Pregnancy Care

Regular exercise during pregnancy can have special benefits. It can lessen the discomfort and fatigue.

For morning sickness, nibble on a few plain crackers when you wake up. Rest in bed for 20 to 30 minutes before getting up.

Taking a warm shower during labour may help you to relax or just feel better. Avoid hot water, it can raise your body temperature.

Eat several small meals each day. Avoid rich, spicy, acidic and fried foods. Keep healthy snacks available.

To prevent dehydration during labour, on the hour have something to drink and on the half hour go to the bathroom.

During labour a gentle backrub will feel good and help you to relax making contractions more effective.

When in labour relax as much as possible during contractions. Labour with your body, not against it. The more you can relax, the more effective the contractions will be.

Never change a cat's litter box when pregnant. It can contain toxoplasmosis that can cause birth defects.

Low lighting and soft music may help you relax during labour.

Walk around between contractions to help your labour move along.

Take your prenatal vitamin with dinner, or the biggest meal of your day, to minimize nausea.

Towards the end of your pregnancy you may need to buy a pair of shoes in a larger size.

Fat and cholesterol are important for absorbing the fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E, and K), for stretchable skin, and is also necessary for the developing baby brain. Two tablespoons of fat a day is recommended for pregnant women.

Keep track of situations that trigger nausea so that you can avoid those things. Odors, sudden motion, etc.

Listen to your body. Your body will let you know when it is time to relax and rest.

A healthy diet and exercise program during pregnancy can help a woman maintain her self-esteem. Women, who stayed active throughout their pregnancy, have an easier time regaining muscle tone and losing weight after childbirth.

To help avoid high blood pressure during pregnancy you should lay on your left side, drink lots of water and avoid salt.

Are your feet and legs swelling? Walk often and sit with your feet up. Also sleep on your left side.

Take naps during the day or after work to help fight fatigue.

Childbirth classes are a great way to learn more about what is happening to your body and the birth process.

Keep a diary of what you are eating to ensure that you are keeping up with your daily requirements.

If you exercise when pregnant (within limits of course), you could have a shorter labour and recover faster.

In late pregnancy, swimming is a great way to exercise. It makes you feel weightless and it can help relieve a lot of aches and pains.

To reduce cramping while you are sleeping, place pillows under your knees and feet.

Be sure to drink 8 - 10 glasses of water each day. Be especially careful on hot summer days, you may need to increase your water intake.

When traveling by car, be sure to wear your seat belt. The bottom strap should go across your hips, not over your abdomen.

When having nausea and vomiting, if it lasts longer than 24 hours and you have the inability to keep any food or fluids down, call your doctor. Also call your doctor about severe pain in any part of your body.

Increase your calorie intake while pregnant, normally 300 calories per day. While exercising - increase even more.