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Regular
exercise during pregnancy can have special
benefits. It can lessen the discomfort and
fatigue.
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For morning sickness, nibble on a few plain
crackers when you wake up. Rest in bed for
20 to 30 minutes before getting up.
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Taking
a warm shower during labour may help you
to relax or just feel better. Avoid hot
water, it can raise your body temperature.
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Eat several small meals each day. Avoid
rich, spicy, acidic and fried foods. Keep
healthy snacks available.
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To
prevent dehydration during labour, on the
hour have something to drink and on the
half hour go to the bathroom.
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During
labour a gentle backrub will feel good and
help you to relax making contractions more
effective.
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When
in labour relax as much as possible during
contractions. Labour with your body, not
against it. The more you can relax, the
more effective the contractions will be.
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Never change a cat's litter box when pregnant.
It can contain toxoplasmosis that can cause
birth defects.
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Low
lighting and soft music may help you relax
during labour.
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Walk around between contractions to help
your labour move along.
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Take
your prenatal vitamin with dinner, or the
biggest meal of your day, to minimize nausea.
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Towards the end of your pregnancy you may
need to buy a pair of shoes in a larger
size.
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Fat
and cholesterol are important for absorbing
the fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E, and K),
for stretchable skin, and is also necessary
for the developing baby brain. Two tablespoons
of fat a day is recommended for pregnant
women.
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Keep
track of situations that trigger nausea
so that you can avoid those things. Odors,
sudden motion, etc.
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Listen to your body. Your body will let
you know when it is time to relax and rest.
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A
healthy diet and exercise program during
pregnancy can help a woman maintain her
self-esteem. Women, who stayed active throughout
their pregnancy, have an easier time regaining
muscle tone and losing weight after childbirth.
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To help avoid high blood pressure during
pregnancy you should lay on your left side,
drink lots of water and avoid salt.
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Are your feet and legs swelling? Walk often
and sit with your feet up. Also sleep on
your left side.
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Take
naps during the day or after work to help
fight fatigue.
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Childbirth classes are a great way to learn
more about what is happening to your body
and the birth process.
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Keep
a diary of what you are eating to ensure
that you are keeping up with your daily
requirements.
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If you exercise when pregnant (within limits
of course), you could have a shorter labour
and recover faster.
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In late pregnancy, swimming is a great way
to exercise. It makes you feel weightless
and it can help relieve a lot of aches and
pains.
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To reduce cramping while you are sleeping,
place pillows under your knees and feet.
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Be
sure to drink 8 - 10 glasses of water each
day. Be especially careful on hot summer
days, you may need to increase your water
intake.
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When
traveling by car, be sure to wear your seat
belt. The bottom strap should go across
your hips, not over your abdomen.
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When having nausea and vomiting, if it lasts
longer than 24 hours and you have the inability
to keep any food or fluids down, call your
doctor. Also call your doctor about severe
pain in any part of your body.
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Increase
your calorie intake while pregnant, normally
300 calories per day. While exercising -
increase even more.
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