Good advice is hard to come by as what’s considered good advice today may not be considered good years later. Take for example, Teflon, the biggest craze in the 70’s due to the non-sticking nature of the coating, replaced most all coating . Today, Teflon is looked down upon by some who say it is linked to cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and high cholesterol. That wonderful product that was raved about is now something to stay away from. That said, we’ve gathered a few things on a list for the expectant mom that are considered good tips for 2014!
Exercise is good in pregnancy and can lower the risk of miscarriage, so that’s really good news. It is said to reduce complications when in labor and even reduce the time of your labor, but don’t overdo it.
Start taking prenatal vitamins before you’re pregnant. Prenatal vitamins help nail and hair health even when not pregnant. I take them and I’m not expecting. In fact, some recommend prenatal vitamins after cancer treatments to help hair return faster and healthier. There you have it! I get mine from Walmart because they are cheaper at just $8 a pop. Check with your doctor for a prenatal vitamin suggestions.
When cleaning around the house, opt for organic or natural cleaners instead of harsh ones or those full of chemicals and toxic ingredients. If you must use a chemical cleaner, be sure to wear rubber gloves as the toxins can penetrate your skin and enter the bloodstream and reach your baby. We found a great natural cleaner tips at Mother Earth News that seems perfect for an expectant mother.
If you have a cat, don’t change your cat litter. Have someone else do it for you. Coming into contact with the feces or urine of a cat may infect you with toxoplasmosis. One more chore off your list! From Wikipedia, “Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii.[1] The parasite infects most genera of warm-blooded animals, including humans, but the primary host is the felid (cat) family. ”
Do leg and foot stretches before heading to bed. I still remember the pain of waking up in the middle of the night with a horrible foot cramp that my husband could only fix if he grabbed my foot and pulled it up toward me. I didn’t know that you’re supposed to stretch before bedtime.
Lastly, be prepared to order a dinner while out and by the time the plate comes out from the kitchen, you’ve decided you want your husband’s meal instead. The funny thing is, I could never get away with this when not pregnant. But when pregnant, my husband would gladly give in knowing there was absolutely no rhyme or reason to it, nor could I change that craving.
If traveling internationally here are some pregnancy tips and guidelines to go by. A pregnant woman may be exposed to infectious diseases, just like any other traveler. If you are pregnant, you must take additional special precautions when planning a trip to a remote area or developing country to protect yourself as well as your unborn baby from disease and illness.
It’s one of the most dreaded words to hear during pregnancy bedrest. But it’s not a prison sentence. There are ways to survive. You will need outside help, but you can do it.
Trying to conceive or getting pregnant can be as simple as discontinuing contraception for some women, but for many others it can take a while to increase fertility. A healthy couple has only about a 25 percent chance of conceiving during each cycle. Only 75 to 85 percent of all couples get pregnant within the first year of trying. It takes time.
Women with a higher intake of fat may be more likely to suffer morning sickness than those with less saturated fat. Limit or eliminate fatty, greasy and fried foods, which take longer to digest, particularly during pregnancy when your stomach takes longer to empty. Try to avoid spicy foods which can irritate your stomach and digestive system. Stick to good old bland foods.
