The moment you discover that you are pregnant, a lot of doubts, fears and concerns begin to arise that will revolve around your health and that of your baby. You want to know more and know all the details of the stage you start, but sometimes so much information can be overwhelming.
That's why we wanted summarize in this practice guide the main aspects that you should consider throughout your pregnancy, and ranging from a better knowledge of your body, its changes and its care, to the main feelings that most pregnant women experience.
1. Folic acid: essential
The first recommendation that doctors give when you start looking for a pregnancy is folic acid supplementation, which you should keep throughout pregnancy. The drug supplement, along with a diet rich in this vitamin helps prevent neural tube defects in the newborn, such as anencephaly, encephalocele and spina bifida.
In Babies and more Folic acid in pregnancy: why is it important?2. Do you smoke? The time has come to leave
Smoking during pregnancy involves several health risks, both for the mother and the baby, as well as increasing the chances of sudden infant death. So if you or your partner are smokers, the best thing is quit tobacco before considering having a child, but if this were not possible, pregnancy should be the time to leave.
3. Not a drop of alcohol
Alcohol, however little, crosses the placental barrier in minutes and is fixed to the amniotic fluid and fetal tissues, causing very serious effects on the baby, such as facial abnormalities, congenital defects or hearing, visual or engorgement disorders, among others . Therefore, in pregnancy you don't have to drink a single drop of alcohol.
In Babies and more Zero alcohol in pregnancy: alcoholic beverages should warn in their labeling the risk of their consumption for pregnant women4. Check your vaccination schedule
When planning pregnancy it is essential to check your vaccination status and make sure that you are protected against the main diseases, such as rubella, mumps, measles or chicken pox. But also, during pregnancy, vaccination against influenza and pertussis is recommended, both safe for mother and baby.
5. Write down medical checks on your agenda
The Controls with the gynecologist and midwife during pregnancy are essential to take care of your health and the correct development of your baby, so don't skip any! The doctor will inform you at each visit of the steps to follow, the blood tests and ultrasounds that you will have to perform, as well as other complementary tests (streptococcus, nuchal fold measurement, glucose curve ...)
In Babies and more The last medical checks before delivery: what they consist of and when they are performed6. Have you heard of cytomegalovirus?
Cytomegalovirus disease (also known as "elder brother disease") is very common among young children, causing a benign condition that may even go unnoticed. But nevertheless, if the pregnant mother is infected, the risk to the baby can become very serious. So, if you have not already been told about it in your routine checks, ask your doctor or midwife to inform you about the basic prevention measures.
7. Do not self-medicate
Any medication, both those sold by prescription and those that are not (for example, paracetamol or ibuprofen), as well as herbal or phytotherapy preparations could harm the baby, so We should not take anything without medical recommendation. If you have any medical condition or discomfort, do not self-medicate and ask a professional for advice.
8. How long is a pregnancy?
When you find out that you are pregnant, you will probably start to count on how many months you are or when you will give birth. The first thing you should know is that pregnancy is counted in weeks and not in months, its total duration is 40 (although after 37 it is already considered that the baby is at term) and is distributed in three trimesters.
In Babies and more, how many months am I? The equivalence between weeks and months of pregnancy9. How to know if my pregnancy is at risk?
One of the main concerns of any woman is that her pregnancy does not pass normally, or carry a series of risks or complications. Sometimes these risks are seen in the first medical checks (pre-pregnancy illnesses, overweight, multiple pregnancy ...), but in others they may arise as pregnancy progresses (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, eclampsia ...). If this is your case, trust your gynecologist; He will indicate the best treatment to follow.
10. This is how the baby develops
The development of the fetus in the womb is a wonderful thing, and few pregnant women can resist knowing what is happening inside, and how your baby grows and develops week by week.
11. Baby movements: sign of fetal well-being
The usual thing is that first movements sit around week 20 (before, if it is not the first pregnancy), although this may vary from one woman to another. It is important for the mother to know how and when the baby moves during pregnancy, since this way she can know if she is growing correctly. In case of prolonged absence of movements or sudden decrease of them, you must go immediately to the emergency room.
In Babies and more Baby movements inside the belly12. Natural abortion, the nightmare of every pregnant woman
Suffering from a natural abortion (the one that occurs before the 20th week of pregnancy) is the main fear of any pregnant, and although in many cases it is inevitable, it is important to take into account the associated risk factors, as well as the signs that should put us on alert to go immediately to the hospital.
13. Preterm birth, the nightmare of the last trimester
Having a preterm birth is another major concern during pregnancy, since the consequences that the baby can surf can be important depending on the gestation time you have. Although you can't always avoid that the delivery is presented before the estimated dateThere are some risk factors that could trigger it, and it is important to know them to be alert.
14. So you must take care of your diet
A healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy is essential, both to maintain the health of the pregnant woman and that of her future baby, and to prevent possible complications. Remember the expert advice to make several meals a day in small quantities, as well as to satisfy cravings with healthy foods.
15. You don't have to eat for two
The metabolism of the pregnant woman is wise and works in such a way that it is not necessary to "eat for two," as some people believe. On the contrary, by increasing uncontrollably the amounts of food, our weight also increases above the recommendations, as well as associated complications, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and heart disease in the baby.
16. Eat everything except this
During pregnancy there are a number of conflicting or risky foods that we should avoid, because they can raise the amounts of mercury in the body, cause infections with serious consequences for the development and health of the baby (such as toxoplasmosis, listeriosis), or cause allergies and food poisoning in the mother with consequences also for the fetus (such as anisakis or salmonellosis).
In Babies and more What we can eat and what not during pregnancy17. Hydration is also important
Keep us properly hydrated during pregnancy It is another of the essential points that we must take into account, and it is that 70 percent of pregnant women are unaware that the needs of liquid in the gestation period increase and it is very important that they be covered.
18. Watch out for road safety!
Both the DGT and the Spanish Association of Midwives insist on the importance of correctly wearing a seat belt during pregnancy, since it is frequent to take it badly placed and put at risk the physical integrity of the mother and the baby in case of accident or sudden braking. Likewise, we must take into account the most suitable time to travel, as well as other tips that can make road trips more comfortable and safe.
19. In pregnancy, the mouth suffers: take care of it
Pregnancy increases the chances of suffering from cavities and periodontal diseases, so dentists recommend performing a complete revision of the mouth at the time the pregnancy is known. Likewise, if you are on orthodontic treatment at the time you become pregnant, it is important that you notify the specialist as soon as possible.
In Babies and more Pregnancy, orthodontics and other dental treatments, what should be taken into account?20. Can I have an X-ray?
Exposure to X-rays during pregnancy causes great concern, since high radiations are harmful to the fetus, especially in the first weeks. Likewise, if you are looking for pregnancy or think you may be already pregnant, it is important to notify you before having an X-ray, so that the doctor assesses whether it is really necessary or can be replaced by another less aggressive test.
21. Sport is essential: on the move!
If you exercised before becoming pregnant, there is no reason not to continue practicing during pregnancy, unless the doctor indicates otherwise. And if you didn't practice it before, pregnancy is a good time to start doing it, always gently and following the recommendations of the experts. And is that swimming, yoga, pilates or just walking has multiple benefits for your health.
22. Sleep changes during pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause various sleep disorders, such as snoring, restless legs syndrome, excessive sleepiness, or insomnia. Likewise, as pregnancy progresses, it is also common to sleep worse, not find the right posture or have recurring nightmares and dreams. Rest in pregnancy is essential, so if you have any problem, consult your doctor to try to find a solution.
In Babies and more Insomnia in pregnancy: what can I take to sleep better?23. You'll get hotter than usual
Body temperature during pregnancy increases naturally, as does sweating. And although these peculiarities become more evident in the summer months, do not be surprised if in winter you want to get rid of the coat or you get an uncontrollable hot flash. It's the hormones!
24. Your vision will undergo minor changes
The hormonal changes of pregnant women are responsible for increased dryness of the eyes, change of graduation, blurred vision and swelling of the eyelids. Therefore, it is important not to neglect your visual health, especially if you wear contact lenses or are at risk of high blood pressure or gestational diabetes.
25. Your nose will be altered
Pregnancy hormones too they can alter your smell, because the membranes of the nostrils are irrigated with more blood. This will make you detect any type of smell, and some may even cause nausea or rejection. It is also common to suffer from chronic rhinitis or nosebleeds.
26. Take care of your skin, it will be especially sensitive
It is important to consider how your skin will change during pregnancy, and follow a series of tips to keep the dermis as healthy as possible. Chloasma, stretch marks, spots, itchy skin, acne ... gradually you will familiarize yourself with all these terms and learn to take proper precautions.
27. These are the changes you will notice in the breasts
One of the main symptoms of pregnancy is usually the pain in the breasts, which some women also describe as tightness, tenderness, tingling or swelling. It is also common for the nipple and areola to enlarge and darken, as well as the appearance of bluish veins and colostrum. All these changes are normal, although you should always consult your gynecologist or midwife.
In Babies and more Is breast pain in pregnancy normal?28. Digestive, annoying and habitual problems
Gases, constipation, heartburn, hemorrhoids, vomiting, slow and heavy digestions ... are some of the digestive problems that occur in pregnancy. Some, such as vomiting or nausea, arise in the first trimester and others appear as gestation progresses. Healthy habits when it comes to eating, physical exercise, hydration and the consumption of certain foods, can become great allies to minimize these inconveniences.
29. Your feet are likely to swell
Fluid retention is very common during pregnancy, and one of its most uncomfortable consequences is swelling of the feet and ankles. Although it is not serious or dangerous, the symptoms are very annoying, so it is advisable to carry out draining massages, drink plenty of water, walk and practice simple exercises with your feet.
30. Most common circulatory problems
Circulation problems during pregnancy are also common, due to increased blood volume of the mother's body. This can cause the appearance of varicose veins in the legs, lips of the vulva and anus (hemorrhoids), which may increase as gestation progresses. The practice of physical exercise will help improve circulation.
31. Need to urinate frequently
During the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, the need to urinate frequently, due to the increase in the volume of fluids in the body, and the pressure exerted by the uterus on the bladder (which can also cause episodes of mild urine leakage). All these situations are normal, but in case of doubt consult your doctor since the urinary infection (frequent during pregnancy), is also associated with the urgent need for urination.
In Babies and more, are you a 100-meter champion in the bathroom? Why do you need to urinate frequently when you are pregnant32. Sciatica and muscle cramps
Sciatica and cramps in English, legs and feet are two of the muscle problems that most often occur in pregnancy. The correct rest, postural hygiene, physical exercise and stretching, as well as certain foods rich in potassium (banana, kiwi) and magnesium (green leafy vegetables), can help prevent them.
33. A changing mood
Pregnancy hormones are responsible for living it as if it were a roller coaster of emotions. And is that as soon as we are excited and plethoric, as sad and scared. It is also normal to become more sensitive and perceive things with greater intensity, as well as to experience sudden mood swings. Although all of this is normal, if you think you need professional help, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
In Babies and more, what does the baby feel when the mother is sad during pregnancy?34. Nest syndrome, that need to clean your home
Are you pregnant and has given you to turn the house upside down? Quiet, it is the nest syndrome or nest instinct, an uncontrollable urge to clean and tidy up your home for the baby's arrival. This burst of energy, which usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy, is something absolutely normal, but you must follow a series of tips to cope without risk to your health or that of your baby.
35. What will my baby be like?
The moment we get pregnant, it is inevitable to ask, what will our baby look like ?: what color of eyes will it have ?, what will its facial features be like ?, who will it look like? ... In nine months we will have the answer, but now We warn you that nature and genetics can become very capricious.
In Babies and more, what color will our baby's eyes be ?: two online tools36. Childbirth, a time of great doubt
As the pregnancy progresses, the fears, doubts and uncertainties around the time of delivery They are increasing. It is advisable to develop a birth plan, and talk with your doctor or midwife about all your doubts and the type of anesthesia or analgesia to use. Likewise, it can be very useful to do a childbirth preparation workshop where you will be taught relaxation and breathing techniques, as well as care of the last stage of pregnancy and the newborn.
37. Make a list of essentials for your baby
Some women start buying little things for their babies since they know they are pregnant, and others wait to do so as the due date approaches. Either way, It is convenient to prepare a list of essentials for the arrival of your baby, which includes everything from clothing and other basic items to take to the hospital, to a car seat, stroller or / and baby carrier, cribs or any other accessory that you consider important.
38. Breastfeeding: read and find out
Yes you have chosen to feed your baby with breastfeeding It is recommended that during pregnancy you inform yourself, read quality articles and books and, if possible, visit breastfeeding groups where you see other moms breastfeed their babies. Because breastfeeding can sometimes present with difficulties, but if we have professional help and previous information, the path can be much more bearable.
In Babies and more The AEP recommends leaving mother and baby alone during the first few days, to benefit breastfeeding39. Quiet, you will do very well
But if there is a constant fear and concern that stands out above everyone else during pregnancy, it is the fear of being a good mother: Will I feel "crush" when I see my baby? Will I know how to identify his needs? Will I be able to love him as much as my first child? ... All these emotional doubts are logical and normal, and it can help you to share them with other pregnant women in parenting groups. But first of all, calm down, you will be a wonderful mother.
