First pregnancies can create an anxiety and fear of not knowing what to do, as you try to live the healthiest you can to best influence your developing baby. Best pregnancy advice seems to be always changing as new medical research is released. Pregnancy books are a great resource for new moms, and can provide some information that is very important to the health and well being of mothers as well as babies. As a mom of two small children, I’ve gleamed key information from many pregnancy books. I examined the most unexpected advice that I found with the following article.
Caffeine Is Okay, But Moderation Is Key
Before my first pregnancy, I remember thinking that pregnant women could have no caffeine. Now, the latest advice in recently published pregnancy books shows that the key to caffeine intake is moderation. Personally, I had around one cup of coffee a day when I was pregnant. When I drank coffee during my second pregnancy as I finished grad school, my actions shocked some of my fellow students. Rest assured that a small intake of caffeine will not harm your baby.
Cut Back On Your Fish Intake
Personally, in my early 20’s, I was very health conscious. Back then, I followed the salmon diet and I ate lox as a snack. When I became pregnant with my first child, I discovered how bad fish can be to a baby developing in the womb. Only certain types of fish are okay, and only in very small amounts. Some pregnancy books have a chart of what type of fish to eat, how much, and how often to eat it.
Dad Experiences Symptoms Too
Some men experience sympathetic pregnancy symptoms. Your husband might start to gain weight with you. Surprisingly, your husband could experience postpartum depression as well as morning sickness. Be empathetic, as your husband could have more experience with the hardships of pregnancy than you realize.
Testing For Disabilities Has Side Effects
Prenatal testing can have side effects. Personally, I refused all prenatal tests with both of my pregnancies. I have friends who had a higher risk for having children with disabilities, and underwent the prenatal testing. Results of the prenatal testing can be incorrect and create fear in new moms. Know that if your child will have a disability, you can still have a happy, smiley baby who brings great joy to your family.
Absolutely No Amount Of Alcohol Is Safe
I’ve gleamed numerous chatroom discussions online where people discuss how they are having a half a glass of wine as a celebration during pregnancy. Honestly, I never risked even taking a sip of the most diluted Christmas egg nog, and I don’t get why anyone would. Drinking alcohol can create issues that don’t even show up until your child reaches elementary school. Be safe and do what’s best for your baby. Most pregnancy books encourage no intake of alcohol, which might surprise you if you have friends and family who drink in small amounts during pregnancy.
Traveling Can Be Risky
Taking long drives during pregnancy can create health issues. If you must take a long road trip, flex your leg muscles often, and take walking breaks every couple hours. During short drives, double check that the positioning of the steering wheel and seatbelt are safe.
Staying Physically Fit Helps A Lot
Experiencing morning sickness can make many new moms want to stay in bed to rest continuously for weeks at a time. Get up and get moving to help your body stay healthy. Being physically fit can help you have an easier time during labor, and can help ease your anxiety. Personally, I walked at least a mile a day with my first pregnancy, and I went into early labor naturally. With my second pregnancy, I stopped exercising regularly and I had to be induced. If you stop exercising, your body will not be able to tolerate exercise very well. Keep a regular exercise schedule during early pregnancy to help you stay fit later in your pregnancy.
