Pregnancy And Childbirth Tips For Beginners

There’s no doubt that pregnancy is one of the most exciting and beautiful times of a woman’s life, and not to mention emotional.

Stop for a moment to imagine how amazing it would be to find out you’ll have another life growing inside of you that will be brought into the world in 9 short months.

In essence, you’d be making a little human being that’s capable of walking, talking, and doing all the things people do.

Pregnancy could cause anxiety and sleepless nights, among other challenges because every woman’s situation is different.

A mother loves all her children equally and every pregnancy is always special to a woman may it be a first one or a fourth.

Every mom wants and prays for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

For most women, pregnancy will come naturally, but some may require a little more hand-holding, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Regardless of whether or not pregnancy comes naturally, you should always consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) to get the proper guidance to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

In this guide, I’ll provide you with some solid pregnancy and childbirth fundamentals to help you better prepare, but keep in mind that these are only guidelines and should never replace the advice you get from your OB-GYN.

Let’s hop right in…

Changes during Pregnancy

Generally, there's no real way to tell whether a woman is pregnant, especially for three months.

Of course, there are pregnancy tests, which can give false positives.

It’s a doctor's report that truly confirms a woman’s pregnancy.

However, there are certain symptoms that can provide clues that a woman is expecting a baby.

Certain hormonal changes take place in the body when a woman is pregnant.

As earlier stage symptoms, you can expect constipation, nausea, backaches, and cramps when you get pregnant.

There are other changes that can signal you when you’ve gotten pregnant.

A missed period is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms.

In about a week after conception, your body undergoes hormonal changes.

You may start to have backaches, cramps, constipation, and a missed period or bleeding in less than normal amounts, which are the things you can expect during the early stage of pregnancy.

Typically, your breasts become tender and your nipples get darker.

Rest Needed

When you are pregnant, you need to rest a lot.

Your body feels exhausted and gets tired even doing nothing.

This might start after one to six weeks and may not be a temporary phase.

You might just feel very tired and worn out throughout your entire pregnancy period.

Be prepared to deal with being hungry all the time and feeling as if you have no control over your eating.

One way to deal with the feelings of guilt is to remind yourself that you’re eating for two.

However, you should try your best to predominantly eat healthy foods.

You should consult with your doctor about what to eat and what to avoid during your pregnancy.

Remember earlier, I mentioned the importance of speaking with your OB-GYN?

During the earlier days of your pregnancy, you may become a little irritable and moody.

These mood swings may be worse than those you experience from PMS, which can be credited to the hormonal surges taking place in your body.

Things to Expect During Your Pregnancy

During the earlier stages of pregnancy, women tend to develop a sensitive sense of smell.

One of the worst things you will not like is frequent urination and the occasional loss of bladder control.

After two to ten weeks of conceiving you might also get headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

Vomiting all day is pretty normal for many pregnant women and is known as the infamous “Morning Sickness.”

Of course, these symptoms are due to the hormonal changes that take place in your body during pregnancy.

Once your pregnancy is confirmed by your doctor, you must totally give up consuming any kind of alcohol and tobacco products.

As I mentioned earlier, you can take a home pregnancy test which is available at many retail stores, pharmacies, and local clinics.

There are basically two types of pregnancy tests; urine and blood pregnancy test, and they both work the same way.

They check for the presence of HCG and consequently for the presence of the pregnancy.

HCG is a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin.

This particular hormone is produced by the cells in the uterus and is found only in pregnant women, and tends to elevate throughout the pregnancy.

However, these tests are not always 100% accurate.

The better brands are more accurate.

Urine pregnancy tests are the most popular because they’re easily accessible and can be found at almost any store.

The actual process is extremely easy.

Most women say, “How hard can it be to pee on a stick?”

Any woman with suspicion of pregnancy can buy the test kit and perform it easily in the privacy of their home.

If you want to increase your chances of an accurate reading, be certain to carefully read and follow the instructions to the letter.

The blood testing method requires a visit to your local health clinic or doctor’s office and happens to be more reliable than the urine type.

The blood test can also show the maturity of your pregnancy.

The urine test method is a quick way to verify whether you’re pregnant with a potential margin of error, and the blood test method is the best way to make sure you’re actually pregnant with 100% accuracy.

Get Plenty of Rest

It’s very important that you get enough rest because symptoms such as weight gain, high blood pressure, stress, and so on have been linked to a lack of sleep, especially when you’re growing a life inside your stomach.

Sleep allows your body to recover and repair itself and is essential for you and your baby to remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.

While there are no hard and fast rules about how much sleep you should actually get, most experts recommend at least 7 to 8 hours per night, and if possible, squeeze in a few short naps during the day.

You also want to try your best to relax and reduce your stress levels, which can help to keep your blood pressure down, because it’s not good for you or the baby.

Too much stress can potentially cause a miscarriage.

Proper rest and stress management can drastically reduce the chance of having a miscarriage.

Medical experts recommend that you invest in a portable blood pressure device so that you’ll always be in the know by keeping track of your levels.

Remember, eating a healthy diet and exercising can also help you to relax, sleep better, and reduce stress.

Exercise During Pregnancy: An Overview

During pregnancy, your goal shouldn’t be focused on exercising to lose weight.

Instead, you must concentrate on the following:

• Get healthy as possible during the 9 months
• Staying fit
• Increase flexibility
• Take control mentally and physically
• Maintain an overall positive attitude
• Keep your well-being in mind
• And so on

Doing those simple things will help you cope better with every step of the way before, during, and after your pregnancy.

As a matter of fact, you can potentially have a better experience during labor, and recover faster after delivery and postpartum.

Exercise during pregnancy can alleviate stress, symptoms, physical challenges, and obstacles associated with pregnancy, such as sciatica, fatigue, and swelling, and aid digestion.

The combined effects of exercise and even prenatal classes can uplift and inspire mothers to deeply connect with themselves, become aware of their pregnant bodies, get in touch with their developing baby growing inside, and overall prepares expectant moms for this new journey and phase of life.

It’s important to note that before you begin any exercise program you should consult with your doctor, physiotherapist, or health care professional to get approval because you want to take every safety precaution to avoid putting you and your baby at risk.

These healthcare professionals can assess the exercise routines, and types of activities that you have selected, enjoy, want to pursue, and inform you as to whether or not they can cause harm to you or your unborn baby.

Exercise During Pregnancy: Rewards and Risks

I’ve already briefly mentioned the benefits of exercising during your pregnancy.

Here’s a short list of the benefits:

• Helps to prevent excessive weight gain
• Increases muscle tone
• Improves endurance
• Reduces constipation
• Boost energy levels
• Promotes better sleep patterns
• Reduces body aches associated with being pregnant
• Helps to control bloating and swelling
• Makes it easier to lose the baby fat after giving birth
• Improves mood
• And so on

While the benefits of exercising during your pregnancy are impressive, you also have to be aware of the potential risks by evaluating your health.

Here’s a short list of the common risks and concerns pregnancy women may face:

• Existing Diseases
• Orthopedic Problems
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
• Low Blood Pressure
• Heart Disease
• Blood Sugar Issues (e.g. Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes)
• Breathing Type Illnesses
• History Or An Increased Risk Of Premature Labor
• Any Other Underlying Health Conditions

If you have any health issues, consult with both your doctor and fitness trainer before starting any exercise program when you are pregnant.

As a matter of fact, most fitness trainers consult with the pregnant woman’s doctor to confirm that everyone’s on the same page.

Never assume that the exercise program you plan to start is safe.

It’s always better to confirm with your healthcare professional and a fitness trainer whether or not it’s safe to move forward if the rewards outweigh the risks.

Even after you get the green light to proceed with exercising, always listen to your body and notice any warning signs that may signal something is wrong.

Do not assume, make sure, to verify what will be done, if it is safe, and the benefits, and weigh the risk/reward scale, before starting a new or any regimen.

Most fitness trainers will have you work out approximately 3-4 times per week.

They’ll also tell you to not over-exert yourself to prevent injuries and from harming your baby.

Exercise During Pregnancy: Precautions And Safety Measures

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that you stop exercising and immediately contact your midwife or doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding
• Cramping
• Faintness
• Dizziness
• Severe Joint, Lower Back, and Abdominal Pain

You should also avoid lying flat on your back after sixteen weeks into your pregnancy; the growing uterus compresses a major blood vessel, restricting blood flow back to the heart and to the baby.

Be certain that you follow the guidance of both your healthcare professional and the fitness trainer to avoid over-exerting yourself.

Safety Tips

• Avoid Dangerous Activities (e.g. Riding Horses Or Motorcycles)
• Choose Safe Non-Slip Environments
• Use Equipment That Provides Support
• Modify Workouts To Fit The Trimester You're In
• Warm up And Cool Down Properly
• Watch Your Body Temperature (Don't Overheat)
• Drink Enough Water
• Breath Properly (Never Hold Your Breath)
• Never Workout When You're Not Feeling Well
• Wear Comfortable Workout Clothing

Listen to the experts and you should be fine.

Maternity Wear: How to Dress for Different Stages of Pregnancy

When you first become pregnant, you may think that you’ll have to wear oversized non-figure flattering clothing.

While this may have been the case twenty or thirty years ago, these days, maternity fashions have become big business in many fashion circles.

These industries are realizing that women want to feel attractive in their clothing while pregnant.

The good news is that you can find fashionable maternity clothing from a number of stores both locally and online.

Here are some of the reasons more sophisticated maternity clothing evolved:

• Many women have careers before becoming pregnant. They do not want to go from the corporate office to the nursery without looking their best.
• Many women still work while they are pregnant and need to look professional in the workplace.
• Women tend to have more money to spend on clothing during this stage in their lives, so they want clothes that will make them look good even during their ninth month.
• Fashionable clothing helps to boost self-esteem in order to curb depression during pregnancy.

Whatever your reasons, you should buy clothing that is stylish, comfortable, and will expand as you do while you are pregnant.

Deciding how much maternity clothing to purchase will depend on:

• Your clothing needs
• Your budget
• Weight gain over the term of the pregnancy
• What you already have in your closet
• What feels comfortable

Women feel comfortable in different types of clothing.

Some prefer wearing pants, while others would rather skirts or dresses.

Of course, you should select maternity clothing that makes you feel empowered and sexy.

You should plan on purchasing outfits for different occasions such as casual, business casual, formal, informal, etc.

Stocking up on different types of outfits will ensure that you’re ready for any occasion without having to stress out about what to wear.

Clothing that is too constrictive will not make you comfortable during your pregnancy.

Looser clothing will allow you to grow and will also feel nice when it is close to your skin.

You want to be certain that the maternity clothing you buy allows enough room to accommodate any weight gain, as this will allow you to wear them further into your pregnancy.

What to Look For In Maternity Wear

Most women begin looking for maternity clothing around the third or fourth month of pregnancy.

You may be looking sooner or later depending on when you begin to outgrow your current wardrobe.

As I mentioned earlier, you should buy clothing that will grow with you.

This means buying items that are a little bigger now, which will fit better in the coming months as your baby grows.

When looking for maternity clothing, you should consider the following:

• Materials they're made from
• Elastic around the waist
• Not tight-fitting
• Long enough to provide ample coverage
• Follows the latest fashion trends
• Complimentary colors to match your other clothing
• Does not appear clownish or childish
• Comfortable shoes
• Comfortable underclothes

You should be able to find quality maternity clothing at the mall, local stores, or online.

The only problem you may have when shopping online is that you will have to go by sight alone.

Even though there are measurement charts, you will not know how the clothing will fit or feel on your skin until they arrive at your home.

But, if you have ordered from a particular online vendor before, you should have high confidence that the clothing will most likely fit properly.

The key to maternity wear is comfort.

As your body changes, you may find that certain materials may be more irritating than others.

Comfortability is extremely important because it allows you to function normally without having to worry about your skin being irritated or feeling the discomfort that improperly fitting maternity clothing can bring.

Maternity Wear Basics

Maternity wear basics are clothing that you can mix and match, that you can wear most days of the week, and that will fit during most of your pregnancy.

When looking for the basics, find colors that are complementary to your skin tone, flatter your figure, and can be worn with different accessories.

This will allow you to get the most from your maternity wardrobe because clothing isn’t cheap, pregnant or not, right?

Below is a list of clothing that you should buy while pregnant.

If you need more formal attire for work or for evenings out, there are many more options than ever before thanks to the clothing industry taking notice of the women’s wants of today’s world.

• Two or three pairs of dress pants
• Two or three pairs of casual pants
• One or two long dresses
• Four or five causal shirts (short sleeve or long sleeve)
• Four or five blouses
• One or two pairs of shorts if pregnant during the summer months
• Bathing suit if pregnant during the summer months
• Large winter coat if pregnant during the winter months
• Undergarments
• Nursing bra
• Shoes that are padded and comfortable
• Slippers/bathrobe/nightclothes

You may need to add more to this list depending on what the weather is like where you live, what you do for a living, and what you feel comfortable wearing.

You should choose natural fabrics such as cotton or silk, or a blend.

This will give you room to breathe and the materials are not clingy.

If your clothing is getting tighter as the months progress, then you will have to buy a few replacement pieces so that you will have enough clothing to last throughout your pregnancy.

When buying clothing, it is important to purchase clothes that are slightly larger as you will grow into them, especially if you are only in your third or fourth month.

Buying clothes that are slightly bigger will also feel more comfortable when you are wearing them during the day.

Creating a temporary wardrobe does not have to be difficult as long as you know what you are looking for and are willing to search for it in different ways, either in stores, at yard sales, or online.

Practical Clothing vs. Stylish Clothing

Depending on your job, you will have to find clothing that is appropriate for the workplace.

While maternity wear has become more fashionable, you still need to find basic, practical pieces that you can wear in different social settings.

This does not mean that you cannot be stylish while you are pregnant.

You will just have to redefine what stylish is.

You can follow the colors of certain trends without having to wear skin-tight clothing.

You can wear trendy accessories without buying belts that are too tight.

Taking from trends and creating a comfortable wardrobe is possible.

Keep the following in mind when choosing between the different types of clothing:

• Do you need more casual or professional wear?
• How much are you willing to spend on maternity clothes?
• Do you need more tops or more bottoms?
• How much weight have you gained since becoming pregnant?
• How much weight do you expect to gain?
• How far along are you in your pregnancy?
• Will you need formal wear during your pregnancy?
• Can you find enough basic items to create a wardrobe?

These are just a few of the questions you will need to ask yourself before you go shopping and while you are shopping.

If you are on a limited budget, then you should just get some essential items such as dark-colored pants, longer tops, and dresses that you can wear to work or on the weekend.

If you need to wear business attire to work, then you will have to spend a little more money.

But you can still just buy a few pairs of slacks and long sleeve blouses to wear to work.

Keep in mind that you will only need these clothes for nine months, so you don’t have to spend a fortune or buy the latest trends.

A classic wardrobe will work just fine.

You can find wardrobe inspiration from online maternity wear catalogs when trying to create your own.

Searching for maternity clothing can be fun because it allows you to be creative in your selection.

Even if you do not love every outfit you create, the clothing is temporary, so don’t stress about it.

How to Save Money on Maternity Clothes

If you are on a tight budget because you are saving money for your new baby, there are ways to find maternity clothing for those months when you need them.

Many people want to save their money so that they can provide for their children and for themselves.

You do not need to spend a fortune on maternity wear if you do not want to.

With the money you have saved on clothing, you will be able to buy supplies, decorate your baby’s room, and have enough left over to add to your wardrobe if you need to later on during your pregnancy.

Below Is A List Of Ways That You Can Save Money:

Rummage through your closet

If you have any oversized shirts in your closet, then you will not have to buy as many for weekend wear.

If you have oversized dresses or pants, these may work as well.

If this is not your first pregnancy, you may still have some maternity clothing leftover from last time.

Find and air out any old maternity clothing.

Check to see that it is in good condition.

Raid your husband’s or significant other’s wardrobe as well.

He may have several old shirts that he does not want to wear anymore which you could wear around the house.

You should be able to find a lot of casual clothing right in the closets.

Ask friends and family for clothing

If you have any friends or family that were pregnant in the last few years, ask if they have any maternity clothing they no longer need.

This can save you a bundle.

Most people have clothing sitting in their closets that they really want to get rid of. Instead of donating these items, they can give them to you.

You’d be doing them a favor, because you’ll save them a trip to the dump or a donation center, not to mention freeing up space in their home.

Check out the plus-size section and the men’s section

Many times the plus size women’s fashion section will have great deals on tops and bottoms that you could wear while pregnant.

You will find more styles as well as career and activewear.

If you are pregnant after the holidays, definitely check out some of the sale items to get those clearance deals.

The men’s section is another great place for oversized shirts.

Visit discount outlets

If on a budget, then skip the department stores and opt for discount retail outlets instead.

These stores will have new clothing that will be heavily discounted because they are last season’s styles.

You will be able to find all sorts of clothing for work and for the weekend.

And if you’re budget-restricted, who cares if the clothing style was from last season?

Yard sales and used clothing stores

These are also good places to find maternity wear.

While you will not have as big of a selection as in other stores, you will save a lot of money if they have a few pieces in stock.

If you need to buy a few, fill-in-pieces to complete your wardrobe, then these are the perfect places for you to get the most bang for your buck.

Buy in bulk

If you are looking for items like tee shirts, underwear, and socks buy in bulk.

This will save you money and you can always use extra tee shirts and underwear, especially as you grow during your pregnancy.

You should also look for seasonal sales, internet sales, and more when shopping for maternity wear.

Saving money is a great way to prepare yourself for your new arrival.

High-End Retail Shops

If you can afford to spend more money on maternity wear, there are many specialty shops that will be able to offer you more styles and materials than in other stores.

The high-end maternity shops not only offer comfortable clothing but also provide the latest trends.

Since you’ll be spending more money per item, try on all clothing before buying any.

Think twice before buying:

• Clothing that has too many snaps and buttons
• Clothing that does not contain enough elastic at the waist
• Clothing that shows off too much cleavage
• Clothing in unusual colors
• Clothing that will need to be dry cleaned
• Clothing that is made of scratchy or harsh materials

Just because something is trendy does not mean that it will be comfortable. You should try to strike a balance when shopping for maternity wear.

Besides, I know that the last thing you want to do is run back and forth returning items.

When to Shop For Maternity Clothes

Unfortunately, not all women can be pregnant after the holidays when the sales are at their best.

But this does not mean that you will not be able to find good bargains during the rest of the year.

Look for mid-season sales at department stores and retail outlets.

These sales are usually pretty good and you will be able to choose from more available styles than after the holidays.

These sales are usually used to promote a seasonal change, so be on the lookout.

Also, look for smaller holiday sales, because sometimes you can find great deals.

Specialty shops usually run sales according to the seasons as well.

Watch for signs in the windows or sign up for each company’s newsletter.

You will receive email notifications that will alert you as to when there will be a sale.

Don’t forget about the internet as it can be a good place to find last-minute bargains or fill-in-pieces that you need during your last few months of pregnancy.

Remember, that during your first few months of pregnancy, you will be gaining weight, so you may need additional pieces toward the end.

Spend your money wisely and make it last throughout the entire pregnancy.

Buying Undergarments and Other Items

Underwear

Many pregnant women forget that they will need to buy underwear, bras, and pajamas while pregnant in addition to other clothing.

Underwear is a very important component of anyone’s wardrobe.

You should buy underwear that is comfortable under many different outfits.

While you may still want to wear underwear that is fashionable, you should also consider buying some that are less attractive, but very comfortable.

When buying undergarments, you should consider the following:

• Buy cotton or silk
• Check the elastic waistline
• Buy for comfort, not style
• Buy one size bigger

As your belly begins to expand, you will notice increased pressure around your middle section.

This could be because the undergarment is cutting off circulation because it is too small.

Throughout your pregnancy, you may have to buy several underwear sizes as your body expands.

Most women say that the most comfortable underwear is not the most flattering.

So, buy what feels comfortable to you.

Labor skirt

If you are self-conscious and do not want people staring at you while you are in labor, you can buy a labor skirt that will keep you covered up during labor.

The skirt fits underneath the belly and can be taken off and put on very easily.

Nursing Bras

During your pregnancy, your breast may begin to leak every now and again.

While this is normal, it can also be embarrassing.

Buying a nursing bra or nursing pads will solve this problem.

Nursing bras have extra padding and an opening for you to easily breastfeed, but they are also made for women who have sensitive breasts.

Bathing suits

If you will be spending your summer months as a pregnant mom-to-be, then you will need to buy a maternity bathing suit.

As with any other suit, no two are alike.

It is important to try on the suit before you buy it so that you can make sure that it fits properly.

When looking for a bathing suit, you should:

• Make sure the suit is long enough to fit your torso
• Make sure the suit stretches enough to comfortably fit your tummy
• Buy a wrap to go with the suit for when you are not in the water
• Make sure the seams on the suit will not fall apart easily

After trying on the suit, move around to make sure the suit stays in place.

Just because you are pregnant does not mean you can’t enjoy the water during the summertime.

Also, if you are planning on taking water aerobics classes, you will need a swimsuit.

Swimsuits are great if you just want to lie out in the sun for a while.

Just don’t forget your sunblock.

Shoes

Most people own sneakers, but what about formal shoes while you are pregnant?

As you grow, you will want to switch to flats, so that you do not lose your balance.

When buying shoes, look for the following:

• Shoes that fit well
• Has good traction on the bottom of the shoes
• Made of leather for added comfortable
• Padding
• Buy slip-on shoes as they will be easier to put on as you gain weight

If you do not want to spend a fortune on new shoes, then you should buy extra padding so that you will be able to walk around comfortably all day without putting strain on your back, legs, or shoulders.

Clothing for travel

If you need to travel while pregnant, you should pack enough clothing to last for the entire trip.

This should include casual dresses, formal dresses, shoes, slippers, and comfortable nightwear.

Being away from home can cause extra stress, so bring clothing that you really enjoy wearing.

This will ease the stress you are feeling by being around items that are comfortable and safe.

You definitely don’t want the burden of trying to find maternity clothing while traveling, which is why you must be proactive by purchasing them ASAP!

Maternity Wear for Those Who Have Special Needs

If you are having twins, are plus-sized, or petite, you will need to buy maternity clothes that will cover you as you progress throughout your pregnancy.

This is one issue that will need creative answers.

You may have to shop in other sections of the store or shop online to find what you need.

Twins or more

Having twins or more will be evident when you grow out of your clothing quickly during your first trimester.

This may seem discouraging at first, but you will learn how to find clothing that will fit.

Begin by buying clothes that are one size bigger.

As the months pass, you may have to venture into the plus-size section in order to find clothing that will fit.

Gaining weight during your pregnancy is normal and should be encouraged. But, at the end of your pregnancy, you may not have much left to wear.

As I mentioned earlier, you could borrow clothing from family and friends in order to cut back on costs.

You should also try shopping online as there are plenty of specialty stores that cater to those who are having twins.

Plus sizes

If you are plus-sized, the same rules apply. Buy clothing that is one size larger than your regular size when your clothing begins to feel tight.

You should keep doing this until you can no longer find clothing that fits.

Shopping in the men’s section may help you find those oversized shirts and other items that are good for wearing around the house.

You should also turn to the internet as there are specialty shops that carry many types of maternity clothing.

While this may be frustrating at first, you should be able to find enough clothing to last through your pregnancy.

Petite sizes

While you may not gain as much weight as an average-sized woman, finding petite maternity clothing may be a challenge.

Try moving up a size when shopping for clothing that will fit. This should solve the problem.

If you are having problems finding petite clothing in larger sizes, you can also try the juniors' plus-sized department.

They may have more variety and styles than some of the other sections in the store.

How to Dress After Your Baby Is Born

Once your baby has arrived, you will not immediately return to your pre-pregnancy weight.

This will take diet, exercise, and self-control.

But just because you are not as thin as you used to be, does not mean that you cannot dress fashionably until the weight comes off.

There are a few simple ways to dress your body after giving birth.

• Wear your maternity clothes. If you lost a little weight during labor, then you may be able to wear maternity clothing from the early months of your pregnancy. Try on everything to see what fits and what doesn’t. You should not throw away pre-pregnancy clothing, as you may be able to wear them again.
• Do not settle for just wearing maternity or causal clothing forever. Make goals and stick to them when trying to lose weight. In the meantime, wear clothing that makes you feel confident and proud to be a parent and a woman.
• Look into nursing clothes as an alternative to maternity wear. These clothes will make nursing your baby a lot easier as they are loose-fitting and comfortable. Nursing shirts are available in many different colors and styles and you can wear them with pants and skirts.
• Invest in a nursing bra as your breasts will be swollen and may not fit into your other bras.
• When looking for clothing to wear, choose darker colors because they will hide stains, and make your body appear smaller.

Shopping for maternity wear does not have to be a struggle as long as you decide on your budget, where you want to shop, and make a list of all the essential items you will need during pregnancy.

Maternity clothing can be stylish and practical at the same time if you know how to put an outfit together using new, used, and oversized clothing.

Good Nutrition One of the Keys to a Healthy Pregnancy

It’s no secret that a good nutritional regime is the foundation of having a healthy pregnancy.

Every food choice an expecting mother makes affects her unborn child because their health is on the line.

It’s important to eat healthy to provide the required nourishment and calories for the development of the baby.

At the same time, control overall body weight by not putting on more pounds than is needed to carry for a full term.

A few things to consider when planning the proper pregnancy diet:

• Daily activity levels
• Type of workouts (home or gym based)
• Previous weight if pregnant before
• How far along is the pregnancy?
• A number of babies expected (e.g, twins, etc.)
• And so on

Sufficient folic acid, vitamins, and calcium should be taken in healthy doses.

Stay away from food and drinks that offer no nutritional value, or at the very least, limit their consumption of them.

Examples:

• Fish contains Mercury, which is harmful
• Alcoholic drinks can affect the development of the baby’s brain
• Caffeine drinks can cause the unborn’s heart to palpitate
• Uncooked meats (rare/bloody) can contain parasites that can affect the child

Remember, you’re eating for two.

Whatever affects your health, affects that of your baby and good nutrition is the best defense and offense to sustain a successful pregnancy.

Eating For Breastfeeding

During the stages of the last leg of the pregnancy, the baby actually could taste the food that the mother takes in.

This is also true when you’re breastfeeding. The milk your body makes is how it’s going to feel on the palate.

Nursing mothers can produce around 23 to 27 ounces of milk.

You should consume at least 3 quarts of water per day to maintain proper hydration.

Sometimes pregnant women experience dry throats.

This is caused by the body’s utilization of the liquids in your system to produce milk.

To ensure that you can nurse and produce the needed milk well after giving birth, you must continue to breastfeed and/or pump the milk, and consume enough calories per the recommendation of your doctor.

The extra calories that you add should come predominantly from healthy sources and not from junk food.

The nutrition from junk food is useless for milk production.

Supplying your body with the best nutrition must be the number one priority for your baby.

That’s why it is important to choose your food carefully. What you eat is ultimately what you’ll pass on to your bundle of joy.

You should consume between 1 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of a lean pound of muscle tissue.

For a mother weighing 59.1 kilograms, she’d need to consume between 59.1 to 118.2 grams of protein per day.

Related Article: Nutrients Simplified: What Is Protein?

Fueling the body with healthy calories throughout the day is necessary because this aids in the continuous process of milk production.

Calories provide the body with the energy it needs to sustain functionality.

Another reason you must consume healthy foods is to protect your baby, because depending upon what trimester you’re in, their immune system may not have developed yet.

Bad eating habits could result in colic, which is a stomach ache experienced by the baby.

Some experts believe that colic could be the result of an allergic reaction caused by cow’s milk, and certain foods found in the mom’s diet during the breastfeeding phase.

It’s recommended that you stay away from or drastically minimize your consumption of chocolates, candy bars, and anything that’s sweet that could possibly give your baby a stomach ache.

To be on the safe side, don’t nibble on any of those while nursing your little one.

You may be given this same advice by your pediatrician.

Too much oil in your diet can make your baby’s stomach upset as well, the same goes for too many spices.

Temptation is lurking around every corner, but there is a good chance that knowing what it might do to your baby can keep you away from them.

Garlic and onions tend to flavor the milk and babies don’t like the taste.

This might cause them to stop drinking your milk all at once.

Try your best to either limit your consumption or not eat garlic and onions at all while you’re breastfeeding.

The foods that you consume are not the only factor that affects the taste of your milk; the beverages you drink can also flavor it.

Caffeine, for instance, can get your baby’s heart pulsating like crazy.

I know that protecting your child is a priority, which is why you should avoid drinking coffee while nursing in order to keep your little one out of harm’s way.

Since the caffeine from coffee is addictive, you should replace it with a healthy alternative such as delicious smoothies.

Moderation is always a good thing.

Choosing to breastfeed your baby will strengthen the bond between the two of you.

He or she will grow up to be a healthy child.

All you have to do is watch what you eat by making healthy food choices and you’ll drastically increase your chances of delivering a healthy baby.

Food Cravings During Pregnancy

Feeling the need to suddenly want to munch down on unusual combinations of foods?

What about being wide-eyed about an ice cream flavor that you never thought you’d crave?

All the weird and unconventional combinations of menus may grab your attention.

You then all of a sudden start craving all these crazy sweets and dairy products.

Of course, these cravings are brought on by being pregnant, which shouldn’t cause you to be alarmed.

These cravings are totally unpredictable and tend to pass after you're done with the first trimester of the pregnancy.

Some experts claim that the type of cravings can give you an indication of what gender the baby is, although there’s no scientific proof that can back it up.

For example, if you crave sweets, they say it’s a girl and if you crave meats, cheeses, or dairy, then supposedly it’s a boy.

Remember, this is by no means scientific.

Sometimes cravings are the result of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that the mother and unborn child are lacking.

It may be bizarre to know that a pregnant woman can crave dirt, clay, or chalk.

This doesn't mean she’s losing her mind.

Rather one common component of those elements is iron.

That can be translated as the baby needing iron in its system because that particular mineral is lacking in the diet of the mother.

Your doctor usually recommends that you take prenatal vitamins to avoid the possibility of having vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

When the baby's bones are forming, calcium is immediately required.

That's why you love to dip your spoon into ice cream and nibble on some cheese.

Salts can account for the body's need to have more sodium due to the increase in the volume of the blood.

The baby and your body are communicating constantly.

Their language is not like the spoken one.

It manifests in different ways.

It can come out as sort of weird, but that's how their system works.

Yet, you often don't get what these cravings are actually referring to.

We interpret most of them in a completely different manner.

For example, let’s say your body needs more vitamin C, all it will tell your brain is to heighten the senses pointing towards the right direction.

Cravings caused by deficiencies can be tricky and could lead to you misinterpreting what your body needs.

Let’s say that your body is craving Vitamin C and the first sense is triggered by your taste buds.

If you happen to be walking past chocolate candy in the grocery aisle, your body may misinterpret your need for Vitamin C as that of a craving for sweets, instead of going directly for some ripe juicy oranges.

This cravings misinterpretation happens more often than you may realize, and can result in too much weight gain.

The best way to control or eliminate those craving misinterpretations is by eating a well-balanced diet.

When you give your body the proper amounts of nutrition, those cravings become almost non-existent.

There’s no need to stress over what to eat and in what amounts because you’ll have your OBGYN and maybe a fitness trainer standing by your side to provide guidance every step of the way.

How to Avoid Constipation During Pregnancy

During the first trimester, pregnant women tend to have a hard time holding down their food due to all the vomiting.

In the middle of her last trimester, her problem becomes just the opposite.

She can’t seem to get rid of the foods she ate several days prior because of constipation.

The changes that pregnant women go through in the different phases are caused by a hormone called progesterone.

These hormones have produced the body to decrease the movement of the muscles in the digestive tract.

This slows down digestion for better absorption of nutrients by the fetus.

However, the downside to this change is constipation. Sequentially, it can create more problems like hemorrhoids if not handled early on.

A high-fiber diet can help to eliminate constipation altogether.

Like sponges, fibers take in plenty of water that softens the stool, therefore making it effortless to move out of the body.

A few good sources of fiber-rich foods are pineapple, wholegrain cereals, oats, whole grains in general, etc.

Believe me, there’s no shortage of fiber-rich foods for you to choose from.

Begin replacing unhealthy foods with those that are rich in fiber.

Prune juice can help as well, it contains lots of fiber.

There are also raisins, a handful while watching TV can go a long way.

Nutrition experts recommend that you consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day as a general guideline.

Consume a variety of fiber-rich foods to prevent boredom.

Check the nutritional value of food labels when buying packaged fiber-rich foods.

While fiber is needed to aid in digestion, you must not consume excessive amounts, because this could lead to diarrhea, which in turn could cause dehydration and negatively impact both the mom and the baby.

And dehydration can lead to constipation, which totally defeats the purpose of consuming fiber in the first place, right?

Water can do wonders for your body such as:

• Regulates body temperature
• Lubricates joints
• Involved in the digestion of foods
• Delivers oxygen to the brain
• Keeps your body hydrated
• Involved in energy production
• Allows the kidneys to filter and remove toxins from the body
• Helps promote clear skin
• And so on

Bananas are bad for a constipated person because they have a tendency to solidify human excreta.

Pregnant women should steer clear of bananas or eat them in moderation.

Consult your doctor before taking natural laxatives to relieve intestinal problems, because high amounts can have a negative impact.

Taking in too much fiber can lead to loose stool and diarrhea, which can deplete the body of its vital fluids, like water.

This can lower potassium levels, which can be life-threatening for both the mother and the unborn child.

That’s why it’s important to follow the nutritional advice of your doctor to avoid over-consumption of any one specific nutrient, such as fiber.

Prenatal and Pregnancy

Prenatal vitamins are essential to expecting mothers, which is why your doctor prescribes them in the beginning.

Some studies show that taking prenatal vitamins can reduce the chances of having a miscarriage if taken soon as possible after confirming the pregnancy.

Folate which is needed for cell production of the fetus is one of the main components of prenatal vitamins.

It helps in the proper growth and development of the baby's spinal column.

Folic acid is great for defending against Spina Bifida, which is a condition that causes incomplete progression of the neural tube.

One of the reasons why it’s important to consult a doctor the minute you start experiencing irregularities in your menstrual cycle or changes in your behavior such as morning sickness is to confirm whether or not you’re pregnant, because if you are, you can begin taking a regimen of prenatal vitamins to help prevent conditions such as Spina Bifida.

Let me say it again, prenatal care should start as early as possible.

The moment the good news arrives, then it should be instinctive to go get checked by the doctor.

Not every pregnant woman can afford the medications that her doctor will prescribe. The alternatives are much cheaper than you think.

For instance, Folic acids are known to be plentiful in green vegetables and oranges.

Although they offer lesser amounts of folic acid, this is a good way to help the body protect the infant's development.

This can help augment the needed folate even in small amounts.

Most doctors recommend a 600mcg dosage of folate to be taken.

Just knowing about complications like neural tube defects should motivate any pregnant woman to increase her folate intake by 4 milligrams every day one month in advance before conception.

The challenge for the first trimester is how to take in folic acids, with the constant vomiting.

Taking a pill on an empty stomach can result in discomfort. That's why keeping the stomach settled is key.

Prenatal supplements are composed of different kinds of vitamins and minerals aside from folic acid needed by the mother and child's wellness.

One component that is found in it is iron.

This can be very good, but can ultimately cause constipation.

There's a good chance that during the height of the pregnancy prenatal supplements will be stopped due to the discomforts of constipation.

The best advice is to always follow the instruction of your doctor.

Teen Pregnancy and Health Risks

Health Risks Newborns of Teen Mothers

Infants born to teenage mothers are prone to accidental injury, poisoning, complications due to prematurity, learning disabilities, brain injuries, minor severe infections, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The child usually has a weight less than the ideal and premature birth rates are prevalent among adolescent mothers.

Health Risks for Teen Mothers

A teenage mother may experience delivery problems due to an underdeveloped pelvis.

Early detection of a Cephalopelvic Disproportion is an indication of a scheduled cesarean birth.

However, this is a surgical procedure that may put the life of the mother in danger as a result of too much blood loss.

Other complications that might be encountered by an adolescent mother coming into childbirth are eclampsia, obstetric fistula, or maternal death.

The absence of prenatal care and the lack of knowledge related to the psychological and physiologic changes of pregnancy can increase health risks.

Since most teenage mothers haven’t a clue what to expect, they don’t approach pregnancy with the proper behavior and precautions needed to ensure a healthy delivery.

Usually, these adolescents have poor eating habits and usually don’t take vitamins.

They may even smoke, drink and take illegal drugs.

Statistics have shown over and over that a large percentage of children born from adolescent mothers are usually underweight.

This statistical data also shows that a sizeable percentage had no prenatal care.

Other complications that a teenage mother might encounter are blood disorders such as leukemia and blood pressure that rises to abnormally high levels, which could result in maternal death.

There are annual reports that show as much as 25% of sexually transmitted diseases are contracted by young adolescents.

A baby born from a mother with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as Syphilis or HIV could experience various types of health complications.

The mother could even pass the STD to her child.

The Basics of Eating Well When Pregnant

Everyone knows that variety is the spice of life.

That 100% philosophy applies to your pregnancy diet.

I’ve already mentioned the importance of eating a healthy diet several times in this guide.

If you eat the same foods over and over, you’ll eventually become bored and not even want to look at them anymore.

Your healthcare professional will provide you with solid eating guidelines.

In a nutshell, you should eat small meals every 2 to 3 hours per day, which eat includes protein, complex carbs, and some good fats.

An example of a balanced meal for lunch could be a baked chicken breast, a baked yam, and fresh steamed spinach.

The key is to consume a variety of fruits, veggies, lean meats, nuts, prenatal vitamins, water, and a few snacks in moderate amounts.

You already know that healthy eating habits are good for both you and the fetus.

Weight loss is out of the picture for a pregnant woman.

Contrary to that, pregnancy is the period where moderate weight gain is encouraged for the eventual growth and development of the fetus that is living inside the mother’s womb.

When the ideal weight gain is not achieved on a monthly basis, the mother and baby are put at risk since this could result in malnutrition.

Food experimentation is common among pregnant women due to cravings.

It brings about new discoveries with regard to food preferences.

Pregnancy can even result in the rejection of certain all-time favorite foods such as ice cream, and the craving for the despicable ones like raw oysters.

Take your time to chew and savor each bite in order to aid in the digestion process, which can prevent issues such as heartburn.

In the case of a pregnant mother, two mouths are being fed.

Eating habits should therefore be geared towards a balanced diet high in nutrients to help ensure a full healthy term.

Weight Loss After Childbirth

Putting on some weight is normal during pregnancy.

Depending on the requirements determined by the unborn child and the body itself, an expectant mother can gain up to 25 pounds or more.

Pregnant women always wonder if their bodies will snap back to their normal size.

Right after giving birth, the body still looks as though there is a baby inside the womb.

This goes on for a couple more months until the time when the uterus shrinks down to its normal size again.

The downside to this is that women are always in a hurry to drop all the extra pounds after giving birth.

If they fail in their quest to lose weight, this can lead to depression and poor body image.

The body will eventually drop those extra pounds, but if you want to get back into shape faster, you’ll have to be proactive by stepping up your workouts.

A little more patience is required when breastfeeding the little one.

Because of the necessity to take in extra calories for lactic production, the body's tendency is to hold on to extra fats for storage.

This will make sure that milk in the mammary gland is full for your child’s ever-growing needs.

Usually, a little over six months or a minimum of three is needed in order to stop eating for breastfeeding.

This can only be done by mothers who decide to give their milk to their children for a month.

Breastfeeding can go on for as long as there is milk in the mother's system.

To be able to sustain milk production it takes 500 cal.

By the time the mother stops or reduces breastfeeding, fat storage is automatically reduced.

Since this is triggered instantly, weight loss begins to occur.

Remember, if you’d like to get faster results, continue to eat properly and increase your workout intensity.

Avoid those dangerous fad yo-yo types of diets and take your time by approaching weight loss properly.

Definitely stay away from those calorie-restricted diets, as they’ll cause you to have low energy levels, which will make you feel extremely tired and weak, not to mention tank your metabolism.

A slow metabolism will make it even more difficult to lose weight.

Adding in a few daily power naps with your newborn, can help energize you, boost your mood, and when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, will be just the catalyst you need to drop that baby weight.

Weight loss after pregnancy is part of the recovery process, and with enough conviction and motivation, a slim body can be yours within a relatively short period of time.

The Basic Stages of Pregnancy

Knowing the different stages of pregnancy helps new parents know what to expect as the pregnancy advances, and what changes are taking place with the mother and the baby.

I’ll provide you with a general overview.

Keep in mind that every woman is unique and will have different experiences.

You must build a good relationship with your obstetrician so that the communication is accurate throughout the pregnancy.

The Different Stages of a Pregnancy

A full-term pregnancy is normally 40 weeks. This full term is divided into trimesters, which are about 13 weeks each.

The progress of the fetus's development is as per the trimester.

The First Trimester

During the first trimester of the pregnancy, the woman may not realize that she is pregnant and will not associate the feeling of nausea with this.

Though this is referred to as morning sickness, it could happen at any time of the day and not necessarily in the mornings only.

This feeling of nausea is because of the hormonal changes in the woman's body.

These hormonal changes also bring about cravings for certain foods in pregnant women and also mood swings.

All this reduces by the time the second trimester of pregnancy rolls around.

The Second Trimester

By this time, the mother-to-be has become used to the fetus in her womb and is not feeling as uneasy as she did in the beginning.

It is during this period that the fetus has started the development of its own organs.

The mother will now start gaining weight, which shouldn’t happen rapidly.

Sometimes if there is more than one fetus in the womb, there may be rapid weight gain, which makes sense, but this could also point to some potential problems with the health of the mother or the fetus.

The Final Trimester

By now all the organs of the fetus have developed completely and are fully functional.

In case the mother delivers a premature fetus during the 30th week, it will be able to survive with some assistance on the technological side.

However, as this would be premature birth, the doctors would have to take extra precautions about its health.

A normal-term baby would be born only after 38 or 40 weeks.

At this time the mother will feel rather uncomfortable, because of the pressure of the fetus on her own internal organs and may also give her backaches.

She will urinate frequently and will have trouble sleeping. This will make her tired and fatigued.

This is just an outline of the different stages of pregnancy; the gynecologist will be able to give a more detailed explanation to the parents-to-be.

The Causes of Early Miscarriages Are Not Always Easy To Determine

What causes a miscarriage is not always easily determined, because sometimes unfortunate events take place even before the woman realizes that she is pregnant.

However, once a woman has miscarried and the cause is determined, the proper precautions can be taken during future pregnancies to prevent a reoccurrence.

Some causes of miscarriages

During the first trimester of pregnancy, miscarriages can happen very easily and this could be because of genetic abnormalities in the fetus or the embryo, as it would be referred to in the early stages of pregnancy.

Sometimes the mother-to-be need not have done anything to cause a miscarriage, nor could anything be done to save the pregnancy at this early stage.

More than 50% of early miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities or genetic reasons.

Women who have had a miscarriage or two can potentially have a normal pregnancy.

However, after a third miscarriage, a woman is termed as having recurrent miscarriages and the doctor would have to find out the reason for this and find a solution to the problem.

While some miscarriages show signs like cramps in the lower abdomen and vaginal bleeding, others happen without the woman being aware of what’s going on.

Only an ultrasound scan can give a true picture of the issue.

Sometimes miscarriages can occur due to many other reasons such as:

• Extreme stress
• Consumption of alcohol
• Drugs
• The age of the mother
• An abnormality of the uterine structure
• Diseases that are sexually transmitted

Though trauma and stress are not usual causes for miscarriages in the early stage of pregnancy, it could be a possibility.

Consumption of drugs and alcohol by the mother-to-be could bring on a miscarriage; and if the age of the mother-to-be is more than 35, the risk of having a miscarriage is increased.

A full medical check-up prior to conceiving is recommended to ensure that the woman is healthy enough to go through a full-term pregnancy.

To reduce the risk of a condition such as Spina Bifida, the mother-to-be should be given folic acid during a few of her menstrual cycles prior to conceiving, however, she could still take folic acid if she becomes pregnant unexpectedly, during the first trimester of the pregnancy.

Taking good care of the mother-to-be during the early months of pregnancy is very important.

Even if a woman has no appetite due to morning sickness, she should still consume healthy foods to provide nourishment.

Women who have had miscarriages can still have healthy babies later on.

While going through the trauma of a miscarriage it is good to have moral support and time to grieve the loss and get back to normal life, and then try again if you get the green light from your doctor.

Early Signs of Pregnancy

How can you determine pregnancy before you notice a missed period?

The following methods can surely be of some help to you.

Body Temperature

Women who are trying to conceive might be familiar with the methods of noting their basal body temperature.

They may, therefore, notice the subtle changes in their basal body temperature when they ovulate.

If the temperature remains high even when it is time for your monthly cycle, this is an indicator that you may be pregnant.

You can learn to maintain a record of your basal body temperature with the help of over-the-counter devices.

Tender Breasts

Notice the changes in your breasts.

Women usually notice fullness in their breasts immediately after they have conceived, even before missing periods or any other signs of pregnancy.

This is one of the first signs of pregnancy.

Frequent Urination

If you find yourself visiting the bathroom often, you may very well be pregnant.

Frequent urination is due to increased levels of a hormone known as Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or Hcg.

In fact, the first step taken by your doctor to determine if you are pregnant or not is to ask you to visit the lab for a urine test, where they will test for the presence of Hcg.

However, many women are unaware of the fact that frequent urination is the result of increased hormone activity and not because of the pushing of the fetus on the urinary bladder.

The developing fetus puts pressure on the urinary bladder only when it is large enough to do so, not in the initial stages of pregnancy.

Please note that immediately after conception; the embryo is no longer than an inch.

Cramps

You may experience a cramping sensation when you conceive or even during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

This is because your ligaments are making way for the newcomer to grow and develop.

Some women hardly feel these cramps; others complain of a cramping and tightening sensation in the region of their wombs.

This sensation, too, has been reported by many women as one of the first signs of pregnancy.

Missed Period

A woman who misses her period would naturally suspect pregnancy.

However, a missed period need not always mean pregnancy.

You can miss a period for any number of reasons.

The culprit could be stress or a change in your exercise regimen.

If you suspect pregnancy, purchase a home pregnancy test kit to determine the truth for yourself.

Purchase the kit even if you had an unusually short period or simply spotting.

The results of this test will definitely tell you whether you are pregnant or not.

It is now time to put yourself under the care of a qualified medical doctor.

You might feel like celebrating after you have confirmed the fact that you are pregnant.

However, remember that since you are now pregnant, you cannot indulge in smoking, alcohol, drugs, etc.

In addition, you have to reduce your consumption of caffeine, eat healthily, and follow the advice of your doctor.

Detecting Early Signs of Pregnancy without Testing

Is it possible to determine pregnancy without subjecting yourself to any pregnancy tests?

Yes, you can tell that you are pregnant by making close observations of your body.

You can catch some early, subtle signs of pregnancy without having to purchase home pregnancy testing kits or visit the doctor.

So, watch out for those early pregnancy signs.

To determine if you are pregnant by watching out for early signs of pregnancy, you need to know exactly what signs to watch out for.

Here is a list of early signs of pregnancy. Keep a sharp lookout for these signs if you are trying to become a mother.

The early signs of pregnancy are nausea, fullness in the breasts, tender nipples or breasts, fatigue, vomiting, frequent urination, headache, constipation, spotting, cramps, cravings for food, bloating, and mood swings.

Confusing Signs of Pregnancy

When a woman draws closer to her period, she normally feels weary and bloated.

In fact, the earliest days of pregnancy, which manifest signs similar to the onset of a period, could be easily misunderstood as just another period.

Since each woman and each pregnancy is not the same, the signs of early pregnancy could be different for each woman.

They can be different for different pregnancies in the same woman.

For example, a woman who has already had a baby need not necessarily know that she has conceived when it happens a second time.

Women, therefore, should know about the earliest signs of pregnancy so that they can care for the health of their unborn child and themselves.

One of the earliest and most ignored signs of pregnancy is a simple feeling that something is not the same.

It could be disregarded as wishful thinking, especially if the woman has been trying for a baby for a long time.

However, many women have reported having had this feeling just before their pregnancy was clinically confirmed.

While it isn't a rule that all women have this feeling, such flashes of intuitions are not to be taken lightly if they do occur.

The earliest signs of pregnancy, as already mentioned, can be mistaken to be another period.

Even the fact that the woman is visiting the bathroom often can be overlooked, because this can happen even during a period.

Tenderness in the breast and slight bleeding occurs even just before a period, which is why many women won't be aware of their condition until several weeks later.

Sometimes, there are no signs at all, and the would-be mother won't suspect her condition until she has missed her second period.

Another sign of pregnancy is associated with the desire for sex.

While some women are not interested in sex during the first trimester because it causes a lot of discomfort to them, others enjoy an increased appetite for sex.

The reason is due to changes in hormonal activity within the body, which increases the flow of blood to the genitals and the breasts.

Both attitudes to sex are absolutely normal, and the signs will soon disappear as the pregnancy progresses.

The earliest signs of pregnancy could easily confuse and mislead a woman.

You should learn the language of your body and observe the changes in it carefully.

How fast you become aware that you are pregnant depends on how keenly you can observe your body and understand its language.

Dealing With Life after a Miscarriage

If you have just recovered from a miscarriage, you will naturally want to know about its impacts on your body and mind.

How can you deal with life after a miscarriage?

What sort of emotional support and physical treatment will you need?

When will it be safe for you to try for another child?

You will seek answers to such questions.

You can obtain a lot of information about dealing with life after a miscarriage from innumerable sources.

These sources of information about miscarriages could be from doctors, support groups, counselors, online forums, websites, friends, family members, audio, and books.

Dealing with life immediately after a miscarriage depends on the type of miscarriage you have suffered.

In case you have had a missed or incomplete miscarriage, you might simply have to wait for a natural miscarriage or induce one with the help of medication or surgery.

One of the common complications of pregnancy is a natural miscarriage.

In case of such a miscarriage, most women get admitted to the hospital and, once they are better, go back home to recover.

If you want to find out the reasons for your miscarriage, you will have to undergo several medical tests and get yourself thoroughly examined.

Besides, you should get your medical history as well as that of your partner's reviewed by a competent doctor.

You may have to undergo the following tests after a miscarriage:

• Blood Test
• Testing Your Reproductive Organs For Infection
• Genetic Counseling
• Genetic Testing
• Biopsy Of The Uterine Lining
• Ultrasounds
• X-Rays Of The Reproductive Tracts

Do you want to try for a child again after a miscarriage?

You can do so.

Having a miscarriage does not necessarily mean that you will never have a healthy pregnancy again.

If you want to try for another child, talk to your doctor about when it will be safe for you to try to conceive again.

Your physician will be able to give you a lot of relevant information about how you can avoid any further risk of miscarriages.

Your body will recover quickly after a miscarriage.

However, you will have to take care of your emotional health.

You can recover emotionally just by talking about your experience.

Friends and family have to offer a lot of support to women who have suffered a miscarriage.

One of the best ways to vent your emotions is to keep a diary and write your feelings in it.

Participate in online groups and forums or read books on the subjects to learn about how other women have dealt with life after a miscarriage.

Many women find great comfort in remembering the baby they have lost in a very special manner.

One of the ways to remember a lost child could be to preserve ultrasound reports, organize a memorial service, or give the baby a special name.

Conclusion

And there you have it; you just learned the basics of pregnancy and childbirth!

Pregnancy is a complicated process that must not be taken lightly, regardless of planned or not.

As a mother, your priorities are to confirm your pregnancy as soon as possible so that you can get prepared for the journey.

After you’ve confirmed your pregnancy, you must follow the advice of your doctor and the fitness trainer if you decide to hire one.

By doing so, you’ll consume a healthy diet, exercise, and be aware of the changes taking place in your body.

Being aware also allows you to spot potential dangers that could harm you and the baby, providing you time to seek medical care sooner rather than later to solve problems.

Knowing what to expect during the different stages of your pregnancy is beneficial because you’ll be prepared.

Eating healthy and working out prepares your body to drop those pregnancy pounds a lot faster after giving birth.

I recommend that you get advice from family and friends who’ve had kids of their own because they can provide you with a treasure trove of real-world useful tips.

While you should learn much as you can about pregnancy and childbirth, don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed by all the information coming at you.

Don’t forget to trust in your natural parental instincts to help guide you.

Have fun on your pregnancy journey!

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