Top 7 Things You Should Do During Pregnancy

Expecting your bundle of joy is a heavenly feeling and the most wonderful blessing a woman can have in her life. For the first timers, it’s a mixed feeling of nervousness and excitement. Whatever you do for the first time gives you goosebumps, be it your class tenth board results, your first job interview, first date, first pregnancy or first child. We were married for a year and two months when, one fine day, my reports came positive.

I was nervous thinking about our new family member and the effort, time and patience that will be required in raising our child, along with additional workload, responsibilities, and huge expenses in hospitals (especially if one lives in Millennium city). It took me about two to three months to absorb this news and make up my mind that I’m going to be a ‘Mother’. The special care and attention received from my better half were amazing which I can never forget.

This news was between us and our parents until we had our first ultrasound done, as the gynecologist had told us that nothing could be known before the initial three months. I was very nervous and was continuously praying to God. The radiologist called me inside and made me lie down before starting the procedure. I was continuously staring at her face, and then suddenly I heard the sound. She told me that’s it’s the baby’s heartbeat. That was the first time I was super elated about the fact that I am also one of the lucky ones who will be able to give birth to a new life! That was the most amazing feeling which cannot be described in words. It compelled me to think about God’s glory and immense power.

Every passing month I used to wait to hear my baby’s heartbeat at the time of ultrasound. It was a very special journey for I got a lot of time to bond with my baby. When I was five months pregnant, I started feeling movements of my baby which were exceptional. The feeling of having a baby inside your womb and watching it grow every passing month is special in itself. A mother loves her baby without even seeing her. That’s why a mother’s love is unconditional and pious.

The two trimesters went on smoothly. I met my family members, had my baby shower rituals, and got to enjoy delectable dishes.

The third trimester soon approached and I was advised to go for daily walks for at least 30 to 45 minutes. I did so until the seventh month of my pregnancy. As the eighth month, started my belly enlarged and I started experiencing short breath and swollen legs. I used to straighten my legs with the help of a stool and avoided keeping them on the floor.
Finally, the ninth month started and I started wishing to deliver as soon as possible. My legs swelled so much that I could not wear any slippers and it was very difficult to move and walk. Doctors advised the maximum use of squat position, so I used to mop my room with a lot of hardship and pain. Finally, I delivered normally just four days before my due date.

Things You Must Remember During Pregnancy

First trimester

This is crucial as the baby is developing inside you, so just be a little more cautious. Maximum miscarriages take place during this time. Avoid lifting heavy objects or excessively heavy exercises. Say no to papaya/pineapple, coffee, alcohol, aerated drinks, and smoking.

Second trimester

The Second Trimester is the best part during pregnancy and you will not even get to know when it’s over; baby’s movement starts in this trimester. If there are no complications in pregnancy, the expecting mother should be active during this period and should lead a normal routine and lifestyle so that the delivery is smooth. I went for my baby moon during this period.

Third trimester

It is the most rewarding period when your hard work and the long wait is finally over. One has to take a little extra precaution during the last month and has to be vigilant. In some cases bleeding may start after the 38th week or water discharge may happen. In my case, I did not feel any movement of my baby after having my lunch and snacks and was thus, immediately rushed to the hospital as the baby was getting enough oxygen inside my womb. (In a day, around 10-12 movements should be felt or after every meal 3-4 movements)

Home Cooked Food

The best food for you and your baby is whatever is made at home with personal attention. Avoid junk food as far as possible. It will not do any good to you or your baby and will only add on extra calories.

Remain Hydrated

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water in a day. Trust me, it’s my secret of absolutely NO stretch marks. I consulted my Gynaecologist for stretch marks related creams. She told me not to use any creams. Instead, she advised to drink more water and to apply coconut oil or desi ghee over the stomach. Sometimes, if the belly is itching, you can rub gently with a cotton cloth and apply coconut oil.

Sleep

Having a proper sleep is very important and helps in controlling hypertension and other anxieties up to a certain level. One should sleep a lot during pregnancy as your body not only demands but also because after delivery you will always be sleep-deprived.

Swelling

This is something very common. One should avoid taking medicines for swelling. Multivitamin and Calcium tablets are a must.

Be positive, happy and lively to have a smooth pregnancy.

Good-Luck!

(Note: The above information is solely on Author’s own experience. Every pregnancy is different and unique. Always consult your doctor for any advice.)