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In this second part of this article dedicated to pregnancy tips we continue our list of 10 things every pregnant woman should do… ready?
#6 Monitor your baby
As you progress through your pregnancy you will begin to notice many changes to your body and your baby bump will begin to show between 16 – 20 weeks. This will also be the time when you will start to feel your baby’s movements.
The feeling of your baby moving will be subtle at first and feel like a flutter under the skin. You may even be able to see your skin moving when you look at your belly or when the midwife presses the heartbeat monitor to your stomach.
From the movement that you start to feel your baby move you should make sure you are monitoring their movements daily. As your baby develops their movements will become stronger and more obvious and you will start to notice certain times of the day when they are more active.
However, if you suddenly stop feeling your baby move for a prolonged period, speak to your health care provider immediately as this could be a sign that there is a health risk to your baby. Usually, everything is fine however it is safer to get checked out by a professional who will be happy to reassure you and check on your baby.
Pregnancy tips: #7 See a dentist
Your dental health during your pregnancy is equally as important as your general health and you should book an appointment with your dentist at some point during your pregnancy, ideally before the third trimester.
Getting a dental check is free when you are pregnant in some countries such as the UK, and can help you to screen for serious health conditions such as gum disease and gingivitis, and pregnancy hormones can cause changes to your dental health.
Your dentist will be able to discuss with you any issues you may have and if you need any procedures while you are pregnant they will be able to discuss your options to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
Pregnancy tips: #8 Visit maternity unit
Getting closer to your due date… more pregnancy tips!Unless you are having a high-risk pregnancy, which your doctor will determine, you will have a few options when it comes to how and where you can give birth.
For low-risk pregnancies, many women choose to give birth in a birth center which is a birthing area led by midwives and is designed for your comfort with birthing water pools, comfortable beds, and limited interventions.
It is a good idea to visit the birthing centers at your local hospitals or health care centers to decide what type of delivery you would prefer, depending on your health needs and availability in your local area.
Visiting the hospital where you will give birth will also help put your mind at ease and take away the fear of the unknown, allowing you to feel more relaxed when you finally do go into labor.
#9 Know the signs of labor
Knowing the signs of labor is important for any pregnant woman regardless of how they intend to give birth. Even if you are scheduled for a c-section delivery you should speak to your health care advisor on the signs of early labor and what you should do, especially if it is your first baby.
Nature has a way of making its own schedule and can catch off guard even the most organized person, so preparing yourself for the signs of labor will help if you go into early delivery.
The most obvious signs of labor are:
- Regular contractions, increasing in intensity and getting closer together
- Cramping in your stomach and, or back
- Feeling a strong urge to go to the toilet
- Your waters breaking
If you experience any of these signs you should contact your hospital or midwife team, especially if you are 37 weeks pregnant or less.
Pregnancy tips: #10 Book antenatal class
Booking an antenatal class is a great way to prepare for the arrival of a new little person into your world and will also give you the tools you need for the first few months at home together.
There are many pregnancy and antenatal classes you can book and you should check with your local area what is on offer, as often local health care centers offer free classes to expectant parents. You can also join private classes in your area, where you will be able to meet other expectant parents, however, the cost for these classes varies.
Antenatal classes can help you prepare for birth, give you advice and resources on breastfeeding and even help show you how to change your baby’s nappy. There are often additional classes on offer such as infant first aid which are very useful for any parents expecting their first child.
Pregnancy tips: Conclusion
Expecting a baby is a wonderful time in many people’s lives but it can also be a whirlwind of emotions, and leave you feeling quite overwhelmed.
With the internet at our fingertips, it is easy to feel that you are not doing enough when you are pregnant and it can be a worrying time.
If you feel overly worried or concerned about anything during your pregnancy please talk to a trusted family member or friend and seek the advice of a medical professional who will be able to check your health and reassure you.
We hope that this article has helped to focus on some of the important tasks you need to think about while pregnant and will allow you to relax knowing you are on the right track.