When your pregnancy test turns out to be positive, you can expect a life-changing journey on your way. The best way to prepare for this exciting chapter in your life is by applying these helpful tips from the best pregnancy guide that you can ever find. Here, you will find practical tips and pieces of advice to keep you and your baby in great shape.

Make an Appointment with Your Doctor

At the onset of your pregnancy, it makes perfect sense to consult your doctor for medical advice. Keep in mind that pregnant women experience a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms, so you should know how to deal with these conditions and proceed to your daily activities without any problem.

It is also important to note that not every pregnant woman has similar symptoms because of the differences in body structures. However, it may help to learn more about the common and early signs of pregnancy, which your doctor can also explain to you during your visit. The following are some of these symptoms that you are likely to experience during the first few weeks after discovering about your pregnancy:

• Muscle cramps
• Spotting
• Breast changes
• Fatigue
• Morning sickness and nausea
• Dizziness
• Frequent urination
• Mood swings
• Constipation
• Back pain

While these symptoms are basically harmless and normal, you should consult your doctor for further advice on what you can do to improve your condition. For instance, it is ideal to tell your doctor in case you experience pain and severe discomfort because of these physical symptoms. You may be advised to undergo tests to rule out infections or your healthcare practitioner may tell you to follow a certain diet and lifestyle that suit you best.

Nutrition and Pregnancy

Good nutrition is ideal for everyone, particularly for pregnant women, as this supports your growing baby’s proper development. Ideally, you should consume at least 300 additional calories each day that you used to take in before pregnancy.

If you suffer from vomiting and nausea during your first trimester, you should follow a balanced diet and make sure you take prenatal supplements as per your doctor’s recommendation. By doing so, you can prevent the loss of nutrients and maintain good health despite frequent episodes of vomiting.

Exercising During Pregnancy

Regular exercise routines are essential throughout your pregnancy to ensure your good health and overall well-being. Moreover, certain exercises can promote good posture while eliminating discomforts that most pregnant women experience such as fatigue and backache. There were also studies that exercise can help prevent gestational diabetes, minimize stress, and increase your stamina that is necessary during childbirth and labor.

However, you should talk with your doctor before you start engaging in an exercise program, particularly if it is something new to you. There are some women who are advised to avoid exercising if they suffer from a medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma. Some exercises are also harmful to those who experience pregnancy-related conditions including low placenta, history of premature births or early labor, recurrent miscarriages, spotting, bleeding, and weak cervix.

Gaining Weight During Pregnancy

You have probably heard about women talking about how eating for two helps during pregnancy. While it is ideal to increase your caloric intake, you should understand the suitable weight you need to gain without putting you or your baby in jeopardy. Women with an average weight prior pregnancy are recommended to gain at least 30 pounds, while underweight ones should gain a maximum of 40 pounds. On the other hand, overweight women should not attempt to gain over 25 pounds throughout their pregnancy.

Basically, you should gain at least 2 to 4 extra pounds during the first trimester, and an additional one pound per week during the second and third trimester. However, women who are expecting twins should have a caloric intake of 3000 to 3500 per day to meet the nutritional needs of their developing babies.

Advice on Taking Medications

Prenatal vitamins are typically helpful for women who are pregnant. In case you have plans of taking herbal remedies, supplements or other vitamins, make sure you consult your doctor beforehand. Additionally, you should avoid taking OTC drugs while pregnant unless advised by your doctor. Some substances may cause early labor and birth defects such as large doses of vitamin A, kava-kava, blue cohosh, beth root, and a few other essential oils and oral supplements.