There are many people who are eager to tell you what to do when pregnant with your first child. In fact, there are going to be well-meaning individuals who always try to offer information and advice to expectant moms. Even if you are now pregnant with your third or fourth child, you can expect to hear suggestions about your diet, exercise and work habits.
What you need to do is to learn which ideas are really worth the time and effort.
Pregnancy Cravings
Do you know what to do when pregnant and those food cravings attack? Not everyone will suffer from strange food cravings, but many pregnant women will experience this phenomenon. If you suddenly crave pickles, sardines and cantaloupe slices then by all means, enjoy the foods you want. Try to eat in moderation, and do not be embarrassed if the cravings disappear before you set down at the table.
Hormonal changes can create a number of dietary cravings for a pregnant female. In most instances the foods which are craved will actually be quite nutritious for the expectant mom and her unborn child. If you eat strange food combinations during your pregnancy it will not have a negative impact on your baby.
The most important idea to keep in mind is to try and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet each and every day. If you eat 4-5 small meals each day it may even help keep some of those cravings at bay. Be sure that fruits, veggies and whole grains are among the foods you select.
Exercise for Expectant Moms
Many expectant mothers worry about the amount of exercise that they should be during while pregnant. Some have heard “old wives’ tales” which urge women to take it easy and forget exercise until after the birth of the baby.
Pregnant women should be encouraged to exercise, and many exercises can be performed up until the hour that labor begins. Walking, stretching and even light weight-lifting are generally approved activities for all women, even those who are pregnant.
Other exercises and sports such as swimming, yoga and tennis are also enjoyed by millions of women who are in their second and third trimester of pregnancy. Check with your obstetrician and make sure that they give their approval of your planned exercise routine. Regular exercise can keep pregnant moms and their unborn children healthy. Participation may even result in a shorter/easier labor for mothers.
Keep Active, Keep Healthy
Pregnant women should be encouraged to stay active. While heavy lifting, long work hours and difficult manual labor might need to be avoided, pregnancy should not result in complete changes in your normal routines. Balancing the demands of your daily life and allowing time for relaxation will help a pregnant mother stay involved, happy and healthy.
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- Photo provided by: smartphotostock.com
This is a guest post by Matthew Boley, who is an avid writer and enjoys blogging. This article was written about maintaining a healthy pregnancy to educate and inform others.
