So, you have skipped your period, and you now think that maybe you are pregnant. You go out and bring out the pregnancy test, and it comes positive. What now? A series of mixed feelings rush through. You are both excited and nervous about this phase.
But do not worry, this is a common feeling. Every expecting lady goes through this. But remember in just nine months, you are going to be a mom of a very beautiful child. So, just enjoy this lovely phase. Now, we are here to take care of you.
In this blog, I will be sharing with you things you need to do as soon as you think you are pregnant. Check out the blog-
1. Consult with Doctor-
I know, your stick showed you a positive sign, but you need to be 100% sure before you can share your good news with any other person. So, research for the best doctor in your reach and make an appointment.
Consulting doctors at an early stage means you are giving yourself extra more care.
2. Say NO to Alcohol-
Now, since it is confirmed that you are pregnant. The first thing you need to do is throw away all the alcohol from home. Yes! Being pregnant calls for a celebration but a sober one. So, no alcohol for you for the whole nine months, not even a sip. It could be dangerous and unhealthy for the baby, as alcohol makes us dehydrated and also decreases oxygen flow to the baby.
3. Prenatal Vitamins-
You might be taking these prenatal vitamins when you thought of family planning. But continue these vitamin tablets for the first month. Your baby’s neural cord, which becomes the brain and spinal cord develop during the first month of pregnancy. So, you need to consume folic acid, iron, and calcium.
4. Eat Healthily-
Yes, eating healthy is always good. But it is very important during the pregnancy as you will be eating for the well being of your child. So, you need to extra cautious about what you eat. Some of the healthy foods which you can start are-
- Five portions of fruit and vegetables daily.
- Have starchy food such as rice, pasta, and bread. Your meals should have 1/3 of carbohydrates in them.
- Protein intake- fish, eggs, beans, pulses.
- Dairy food- cheese, milk, and yogurt
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
P.S.- It is always said that eat a lot, as you are pregnant. But you for the starting six months you do not need to have extra calories. It is just the last three months, where you need to consume 200 calories a day.
5. Stay Hydrated-
Apart from eating healthy, you also need to consume a good quantity of water. It is very necessary to stay well hydrated. The water helps in maintaining a healthy blood pressure level during pregnancy. Try consuming eight glasses of fluids; it can be like water, coconut water, milk, fruit juices, etc.
6. Exercise-
Yes! There is no escape from exercise. It is very necessary to do exercise during pregnancy, and it helps you stay active, reduce stress, control your weight, boost your mood, and helps you sleep better. You can either opt for a pregnancy exercise class or can walk for at least 10-15 minutes daily at a moderate pace (don’t exert yourself while walking).
You can even do yoga, pilates, and swimming. But do it under special care and always consult the doctor before.
7. Educate yourself-
If you are conceiving for the first time, you need to learn and understand many things. These days there are many childbirth classes that you can enroll in. Here, they will answer your every question, and you can also learn a lot about childbirth and infant care. There are many books available on pregnancy which you can buy like-
- Pregnancy Care: With Ayurveda, Yoga, and Acupressure
- What to Expect When You’re Expecting
- Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
- We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook
8. Practice Kegel Exercise-
Kegel exercise is the best exercise to strengthen your pelvic muscles. Pelvic muscles help in support of our bladder, uterus, and bowels. Practicing kegel exercise can help in delivery easy.
You do not need to take out extra time to do this exercise. You can do it when you are sitting in the car or working in an office.
9. Kegel Exercise-
- Practice squeezing your pelvic muscles, as though you are trying to stop the flow of urine.
- Hold the position for three seconds and then relax.
- Repeat the process ten times.
10. Limit Your Daily Chores-
Before pregnancy, you must be used to cleaning and scrubbing. But, now you will have to put a stop to many things. As exposure to toxic chemicals and coming in contact with bacteria can harm your baby.
Things to avoid-
- Lifting heavy object
- Climbing on ladders
- Changing kitty litter
- Standing for a long amount of time
- Using harsh chemicals
11. Never Skip your Medicines-
It happens many times, people forget to take their medicines. If you are also in the category of forgetting things, I would recommend you set the alarm for medicines. The doctor prescribed medicines should be taken on time and regularly, as they contain special nutrients that are important for the baby and you.
12. Sleep-
Now is the time to fulfill all your desire to have a proper and undisturbed sleep. The mother needs to have a night of proper sleep during pregnancy. As you will feel more tired during the pregnancy, as your baby grows, it gets difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.
There are some experts recommendation on sleeping-
- Sleeping on the side with your knees bent is comfortable for mother and baby both. It makes your heart’s job easier and also does not put pressure on a large blood vessel.
- Sleeping on the side helps prevent varicose veins, swelling in your legs, and hemorrhoids.
- It is also recommended to sleep on your left side, as the large blood vessel is on the right side. And it also helps in the proper blood flow to the placenta and, therefore, your baby.
- You can use prop pillows between your legs, underneath the belly, and behind your back.
13. Your Work-
Yes! Work is a priority for everyone. But, when you are pregnant, you need to change a little bit of your habit regarding work.
- If your work involves your direct exposure to chemicals such as leads, copper, and mercury, I would recommend consulting doctors regarding this as these chemicals are harmful to the baby.
- You should not work late at night.
- Do not keep the laptop on your stomach or uterus
- Sitting job is fine, but after every two hours, it is advised to go for a 5-minute walk.
14. For Morning Sickness-
Oh Yes, being pregnant is not an easy job. You will have to face the morning sickness too. Nausea, vomiting, and headache are common symptoms. To recover from these, try eating frequently and in small quantities. Avoid acidic and spicy food. If your morning sickness lasts the past three months, it is good to consult a doctor.
15. Go Shopping-
Yes ladies, even being pregnant calls for shopping. As your bump grows and you move forward in pregnancy, your feet will also grow. And it will put extra pressure on your feet, so it is very necessary to find the shoes of your size and the very comfortable one.
Same, you would not like to wear tight clothing; it will make you uncomfortable. So, buy something large of soft fabric. It will make you comfortable.
16. Book a Dental Appointment-
Yes, many people don’t understand its importance. But having your teeth clean will make you feel good, and you would not have to worry about the germs and bacteria in your mouth.
There are probable chances that the germs from the mouth can reach the baby too.
17. Cut Down Caffeine-
Most doctors recommend to cut down on caffeine during the pregnancy, as it can have harmful effects on the baby. So, as a substitute, you can try eating some fruits with natural sugars like Banana, apple, etc.
18. Don’t ignore your Sunscreen-
Your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy. So, it is more prone to the harmful UV rays. It is suggested and advised not to forget your sunscreen even during pregnancy. You can purchase the sunscreen of SPF 30 or more.
So, these are some of the basic tips which you can keep in mind while being pregnant. Pregnancy calls for a lot of change, every lady goes through a different journey during pregnancy.
So, when in doubt always call and consult your doctor. Have everything prescribed, as in the end, it comes down to your baby. So, what are your views on the blog?
