Questions

As a recent mother of my second child, I would be glad to offer a few tips. First and foremost are the fairly obvious ones – DO NOT smoke! DO NOT drink! DO NOT use any illegal drugs! Also, if you are on any prescription or over-the-counter meds, call your pharmacist. Any pharmacist should be able to tell you if a particular med is safe during pregnancy. Usually OB’s recomend no strenuous activity – those that could cause a fall or involve alot of bouncing – for example: don’t do any major running, bike riding, horseback riding, major cardio workouts, etc. without speaking to an OB first. Do be sure to take some type of prenatal vitamin EVERY DAY. Even if it’s just the over-the-counter ones until you can get a presciption. Your baby needs the extra folic acid especially during the first trimester to ensure proper development. Although it obviously wasn’t the best choice initially, sex will not hurt the baby. (And no, the baby cannot see "things" during sex) In fact, the rocking motion usually puts them to sleep. However, if you are considered a risk for preterm labor or have certain major complications, the doctor may advise you to stop near the end of your pregnancy. Nausea is very normal, but does not happen to everyone. If it does happen, just try to get something on your stomach. Nausea is usually do to a drop in your blood sugar. Everybody told me to eat saltine crackers, but they always made me sicker. If those do make you sick, you may want to try something just a little bit sweet like fruit. It is better to cut caffeine out during pregnancy, but it won’t actually harm your baby. I drank Coke all the way through both of my pregnancies and my boys came out just fine. Many well meaning people, especially older folks, will try to give you advise. But, no matter what they tell you. Reaching above your head will not make your baby strangle. Also, I forgot to mentipn lifting – you should try not to do any heavy lifting (above 15 or 20 pounds). This is not for the baby’s sake, but for your back. Strained muscles may result if you do any heavy lifting. Anyway, I’m sure there’s lots more stuff I could tell you, but that would take all day. If you have any other specific questions, I’ll try to answer them.