Key Messages
A Guide To Preparing For Pregnancy: Answers To All Your Questions And Needs
Are you pregnant or are you the partner of someone who is? If so, then it is important that you prepare yourself for the challenges of pregnancy.
In the Common Sense Pregnancy book there are sections devoted to answering all of your questions and helping to guide you through the various dos and don’ts of pregnancy.
In these sections, you will learn how much nausea is too much and if labor induction might be necessary.
Also, discover what unexpected issues can arise after giving birth so that you can be best prepared for them.
With this information in hand, you will have a better idea about what to expect during your journey through pregnancy and also how to deal with any hurdles that might come up.
Be sure to read up on this material in order to ensure the most successful pregnancy possible!
Taking Time To Prepare Yourself For A Healthy Pregnancy Journey: Tips On What To Do In The Early Stages Of Pregnancy
When it comes to pregnancy, rushing to the doctor the moment you find out isn’t always necessary.
Most of the time, it’s best to be patient and make use of the first few weeks for things such as taking prenatal vitamins for folic acid and iron intake as well as looking for a health-care specialist that you will trust throughout your pregnancy.
While many pregnant women experience spotting which may be light, it’s important to stay vigilant and contact your doctor if the bleeding persists or becomes stronger.
This could be a sign of miscarriage.
If this is the case, your doctor will inform you of what steps to take next.
In summary, unless certain problems arise, there is no need to rush yourself to see a doctor right away when you become pregnant.
Following these simple steps can help ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy during these early stages.
Hire Your Own Team For A Stress-Free And Safe Birth: Consider Midwives And Doulas
When approaching childbirth, many expectant mothers are presented with several options, but hiring a midwife or doula can offer invaluable assistance.
Though you might assume an obstetrician is the best choice, they only specialize in high-risk and complicated pregnancies – both of which very few women have.
A midwife on the other hand can attend to all aspects of giving birth while offering personalized attention.
As Nancy S.
Roberts’ research shows, this option carries less risk of illnesses and fatalities for both mother and baby alike.
A doula is also a great choice if you’re hoping to avoid undergoing a C-section or handle any potential trauma during breathing or birthing.
Be sure to conduct your own research and check their background though – since there are no regulations regarding doula certification, their qualifications can vary greatly.
You should opt for someone who is familiar with how hospitals handle patients in labor to ensure no heated disagreements arise when you’re already dealing with intense pain!
The Dangers Of Unrestricted Eating For Pregnant Women And Why We Need Detailed Diets For Them
Back in the 1950s and 1960s, there were much fewer specific rules about what pregnant women should (and shouldn’t) consume.
In that era, women were mostly able to eat whatever they wanted because the foods available back then were healthier and more nutritious.
However, that has changed dramatically over the decades with high fructose corn syrup now being added to practically everything.
Plus, food products now come packed with preservatives, chemicals and artificial flavors that weren’t around back then – not to mention portion sizes have gotten a lot bigger too.
These days, expecting mothers must be stricter when it comes to their diets so they properly fuel both themselves and their developing baby safely and healthily.
Luckily, we have detailed lists of foods pregnant women need to avoid such as soft cheeses, unpasteurised beverages and raw/undercooked animal proteins – all of which can contain dangerous bacteria and toxins.
Good nutrition for an expecting mother also involves looking into certain vitamins & minerals found in fruits & vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
Foods rich in calcium like milk & leafy greens as well as tofu are especially good for expectant moms who need additional calcium for their baby’s teeth & bones development.
All in all, due to how different today’s diets are from those of the past; pregnant women nowadays need to be even more strategic about their meals if they want to ensure optimal nutrition for themselves (and their unborn babies).
The Importance Of Monitoring Amniotic Fluid Levels During Pregnancy
Checking on amniotic fluid levels is an important reason for regular pregnancy checkups, as it can help ensure that your baby’s development and growth are proceeding as expected.
Just like a fish in a puddle needs enough water to survive, so too does a fetus need a sufficient amount of amniotic fluid in the womb for its health and safety.
In rare cases – about one percent of women – polyhydramnios can occur, where too much fluid accumulates.
While this condition is usually harmless, it may lead to complications such as premature births, stillbirths or the baby getting stuck in an awkward postion.
Unfortunately, not much is known as to what causes polyhydramnios – some believe diabetes in the mother might be part of the answer.
On the other hand, oligohydramnios can also occur when there’s not enough fluid in the womb – only four percent of pregnant women experience this condition – which could lead to miscarriage or premature or stillbirths.
There are two telltale signs of this you can watch out for: leaking amniotic fluid and reduced weight gain during pregnancy.
That’s why checking on your amniotic fluid levels with your doctor is so important during pregnancy checkups!
The Dangers And Benefits Of Induced Labor: Understanding When It Is Necessary
Inducing labor is a relatively common practice, but it should only be done in cases of emergency.
A naturally occurring labor will help to prepare the mother’s body for delivery, while artificially induced labor carries with it the risk of complication and potential injury or death.
According to statistics compiled by obstetricians Osterman and Martin, induction rates have increased from 9.5 percent of pregnancies in 1990 to 23.3 percent in 2012.
Nonetheless, inducing labor should still only be seen as a last resort – not a go-to solution.
It’s important that pregnant women understand that there isn’t much evidence demonstrating that inductions are healthier than going through the natural birth process itself.
In some cases, however, induction can be beneficial for the health of both mother and child – particularly when there is an underlying condition like high blood pressure, which can lead to complications during childbirth if not managed properly.
The key thing to remember here is that these situations are usually emergencies – where the life of either the mother or baby is at risk – so do seek medical advice promptly if you think this may apply to you.
The Difference Between Pre-Labor And Real Labor: How To Know When It’S Time To Head To The Hospital
It is extremely important to understand the differences between pre-labor and actual labor, as they can have a huge impact on your pregnancy experience.
Pre-labor pains can start as late as ten days prior to your due date and these contractions are not regular.
Pain can sometimes be so bad that you might be convinced that the real labor has already begun!
However, what’s more likely is that you’re only a little bit dilated and the contractions just serve to get the baby into the right position for delivery inside the pelvis.
Their intensity may vary, so if you are able to breathe and speak normally during them or even move around to carry out activities, it usually means that this is pre-labor.
In real labor however, it’ll feel like excruciating pain shooting along your back and legs with contractions at much faster intervals — roughly every two or three minutes with only a minute of respite in between.
That’s when it’s time to head to the hospital!
Being aware of these distinct differences between pre-labor pain and actual labor can help you have an informed and prepared pregnancy journey.
From Lamaze To Hot Water: How To Calm Labor Pains With Breathing And Batherapy
Breathing techniques are essential for managing labor pain – and with good reason!
Whether you opt for the tried and true Lamaze technique (inhaling twice and then exhaling twice, making the sounds “hee-hee” and “hoo-hoo”) or try another deep, rhythmic breathing pattern, focusing on your breath distracts your mind from the pain itself.
And, that’s not all – it can increase oxygen flow and give you a helpful boost of energy too.
For maximum effectiveness during labor, you should practice this breathing exercise throughout your pregnancy so it becomes second nature when it matters most.
You might also find that you dilate much more quickly than without practice!
Another way to ease labor pains is to use a bath or jacuzzi with hot water high enough to cover your entire belly if possible (or keep the exposed area covered with a towel).
Many hospitals now offer water births in these as an option – so make sure to do your research if that sounds like something that might be right for you.
As an additional bonus, compresses soaked in warm water can be soothing during labor as well.
Despite The Pain And Discomfort, The Rewards Of Childbirth Make It All Worthwhile
Nobody should expect the discomforts associated with childbirth to go away just because the labor has ended.
The pains and complications that come during pregnancy can follow you in the weeks after delivery as well.
Postpartum cramps, bleeding, soreness in the lower abdomen, leakage of breast milk, and sleep deprivation can all still be experienced even though you’ve gone through the painful experience of birth.
These symptoms may seem overwhelming, but there are ways to make them more manageable.
Simple steps like taking warm baths, using extra-large pads soaked in water stored in the freezer for 15 minutes for relief of swelling and soreness, and using medications such as ibuprofen or Vicodin as necessary can help battle these existing postpartum discomforts.
It is important to monitor your use of medications prescribed by your health care provider due to possible addictions associated with them.
Though childbirth might seem like a difficult journey filled with pain and hard work, it will all be worth it once those amazing rewards arrive: a beautiful newborn baby!
Wrap Up
The Common Sense Pregnancy book aims to guide women through one of the most challenging, yet beautiful, experiences that they will have: pregnancy and childbirth.
The authors make sure to emphasize the importance of being organized and prepared before giving birth.
With this in mind, they provide practical tips on how to do just that, so that you can make the whole birthing process as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
In short, this is an invaluable resource for mothers-to-be as it helps them navigate this wondrous journey with confidence and peace of mind.
