The 5 Pregnancy Basics That Will Have you Covered

Getting pregnant with your first child should be an exciting time in your life, but it can also be very scary if you are unsure what to expect. The pregnancy experience varies widely from woman to woman, but there are some general guidelines that apply across the board. If you have any concerns, you should always check with your doctor, as he or she is familiar with your unique medical history. Read on for some of the basic things you need to know.

Diet & Pregnancy

While you are pregnant, the foods you eat are not just nourishing you, they are nourishing your baby as well. This makes it even more important that you follow a healthy diet. Focus on eating lean proteins, like chicken, legumes and whole grains. Try to get a variety of fresh fruits and veggies in your diet for their high mineral, vitamin, and fibre content. Your baby also needs healthy doses of iron and calcium. To get these important nutrients, incorporate dairy, like milk, yoghurt, and hard cheeses, and red meat, as long as it is cooked to medium-well or higher. Avoid deli meats like sausage or cured meats, and stay away from raw seafood. Even with cooked seafood, it is best to be careful, as some fish and shellfish contain high levels of harmful mercury.

Exercise

Typically, it is safe to exercise throughout pregnancy, although you may experience a lack of energy in the first and third trimesters. Try to remain as active as is comfortable, but be sure not to overexert yourself. If you were an avid exerciser before you were pregnant, you can safely continue most of the exercises you were able to perform before you got the bun in your oven. However, you should use lighter weights and avoid overly strenuous exercises. Aim for about 50-60% of your maximum effort. You should be able to carry on a light conversation while exercising. Avoid any exercises that require you to turn upside down, like handstands or headstands.

Emotions & Pregnancy

Your hormones will be all over the place throughout your pregnancy, so it is perfectly normal to experience mood swings. You may also feel a bit overwhelmed at times, and this is completely normal too. Your life is about to change in a major way, so it is ok to have mixed feelings about it. Reach out to your friends and family to help you weather the rough patches. It can also help to talk to someone, like your own mother or a friend who has had a baby.
They can share their experience, which can help you to better understand your own feelings and emotions. If at any point you feel that your mood swings are getting too extreme, talk to your doctor. He or she can identify if what you are feeling is normal or if it might require additional treatment.

Romance

Many women report an increased sex drive during pregnancy, but this is not always the case. Between hormonal fluctuations, weight gain, and the thought of the impending changes to your life, sex may be the last thing on your mind. Whichever is the case, it is totally normal. Having sex during pregnancy will not affect the baby in any way, so it is perfectly fine to continue having intimate relations with your partner. In the later stages, though, you should avoid the missionary position, as lying on your back can cause the baby to rest on the vein that carries blood back to your heart from your lower body, which can cause you to pass out. Instead, try positions where you are on top or lying on your side.

Pregnancy Complications

Even with a healthy pregnancy, complications can still arise. You may be injured or fall ill, so it is important that the doctor treating you knows that you are pregnant. In the event that you are unconscious or otherwise incapacitated, wearing a Mediband can alert medical care providers to your situation to prevent any unnecessary risk to you and your growing baby.

Learn how to live an active life with a medical condition.