Pregnancy is a whole new feeling for any woman. Most women may feel excited and at the
same time nervous. Here are some tips to guide you in your pregnancy.
Sleep – Six to Eight hours of sleep is the best in order to reenergize your body. At late
pregnancy if you are having difficulty sleeping at night, you may want to have naps in between.
In early morning, lunch, later afternoon and night time so as to rejuvenate your body.
Food – A pregnant woman need to meet additional 300 calories or a total of 2,500 calories.
This is for the supply of nutrients to the fetus. Adequate carbohydrate protein, fat, vitamins,
minerals (iodine, iron, fluoride, sodium, zinc) and proper hydration are needed. Right amount
of fiber and avoid caffeine & artificial sweetbriers. Folic acid is particularly needed as it helps in
the formation of the brain and spinal cord of your baby. Right amount of Milk for the supply of
calcium is needed as well.
Exercise – It is best to prepare your body in the day of labor. Right exercises are advised for
good body circulation, increases self-being and preparation during pain of labor. The best
exercise during pregnancy is walking. A fifteen-minute walk may do. Don’t overdo it by jogging
or running as it may cause pelvic pain. Swimming may also do as long as your membranes are
intact. Simple breathing in and breathing out for fifteen minutes 2-3 times a day may also help.
Other excellent exercises are the tailor sitting, squatting, pelvic floor contractions, abdominal
muscle contractions and pelvic rocking. These will help your abdominal and pelvic muscles
prepare for the labor.
Common discomforts – Usually on the first month when out hormones increases, common
discomforts are experienced. These are nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. Vomiting is common
at least once a day on the early pregnancy. It is aggravated by the smell of food. This may be
alleviated by eating dry crackers. Heartburn is a burning sensation along the esophagus caused
by regurgitation stomach content in the lower esophagus. To avoid this, eat small frequent
meals, sleep with head elevated, and avoid lying down after meals.
Sex –Some women may be embarrassed to ask question about sexual relation during
pregnancy. Most are concern whether it should be avoided. A woman with history of
miscarriage, premature ruptured of membranes or bleeding maybe asks to restrict sexual
relations. Early in pregnancy, a woman may experience a rise in desire for sexual intercourse.
This may be due to an increase in hormones particularly Estrogen. However breast tenderness
may limit the sexual arousal. As woman’s abdomen rises, the couple may need to try out
different more comfortable position. Side by side or woman-on-top may be more comfortable for
her. Water soluble lubricants may also help when vaginal secretions changed.
Avoid vices – Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Large percentage of women that consume large
amount of alcohol during pregnancy shows high incidence of congenital deformities and mental
retardation. Smoking mothers have said to have low birth weight babies. They are also risk in
sudden death syndromes. Smoking constricts air passages which decreases the oxygen supply
to the body and your baby. It is best to abstain completely from these.
Infections – Infections may include sexually transmitted infections or systemic infections. These
diseases may have known to cross the placental barrier and can cause harm to the fetus. Most
commonly known as TORCH (TOxoplamosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simples Virus)
and Other Vial Diseases. Toxocoplasmosis is commonly spread through raw meat and handling
cat stool. There is no symptom except for malaise so it is best o prevent it by avoiding eating
raw food and handling cat litter. Rubella causes fever and mild rash however it is potentially
harmful to the fetus. It causes mental retardation, deafness, blindness, heart problems small
for gestational age and others. If you have a family member that has Rubella, it is best to stay
away. Cytomegalovirus is also a viral infection that causes few symptoms to mother but cause
extensive damage to the fetus. Herpes Simples Virus is a sexually transmitted disease that
causes fetal mortality. Best thing to do is for both partners to use safe sex or be monogamous.
Signs to watch out for – These signs mostly occur during late pregnancy; however, it is best
to know early as possible. Vaginal bleeding no matter how little should be reported. Vomiting
once or twice daily is normal during the first trimester due to the rise in Progesterone. However
more than 12 weeks of persistent vomiting may be alarming and should be reported. Chills and
fever may be signs of serious infection. Hence, should be reported. Abdominal or chest pain is
not quite normal. Abdominal pain might indicate ectopic pregnancy, separation of placenta or
preterm labor. Headache accompanied by blurring of vision may need to be checked. Woman
may be suffering from Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. Lastly, a decrease in fetal movement
may also be a danger sign. If you have experience these, consult your doctor right away.
Check-up- Doctors know best. It is best to have a check-up at least once every month, twice a
month on the 8th month and then once a week on the 9th month. It is very important that we tell
everything to the medical practitioner so as for them to assess a pregnant woman needs.
OTC- If you are experiencing unbearable pain or feeling sick, it is best to consult your doctors
prior to taking any over-the-counter medications. Some drugs may be potentially being
dangerous to the growing fetus.