4 Tips to Make Pregnancy go Smoothly

One of the most exciting moments in a women's life is during pregnancy. Whether it's her first or fourth, those 40 weeks are never dull. Amid baby madness, there is much to do. However, a major factor of daily life that should be alleviated while pregnant is stress. Stress causes mental and physical damage to your body. So developing a plan to ease through your pregnancy is key. Follow along for tips on how to have a smooth pregnancy.

How Do You Experience a Smooth Pregnancy?

Throughout life, there are things you can plan. Which college to attend? What career path to take? Which country to visit this summer are all things we should arrange. The type of pregnancy you want to have should be no different.

When it comes to pregnancy and the transition into parenthood, it may seem overwhelming at first. Women have become mothers since the beginning of time. If they could survive without electricity and modern medicine, then you will do fine. Yet there are some things you can do to increase the enjoyment of your pregnancy.

Get Rest and Implement Self-Care

Preparing for a new life to enter your world is both amazing and exhausting. Not only will your daily schedule change, but your personal life won't look the same either. This is why allowing yourself to rest and practice self-care is important during your pregnancy. Once your baby arrives, it's all about them, not you. Here are some things to do as you ride the roller coaster of hormones.

• Exercise – A pregnant woman's body goes through a lot of stress. Between supporting another life and maintaining your health, it can be tricky to stay active. Taking daily walks or using a treadmill helps your heart and muscles get the exercise it needs. Incorporating yoga or a swimming a few laps helps with flexibility. But if you're up to going to the gym, then continue to do so. Just speak with your physician to make sure it's safe.
• Good Nutrition – Sustaining two or more lives requires the consumption of good food, clean water, and prenatal vitamins and minerals. Many doctors recommend women begin taking prenatal vitamins before attempting to get pregnant. Ensure your vitamins include folate (folic acid synthetic version), calcium, and iron.But prenatal vitamins are not enough. You should be eating more fruits, vegetables, and drinking more water. Cutting down on or eliminating fast food and caffeine is recommended. Plus eating sushi, rare or raw meats, raw eggs, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized milk is not recommended either.
• Avoid Toxins – Drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking cigarettes, and using drugs are not recommended during your pregnancy. Remember whatever you eat, drink, or inhale, the baby ingests it too.
• Pamper Yourself – Make sure you treat yourself to the same things you enjoyed pre-pregnancy. Scheduling a massage will help release tension and put your mind at ease. A weekly or bi-weekly manicure and pedicure keeps your hands and feet looking lovely. Maintaining your hair appointments allows you to keep your professional persona. Taking a nap makes a world of difference, especially during the first trimester when your energy wanes. If fatigue isn't an issue, then try some retail therapy. Your body's shape and weight shifts during those 9 months. You owe it to yourself to wear comfy clothing and shoes that look good.
• Stay Social – Being pregnant isn't a 40-week sentence of sticking to a work, doctor, home routine. During this time, it's good to embrace your tribe and stay active. Surrounding yourself with family, friends, and other mothers will boost your mood. Venting or discussing your parenting plans will lessen the loneliness. Plus, you deserve to go out and have fun. Let your significant other, family, and friends treat you like a queen. Allow them to spoil you with attention, compassion, and tasty food.

Stay Connected to Your OB/GYN

One of the main questions women have revolves around their doctor's appointments. They want to know how often you'll need to go. The frequency of your office visits depends on multiple factors. Some of them include: your medical history, your age, current medical issues, and your current trimester. If you take medication ask your doctor if it is safe to continue during your pregnancy. Be sure you like your Obstetrician. Stay in contact in case any questions or concerns arise. Find out if he or she be delivering your baby or if he'll be on vacation.

Make a Baby Checklist

Creating a checklist saves you from guessing. It enables you to set and accomplish goals. Crafting the checklist for weekly or monthly goals is up to you. If you believe it beneficial to map out your entire pregnancy, then do it. But you don't want to feel overwhelmed.

Some items to place on your checklist may include:

• Scheduled doctor appointments
• Lab work screenings
• Tour a hospital maternity wing or birthing center
• Buy prenatal vitamins
• Improve eating habits
• Exercise
• Inform your boss of your pregnancy
• Complete necessary maternity leave paperwork
• Read books or take parenting classes
• Buy maternity clothing and shoes
• Decorate and set up the nursery
• Shop for baby items like clothing, car seats, bottles, aspirator, bibs, etc.
• Pack your hospital bag

Ask For and Accept Help

Pregnancy should be shared with those you love. Whether you're in a committed relationship, will co-parent, or plan to be a single-mother, everyone needs support. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. But don't shy away if someone offers their time. Don't let your pride get in the way of receiving help. Instead, say yes to your mom cooking dinner or cleaning your home. This eliminates a task off the to-do list and frees up your time.

Regardless of what happened to your mom or best friend during their pregnancy, everyone's experience will differ. Remember using these tips can remedy trial and error. While we don't guarantee these tips will work for all pregnant women, they might work for you.