I was never happier or more content than when I was pregnant. My skin glowed, I slept well, and I had the best dreams! Both of my pregnancies were enjoyable, in spite of the dreadful morning sickness I suffered through my second trimesters, but everything else was wonderful, ending in two very brief and manageable labors and deliveries. I was lucky, I know, but I also followed my wonderful doctor’s advice, and I think that had a lot to do with how easy my pregnancies were. Here are her, and my, tips for a healthy, happy pregnancy.
Photo Credit: andrew sea james
While there’s something to be said for “surprise” babies, like my youngest, there’s also a big advantage health-wise in planning ahead for a pregnancy. Planning ahead means you can quit smoking, start taking folic acid supplements, and even have your doctor help you off of any prescription drugs with potentially harmful side effects before egg-meets-sperm and everything goes nuts.
Photo Credit: Miss Treats
Your doctor will be your one true partner through this entire process, more so even than the dad (or other mama) of your little bean. That’s why it’s so important to find an ob/gyn you trust, someone who listens and understands what you want and what you need. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to test-drive each one before you choose for sure.
I can’t stress this enough — growing a healthy baby, and staying healthy yourself, is so exhausting, so you’ll need plenty of rest! Set aside time to nap (or at least unwind) each day, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night.
This is the key, according to my doctor, to a healthy pregnancy, hassle-free delivery, and speedy bounce-back to your pre-pregnancy weight after baby is born. A lot of women assume that being pregnant is a free-for-all in terms of eating and exercise, but that’s absolutely not true! Talk to your doctor to develop a diet and exercise plan that’s perfect for you and baby.
Again, you shouldn’t think that because you’re pregnant, you can eat anything you want. Put down the cupcakes! There are actually a lot of foods you ought to avoid, such as unpasteurized cheese and some types of fish, and remember that whatever you eat and drink, baby gets, too!
Photo Credit: -Angela
Plans, especially birth plans, aren’t ever going to go exactly as you’d like. There are just too many variables, too many things that can happen! But it is a good idea to have at least a rough plan written down, and a bag packed, weeks before you’re due. Where will your older children go, who will feed the pets, who will call the friends and family, and will you go natural or use painkillers, breast or bottle feed?
Regardless of who you plan to have in the delivery room with you, it’s a fantastic idea to surround yourself with women you know, love, and trust. Avoid negative Nellies who only want to tell you horror stories of their own pregnancies, labors, and deliveries, and instead keep your encouraging friends and loved ones close.
Once you’ve found the right doctor, and gotten all of her advice, and read through these tips, you’re ready for the rollercoaster ride of your life! All in all it’s bound to b the most rewarding, enjoyable experience of your life… or maybe you already know all of this because you’ve already been through it… if so, do you have any other tips to share on having a healthy, happy pregnancy?
Top Photo Credit: TeeRish