Oct 29, 2020
Pregnant for the first time? Here’s all you need to know
New mom-to-be? Congratulations! Your first pregnancy can bring an array of emotions- happiness, excitement, and even anxiety. As it is all a bit overwhelming, it might take you some time to come to grips with the various psychological as well as physiological changes that accompany your first pregnancy. However, you must gather yourself, and figure out a plan to navigate through this period. While pregnancy is one of the most beautiful periods of a woman’s life, it does accompany certain hurdles that you must steer clear of to have a smooth sail. But you need not fret, as we have put together a comprehensive list of things that all new moms-to-be must bookmark!
1.Confirm That You Are Really Pregnant
Pregnancy manifests itself in various forms, with missed periods, morning sickness, and some other symptoms being the earliest possible signs. But these symptoms can’t confirm your pregnancy. If you are experiencing any such symptoms, you should immediately take a home pregnancy test, which will more or less give accurate results. However, if you are still in a dilemma, you can always consult a doctor or visit the best luxury maternity hospitals in Delhi and get a blood test done to confirm your pregnancy.
2.Get In Touch With The Best Gynaecologist In Your Area
Right after your pregnancy is confirmed, it is important to get in touch with a good doctor who can help you navigate through your pregnancy with the utmost ease. Many couples choose to see a doctor right from the planning stage of their pregnancy, in order to keep away from any complications in the future. Make an appointment with the best gynaecologist in South Delhi, to make sure that you and your baby are in the best hands, and schedule regular appointments to monitor your health.
3.Choose The Best Hospital In The Area
The next important thing after choosing ‘who’ delivers your baby is selecting ‘where’ you deliver your baby. A good maternity hospital or a Boutique birthing for you would be one that has a good reputation in the area, has an excellent team of doctors, is easily accessible from your house, and offers the best facilities. This is precisely where luxury birthing centres make for the best bet, as they are equipped with all the facilities to give you hassle-free pre and post-partum care. If you are living in the capital city, you can easily get in touch with the best luxury maternity hospitals in Delhi and have a smooth experience!
4.Say Hello To A Healthy Diet
Diet is probably THE most important aspect of ensuring a healthy pregnancy. All new mom’s need to take their diet seriously, and follow a wholesome and well-balanced eating plan. You need to consume a diet that’s full of protein, vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, fibre, complex carbohydrates, and fluids. Stuff your pantry with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and lean proteins. Also, avoid consuming foods that can be harmful to you and your baby, such as undercooked meat, raw vegetables, unpasteurised milk, and caffeine.
5.Quit Unhealthy Practices Like Smoking & Consuming Alcohol
While pregnancy shouldn’t be the sole reason to give up unhealthy habits like smoking and consuming alcohol, let it be an excuse for you to quit. Smoking during pregnancy can actually be hazardous for both you and your baby, and is linked with miscarriages, preterm birth, placental problems, and might even raise the risk of stillbirth and infant death. Alcohol, on the other hand, increases your child’s risk of developing speech, language, and learning problems in the long run, and should be avoided completely.
6.A Few Hours Of Physical Activity Go A Long Way
It is true that you can’t indulge in crazy workout sessions during pregnancy, but some physical activity is requisite during this period. Routine exercise allows your body to function smoothly and keep your energy level in check. It makes your body strong enough to sail through the various stages of labour and strengthens your muscles to cope with labour pains. Not to mention, a few hours of mild to light exercise can relieve the various pregnancy-related discomforts that you might be experiencing.
7.Keep Your Worries At Bay
Being pregnant is not easy. Aside from the various physical symptoms, it can also trigger an array of psychological changes. In addition to being wholesome, your first pregnancy can also be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. However, you need to keep yourself at a distance from all the stress that can be done by making some lifestyle changes such as getting a good night’s sleep, eating healthy, exercising, and more. Additionally, you can go for relaxing spa sessions, take up a (pregnancy-safe!) hobby, or simply talk it out!
8.Some Discomfort Is Alright
Mood swings and A WHOLE LOT of discomfort comes handy with pregnancy. You won’t be able to perform your everyday tasks as effortlessly as before, or eat your favourite things, or even indulge in other activities. On top of that, the various physical implications such as nausea, constipation, a weird sense of smell, fatigue, and more only add up to the irritation and might annoy you to the T during the whole period. However, as annoying as it may seem, it’s all part of pregnancy, and absolutely normal.
9.Only Indulge In Pregnancy-Safe Activities
No, you can’t lift weights, move stuff around, or indulge in heavy household chores when pregnant, no matter how strong your urges are. Several household chores and routine activities can actually take a serious toll on your health as well as your baby’s and are better avoided. Additionally, you must keep yourself at a distance from chemicals-pesticides and solvents, metals, and other hazardous agents to avoid any complications or mishaps.
10.Do the Baby Shopping In Advance
It’s all going to be a bit too overwhelming towards the end, and after the baby arrives, so make sure you are prepared from the very beginning. Avoid the last-minute rush, and equip yourself with all the stuff you might require during labour, and post-delivery including baby clothes, feeding equipment, blankets, etc beforehand. Aside from saving you from last-minute panic, shopping can actually help you relax and connect better with the baby.
ROSEWALK TEAM
Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Panchsheel Park