Nine months of care
Getting to know that you are pregnant is one of those amazing moments in life. As much as you look forward to the arrival of your little bundle of joy, you will also have your tense and nervous moments of doubt and panic. Pregnancy can be as enjoyable as it can be frustrating; it can make your mood swing wildly from being ecstatic one day to being depressed the very next day. It can make you feel totally in control one day and totally confused about everything another day. Pregnancy is an all inclusive package and you can’t have one without another!
The most important part of pregnancy is to take very good care of yourself as you are now responsible for the well being of the little life that you carry within you. Whatever affects you, will affect the little one. Your moods, the food that you eat, and even your ill health will have its effect on the baby. Here are some things you should take care of during those precious nine months-
Drink water
It is very important to keep yourself hydrated during your pregnancy. So irrespective of whether it is summer or winter, drink as much water as you can. The skin can get quite itchy as it stretches during pregnancy, and drinking water keeps your skin supple. Not only that, it will also keep away headaches and Accutane Online decrease the risk of preterm labor.
Eat right-
Most people think that pregnancy means eating for two. But for the most part of your pregnancy, you will just need 30% more calories than what you are already eating. The key is to eat right and not eat more. Include milk and lots of fruits and vegetables, which will give you and your baby sufficient vitamins, iron and calcium. Also include enough fiber in your diet to keep the contents of your gut moving. This will ensure that the baby has the requisite nutrition and prevent any deficiencies.
Exercise
Pregnancy is not a disease, so there’s no reason why you should confine yourself to the bed, unless there is a serious condition where the doctor has specifically advised you to be in a supine position. It is good to walk for at least half an hour everyday and if you have your doctor’s permission, you can also do some yoga and exercises prescribed specially for pregnant women. Exercising helps in ease of delivery and you will have a better chance of delivering normally. However, do not overdo anything and avoid straining yourself.
Avoid public places
Winter is the time for communicable diseases like influenza, rubella, mumps and summer sees a spike in cases of chickenpox etc. So avoid exposure to public places like malls, cinema houses, and parks etc. where the risk of catching infections is high. It will also keep you safe from allergies which might flare up and unwittingly be passed on to the fetus.
Do not self medicate
You must never take any medication on your own especially during pregnancy. Most medicines cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus and can adversely affect the baby. So consult your doctor before you pop any pill.
Stay clean
It is important to maintain good personal hygiene especially during pregnancy. Keep the house and surroundings clean, wash your hands at regular intervals – more if you are handling pets and eat cooked, fresh food taking care to avoid unclean food from street hawkers. The last thing you want is an infection that passes to the fetus and causes developmental problems in the child.
Stay calm
Last but not the least – stay calm. It is easier said than done, as there could be many things that tend to make you jumpy, angry, depressed or nervous. But you must remember that your moods affect your child’s moods too. Deep breathing, listening to some calming music or reading, can relax your mind. Talk to your doctor, family member or friend if you feel panicky.
Have a happy pregnancy and safe delivery! What are the things that you did to have a happy and healthy pregnancy? Would love to know!
My name is Shubhangi Srikanth and I write under the pen name Titli. I started my blog “The Little Princess” and it helped me channel my thoughts in the proper direction. After having worked for more than 12 years in the Pharmaceutical and Banking sector, I now freelance as a content writer for medical and health websites. I have two adorable boys, who have taught me more about life than I could teach them. Being a mother is one of the most fulfilling roles of my life, one that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world!