Congratulations! This is the going to be the most amazing time of your life.

This is the time when a woman is going through many changes and starts to prepare herself to become a mother. It is the period full of excitement, anticipation, and preparations. During this stretch, everyone around you would give advice about things and tell you all the do’s and don’ts. For instance; Check your weight, blood pressure, baby’s development and keeping up with your doctor though these things are vital for you and your baby’s health. There are some other things that you should consider too.

Here are some helping tips you should follow:

Must Know Things for Expectant Mother

Prenatal care

Choosing a doctor, whom you are comfortable with should be the main concern for you.As you have to keep going with your doctor for the whole time. Make sure you choose a doctor that is either recommended by your friend or family. You should disclose all your past medical records and should mention if there is any medical history or inherited problem. Hiding them may lead to a chance of abnormalities in pregnancy.

To minimize the risk of pregnancy complications, follow a healthy and safe diet, advised by your healthcare provider. You need to consume extra protein and calcium. Dairy products will help you meet the needs. Meat is rich in proteins that help in fetus’ development.

Doctors recommend that expectant mothers should start prenatal care by 10 to 12 weeks of gestational age. Prenatal visits include:

• Complete physical exam
• Weight checks
• Blood pressure
• Urine, blood, and ultrasound exams

Routine check-ups will minimize the risks and complications in fetus’s development. Doctors may prescribe prenatal vitamins to serve such purpose, e.g. 400 mg of folic acid and other vitamins, such as calcium and iron are much needed by women and their developing fetus. Make sure the medications you take are safe for you and your fetus.

Exercise

Mostly you will feel tired and exhausted;Exercise can help you with that. It will keep you active and fresh. It is a proven fact that exercise during pregnancy is very beneficial. Regular exercise can help:

• Control weight gain
• Keep abdominal muscles toned
• Prevent backaches and constipation
• Improve sleep
• Increase energy and stamina
• Boost your mind
• Lessen recovery time after birth

Walking is the best exercise throughout this magical time. You should do exercises that are not exhausting and are easy on joints twice or thrice a week, half an hour would be an ideal time.

Stretch Marks

It will come as no surprise that stretch marks will present themselves during your pregnancy, there are a few techniques you can apply to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Here are some of our favorite tips:

• Make sure you stay hydrated, as this will keep your skin soft as more able to stretch.
• Eat your nutrients! Vitamin C, D, E are a important as well as zinc.
• Get plenty of sunshine, vitamin D has been found to reduce stretch marks.
• Using stretch mark cream. Make sure it is specific for pregnant women, as some stretch mark creams can include chemicals which may hurt your baby.

Sleeping Tips

Sleeping can be difficult because of the following reasons:

• Increased heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Backaches
• Heartburn and constipation
• Frequent urge to pee

Here are some tips that can help you sleep well:

• Avoid drinking a lot.
• Avoid sweet dainties and caffeine after lunch.
• Start a relaxing bedtime routine.
• Avoid electronic devices.

Arranging all essentials

To avoid the rush in the last moments, keep all the essentials required post-delivery ready. Do not wait until the very last minute to buy the important items. That means you must have basic things such as:

• A Crib
• Few blankets
• Outfits
• Car seat
• Burp clothes and diapers

Before the arrival of your baby, baby-proofing your apartment or home is necessary. You should make room for baby’s items and organize the storage before the birth of your baby. Some parents like to keep gender’s disclosure a surprise, so they go with all the neutral colors. On the contrary, parents who know the gender arrange the baby’s room according to the specified colors and taste.