There are many worries and concerns that you may have as an expectant mother alongside your joy and excitement for the coming birth of your baby. Although you cannot always predict what will happen during your pregnancy and protect your and your baby’s health completely, here are some of the top steps that you can take toward a smooth pregnancy.
1. Get an Ultrasound
When you are pregnant, the first step on your mind should be getting an ultrasound scan. These scans can allow a medical professional to check for any issues with your unborn baby and can allow them to decipher whether you are having one child or multiple. Scans can also be used to check the weight of your baby and can allow them to see whether your baby is in the right position. You may also be able to get genetic screening at the same time as the ultrasound scan. So, if you have not booked a 12-week ultrasound already, you should look around for an ultrasound clinic near me to get this carried out as soon as you can.
2. Rest
Although you might still have to work while you are pregnant, you should make sure that you get enough rest as a soon-to-be mother. Carrying a child can cause fatigue, especially if you are struggling to sleep, have underlying health issues, or have back pain, and making sure that you rest appropriately and listen to your body can help you and your baby to stay healthy. Then, you should ensure that you take enough time off when you are pregnant and that you talk to your manager about any adjustments that can be made for you while you are pregnant.
3. Do Pelvic Floor Exercises
Many people believe that you do not need to start performing pelvic floor exercises until after you have given birth to your baby. However, the earlier you start doing these exercises, the better. Then, you should follow guides that can instruct you how to do these safely and effectively to keep your muscles strong and to prevent your hormones from loosening them.
4. Get Vaccinated
One of the many worries that mothers have is that they will become ill and that this illness could impact their unborn child. To prevent many of the most common diseases from affecting either of your health, you should make sure that you get the vaccines that you are offered. For instance, you will be offered a COVID-19 jab and a flu vaccine, the latter of which you will need to have every year to be fully protected.
5. Get Support
Being pregnant can be difficult, from coping with its emotional impact to the effect that pregnancy has on your body and your ability to carry out simple, everyday tasks. Therefore, you should try to get the support that you need to thrive by not being afraid to ask for help from loved ones and by looking at the health and counselling services that you can access throughout your pregnancy.