You and your baby's wellbeing

Looking after yourself during your pregnancy, both physically and mentally, is extremely important. Emotionally, you'll be browsing tons of changes as your pregnancy progresses. You may also have a lot of questions on what is safe during your pregnancy, like is it safe to travel, can you have sex during pregnancy and a number of other activities that you may need to be aware of.

Feelings, relationships and pregnancy

Pregnancy can mean the start of a replacement stage during a woman’s life, with all the changes that new stage can bring. People talk about obvious ones – cravings, fatigue, nausea, body shape – but there are also situations like negotiating new working arrangements and reworking your finances that can make this a difficult time.

As well as physical, financial and social changes, many ladies experience emotional changes during pregnancy too. Mixed emotions are a normal and necessary part of preparing to become a parent.

Preparing for being a parent

It can be helpful for both expectant mums and dads to learn about ways to help themselves and others through this time of change.

Read parenting books, talk to family members and friends about their experiences as new parents and take some time to think about who might be able to provide support if you need it. It also helps to develop a network with others who are also pregnant or who have children of a similar age.

Your emotions during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a challenging and exciting time. It is normal for expectant mums and dads to experience ups and downs when expecting a baby. However, for some, anxiety and depression during pregnancy can affect their daily lives.

Look out for these symptoms of anxiety and depression during pregnancy:

Ø  Panic attacks (racing heart, palpitations, shortness of breath)

Ø  Persistent, generalised worry, such as fears for the health or wellbeing of the baby

Ø  Obsessive or compulsive behaviours

Ø  Abrupt mood swings

Ø  Feeling constantly sad, low or crying for no obvious reason

Ø  Being nervous, on edge, or panicky

If symptoms last for more than 2 weeks, talk to your GP or midwife.
Your relationships with family and friends. Pregnancy is not only a special time for you and your partner; there may be a lot of other people around you who are interested in your pregnancy, such as your family and friends. People can offer a great deal of help in all sorts of ways, and you’ll probably be glad of their interest and support. But sometimes it can feel as if they’re taking over.

Being pregnant may also put you on the receiving end of a lot of advice and perhaps criticism. There will be times when you appreciate the advice but also times when the advice is not wanted or helpful.

Things to avoid during pregnancy

There are a couple of products or lifestyle habits pregnant women and their partners should take care of during pregnancy. From hair highlights to house paints, learn more about what’s safe for your baby.

Acupuncture and massage

While some complementary therapies, like acupuncture and massage, are generally considered to be safe during pregnancy, there are still times during pregnancy once they shouldn't be used. For example, your abdomen should not be massaged during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Fake tan

The active ingredient in fake tan is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a non-toxic substance that reacts with cells within the outermost layer of the skin and produces a brown pigment (colour) called melanoidin. The DHA doesn’t transcend the outer layer of skin and thus isn’t absorbed into the body.

Although there are no known dangers of using fake tans, they can sometimes cause an allergic reaction. For this reason, it’s advisable to not use fake tan during pregnancy, as changes in hormone levels can make the skin more sensitive than normal. If you are doing use fake tan, always test the merchandise on alittle area of skin first to ascertain if you've got a reaction.

Food

There are some foods you should avoid when you’re pregnant because they might make you ill or harm your baby. Learn more about the foods you should avoid, or that you need to take extra care with when you’re pregnant here.

Alcohol

There is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy. Whether you're planning a pregnancy, already pregnant or breastfeeding, not drinking is that the safest option as alcohol can harm your unborn baby.

Hair dye

Most research, although limited, shows that it’s safe to colour your hair while pregnant. Some studies have found that very high doses of the chemicals in hair dyes may cause harm. However, these doses are massive compared to the very low amount of chemicals when you dye your hair.

Many women plan to wait to dye their hair until after the primary 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the danger of chemical substances harming the baby is far lower. If you’re colouring your hair yourself, you'll reduce the danger further by ensuring that you:

Ø  wear gloves

Ø  leave the dye on for the minimum time

Ø  work in a well-ventilated room

What will my baby’s movement feel like?

The type of movements you are feeling will depend upon what your baby is doing and their stage of growth and development. Each infant is different, with some more active than others.

The first sensations you are feeling could also be a fluttering (like ‘butterflies in your tummy’), swishing, rolling or tumbling sensation or a small kick. As your pregnancy progresses, the movements normally become more distinct and frequent.

When your baby becomes bigger and stronger, and your skin is stretched tighter over your womb, you'll more easily feel their kicks, jabbing and elbowing. Towards the top of the pregnancy, kicks to your ribs might hurt.

Notice: Please consult your doctor before following any instruction of www.myonlinedoctor.co.in