Pregnancy update

This post is going to be a departure from my usual posts, I just wanted to give you all an update on how I have fared through my pregnancy. I am in week 32 right now, and I thought maybe if I wrote down my personal experiences it might help people if you are trying to get pregnant or are already newly pregnant.

Tips to deal with pregnancy rules and restrictions -

No caffeine allowed: 

a. It's OK to have a little bit of caffeine but I personally found it easier to lay off tea and coffee completely. That way, I was miserable for a few weeks, but then things were good and dandy :)
b. Much more difficult to give up was chocolate, it has caffeine too! So make sure you consume in limited quantities.

Limit consumption of tuna and shellfish because these fish contain high levels of mercury:

a. Fish contains Omega 3 which is great for the brain development of the fetus, so cutting out fish all together might not be such a great idea. Here's a list of fish that are safe to eat during pregnancy - http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/guide.asp

Exercise during pregnancy:

a. My tip is to walk and then walk some more. Don't over do it, as you get bigger it gets harder to move, but during the first two trimesters I tried to walk between 2 - 4 miles a day. Now I walk about a mile a day.

b. Ask you doctor about other exercises that you can help you deal with back pain etc. Especially important in the last trimester.

Acidity, Heart burn and Gastric reflex during pregnancy:

a. As the baby grows, it pushes all your other organs up and everything else gets squished. This leads to regular heart burn. There are a few things I have found that help me deal with heartburn - I avoid acidic foods after 7 pm, that includes carbonated drinks too. I try and have small meals all day instead of a few large ones.

b. If none of these tips work for you, don't suffer in silence, doctors can and do prescribe medicine that can help and is safe for the baby too.

Babies need calcium:

a. I hated drinking milk. HATED it. But now oddly I love it! I have a glass of cold 2% milk most evenings and it really helps settle my tummy too.

b. But if you really dislike milk, make sure you find a way to make it work for. Maybe try adding a tiny bit of sugar and some saffron to it, smells and tastes amazing. I also recommend eating your oats with a lot of milk, that way they flavor the milk and you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast!

c. If you really dislike milk and other dairy products or simply can't have dairy products, make sure you regularly take prenatal vitamins which include calcium.

Take care of your gums:

a. Pregnancy causes your gums to swell up and get tender. This can lead to bleeding while flossing. But don't let this deter you from following a thorough dental hygiene routine. If you are not thoroughly looking after your teeth and gums, the swollen gums can mean that food particles are caught more easily in the gaps between the gums and the teeth.

Maternity wear:

a. I never did find good quality and decent looking maternity outfits, so I decided to just buy bigger sizes in normal clothes and that worked out really well for me.

b. Breasts change shape and definitely get larger as the pregnancy progresses, so do make sure that you account for the changes when shopping for maternity and nursing bras.

Lifting heavy weights:

a. My doctor told me that it was fine to lift up to 25 pounds and to listen to my body and if it feels too heavy then it probably is.

Lastly it is most important to share the joys and pains of being pregnant with your other half, family and close friends. Sharing helps increase the joy and ease any anxiousness you might be feeling. It's a miracle that is occurring in your body, but for most of us, life goes on while you are pregnant and it can be overwhelming at times. Having a support system can do wonders for both the mother and the father. Remember that your other half is going through some emotional turmoil too, it's only natural and that you have to support each other.

Have a wonderful pregnancy ladies :) Feel free to ask me questions if you need any help at all.

- Shruti