Congratulations! You’re pregnant! Whether you’re a first-time mom or you’ve done this before, lots of changes lie ahead. Hold onto your maternity jeans, because we have some pregnancy care tips to make your journey a little more comfortable.
Pregnancy Advice for First-Time Moms & All Pregnant Women
- Sleep while you can! – Once your little bundle of joy arrives, eight hours of uninterrupted sleep will seem like nothing more than a fairy tale. And being pregnant is tiring, too. After all, it takes a lot of energy to build a human being, so give yourself the opportunity to rest as often as you are able. This advice applies to early pregnancy, when you might notice the fatigue even more, to that final trimester when you’re waiting for baby to arrive.
- But make sure you stay active, too – Many gyms and yoga studios have prenatal classes to help you stay strong and healthy during your pregnancy. Frequent walks can help energize you as well. Some women find that they can stick to their regular workout routines with some slight modifications. Whatever you choose to do, always check with your physician first.
- See your dentist – Yep, you read that right. Your dental hygiene is as important now as ever. The hormonal changes caused by pregnancy can put you at a higher risk for “pregnancy gingivitis,” a condition that causes your gums to become tender and to bleed easily. When you make the appointment, just make sure you tell the dentist that you’re pregnant.
- Skip the fancy footwear – Sensible shoes are smart during pregnancy for many reasons. For starters, your feet and ankles can swell, making high heels and more restrictive footwear uncomfortable. But pregnant women are also more prone to trips and falls, particularly in the third trimester. This is mainly due to your shifting center of gravity (courtesy of your growing belly), and an increase in the hormone Relaxin that – you guessed it – is responsible for relaxing and loosening your joints to get you ready for delivery. So take it slow, and leave the stilettos at home.
- Take your vitamins – Taking a daily prenatal vitamin is an essential part of a healthy pregnancy. Make sure the one you choose a vitamin with folic acid and DHA. For more information about prenatal vitamins, read our post that explains them in detail.
Follow these simple pregnancy care tips and you’ll be well on your way to a healthy pregnancy. Soon you’ll be welcoming your baby into your home and trading your pregnancy advice for parental advice. Enjoy being pregnant while it lasts. Nine months may seem like forever right now, but it will pass quickly and before you know it, you’ll be holding your bundle of joy.