PREGNANCY : ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Health Tips for Pregnant Woman

First Trimester Survival Tips

• Get as much rest as possible and sleep in when you can. Getting extra rest will help you stay out of the sleep debt that can cause your symptoms to worsen.
• Stay hydrated, but drink most of your liquids during the day and avoid them later in the evening so you can cut down on nighttime bathroom visits.
• Combat nausea with crackers or small bland snacks. Eat often and in small amounts to prevent getting sick from an empty tummy. Keep crackers at your beside for when nausea hits you in bed or in the morning.
• Sleep on your left side as much as you can. This is the best position for good circulation. Use extra pillows between your knees or under your belly to help keep you more comfortable.
• Have a night light in the bathroom so you don’t have to turn on the light and wake yourself fully.
• Make sure you try to go to bed at the same time every night. This puts your body on a schedule.
• Take naps. If you are tired then go sleep, you body is telling you to do something.

Second Trimester Survival Tips

• In order to avoid heartburn; try to avoid spicy, fatty, or fried foods
• Sleep with your head and neck elevated to keep the stomach acid down
• Eat frequent small meals throughout the day
• Use antacids, they are effective and safe.
• Enjoy your 2nd trimester and better sleep, but keep sleeping. Extra rest is still a good thing
• When sleeping, lie on your side with your knees and hips bent. Place pillows between your knees, under your tummy and behind your back. This can help take pressure off your lower back.
• To avoid nightmares try not to eat too much before bed and talk out any fears you might have with your partner or a therapist.

Third Trimester Survival Tips

• Sleep on your left side. This allows for the best blood flow to the fetus, your uterus and kidneys. It also improves circulation of blood back to the heart.
• Try using a body pillow to help you sleep better.
• Avoid sodas and other carbonated drinks, they can cause leg cramps.
• If you’re getting a lot of swelling and begin snoring, call you doctor
• If you develop Restless Legs Syndrome, talk to your doctor about an iron deficiency.
• If you can’t sleep get up and do something else. Read, watch T.V., listen to music, clean, you may get tired enough to want to go back to bed.
• If you are getting leg cramps, straighten your leg and flex your foot upwards, this will help get the kink out. Do these several times before going to bed as a stretching routine to avoid the cramps all together.

 

HEALTHY MOTHER... HEALTHY BABY...