Thursday 30 March 2017

Pregnancy guide: For to-be mommies

Pregnancy is the most amazing phase for a woman. It is the most astonishing miracle too that exists in this world. Soon you are going to explore the emotions that you have never known existed in you. Once a very dear friend and a mother of two beautiful cuties told me that when a baby cries , mommy's breast starts to leak, I was like, really, are you kidding me? Believe me ladies you are about to know so much about your body during this whole quest for your most precious thing. I am sure this post would help you to enjoy this bittersweet and strange journey.
Nine months is a long wait and tiring too. You are changing everyday physically,hormonally and mentally. And so are the needs of your body. You are going to get inputs from everywhere, sometimes they keep on pouring without being asked for and many times you would go look for them...Half of them are surreal and hooey enough to look through them.
So here for you lovely ladies are some points that you can keep a note of for a happy and carefree pregnancy: 
  • Eat Right:An old aged aunty had advised me when I was pregnant to not eat eggplants, as it may tan the baby. I didn't bother a damn, color is not a matter of concern, the baby should be fine.And moreover it's the genes of the parents that defines the baby's color and not what a mother is eating. Then she asked me to not eat papaya, coffee, Sesame seeds and the list was never-ending . Initially , I had bought what she was saying and yes, I did google a lot. But, eventually I gave up all my attempts to dig out the facts. On my usual visit I asked my doctor And I am so glad I did that, he told me to eat everything but in moderation. Don't overdo on anything. Don't be too hard on yourself by avoiding things you love completely. (Yea but those who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes,they must slow down on sweets). If the stats are right, there is no need to be harsh on yourself.  These days when everyone of us is after having a sleek and slender physique, many of us maintain strict diet plan  even during pregnancy. Come on girls, enjoy your pregnancy, I am not asking you to binge on, but eat everything. Enjoy your moment of freedom from fat shaming. And many of us must be sceptical about loosing weight post-pregnancy. I lost 32kgs in 4 months and I have thyroid which got diagnosed way before I got pregnant, gave birth through c-section. Loosing weight is not an issue, It's all in your mind. You can lose weight as and when you want.
           * Eat greens, lentils,fruits,grains,cereals, coconut, Coconut water was my best mate during pregnancy( But if you feel        uncomfortable having it due to morning sickness, you can avoid it),eat ghee, one spoon in every meal, drink lots of milk, eat dry fruits, Eat healthy, You can grab a ice cream once in a while, as the summers are approaching.
Note: Avoid intake of castor oil, as it is a stimulant laxative and causes bowel movement and can cause uterine contraction.
  • Exercise daily:
              Now, exercises are very important, you are pregnant doesn't mean you have become immovable. Unless there is no medical              condition which demands so, you can easily and freely roam around and enjoy. I would not suggest heavy weight training like we see on social media these days, 8 months pregnant woman lifting dumbbells, undergoing heavy-weight training.Do yoga,go for a walk, meditation, go easy, but do your workout daily as it will keep you positive and active.
    Note: Those who have some medical conditions like low lying placenta must take proper rest. Exercise on advise of your doctor.
    • Sleep right:
          Take good 8-9 hours of sleep. Sleep on the left side during pregnancy.You may feel dozy at work, keep your pillow with you. Relax every now and then, Nobody will mind that. You can use the nap room in the office to stretch your legs whenever you get time.
    • Hydrate yourself:
            Drink lots of water to keep you hydrating. Atleast 2-3 ltrs of water you must consume everyday. The price that you have to pay would be frequent visit to the washroom, but that is a small price.
    Note: Take advise from your doctor on water consumption, he knows your condition well and would give appropriate suggestions.
    • Massage: 
            You might get swelling on your feet and on hands, gentle massage can improve the circulation of blood.
             Note: I would suggest not to use castor oil.
    • Indulge in hobbies: 
                 Do what you love to, reading,singing,watching movies,music, gardening(with assistance). find time for yourself, this will bring positive thoughts and rejuvenate you. 
    • No time for negative people:
             There should be no room for such people for now, they are gonna ruin your good times.Negative people will turn you into one of them, so keep yourself away from such chunk of known ones. You need happiness around and for that you need to have a good fun loving company, who can make you laugh and enjoy every moment of your pregnancy. They say it right, Laughter is the best medicine. watch comedy movies, I did watch standup comedy shows a lot. 
    • Visit your doctor, without fail:
          Even if everything is going just fine, you should visit your doctor on time, to keep a track on baby's growth. Sometimes, your baby is in a hurry to pop out, and you will never know that, if you are not under medical observation. So visit your doc on every appointment.
    • Go on a romantic date with hubby:
          Believe me once that lil bundle of joy would be out, you are not gonna get the opportunity to hangout with your friends or have a alone time with your husband. So, make full use of this phase and go out on a dinner date with husband. Find your moments of love.
    • Shopping:
    By now, you have realised that you have grown bigger and you need a wardrobe overhauling. Go for shopping, buy yourself some good maternity wear.
    • Attend classes on labour and parenting:
         It is time for you to prepare yourself , to tackle the labour pain and you should know the tricks that works well during that time. Enrol yourself in such classes. Prepare yourself on parenting. Many of us would not find a need of it. But you need the lessons trust me. Especially, if you and your husband are going to take care of the baby without any help from the elder ones of the family, sign up asap.
    • Prepare your home:
          Prepare yourself with clothes and other important things that a baby needs. To avoid last chaos. 
            Here is the checklist,you might need:
             *Baby Clothes
             * Diapers
             *Absorbant sheets
             *Baby quilt
             *Nappies
             *Towels small size and bathing towel too
             *Baby caps
             *Mittens
             * Socks
             *Baby cream
             *Diaper rash cream
             *Baby pillow
              *Baby Wipes
               *Diaper bag
               *Milk Bottles
               *Steriliser and bottler warmer
               *Napkins
               *Baby shampoo and body wash
              *Disinfectant
              * Baby powder and powder puff
              * Breast pump if you need one
              * baby bed if you need
    • Pack your bag:
               When you are close to your due date . You should be ready with a bag packed with all the important and important stuffs.
                  Here is the list:
                    * A dress 
                    * A night gown, though the hospital is gonna provide you with one but what's wrong in staying ready.
                    * Sanitary pads
                    *Breast pads
                    *Inner wear
                    * hand sanitiser 
                    * A comb
                   * Your moisturiser
                  * Toothbrush and toothpaste
                   * Slippers
                    * Your towel
                    * mobile charger
                    * a magazine
       
       Again,every pregnancy is different, please do discuss above points with your doctor, he is the better judge of your medical details.I still remember the first cry of my baby, I can't express how overwhelmed I was and how can I forget the first glimpse of her.It was so healing that my pain and the struggle just got vanished.That wasn't just the birth of my child,but was a birth of a mother in me.           

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