Ten useful tips for your pregnancy
This only some of the things that your doctor will not tell you,
but the doula will
1. Always keep a bag of nutritional snacks in your desk drawer, your car's glove compartment and your handbag - hunger strikes without warning.
2. When you're not feeling irritable and cranky, be extra nice to your husband - he has to be around you those times when you are!
3. Make sure your bedroom floor is clear so you don't trip during bleary-eyed nighttime bathroom visits.
4. Pack lollipops in your hospital bag - in every flavor and brand imaginable. It's a wonderful source of energy and you can have them even if you are not up to eating.
5. If you have heartburn…
ü Eat small meals but often.
ü Avoid fatty and spicy foods.
ü Don't drink, when you eat and don't eat when you drink - wait at least 30 minute.
ü Herbal teas with chamomile, fennel or peppermint can be helpful.
ü Never lay down after you eat
ü Cucumbers, almonds and milk can help to reduce burning while giving your some important nutrients.
6. Try to sleep on your left side. This helps baby to take a best position for the
Birth, improve your circulation and sometimes even lower your blood pressure.
7. Eat a protein reach diet, drink plenty of fluids and salt to taste - this may help you to prevent pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Check the www.blueribbonbaby.org for more details
8. Towards the end of your pregnancy double sheet your bed. Put one clean sheet then a plastic layer (the old shower curtain works just fine) and then another clean sheet. This will protect your mattress if your water breaks while you are sleeping
9. Before your labor starts try to have a 2-week supply of nutritional foods, that take no more then 5 - 10 min to prepare. Keep it for the time after the baby is born. It will save you time on cooking and allow spend more time with your baby or resting.
10. Try to stay well rested in the last couple weeks of your pregnancy. Save your energy for the labor - you will certainly need it.