It’s hard not to get excited when you find out you’re pregnant. But if you’re a first-time pregnant woman, it’s important to be prepared for the changes that lie ahead.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of your new baby, but it’s important to remember that your body is going through a lot too. You’ll have to make some big lifestyle changes and face some challenges that might make you feel uncomfortable or unsure about what to do next.
Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do now to prepare yourself for what’s coming next and help set your mind at ease so that you don’t spend all your time worrying about what might happen during this exciting time.
Avoid OTC Medicines
The first trimester of a pregnancy is a time to be cautious. It’s the most vulnerable time for both mother and baby, and it’s when the risk of miscarriage is highest. That’s why it’s important to avoid OTC medicines like Tylenol during pregnancy.
You might have heard about the negative association of Tylenol with pregnancy, and research also supports this statement. A study by The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH), the use of acetaminophen or Tylenol by mothers during pregnancy is linked with a higher possibility of ADHD in the child.
Many mothers have filed a Tylenol Lawsuit after their delivery because they used these medications during pregnancy without knowing that they could harm their unborn child. Tylenol can cause birth defects in babies if it’s taken early in pregnancy. While these medicines may seem harmless, they can have devastating consequences for mothers who take them during pregnancy.
Thus, what do you do if you need pain relief? Use natural remedies. Try using ice packs or heat pads instead of taking drugs like Tylenol, which can cross the placenta and affect your baby’s development.
Eat Healthy Foods
When you’re pregnant, it’s especially important to take care of yourself and that includes what you eat. If you’re a first-time mom, it can be hard to know what the best diet is for someone who’s expecting. The good news is that there are plenty of foods that will help keep your baby healthy and strong during its development.
Healthy foods contain lots of nutrients like protein, calcium, and iron which are essential for your baby’s growth and development. If you’re not getting enough nutrients from your food, it could affect your health and your baby’s health.
You should also make sure that all of your meals are balanced with lean protein (like lean meat or fish), complex carbohydrates (like whole grains or starchy veggies), and fats (like olive oil). This will ensure that both you and your baby receive proper nutrition throughout pregnancy.
Do Some Prenatal Exercise
Prenatal exercise is important for your first pregnancy. It can help you prevent or manage common pregnancy side effects such as swelling, constipation, and varicose veins.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), regular exercise during pregnancy has many benefits for both mom and baby. For example, it reduces back pain, relieves constipation, improves overall fitness, and strengthens your heart and blood vessels, among others.
Along with these benefits, you will also feel better throughout your pregnancy. Some types of exercise can also help prevent injuries during labor by improving balance and coordination.
To start with, you can do a simple walking or jogging session for about 30 minutes a day at least 3 times a week. If you are already in good shape before getting pregnant, you can try other exercises such as yoga or Pilates. If you have any health conditions, such as back pain, then consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Get Into a Good Sleep Routine
Getting into a good sleep routine is one of the most important things you can do to prepare yourself for the next few months.
This is because pregnancy changes your body in many ways, including your sleep patterns. During pregnancy, you will experience more fatigue than usual and need more sleep than normal. You may also find that it takes longer to fall asleep, and you are more likely to wake up at night. All these factors combined make it very important for you to get into a good sleep routine during pregnancy.
The latest scientific research shows that women who don’t get adequate sleep during pregnancy would have a higher possibility of experiencing pregnancy complications.
Thus, getting enough sleep is especially important during this time because it’s when your body is making most of its major changes. These changes can cause fatigue and stress, making it harder for you to get quality sleep. But by sticking to a consistent bedtime routine and keeping stress at bay, you’ll be able to get the restorative rest your body needs.
Final Thoughts
When you’re pregnant for the first time, it’s easy to feel like you’re taking on more than you can handle. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back with these four self-care tips that will help you get through this exciting time in your life.
