101 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
Tips for a Healthy, Happy Pregnancy
1. Stay away from harmful chemicals – There are many substances that are not normally dangerous in small amounts, but which can complicate pregnancy and possibly lead to health issues for your baby. These can include, but are not limited to mercury, paint, pesticides and herbicides. You also should avoid strong chemical fumes such as those from cleaning supplies whenever possible.
2. Stay on top of your prenatal care - From the minute that you discover you are pregnant, it is important to stay on top of your prenatal care. This includes attending all of your scheduled appointments and any tests requested by your doctor. Studies have proven that women who receive adequate medical care during pregnancy have less problems and healthier babies.
3. Don't smoke – Smoking is connected to many different pregnancy related problems and developmental issues in babies and young children. If you smoke you need to talk with your doctor about quitting as soon as possible. You should also make every attempt to avoid being exposed to secondhand smoke. Even in small amounts it can be harmful to your unborn child.
4. Stay hydrated – It is always important to ensure that you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day; however it is even more critical to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Dehydration can lead to premature labor and other problems. Water is the best option so be sure to drink at least 6 cups. Milk and natural fruit juices are also good choices and can help ensure that you and your baby are getting the vitamins you both need.
5. Take folic acid – From the time you first start trying to conceive, until your little one is born, you should be getting 400 micrograms of Folic Acid a day. Folic Acid has been shown to reduce the chances of your baby developing spinal problems by as much as 70%. Prenatal vitamins contain Folic Acid, or you can add foods rich in the nutrient to your diet such as oranges, peas, asparagus, broccoli, nuts and green vegetables.
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6. Make healthy eating choices – Remember that in order to deliver a healthy baby, you must maintain your own health. Avoid eating foods which cause you discomfort, and try to make healthy meal choices throughout your pregnancy. Foods that are high in fiber and protein and low in fat are the best options. Be sure to eat on a regular schedule, as it is dangerous and uncomfortable to wait too long between meals when you are pregnant due to the increased nutritional requirements of your body.
7. Know your history - If there is any possibility that a genetic disorder may be passed on to your baby, be sure to alert your doctor as soon as possible. In order to know whether your child might be at risk, become as familiar as possible with your family's medical history. If there is a risk, be sure to request and insist on genetic testing.
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8. Keep it clean – In order to avoid becoming ill with the flu, a common cold or another possible ailment, it is critical that you wash your hands several times throughout the day. In addition to washing your hands after using the bathroom, you should be cautious about touching raw meat or seafood, animals and items such as shopping carts.
9. Be sure to get enough iron – Anemia, or a lack of iron in the blood, is common during pregnancy. Therefore, you should ensure that you are getting enough iron in the foods you eat, and possibly through a supplement. Red meat is an excellent source of iron, as are enriched breakfast cereals, cooked beans and lentils, blackstrap molasses and pumpkin seeds. If you are concerned that you may be anemic, talk to your doctor immediately.
10. Know the signs of a problem – If something just does not seem right to you, take the time to call your doctor. If you experience heavy bleeding or other serious medical problems you should probably head to the emergency room, just to be safe. Swelling of the hands or face should never be ignored, along with a racing heartbeat, continuous vomiting, fainting or shortness of breath.
11. Avoid caffeine – Caffeine is a stimulant that is best limited or avoided completely during pregnancy. Caffeine is present in many foods, including chocolate, and beverages such as coffee, tea and soft drinks. In addition, never take any medication without first consulting your doctor. Many over the counter cold medicines and some painkillers contain caffeine.
12. Manage your medical conditions – If you have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy or any other condition requiring medical care, it is critical to maintain a successful treatment plan throughout your entire pregnancy. Otherwise, you could experience problems related to your condition that may complicate your pregnancy and possibly put your child’s life at risk. Work with your doctor to formulate a plan that works for both you and your baby.
13. Find a partner – As you make changes for a healthier lifestyle for yourself and your baby, get a partner to help you out! This could be your spouse, a close friend or a family member, as long as it’s someone who will be supportive. Having a partner can be an excellent way to make lasting changes that will benefit you during your pregnancy and after the baby is born.
14. Try homeopathic remedies – Whenever possible, try to avoid taking medication throughout your pregnancy unless it is recommended by your doctor. Instead, explore alternative methods for treating headaches, nausea and heartburn. Ginger ale can help to calm your upset tummy, as can simply eating a few crackers before getting out of bed in the morning.
15. Get someone else to change the kitty litter – Pregnant women should never change the litter in their cat’s litter box. There is a risk that contact with cat feces could lead to a condition known as toxoplasmosis. The condition can cause a miscarriage, or brain damage in the fetus. If you have spent a lot of time around cats there is a chance you have already had it. Ask your doctor to do a test to see if you’re immune.
16. Read the books, but take them with a grain of salt – There are many different schools of thought about pregnancy and child rearing. Spend some time reading with your feet up, but remember that not every technique will work for every woman. The same approach should be considered when you get unsolicited advice about your pregnancy from others. Ultimately you know what is best for your child. Listen to your gut and use trusted resources such as your doctor when you have questions.
17. Eat extra calories, but not necessarily enough for two – The old adage that you are “eating for two” is not necessarily true. Most doctors will encourage you to add about 500 extra calories to your daily intake while you are pregnant. Be sure to select those extra calories carefully in order to keep your diet as healthy as possible. Most women find that drinking a couple of glasses of milk or calcium-enriched orange juice quickly makes up the extra calories required.
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18. Consider taking a yoga class – Yoga throughout your pregnancy can help you to get your joints in optimal condition and to increase your flexibility in preparation for labor. Studies have shown that the effects of yoga and stretching can lead to a faster and easier delivery.
19. Know what symptoms are expected, and which can indicate a problem – At your earliest doctor’s appointments, most likely you will hear a list of warning signs that warrant a phone call or trip to the emergency room. If you notice any of the serious symptoms, seek help immediately. And keep in mind that the symptoms that indicate a problem will change throughout the course of your pregnancy. When in doubt, ASK someone.
20. Keep a food journal – By writing down everything that you eat during the day, you will have a better idea of how many calories you are consuming and whether you are making the healthiest food choices. Doing this can also help you to pinpoint times during the day when you may want to consider adding a snack in order to decrease nausea, hunger or heartburn.
21. Be safe when preparing the nursery – As always, when painting or working with other chemicals, it is imperative to ensure proper ventilation. You should also be very careful not to lift more than your doctor recommends or you risk damaging muscles and ligaments in your abdomen that will be critical during delivery. If possible leave the bulk of the nursery preparation to someone else. You can always supervise without having to inhale any dangerous fumes or do any heavy lifting!
22. Take a childbirth class – Your doctor or hospital can point you to a high quality childbirth class that will enable you to become familiar with the childbirth process. And taking a class with other expectant mothers will also help you to make new friends and to talk to people who are experiencing the same things you are.
23. Take a breastfeeding class – If you are a first time mom, or you are planning to breastfeed for the first time, consider taking a breastfeeding class. There are new techniques and equipment appearing on the scene every year, and a class is a great way to make new friends and get ideas about how to make your breastfeeding experience wonderful.
24. Consider swimming for exercise – Swimming is an excellent form of exercise during pregnancy because it is low impact and involves a tremendous amount of stretching. Simply being immersed in the water can also be a relief when you are feeling tired or stiff. Many health clubs and community centers are now offering swimming classes specifically for pregnant women, which can be a fun way to get started.
25. Stretch your legs and rest them frequently to avoid leg cramps – Leg cramps are common during pregnancy. More than one mom has probably already told you a story about waking up to terrible pain! In order to avoid leg cramps, remember to stretch gently before bed and rest with your feet up as much as possible, especially at the end of your pregnancy.
26. Pack well in advance – By preparing ahead of time for your hospital stay, you will have peace of mind and not feel stressed about preparing for the big event. Make a list of what you want and need to take to the hospital. This may include music, your own pillows, and other items to make you feel more comfortable. It’s also a great idea to buy yourself a new robe or new pajamas to make your hospital stay more enjoyable.
27. Ask your doctor what to expect when labor starts – Most people will tell you that you will just know when you are in labor. In most cases, this is true. However, often the signs are very different from what you’ve seen on television and in the movies. For example, in late pregnancy, a backache can be an indicator that you are in labor. Most women experience abdominal contractions. However, every woman is difference and you need to know what to look for.
28. Stick to a balanced diet – In order to ensure that both you and your baby are getting the nutrients you need to stay healthy, stick to a balanced diet as much as possible. The Food Guide suggests between 5-10 servings of grain, 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables, 4 servings of milk and dairy and 2-3 servings of meats and proteins.
29. Make sure you are getting enough calcium – Calcium is important during pregnancy for the development of healthy bones and teeth. If your baby cannot get enough calcium from what you eat and drink, you may actually lose some of the
calcium in your teeth and bones, which can cause problems for you later on. Keep in mind that although prenatal vitamins do contain calcium, they often do not contain the full recommended daily dose. Drink a couple of glasses of milk, have a yogurt with breakfast or add cheese to your sandwich to increase the amount of calcium you’re getting.
30. Drink enough water when you are exercising – You need to be extra careful that you are replacing all fluids lost through perspiration during exercise when you are pregnant. Be sure to drink water before, during and after exercising.
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31. Never exercise on an empty stomach – It is very important that pregnant women never exercise on an empty stomach; doing so can lead to fainting and low blood sugar. Eating a small snack within an hour of exercising will help you to feel better while you exercise and afterwards.
32. Most likely, you will be able to continue working throughout your pregnancy – Unless your work is physically strenuous, there is a good chance that you will be able to work throughout your entire pregnancy. However, if you are in a field where you might be exposed to harmful chemicals, heavy lifting or other potentially dangerous situations, you should either consider a leave of absence or a transfer to a less dangerous position.
33. Be certain to get plenty of rest – There are few things that are more important to your overall health than getting enough rest while you are pregnant. Take naps when time allows, and be sure to get plenty of sleep every night. By doing so, you will stay healthy and feel better overall. Not getting enough sleep can lead to medical problems, so be sure to rest whenever you can!
34. Be aware of your medical conditions and any necessary limitations – If you are experiencing pregnancy related conditions such a high blood pressure, premature labor, ruptured membranes or unexplained bleeding be sure to pay attention to your doctor’s advice. Overdoing it can complicate the problems, and it’s important to follow all directions in order to maintain your health and the health of your baby.
35. Become educated about the latest advances – Scientific and medical advances make pregnancy and childbirth an ever-evolving field. Be certain to find out about the latest advances and how they can benefit you. If you’re uncomfortable with any recommendation by your doctor, do not hesitate to ask questions.
36. Be completely honest with your doctor – Not telling your doctor something during pregnancy can lead to complications that might otherwise be avoided. If you aren’t completely honest with your doctor, he or she may be unable to help you deal with problems that could arise as a result. One thing that you need to look out for is side effects from any medications that you might be taking during pregnancy.
37. Be on the lookout for UTI symptoms - Urinary tract infections are common during pregnancy, and it is imperative that you be on the lookout for any symptoms. If you have symptoms, such as burning or discharge, it is important to tell your doctor or nurse as soon as you notice the symptoms in order to avoid a spreading infection.
38. Avoid touching raw meat and poultry – Raw meat and poultry can contain harmful levels of bacteria, which are particularly dangerous during pregnancy. If you must touch these food products, be certain to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly and as soon as possible. Also, it is important to avoid eating any undercooked meat products, which can lead to digestive problems and infections.
39. Consider joining a pregnancy aerobics class – Although vigorous exercise during pregnancy is frowned upon for women who did not exercise regularly before becoming pregnant, those who are in good shape prior to pregnancy can generally keep up a regular exercise schedule containing vigorous workouts. A pregnancy aerobics class is designed to include exercise routines considered safe for pregnant women.
40. Wear comfortable shoes – Take care of your feet during pregnancy and pay close attention to the shoes that you are wearing. Comfort is more important than style, and you should allow for swelling later on in your pregnancy. Elevate your feet as much as possible to alleviate swelling as your pregnancy progresses.
41. Always wear your seatbelt when in the car – Position the lap belt as low as possible on your abdomen and wear your shoulder belt. You should also be very careful to sit as far back as possible from the airbag, if your vehicle has an airbag. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that wearing a seatbelt is very important for protecting you, and your baby, in the event of an accident.
42. Never use an herbal supplement before clearing it with your doctor – Although they are natural, some herbs actually have harmful side effects when taken during pregnancy. You should never take any medication or supplement when you are pregnant without talking to your doctor first.
43. If you are planning a home birth, you need to alert your doctor when you are in labor – In the event that you experience any sort of complication during pregnancy or delivery, it is imperative to have a relationship with a doctor in addition to your midwife. Midwives are trained to handle normal childbirths, however most of the time they are unprepared to deal with a life threatening emergency situation and will need to have you transported should something go wrong.
44. You can do strength training during pregnancy as long as you are healthy – Strength training with low weights can be beneficial to you during pregnancy, as long as you have cleared your routine with your doctor. Obviously, you will need to avoid specific muscle groups such as the abdomen. And remember that the goal during pregnancy should be to create and maintain muscle tone, not to build muscle mass.
45. Re-evaluate your exercise routine with each passing trimester – At the end of each trimester, you should re-evaluate whether your current exercise regimen is working for you. If you find yourself over-tired after working out you should consider cutting back or changing activities. In addition, you should not do any exercises that require you to lie flat on your back after the first trimester, as this can seriously elevate your blood pressure.
46. Stay out of the sun – Overheating is a serious risk during pregnancy, therefore spend time outdoors when the sun is not at its hottest, and stay in air conditioning whenever temperatures are uncomfortably hot. In addition to staying comfortable, you will alleviate the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
47. Stay calm – It is important to relax as much as possible during pregnancy in order to keep your stress level under control. Later in pregnancy, you risk elevated blood pressure if your life is stressful. Relaxing can also help to alleviate morning sickness, headaches and fatigue.
48. Eat more protein – Not only will eating more protein keep your strength up, but it can also help to eliminate morning sickness and nausea! Often times, women who experience nausea will eat peanut butter to stop the symptoms. This is because peanut butter is high in protein. Fish is an excellent source of protein as well as lean poultry.
49. Try coca-cola syrup for morning sickness – A teaspoon of coca-cola syrup (available from most pharmacies) can help to alleviate nausea during the first few months of pregnancy. Most women avoid caffeine during pregnancy, but a few sips of flat coca-cola can have the same effect.
50. Hard candy can help with nausea – Try some sugar free hard candy the next time you are feeling nauseated. The candy may alleviate your nausea almost immediately. Try drinking some water after eating the candy in order to boost your fluids, which can also help to stop the nausea.
51. Do what feels right – Listen to the signals that your body is sending you. If you are feeling tired, there is a good chance that you really do need a nap. If you are feeling sluggish, you probably need to eat something. There is much to be said for simply listening to what your body is trying to tell you throughout your pregnancy.
52. Pay attention to your cravings – Many women experience cravings for foods that they might not normally eat when they are pregnant. Or, they might crave sweet, salty or even frozen food. All of these cravings are normal, and in most cases it is perfectly okay to eat what your body is telling you it wants. However, should you start to crave items that are not food, contact your doctor. There are specific medical condition known as “pica” which can cause these cravings and it is never a good idea to succumb to them.
53. Hear what you want to hear – It is normal to get regular advice from well-meaning friends, family and strangers when you are expecting a baby. But, in order to stay happy and healthy during your pregnancy, you need to pick and choose which people and comments you will pay attention to. There is nothing wrong with asking someone to stop giving you unsolicited advice, and often a simple thank you will dismiss their attempts to modify your behaviors.
54. Remember what you like about your body - Weight gain and a growing tummy can leave you feeling disenchanted about the whole pregnancy experience if you allow it. So, while you are pregnant spend time concentrating on what you like about your body instead of what you dislike. Soon enough you will be able to work on getting your old body back. For now enjoy the miracle that is growing inside you!
55. Plan for exercise after delivery – Being a first time mother can be stressful; therefore while you are still pregnant, you should begin to investigate exercise classes for after delivery. There are excellent post-natal aerobics and yoga classes that allow you to integrate your baby right into your workout! This means socialization for you with other new moms and a good bonding opportunity with your baby.
56. Prepare for pain relief during delivery – Don’t wait until you are in the delivery room to discuss pain control options with your doctor. Some doctors prefer to give all of their patients’ epidurals. If you prefer not to have an epidural, or you do prefer to have one, make that clear at some point prior to delivery. Many women prefer to avoid medication during labor and delivery, so be sure to investigate your options carefully.
57. Learn which herbs are safe during pregnancy - If you are using essential oils or aromatherapy during pregnancy, you should take care to avoid using bay leaves, clove, basil, sage, marjoram, oregano, thyme and wintergreen. Some safe herbs include peppermint or spearmint oil, which helps eliminate morning sickness, or try a few drops of lemon oil on a tissue to eliminate heartburn.
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58. Stop stretch marks before they appear - Throughout your pregnancy, apply a mixture of olive oil, rosewood oil, geranium oil and lavender oil to your abdomen, breasts and hips to avoid stretch marks. Generally, a cup of olive oil needs about 2-3 drops of each of the essential oils to be effective.
59. Pay attention to your teeth – It is important to continue to brush and floss your teeth daily throughout your pregnancy. You should also be sure to visit your dentist once for a thorough cleaning. Avoid dental procedures that are invasive or require anesthesia while you are pregnant.
60. Avoid X-Rays while you are pregnant - Unless there is a true need to perform an x- ray while you are pregnant, non-emergency x-rays such as dental x-rays should be avoided completely. Otherwise, you may risk exposing your baby to harmful
radiation. If you must have an x-ray, be certain that the technician takes care to cover your abdomen with a lead shield.
61. Focus on what you eat, and not necessarily how much you eat – During your pregnancy, be careful to eat the right combination of foods. You should definitely increase your dairy intake in order to ensure that you are getting adequate calcium. But, you also need to make sure that you are getting enough iron from leafy green vegetables and lean red meats.
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62. Gain enough weight – If you do not gain enough weight during pregnancy, the risks to your baby could be significant. You should gain between 25 and 35 pounds to ensure that you are providing enough nutrition for your baby. While this may sound like a lot of extra weight to carry, it’s not all fat. You will need around 4 additional pounds of blood, 4 additional pounds of bodily fluids and about 2 pounds of fluid to cushion your baby. That’s 10 pounds not including the baby itself! And there are other changes in your body that will require additional weight as well. If you are having problems gaining weight, talk to your doctor right away.
63. Know why you need to eat specific foods – Your doctor has probably already told you that you need more calcium-rich foods to promote bone development and to prevent problems with your own bones and teeth. But, do you realize that you also need plenty of protein to aid in the production of excess blood and cells? You should also increase your carbohydrate intake to provide you with the extra energy necessary to keep you moving.
64. Get enough of the essential vitamins – B vitamins are a good source of nutrition, especially when you are expecting. Vitamin B6 aids in the development of red blood cells and helps your body to properly digest protein. Vitamin B12 is good for your nervous system. Generally, you can get plenty of B vitamins from the foods that you eat by simply increasing your intake of fish, lean meat and milk.
65. Pay attention to your diet even before you are pregnant – There have been plenty of studies done to determine whether your pre-pregnancy diet can actually make a difference during your pregnancy. The answer seems to be a definite YES. Having a diet rich in folic acid, for example, will lower the chances of your baby developing significant birth defects like spina bifida. As soon as you start thinking about trying to get pregnant, take some time to look at your diet and determine whether there are areas that could be improved.
66. Pregnancy is not the right time to drastically modify your diet – Unless you were a vegetarian prior to becoming pregnant, your doctor is not likely to support you maintaining a vegetarian diet during your pregnancy. Additionally, if you are a vegan be aware that you may be unable to provide your baby with the necessary nutrition without incorporating significant amounts of additional protein and calcium. It is always better to get these things from the foods you eat than from supplements.
67. Avoid raw meat – Because of the risk of introducing harmful bacteria to your baby, you should avoid eating all raw meat and seafood during pregnancy. This also includes eating rare or undercooked beef or poultry.
68. Avoid deli meats – A bacteria called Listeria can live on deli meats, and it is associated with pregnancy complications and miscarriages. Therefore, all deli meats should be considered off-limits when you are pregnant. If you must eat deli meats during pregnancy, you should always heat the meat to above steaming to ensure that any bacteria are killed.
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69. Avoid fish that could contain mercury – Mercury poisoning has been a hot topic over the past few years, with good reason. The effects of mercury poisoning are nearly impossible to reverse. Canned tuna can be very high in mercury, as can shark and swordfish. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which specific fishes you should avoid.
70. Avoid smoked meats and seafood – Smoked meats, including jerky, lox and kippered fish should be avoided during pregnancy. These foods can contain a high amount of Listeria bacteria, which is linked to miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.
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71. Only eat fish caught in safe waters – Fish that are caught in polluted waters will definitely expose you to a risk. Therefore, you should only eat fish that you know has been caught in unpolluted and safe waters. Fish sold in grocery stores is generally safe; this applies mainly to eating any fish that you have caught in local waters.
72. Do not eat raw eggs – As with all other times, you should avoid eating raw eggs, or any food containing raw eggs, during pregnancy. Raw eggs can contain high amounts of Salmonella bacteria, which can pose significant health risks to you and your unborn child. Some hidden sources include certain Caesar salad dressings and homemade mayonnaises.
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73. Avoid soft, imported cheeses – When you are pregnant, you should avoid eating soft imported chesses because they can contain high amounts of Listeria bacteria. This type of bacteria can cause blood poisoning as well as miscarriage. It is however, safe to eat non-imported soft cheeses since they are made with pasteurized milk.
74. Avoid pate – Fresh pate of all types should be avoided, because it can be infected with the bacteria Listeria. Listeria is linked to miscarriage and fetal blood poisoning, and can have other harmful effects on your babyl. If pate is canned, or shelf-safe, you can assume that it is safe to eat.
75. Avoid alcohol – Experts do not know whether there is a safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. What they do know is that fetal alcohol syndrome can and has affected babies born to mother’s who drank only moderately during their pregnancy. That’s why it’s better to be safe than sorry and completely avoid alcohol
while you are pregnant. The best time to start is when you first start trying to conceive. The weeks before you even know you’re pregnant are especially important to your baby’s development.
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76. Wash your fruits and vegetables – It is important to always wash your fruits and vegetables. However, it is most important to remember to wash all fruits and vegetables during pregnancy. Otherwise, you are placing yourself and your baby at risk of toxoplasmosis exposure. Toxoplasmosis is a parasite commonly contracted from eating raw or undercooked foods or from coming into contact with infected fecees.
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77. Tell your doctor how many vitamins you are taking – Because it is possible to actually overdose on some vitamins and minerals, it is extremely important to tell your doctor what dosages you are taking. This way, he or she can evaluate whether you might be doing more harm than good with your supplements.
78. If you start to bleed, call your doctor – While some women do experience spotting during pregnancy, anything more than that warrants a call to your doctor. Bleeding can be a sign of a serious condition, which can sometimes be reversed if caught early enough. If your doctor is not available to speak with you, you may need to go to the emergency room.
79. Severe pelvic pain is a warning sign – Never ignore severe pains in your abdomen or pelvic area when you are pregnant. This type of pain is abnormal and may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. It could also indicate other problems that will most likely require medical attention. Call your doctor if you experience this type of pain.
80. Don’t skip your blood tests – While many women are uneasy about the idea of having blood work done, it is important to make sure that the tests requested by your doctor are done on time. Otherwise, you run the risk of problems such as Rh Negative disease, which is very easily treated and will not cause problems unless left untreated.
81. Keep an eye on the calendar – Most women will go into labor between the 37th and 40th week of their pregnancy. Be mindful of how far along you are at all times, in the event that you go into premature labor this will be the first question asked when you arrive at the hospital. If you are less than 37 weeks along and you experience contractions, your doctor may tell you that you need to stay off your feet until you have reached full-term.
82. Be prepared for sciatic nerve pain – As they progress further in their pregnancies, many women will begin to experience sciatic nerve pain, which begins around the right hip and radiates downward through the right thigh. This is not an uncommon pregnancy symptom, but it can be quite bothersome. Swimming may help to eliminate the pain, as can putting your feet up as much as possible throughout the day.
83. Know when swelling is normal – It is not normal to experience swelling in your face or hands. If you experience swelling in these areas, contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you are pregnant in the summer, you can expect more swelling as a result of higher humidity and temperatures. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, you may also experience more swelling in your feet, ankles and legs.
84. Always wear sunscreen – Some women may experience a condition known as melasma, where a dark rash will appear on the face as a result of over-exposure to the sun. This is a hormonal pigment change that will reverse after pregnancy, but be careful to always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
85. Watch your skin – Many women notice that their complexion is completely abnormal during pregnancy. Therefore, it’s a good idea to watch for changes so that you can adjust your skin care regimen. Women with dry skin may suddenly find themselves shiny. Women with oily skin may need to use extra moisturizer. Just paying attention can help you to find the right products for your skin during pregnancy.
86. Watch for varicose veins – If you have a family history of varicose veins, then you might want to consider wearing support stockings when you need to be on your feet for an extended period of time. You should also take care to keep your feet elevated as much as possible, to keep blood flowing properly. Walking is a great way to reduce your chances of developing varicose veins, as is adding extra Vitamin C to your diet.
87. Abdominal itchiness may not be normal in late pregnancy – If you begin to experience a sudden onset of itchiness on your abdomen during late pregnancy, you should contact your doctor. This is especially true if you are also experiencing nausea or a loss of appetite. These symptoms together could indicate a problem related to your liver function.
88. Pay attention to headaches – If you normally experience headaches, then you should expect to continue having them throughout your pregnancy. Avoid known headache triggers whenever possible. There are several reasons that pregnant women might experience headaches, even if they normally do not get them. These include not getting enough sleep, low blood sugar, dehydration and stress. Be mindful of what might be causing your headaches and you are likely to reduce the number you experience.
89. Stand up straight – Good posture, especially during late pregnancy, can help to alleviate some of the irritating symptoms of pregnancy in the last trimester. It can also help to keep your back muscles strong. Headaches and ligament pain can be a result of poor posture, so keep this in mind the next time you catch yourself slouching.
90. Don’t drink with food during the first trimester – One way that you can alleviate morning sickness and general nausea during early pregnancy is to drink your water or other fluids about 15 minutes before you eat. This will help to keep you hydrated and keep you feeling better.
91. If odors bother you, avoid onions and garlic – If you find that food odors add to your morning sickness and nausea, take care to avoid cooking with onions, garlic and anything else that might leave a lingering smell in the house long after dinner has been eaten. This will lessen your nausea. You can also take care to keep the windows open and run fans when you are cooking to help eliminate lingering smells.
92. Eat some potato chips – Believe it or not, just a few potato chips contain enough salt to settle upset stomachs and to alleviate nausea. This is a helpful idea when morning sickness is keeping you from eating breakfast before you start your day. Not eating in the morning can cause lasting negative effects all day long and lead to low blood sugar.
93. Don’t fall asleep right after you eat – It is never a good idea to go to bed right after eating. But, when you are pregnant and dealing with nausea and morning sickness, it is even more important to stay active for a while after eating to help lessen your symptoms.
94. Try lemon or ginger oil to alleviate nausea – When you are experiencing a bout of nausea, try sniffing a tissue dipped in lemon or ginger oil. You might also want to drink some ginger ale, which can help to settle your nausea quickly. Watermelon is also said to help alleviate nausea.
95. Take care of your teeth and gums – Swollen gums are very common during pregnancy, due to increased blood flow throughout the entire body. Take care to brush and floss gently, as directed by your dentist. Your dentist may be able to recommend specific mouth rinses that can help you to deal with this problem, which will go away after delivery.
96. Avoid amusement park rides – Although you will see signs at every park and fair with warnings, some women unfortunately do not listen. It is definitely not a good idea to go on rides at amusement parks when you are pregnant. The sudden jerking motions and rapid movement can cause a miscarriage in some women. It can also lead to increased nausea and other general ill feelings when accompanied with the heat of summer, when most people tend to visit amusement parks.
97. Stay out of the sauna or hot tub – Although the idea of sitting in a sauna seems like it would help alleviate the discomforts of pregnancy, it might actually make your symptoms worse. Body temperatures of over 101 degrees are dangerous to your baby, and are linked to the onset of birth defects. Therefore it is better to avoid the sauna and hot tub completely.
98. Travel during the second trimester – Although in most cases traveling is completely safe during your entire pregnancy, it is best to get the majority of your travel in during your second trimester. During the first few months, you will most likely experience motion sickness and fatigue. And, during the last few months you really don’t want to go to far from the hospital where you plan to deliver.
99. Wear your seatbelt and don’t turn off your airbag – The benefits of these safety devices are much higher than the risks you face when you don’t use them. Unless your doctor has specifically told you to turn off your airbag, you should keep it in good working condition at all times.
100. If you are traveling, check to make sure that medical resources are available
– Any time that you travel during pregnancy, you should take care to ensure that medical facilities are within a reasonable distance of your destination. If you are going on a cruise, check with the cruise line to ensure that they have adequate medical staff aboard the ship.
101. Talk to your doctor before you travel internationally – If you are planning an international trip during your pregnancy, you need to discuss it with your doctor first. There are certain risks that you could face, depending on your destination. You may need additional immunizations to travel, and you should always keep a copy of your medical history with you in the event that you experience any medical problems while away from home.
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