Helping Your Pregnancy Go a Little Smoother
3 Tips for a Smoother Pregnancy
For most women, pregnancy is a joyous time. For first-time or overworked parents, it can also be a slightly stressful period. There are several things you can do to reduce that stress and make your pregnancy go smoother. Let's take a look at a few of them.
Find a Doctor You Trust
Whether you plan on using a traditional OB/GYN or are wanting to use a midwife to deliver your baby, finding a professional that you trust is key. There are many factors to take a look at to make sure you and your OB/GYN or midwife are on the same page.
You will definitely want to check their certifications. A midwife should be a certified nurse midwife (CNM), and most OB/GYN's will be a part of the Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, according to BabyMed. Always make sure that your OB/GYN is board certified. If insurance is a factor, make sure that your insurance provider covers visits to your chosen OB/GYN or midwife.
If you plan on having a birth plan, make sure that your chosen birthing professional is on board with it. You don't want to be in labor wanting a natural birth, only to have your OB/GYN trying to push an epidural on you. You may also want to get their thoughts on breastfeeding and circumcision, as some midwives and OB/GYN's may have very firm beliefs on these issues.
Get a Good Night's Sleep
Considering how little sleep you'll get after your little one is here, getting a good night's sleep during pregnancy is crucial. The further into your pregnancy you are, the harder it is to sleep with the baby kicking your bladder.
Make sure you have a supportive mattress. Whether you choose a traditional spring mattress, a memory foam mattress, a natural latex mattress, or a combination mattress, finding a mattress that will help with the changes you deal with during pregnancy is a must. A lot of doctors will suggest you sleep on your side. If you are not used to sleeping in this position, 2920 Sleep recommends either a latex mattress or a poly foam, as they say it can make it easier for women in their third trimester to get in and out of bed.
Reduce Stress
Having a baby can be pretty stressful. Of course, too much stress can cause a rise in blood pressure, which is not good for mother or baby. Reducing stress can lead to a happier and healthier pregnancy.
According to WebMD, there are many ways to help reduce the amount of stress you feel during your pregnancy. These can include surrounding yourself with a good support system (and don't be afraid to ask for help!), making time for yourself and your significant other (babymoon, anyone?), and taking good care of yourself. Don't be afraid to tell others what you need to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
Watch out for handling stress negatively. You don't want to sleep too much to avoid what is stressing you or to withdraw from the people who care about you. Instead, try getting a pregnancy massage, do pregnancy yoga, and address whatever it is that is causing the stress.
Pregnancy should be one of those times in your life that you will look back on fondly. With that in mind, make sure to take the time to enjoy your pregnancy. Take care of yourself and the growing bundle of joy in your belly. What has helped your current or past pregnancies go smoother?
About the Creator
Paisley Hansen
Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, beauty, and fashion. When she isn’t writing she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.
Keep reading
More stories from Paisley Hansen and writers in Families and other communities.
Tips for Relieving Heartburn While Pregnant
When you are pregnant and suffering from heartburn it is often hard to choose an over the counter product to help you feel better. Considering the fact that at least half of all pregnant women will suffer from some form of heartburn during their pregnancy it is helpful to learn a few tips and remedies that can help you avoid these symptoms. If this is something you or someone you know is dealing with read further to hear a few easy remedies for heartburn at night or tips that are just as useful throughout the day.
By Paisley Hansen5 years ago in Families
Two Pink Lines
I had never really felt like a child. I'd always had to raise myself. My mother was just a teenager when she'd had me and consequently, we had spent my whole childhood arguing and fighting like a couple of sisters as opposed to mother and daughter. My father was older than my mother but still had some maturing to do himself. He focused his entire life on me, his little girl but never realized the pressure that put on me. I always felt I had to raise him even as he was trying to raise me. We raised each other. Then, I met him. He cares, he shows me a love like I've never known. For once, it's about me and I don't have to focus on other people's needs and what someone needs from me. Someone always wants something from you. That is what my parents have taught me. Love is selfish but it isn't with him. He is perfect, beautiful, funny, and can take me to places I've only dreamed about. Places outside my mind and my own pathetic life and I know that I will always love him. When we first met, I wanted him to have my children, but now? Right now, with us both still in high school? This is all happening so soon. I slipped into the restroom at work. It had been 6 weeks since my last menstrual and this was not normal. I couldn't wait any longer. I put the top on the test and waited. These 60 seconds felt like forever. What would we do? We were both seniors so we didn't have long to go before school was over but this was not the plan. The plan was for him to join the Army and me the National Guard and for me to get my associate's degree and then we marry, then have kids.
By Lindsey Altom4 days ago in Fiction
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.