Tips For Mothers To Be
Tips For Mothers To Be
Travel
Travelling is no cause for worry if the pregnancy is normal and stable. Travelling long distance is better done by train than by car or bus. Sitting for long periods should be avoided, since it causes congestion in the legs and pelvic region.
Autorickshaws are safe if you are used to them. But avoid long, bumpy autorickshaw rides on rough roads. On a long, bumpy route, take a bus for most part of the journey and an autorickshaw for a small part of it. Request the driver to be slow.
If you have high blood pressure or if you have had a miscarriage or bleeding at the beginning of your pregnancy, then travelling is not advisable.
Even in a perfectly normal pregnancy, in the last six weeks avoid travelling great distances by air, abroad or across time zones. In the last four weeks you must remain close to home and hospital.
In the first three months flying in an unpressurised aircraft can cause serious oxygen deprivation to the baby. However all modern passenger aircrafts are properly pressurised.
Medicines
Avoid taking medicines on your own. Whatever medicine you take should only be under your doctor’s advice, after you have informed the doctor of your pregnant condition. Indiscriminate use of certain medicines or drugs can harm the baby. It is best to keep drug intake to the minimum.
The Right Diet
- Fresh fruits, green vegetables, egg, milk, cheese, paneer are good
- Not too much spicy food, meat, sweets, cakes, potatoes
- Have light meals through the day; it is better than 3 heavy ones.
Clothes
- Wear loose clothes like maternity dresses or salwar kameez that allow you to move freely
- Your breasts need good support, so wear a well – fitting bra.
- Use flat comfortable footwear. High heels can cause backache.
Exercises
- Sit cross-legged and practice deep breathing – it will help you relax
- Freehand exercises – moving your hands straight forward, up and to the sides – help in blood circulation.
- Do household chores – sweeping and swabbing, unless you are advised otherwise.
- All accustomed activities can continue.
- Do not overdo the exercise.
Sex during early Pregnancy
As your body undergoes dramatic changes during pregnancy, so may your feelings about your sexuality. Many women have less sexual desire when they are pregnant, while it may increase in a few. Your sexual relationship with your partner is likely to change. Some women – especially if they are experiencing morning sickness, fatigue, and breast tenderness – may be less interested in sex during the first trimester but regain their interest during the middle three months when these symptoms subside.
Neither you nor your partner should feel guilty about being less interested in sex during this time. The most important thing is to be open with each other and share the feelings. You both may need some time to accept each other’s attitudes and be comfortable with them.
Having sexual intercourse during pregnancy will not harm the foetus . Most couples can continue to have intercourse right up to the onset of labour. As your abdomen enlarges, you may find intercourse more comfortable in positions that place less pressure on your abdomen, such as side by side, you on top, or your partner entering you from behind. If you have a complication that may cause labour to begin early, your doctor may recommend limiting or avoiding intercourse and nipple stimulation. These activities can cause contractions of the uterus that may bring on labour.
Sleeping position
Curling up and sleeping on your left side is best for both you and your foetus. It allows maximum flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta. Not all women can sleep or stay in a particular position throughout the night. Do not be very worried if you have rolled over or find yourself lying on your back when you wake up. Many women tend to believe that the umbilical cord winds round the neck because of peculiar sleeping positions. This is clearly a misconception.
Weight Gain
You can expect to gain about 1 1/2 kg during the first trimester, then about 1 – 2 kg each month during the rest of your pregnancy.
If you gain too little, your baby may be born underweight. This increases the risk for problems at birth as well as developmental problems in childhood.
If you gain too much, it does not mean that your baby will weigh more. Excess weight gain is seen in pregnancies complicated by high blood pressure or raised blood sugars. These conditions would put the pregnancy into a high risk category. In these cases, strict maternal and monitoring is required.