This lockdown period will leave us with memories of fear, irritation, worry, as well as excitement. Expectant new moms, firstly, you will need new bras as your breast sizes will grow each time your boobs fill with milk. Be ready for sick days as most women experience vomiting in the early weeks of pregnancy. It doesn’t take long to get you pregnant, what is the delay, just your marriage. It has been observed that women may get pregnant during their honeymoon period. So, you must be mentally prepared for the after-effects or repercussions of marriage right after the first wedding night and of course the risk of pregnancy.
Parents
Dictionary defines the pregnancy as the period during which a woman or female animal carries unborn offspring inside her body, from fertilization to birth.
Certainly world has changed to a great extent as it will not be merely yourself, but fetus as well and therefore, both the mother and the baby would need intensive care for staying healthy throughout the pregnancy. So, don’t try to do it all yourself. When you need rest, lay down , ignore the cell phone. Read the following useful tips for pregnant women including parental healthcare:
Preliminary Screening
What an amazing thing to encounter as it is your first visit to the hospital. As we will see what your gynecologist doctor pops up the secrets. Hopefully, your will listen to him/her as per the following:-
- Certainly you will undergo a pregnancy test and your healthcare provider will tell you how many weeks have you been pregnant and mom advice all parents should know. Certainly, it will be done physically based on your last menstrual period.
- The doctor will also tell you the tentative delivery date besides doing abdominal ultrasound called a sonogram.
- Hope everything would be fine with you as it is the first pregnancy and you are young enough to cope with the changing situation.
- You are done and your doctor will schedule your forthcoming appointments as under:
- Until 28th Weeks of the pregnancy – After every 4 weeks
- 29th to 36th Week – After every two weeks
- Thereafter till delivery – On a weekly basis
- The main purpose of your regular visits as scheduled is to monitor your body weight, blood pressure, growth of the fetus (unborn baby). The doctor would particularly like to know your baby heartbeat, feelings of your fetus, and your belly measurements, normally in the 2nd trimester. During pregnancy the doctor will also advise you certain laboratory tests like urine, blood (complete) in addition to the ultrasound to ensure that you are doing all right.
Food Supplements and Nutrition
Clearly forget about going on diet and remember that now you are not alone as you would have to eat for the two i.e. for yourself and the baby. So, don’t forget to take food supplements & nutrition (as advised by your healthcare provider) to meet the extra demand of 300 calories/ day and an amount of 30 mg iron/ day. The later weeks are more important as your baby nourishes during that period. And amazing mom advice all parents should know. Enjoy a lot; feel relaxed and happy as you are eating a variety of those foods which you never had. And Follow the following diet plan not just for you, but for your baby as well:
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh vegetables
- Lean meat
- Low-fat Milk & other dairy products
- Whole-grain bread
- Essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and folic acid
- Dried beans
- Almonds
- Iron
Similarly it is pertinent to say that certain foods that are naturally full of nutrients; likewise, meat is the better source of iron as compared to the iron yielded from plants or vegetables. You may, opt to have the following iron-rich foods: A non meat all plant based diet can work as well. And mom advice is very helpful for all parents .
- Eggs
- dark poultry
- Red meat
- Salmon
- Tofu
- Dry fruits
- Dark-leafy green vegetables
- Blackstrap molasses
- Iron-fortified breakfast cereals
- Folate/ folic acid
- Green peas
Fluid Intake
As we all know that water has a vital role for every living being, therefore, during pregnancy, it is recommended to increase the amount of fluid intake. Thus, more intakes of water would save you from many health complications especially constipation and dehydration, etc.
Physical Exercises
If you were not already engaged in any physical activity, undertake it now to stay agile as it is important to have moderate–intensity aerobic activity. According to the U.S. And Department of Health and Human Services, a pregnant woman should do such activities at least 2 ½ hours/ week to enjoy the health benefits. However, if you had been quite active and had already been doing such aerobic activities, you need to upkeep the same regularly throughout your pregnancy. And mom’s advice always considers of all parents in physical exercise. Moreover, it is advised to undertake low-impact exercises like morning walk and swimming besides certain other exercises are recommended to a pregnant woman to build physical strength & flow. At the same time, you should take care of yourself and observe the following to avoid any issue:
- Indeed have a sound sleep for extended hours
- Certainly, get ready to undergo labor
- Importantly keep yourself smiling & happy
- Similarly, you need to avoid certain things such as:
- Moreover, avoid back-ache, swelling, and constipation problems
- Avoid being heavy or overweight
- And don’t expose your baby unnecessarily unless desired by your doctor
- Particularly never drink alcohol as it will adversely affect your physical & mental health
- Moreover, avoid taking drugs unless recommended by your doctor for your unborn baby safety like premature birth and other birth defects like behavior & wisdom problems.
- No smoking to avoid baby premature birth, underweight birth, asthma, respiratory issues in the newborn as the cigarettes have a substantial amount of nicotine.
- Likewise, limit the caffeine as its intake may result in miscarriage, however, you can take two cups per day at the most. Also cut down the amount of coffee, tea, colas & other drinks containing caffeine gradually.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women normally undergo certain problems such as:
- Weight gain & breast changes
- Stoppage of menstrual periods
- Feeling feverish
- Nausea
- Heart Palpitation
- Urinate frequently
- High blood pressure
- Temperament problem
- Constipation
- Body cramps
- Swelling & heartburn
- Psychological changes
Advisory Tips
- Keep follow-ups with the doctor regularly
- Get your routine tests like blood & urine tests as per doctor advice like:
- Blood count complete
- HIV screening
- Hepatitis B virus screen
- Take supplements for your baby proper growth
- Keep eggs, meat, fruits & seafood in your diet plan
- Avoid smoking & use of drugs like alcohol
The truth is, its okay to feel out of touch with yourself and overwhelmed. I remember when I had to lower my expectation, laugh more and enjoy being a hot mess 3 times, each pregnancy, the whole 38 weeks of pregnancy. It worked out fine every time. Also so many unique teachable moments will present themselves daily. Enjoy your bundle of joy!
