If you are like most people, you will probably want to make some changes after finding out that you are pregnant. After all, your life is about to change in a big way – you have a little human growing inside you. Firstly, congratulations. Secondly, let’s offer some valuable advice.
Before anything else, keep in mind that everyone’s situation is different, so be sure to talk to your doctor about what is best for you and your baby.
Think About a Second Test
Before going crazy with lifestyle changes and buying all sorts of baby gear, it is important to make sure that your positive pregnancy test is accurate. While false negatives are much more common, it is possible to get a false positive result. If you are unsure, take another test or speak to your doctor.
If the second test also comes back positive, then it is time to start making some changes in your life.
Improve Your Diet
One of the most important things you can do for your developing baby is to eat a nutritious diet. This means plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, as well as sugar.
Of course, you don’t want to overdo it on caffeine or alcohol, as both of these can be harmful to your baby. It’s probably a good idea to cut out caffeine entirely, and limit yourself to one alcoholic drink per week. Wherever possible, you should also try to eat organic foods, as these will be free of harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Consider Prenatal Supplements
Did you know that most women are actually deficient in certain nutrients, even before they get pregnant? This is why it’s a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you find out you’re expecting. Prenatal vitamins will help to ensure that you and your baby are getting all of the nutrients you need.
Typically, prenatal supplements contain higher levels of folic acid, iron, and calcium than regular vitamins. They may also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain development. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor about which prenatal supplement is right for you.
Get Regular Exercise
After finding out they’re pregnant, many women worry about whether or not it’s safe to continue working out. The good news is that, in most cases, exercise is perfectly safe during pregnancy. In fact, it can even help to relieve some of the common discomforts of pregnancy, like fatigue and back pain.
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Smoking during pregnancy increases your risk of miscarrying, delivering your baby prematurely, and having a low-birth-weight baby. It can also cause health problems for your baby later on in life. Why risk it? There are many resources available to help you quit smoking, so take advantage of them.
Buy Comfortable Clothing
If you’ve heard horror stories from parents or grandparents, we have excellent news because maternity has come a long way. No longer do you have to sacrifice comfort or style while you’re pregnant. Many retailers sell stylish, comfortable maternity clothing. For example, many expectant mothers love maternity wear from Legoe Heritage.
When buying maternity clothes, always keep comfort in mind. You’ll be thankful for it later on when you’re carrying around a lot of extra weight and your back is killing you. Clothing that’s too tight will also be uncomfortable and can cause circulation problems.
From here, enjoy the process and the new life you’re bringing into the world. Congratulations!
