefore, be sure to visit the dentist – at the initial stage, caries can be cured even without anesthesia, quickly and painlessly.
Sleep on your left side
According to the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, this position is most beneficial for the baby. The thing is that in the position on the left side, blood flow increases, and therefore nutrients to the fetus. Later in the third trimester, it is best to avoid the supine position – this limits blood flow to the uterus. So even such seemingly unimportant things can make a difference.
Add healthy fats to your diet
Vegetable oils, nuts, avocados, coconut milk – there are many simple and delicious ways to add beneficial micronutrients, vitamins and fatty acids to your diet. They will also serve your blood vessels, skin and hair.
Monitor fetal movements
You can even record the nature of his movement: kicks, jolts, movements. If suddenly something changes or the child begins to behave quieter – this is always a reason to ask the doctor a question. Or even for an unscheduled ultrasound to make sure everything is in order.
Prepare for childbirth
Not only physically, but also mentally. Ask all the questions that come to mind. Explore techniques that you find helpful. Listen to your doctor’s advice. If you approach the moment of childbirth without fear, this is already a great achievement. Believe me, sometimes even panic in the delivery room rolls over women.
Communicate
Conversations with like-minded people, even about nothing, will always support you morally. Especially if there are ladies among your acquaintances who have passed this path not for the first time, you can always complain to them, and they will understand. Again, with whom else you can share your strange feelings, if not with the same pregnant women.
Keep a diary
These can be very short notes – the first “shakes”, the first ultrasound, some thoughts that come to your mind at this time, dreams and plans for the future with the baby. Such a diary, by the way, can be a good gift for a child when he grows up. And it will help you formulate your own thoughts, which sometimes disturb you.