Some helpful prenatal care advice to make pregnancy more enjoyable, stress-free, and easier.
The first thing to do, when you find that a new baby is on the way, is to find an appropriate obstetrician, one that you feel at ease with, who is competitent, compatible, and caring.
The first few months tend to be the "squeamish" months,...."morning sickness" that can last all day.
If you are subject to this discomfort, tell your doctor. There are harmless medications that can help relieve the sickness. Stay away from spicy foods. Crackers, pretzels and "uncola" seem to help relieve the queasiness. This should subside after the fourth month.
Irritibility and tenseness are two common traits that accompany pregnancy. You feel that no one understands, as if you are alone on an island in the middle of civilization. Suddenly, chores and responsibilities stretch into gigantic proportions. You feel like you might have slipped into a surreal Alice in Wonderland scene.
This, too, shall pass. You are feeling new emotions stemming from becoming a giver of new life, a sometimes overwhelming reality.
When irritations and tensions seem to be too much to cope with, take time out. Go to a movie, treat yourself to a special lunch at a nice cafe, or even spend an afternoon at the library....NOT looking for books on babies, but for books that suit your personal interests.
As you near the second half of your pregnancy, you might feel backaches, leg aches, foot aches. Take long, relaxing almost-hot baths (don't forget the bubbles). Take little naps whenever you can, stretching out and lying down instead of just leaning back in a chair. Don't wear raised-heeled shoes, although small wedges might be beneficial. It helps to change shoes during the day.
Swelling might occur during the last months of pregnancy, usually found around the ankles. This could be caused by too much salt in the body. Cut down salty foods. Drink more liquids. Elevate your feet when you can.
You might be awakened in the middle of the night by an annoying horse.....a "charley-horse, excruciating cramps in the leg muscles. This might be brought on by lack of calcium. Be sure to drink at least one glass of milk each day. If you still happen to be bothered with leg cramps, try stretching the leg out, even walking around can help relieve the pain.
Some pregnant mothers reveal that they have strange dreams, teeth falling out and hair loss being two of the most popular. No remedy is known for this phenonemon other than to view it with a sense of humor.
Near the end of the pregnancy, you might experience fears and anxiety of the eminent event. This is normal with anything of an uncertain nature. Try changing your thoughts of apprehension into thoughts of anticipation. Don't think of the delivery time as a climatic finality, but as a beginning of joy and adventure.
Worry that an older child or a beloved pet will not accept the new baby, and, sometimes, even the soon-to-be-new parents feeling a bit unsure of their acceptance of a new, unknown is natural. Don't spend much time worrying about this. A miracle accompanies each new baby, bringing instant love and acceptance the moment he or she makes the Great Debut.
By Jan Michel
