Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy by Jane Thurnell-Read

Here are some tips and ideas to help you have a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy, which is good for you and for your baby.

Morning Sickness?
The Duke University Medical Center (USA) says that acupuncture can alleviate the nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy.

Stress During Pregnancy
Stress during pregnancy may make children more vulnerable to allergies. (Brigham Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School study).

Pregnancy And Teeth Cleaning
Poor oral hygiene has been linked to a higher risk of pre-term babies, so look after your teeth and gums especially well at this time.

Wanting To Get Pregnant?
Over 90% of women aged 25 to 34 are not getting enough folic acid. Folic acid is vitally important in preventing spina bifida.

Over-The Counter Medicines
Over-the-counter cough and cold remedies may contain alcohol or other ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy.  Ask your health care provider about prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Exercise And Pregnancy
Physical activity during pregnancy can benefit both you and your baby by lessening discomfort and fatigue and increasing the likelihood of early recovery after delivery. But exercising for more than 7 hours a week in the first 18 weeks of pregnancy was likely to increase the chance of miscarriage.

Pets And Pregnancy
Avoid all contact with rodents, including pet hamsters and guinea pigs, and with their urine, droppings and nesting materials throughout pregnancy to avoid Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) infection, which may cause miscarriages and birth defects.

Weight Gain In Pregnancy
Remember, pregnancy is not a time to be dieting!  Don't stop eating or start skipping meals as your weight increases.

Pregnancy And Rest
Resting on your side as often as possible, especially on your left side is advised, as it provides the best circulation to your baby and helps reduce swelling.

Folic Acid
Take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily both before pregnancy and during the first few months of pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine.

Water And Pregnancy
Drink extra fluids (water is best) throughout pregnancy to help your body keep up with the increases in your blood volume.

Smoking And Pregnancy
Cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the chances of premature birth, certain birth defects, and infant death.

Paint And Pregnancy
You may want to decorate a room for the baby, but delegate and stay out of the way - pregnant women should avoid exposure to paint fumes.

Pregnancy Support
Try Pilates or the Alexander technique to increase the stability of your core muscles and make pregnancy and labour easier.

Supplements And Pregnancy
Don't take a general multivitamin and mineral supplement, but take one specifically designed for pregnancy. It's best if you can to start the pregnancy supplement while trying to conceive and continue on afetr the birth particularly if you're breast-feeding.

Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry leaf tablets or tea is beneficial when it is taken from the 28th week of pregnancy. It tones the uterus ready for childbirth and helps breastfeeding too.

Saunas And Pregnancy
Saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms should be avoided while you are pregnant.  Excessive high heat may be harmful during your pregnancy.

Preparing For The Birth
Investigate special labour TENS machines and homeopathic kits designed for child birth. Give your child the best chance by doing your best for yourself and the baby during childbirth.

Copyright 2009 Jane Thurnell-Read | Healthy Pregnancy And Labour