Pregnancy is such an exciting time for so many moms across the globe and whether you're a first-time mom or you've already started your family long ago, there are always things to learn on how to care for yourself and your little one better. Although the information can often seem overwhelming, ZZZippy is here to help you through this time in your life with as much ease and happiness as possible.
We have gathered a list of the 10 Most Important Things You Need to Know When You're Pregnant... so that you can enjoy yourself and your baby-to-be!
Here are The 10 Most Important Things You Need to Know When You're Pregnant...
DO #1. WORK OUT
For years there has been such a negative outlook on working out while pregnant but we are here to tell you that this is just simply not true. Of course, like anything else in pregnancy, you will need to adjust certain ways of working out. Maybe eliminate the heavier lifting and other specific workouts. But working out can mean anything!
Try these simple workouts for example to keep your body moving:
Take a walk.
Do yoga (at your own pace).
Swim.
Bicycle.
Dance.
DO #2. VISIT YOUR DENTIST
The hormones that your body is producing nowadays are more than ever and, with that, comes many things, including bleeding gums in your second trimester. This can leave a nasty taste in your mouth (literally) so make sure you're seeing your dentist during your 6-month regular checkups. There is no reason to see the dentist more than this unless there is cause for concern. This can help to prevent further bleeding of the gums, buildup of bacteria and other harmful things.
DO #3. MONITOR YOUR BABY'S MOVEMENTS
Most women won't feel their tiny one move until about week 18 of pregnancy however, some women start to feel fetal movements as early as 12 and 13 weeks! This is such an exciting time as your possible nausea starts wearing off and now pregnancy is showing its good side!
However, keep track of the baby's movements because if you feel you haven't felt him or her move in a few days to a week, it's time to call your OB/GYN. This doesn't always mean something is wrong but it never hurts to make sure!
DO #4. TAKE YOUR MULTIVITAMIN/ PRENATALS
If you're currently pregnant or have been pregnant before, you probably know that taking a multivitamin or a prenatal isn't always the most fun part of pregnancy. Some women claim that these vitamins make them more nauseous than usual or even more groggy and tired! However, your OB/GYN tells you to take these vitamins for a reason!
Prenatals and multivitamins help your body supplement your newest family member with all of the things that they need to grow correctly. So please, push through! And if you're having trouble with the vitamin that you are currently on, try a different one! There's no harm in switching up your supplements!
DO #5. SEE YOUR OB/GYN OFTEN
Visiting your OB/GYN or Midwife is often fun as they will typically allow you to hear babies heartbeat, see the baby through ultrasound and even answer all of those questions you've got written down all over! Your doctor can also lean you in the right direction if you are doing something during pregnancy that you're not supposed to, even if you previously thought it to be safe. OB/GYNs and Midwives are typically very understanding and kind, caring people, so don't be nervous! Be open!
Of course, with pregnancy, there are things that you should do to keep your baby (and yourself healthy) and also things that you should not do.
These things can sometimes seem overwhelming but with our quick and easy list here, worry no longer!
Here are the top 5 Don'ts of Pregnancy
DON'T #1. EAT RAW FOOD OR UNPASTEURIZED MILKS
That's right, don't even think about sushi! For the next 9 or so months, you are Raw-Food-Free! This also includes unpasteurized milks and cheeses as they can often carry certain bacteria that are harmful to babies. Avoid at all costs: Raw Fish, Raw Eggs, Deli Meats, Unpasteurized Milks, Unpasteurized Cheeses and other raw foods.
DON'T #2. SMOKE OR DRINK
Of course our list is in no particular order as quitting smoking and drinking immediately after conceiving is number one on everyone's list. This is one of the absolute most harmful things that you can to do a growing fetus, no matter where you are in your pregnancy. Smoking, drinking and doing drugs cause endless amounts of diseases and birth defects in children, sometimes even death.
If you can't give up anything else in pregnancy, give up smoking, drinking and doing drugs! (This also includes giving up vaping).
DON'T #3. PAINT OR CHANGE CAT LITTER
Some chores in the home, luckily for you, are now off-limits including painting or changing cat litter. Both of these substances are harmful chemicals that travel through the air, into your body and lungs and will harm your small baby. If you absolutely must paint or absolutely must change cat litter while pregnant, do it as little as possible while keeping a fresh air flow (like an open window), all the while, wearing a mask to guard those pesky chemicals!
DON'T #4. GO TO THE TANNING BED
Going to the tanning bed doesn't often raise any questions to a pregnant woman which is very, very dangerous. Tanning while pregnant is similar to cooking your child while in the womb, very dark... we know. This can cause major birth defects and even death in your child.
If you must tan through pregnancy (which we do not suggest), limit only your face to the tanning bulbs or use a self-tanning spray.
There is still not enough evidence however to say one way or another if self-tanning is pregnancy safe so, again, we do not suggest this either.
DON'T #5. SIT IN A HOT TUB OR SAUNA
Similar to a tanning bed, a hot tub or sauna can, quite literally, cook your child while it's still in your stomach. If you think about how overheated you can get in a hot tub or sauna, imagine putting a 2-pound, unborn baby into it. This is not safe and professionals across the globe ask pregnant women to avoid these situations at all costs. There are plenty of other ways to unwind and relax through pregnancy such as a pregnancy message or a nice shower.
All in all, pregnancy is so exciting and we are so happy that you are partaking in this beautiful journey of new life. We, as well as millions of other people across the globe, know how difficult pregnancy can be and applaud every woman who goes through it.
With these 10 tips, we hope that pregnancy is just that much easier for you when welcoming your little one to our beautiful world.