Advice for Pregnant Women: What to Expect and How to Deal

Being pregnant is a very special time in your life. It is also a time that you should be extra conscious of your health and the health of your baby.

From the time you find out you are expecting to the time you are getting ready for the big day, there is so much you can do to make the entire process nothing but special.

Of course, every woman will have a very different experience when it comes to their own pregnancy and what tips and tricks work for them. But the one comforting thing is that women have been having babies for centuries. This means there is a whole wealth of knowledge when it comes to advise for pregnant women in terms of what to expect and how to deal.

We have rounded up some of the best products for pregnant women and some different tricks that have helped women just like you make this the most magical time of their life—with the final result being a healthy and beautiful baby.

Sign Yourself Up for Regular Check-Ups

From the time you find out that you are pregnant, you will want to schedule regular appointments with your doctor so that you can ensure everything is on the right track. An obstetrician can assess your condition throughout your pregnancy. You can read more about how to enjoy your pregnancy and childbirth experience with the help of experts.

They will need to understand your medical history and will check to make sure that your body is coping well throughout the pregnancy. During the check-ups, they will not only check your urine and blood samples but will also do an ultrasound to check on the growth and development of your baby.

For the first few trimesters, you will want to schedule a check-up at least once a month. But by the time the last few months roll around, we recommend bringing this up to every other week. By the final month, you will be checking in with your doctor every single week.

An obstetrician can monitor your situation closely if you have a high-risk pregnancy due to advanced maternal age, pre-existing medical conditions, or complications. Your doctor will develop an individualized care plan to ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your baby.

Throughout the process, it is important, to be honest with your doctor, ask them any questions you may have and build that relationship with them from the beginning.

Prepare for Your Body to Change

Another thing to prepare for during your pregnancy is that your body is going to go through some changes—and that is totally normal and okay. In general, most women gain around 25 to 30 pounds throughout the course of their pregnancy. They also will notice parts of their body—such as their breasts or waist—change too.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect digestion and result in symptoms like heartburn, indigestion, and constipation. The increased pressure on the stomach from the growing uterus may also contribute to these symptoms.

The circulatory system adapts to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. Blood volume and cardiac output increase, and the heart rate rises. These changes are essential for providing adequate oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus.

Moreover, pregnant women may experience fluid retention, leading to swelling in the extremities, particularly the hands, feet, and ankles. Edema is due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume.

In addition, pregnancy hormones can cause various skin changes. Some women may develop a dark line from the umbilicus to the pubic bone (linea nigra). Skin pigmentation may increase in certain areas, such as the face (chloasma or ‘mask of pregnancy’) or around the nipples. Stretch marks may also develop on the abdomen, breasts, and other areas as the skin expands to accommodate the growing belly.

Remember that your body is morphing with a growing baby. But the body you have while pregnant will also change once you give birth. So enjoy the magic of the human body during this time and know it is normal for it to grow, expand and simply look different.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

While pregnant you are not just feeding yourself, you are eating for two people. It is always recommended to engage with a nutritionist or doctor to discuss the best meal plans for you specifically and what nutrients you may be lacking.

For example, you will want to avoid eating raw foods like eggs and fish. This is because it can put you and your unborn baby at risk for food poisoning. You will also want to try to get at least four servings of dairy a day because calcium is crucial for your growing baby.

Of course, you should also prepare to experience interesting cravings. Each pregnant woman has a different experience with what they crave. But in general, they tend to be food groups that you are not getting enough of on your own and it is your body’s way of crying for attention.

Another tip when it comes to nutrition is to talk to your nutritionist or doctor about taking pregnancy supplements or vitamins. They are a great way o support both you and the development of your baby, ensuring you are getting all the essential nutrients needed.

You Can Still Do What You Love

Just because you are pregnant does not mean you have to stop doing everything you love. You can still go for that daily swim or walk. You can still go to work. You can still hang out with friends.

Being pregnant does not mean that the rest of your life gets put on pause. Do the things that bring you joy. Because ultimately you being happy will mean that your baby will be born happy too.

Expect to Feel Horny

Many pregnant women all agree that their hormones at times feel out of control while pregnant. This is especially true for feeling random spouts of horniness. It is okay to embrace those feelings—as you can still be intimate while pregnant. Just be mindful of your positions and act with care.

Conclusion

Being pregnant is an amazing experience and you have so much to look forward to. This is just the beginning of what to expect—and know that many women before you have walked in your shoes and thrived.