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Happiness, excitement, anticipation, nervousness—these are just a few of the feelings you experience when you learn you are pregnant. It is an awesome time, but it can also be overwhelming. Now is the time to think about pregnancy and health.
If this is your first pregnancy you might be wondering how to stay healthy. However, there is no need to make things complicated. In this article you will find a practical pregnancy list. A list of healthy things you want to do while pregnant without overthinking it or following some long to do list each month.
This list is divided into categories rather than weekly or monthly lists. The things mentioned in this article will apply throughout the pregnancy. It is simply a list of things that are healthy for your pregnancy, so let's get started.
HEALTHCARE
The first thing that you should do is to find a doctor that you are comfortable with and will be there through the pregnancy and finally the delivery.
Some of the things you should consider when finding your Ob/Gyn are:
Is he or she in network with your health insurance. This will make a difference in how much you pay out of pocket. It is not only good enough that the doctor takes your insurance; he or she must be in network (credentialed with your particular insurance) in order to save the most money.
Along with the doctor you choose, you must think about where you would like to give birth at. Consider the hospital you would like to be at when the time comes. Find out if your doctor has privileges there and confirm with the insurance. finding a doctor and a hospital you would like to be at might take some effort but it is well worth it.
Keep up with your doctor appointments. Your prenatal appointments are very important. Your doctor will run tests, give you guidance, check on how the baby is growing and developing and can help prevent any complications from developing or control them. He or she will be able to answer questions, advise you and help you prepare for delivery.
Have a list of questions you have for your doctor each visit so you do not forget. Many questions will come up and you do not want to forget to ask the doctor when face to face with him or her.
Note: The best place to start looking for a doctor and hospital is by contacting your insurance to make sure the doctor and hospital you choose is in network; then you want to call the doctor's office and confirm.
If for some reason you do not like your doctor after your first visit consider changing your doctor early on. Do not wait until further along in the pregnancy. It is always best for both, you and baby, if you are and the doctor are familiar with each other throughout the pregnancy.
HEALTHY HABITS
The second thing to do is establishing good healthy habits to optimize good health for you and the baby. Below are some of the healthiest habits you can adopt.
Do your best to eat a healthy, balanced diet that include, healthy grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and dairy foods.
Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated, at least 8 glasses of fluid a day.
Exercise to keep weight under control, but make sure this is appropriate for you by consulting your doctor first.
Take prenatal vitamins. Some doctors will prescribe them, but others will allow you to choose over the counter prenatal vitamins. Make sure you consult your doctor.
Sleep on your side – The left side is recommended for pregnant women by most doctors. This position allows for optimal blood flow to your heart and in turn, to your baby. It also takes pressure off of your liver and kidneys, helping with swelling issues.
Wash your hands frequently to avoid getting a cold, the flu or Covid-19.
Moisturize your skin to minimize stretch marks.
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THINGS TO AVOID
There are definitely things you want to avoid while pregnant. You might want to implement avoiding these things in conjunction with picking up healthy habits.
Avoid smoking or being around smoke, this can be just as harmful.
Avoid drinking alcohol or doing other drugs.
Reduce caffeine intake.
Avoid taking medications without checking with your doctor.
Avoid eating uncooked or unpasteurized foods, this can carry bacteria and make you sick.
Avoid foods that are not so great for you, such as fried, sugary, or salty foods.
Avoid handling cats or changing their litter. Cats can carry toxoplasmosis, and infection caused by a parasite.
BE GOOD TO YOURSELF
Last but not least you need to be good to yourself. Not only is your physical health important, but your mental health plays an important role also. Here are some things that you might want to do for yourself.
Spend time with loved ones and friends, their support is important at this time.
Listen to your body. Rest when you feel tired.
Buy a body pillow to help you sleep comfortably.
Check out this post on the top 5 C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows
If you work in an office or from home, buy a foot stool and a lumbar support pillow for your chair.
Check out this post on the top 5 lumbar support pillows
ENJOY YOUR PREGNANCY
One last piece of advice; this is a special time, have fun, and be present in the moment. Follow your baby’s development – nothing is more fun than to see the baby’s growth and progression each month.
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Why follow Pregnancy Pillows 101's advice?
We gather this information from personal experience. We have researched and had personal input from close family and friends that have experience this wonderful time in their lives, and hope to help new moms with the most common concerns and questions.
Check out this website where you can see how the baby grows, progresses, and grows:
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