Can I still exercise and if so how long?
Yes you are still allowed to work out during your pregnancy. However, you will need to modify the work out. You do not want to introduce a new routine into your workout and you do not want to work out in hopes of losing weight. The best work out for pregnant women is yoga, walking, swimming and light aerobics. I prefer yoga; there are many prenatal yoga videos in circulation. It is important to use prenatal yoga if you are completely new to yoga, because certain poses are dangerous to the health of both the mother and child. Asanas (poses) that involve you lying on your back is advised against after the first trimester; inverted Asanas are prohibited for pregnant women because of the growing fetus and the possible risk of drop in blood pressure. Avoid backbends, headstands, shoulder stands, arm balances, and standing balancing poses unless you are using the wall or chair for support, a female’s balance is altered in the second trimester because the center of gravity starts to change. You should limit your work out to about 30 minutes a day and avoid Bikram yoga a.k.a hot yoga, elevated body temperatures can prove dangerous to the health of mother and child.
What is the best sleeping position?
A. You can sleep on your stomach during the early part of your pregnancy, but it will prove very uncomfortable for you, long before you can hurt the baby. The reason why it is possible for a female to sleep on her stomach in the early stages of pregnancy is because the uterus is still tucked behind the pubic bone.
B. The best position to sleep is on the left side, this will reduce blood flow issue. You want to make sure that the baby is getting enough blood and nutrient to the placenta and the baby. Lying on the back is very uncomfortable because of the growing fetus pressure on the lungs. If you are experiencing heart burn while lying down you might want to consider using a pillow to prop yourself up.
Should I stop having sex once I am pregnant?
A. Yes Sex is still an option; some couples have sex right up until the water breaks. You it is not possible for the penis to reach the baby although some might think. Your partner will not be able to harm the baby because of the strong amniotic sac and the thick mucus that is produced sells the cervix’s; therefore, shielding the baby from infection.
B. There are perks to having sex during pregnancy; sex is actually heightened because of the large blood flow, which will cause the genitals to become “engorged” heightening the sensation, also much more vaginal lubrication can prove stimulating for both.
C. However there is a downside to these changes, cramping in the stomach may occur after sex or climax, and your breast may be tender to the touch.
I am not sure I want the baby, how much time do I have to decide on abortion?
It is best to get an abortion as soon as you find out if you are not keeping the baby, but abortion facilities will abort 15 weeks into the pregnancy some 24 weeks (partial birth abortion) the later you wait the more dangerous it is for you, and the results are much more gruesome.
Can I still travel once I am pregnant?
A. Yes you can still travel well into your third trimester, but before you make in definite plans you must consult your Midwife or obstetrician. It is also wise to avoid traveling 7 or even a month before the due date, especially if you plan on taking a plane, some airlines might prohibit you from flying so close to the due date because they do not want the chance of someone going into labor in the air.
B. Also, if you are caring twins, or have a history of blood clots it is also noted that one should not travel. If you are experiencing cramping or spotting you should postpone your trip and seek medical attention, most likely you midwife or obstetrician will rule it unsafe to travel.
What can I eat or drink that is safe for the baby?
A. Obstetricians and Midwives will tell you to abstain from drinking caffeinated drinks; if you must drink coffee or tea make sure that it is decaffeinated. Some say it is safe to drink alcohol, but just a small amount can cause FAS (fetal Alcohol Syndrome). This will cause facial deformations, and mental retardation.
B. No raw foods, such as sushi, or raw vegetables. Everything you eat must be cooked and cleaned. Stay away from fish that is high in mercury such as shark meat, mackerel, and albacore tuna.
C. Make sure you eat lots of grains, fortified ready-to-eat cereals, and Wheat germ. Lots of calcium for healthy bone and teeth growth for the baby, preferably, not fat or low fat milk.
D. Eat lots of fruit, melons, mangoes, prunes, red or pink grapefruit, Avocados… Also eat a lot of veggies, spinach, carrots, sweet potato hmmm, cooked greens and red peppers.
How many calories should I consume a day?
Pregnant women should consume at least 100 calories than normal during the first trimester, then in the second and third trimester around 300. You want to reframe from dieting (just eat smart) it is a myth that you need to eat for two; you just need to make sure you are getting enough nutrients for both of you. To make sure you are eating enough talk to your midwife or obstetrician.
How much weight is normal to gain?
What are Braxton-Hicks contractions?
It is false labor pains; they are not like real contractions because they do not “increase in frequency, intensity or duration.
Do I have to drink a lot of milk to produce milk?
The answer is no, eating a lot of grains, veggies and fruit will aid in the producing of milk.
Alexander, L.L., LaRosa, J.H., Bader, H. Garfield, S. (2010). Dimensions in women's health. (5th Ed.). Sudbury , MA
Mother-in-law: Cathy Van Hoose (medical field)
Sister-in-law: Krystal Kyle (2 children, and she used a midwife)
I like the sleeping question! I did this option and didn't even think about that one! I know sleeping can be a tough issue for pregnant women, especially in their last trimester.
ReplyDeleteGood post!
Thank,s I will make sure to check yours out.
ReplyDeleteYour list of questions are very informative. Many mothers are not aware of these questions, thier knowledge is based on just what is provided by doctors. which may not cover all the important questions and ofterntimes not in much detail.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was pregnant I was not aware of the "altered balance"..I almost fell backwards on this poor man on the escalator.He must have saw it coming and reach out to steady by back. He then shared that his wife is pregnant,she lost her balance on the stairs at home and fell on top of him..