Any expectant mother has questions during pregnancy – whether it’s their first, second, or third child. Though it’s useful to read material on the internet, from healthcare professionals, or get advice from friends or family members who have been pregnant before, every pregnancy is different and new situations arise all the time. It’s essential to have questions answered during pregnancy for the wellbeing of the mother and unborn child. No one should feel uncomfortable or like they’re being a bother to get the answers they need. Here are a few popular pregnancy questions and their answers.
You’ve probably heard a lot about how much weight is safe to gain during pregnancy. For the average sized woman carrying a healthy sized baby, the gain is usually between 25 and 35 pounds. If you are underweight, your doctor may suggest you aim for a higher number. And if you are obese, you may be asked to try for a lower number. The key for all mothers is to eat healthy meals and stay hydrated. This cannot be emphasized enough.
A lot of people wonder if it’s safe to continue exercising during pregnancy. The answer is usually pretty simple: if the mother was active before she got pregnant, then there’s no reason she can’t continue throughout her pregnancy. However, as with anything else, it’s always important to use common sense. If you have hypertension or are looking to start a new workout routine while pregnant, it’s always best to speak with a doctor first. Sweating and raising your pulse rate is perfectly fine, as long as it’s done at a moderate level. Pregnant women need to be sure they’re drinking enough water and avoiding places where they can’t perspire freely, like a sauna.
Dietary restrictions during pregnancy can be a big concern for expectant mothers. However, for healthy women, there are usually no major dietary restrictions during pregnancy. That said, experts do recommend eating only cooked meats to avoid any potential problems. This means sushi might be off the menu for now. Checking to make sure meat is fully cooked is a good way to limit any unpleasant issues. Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid raw eggs and unpasteurized cheeses. Pregnant women should avoid caffeine. While their diet does not need to change dramatically for the health of the newborn, some considerations may be necessary.
Pregnancy questions are vital for having a strong, healthy pregnancy. Good sources for answers are your physician, pregnancy books, and don’t forget the experienced moms who have been there and done that.
