Below is all the information regarding a pregnancy survival kit that you can curate to better your journey of being pregnant!
Being pregnant is a beautiful and exciting phase of a women’s life. The feeling of a life growing inside increases the concern and love and makes you want to give the best for the baby. Although it’s joyful, yet pregnancy comes with discomfort, aches, confusion, and many pregnant queries. There are a few essential things that you need to have handy throughout the pregnancy to make the experience more comfortable. As the list is never-ending, proper planning of what is needed and purchasing it is the key. Therefore, we’ve compiled a pregnancy survival kit for you to refer and prepare yourself beforehand.
Pregnancy Survival Kit
As you are excited over the changes in your life and focus on buying more for the baby, don’t lose sight of the little things that can make your pregnancy smooth. We are listing some of the few essentials that will be a life savior during pregnancy.
1. Remedies for Morning Sickness
It is very common to feel nauseating during pregnancy. Some may have, and some might not. Morning sickness is very common in the first trimester. A common and most effective remedy for morning sickness is ginger. You can add ginger to your tea and/or in your meals. However, be mindful not to consume ginger in excessive amount as it increase heat inside the body that can lead to other complications. Other remedies include morning sickness lollipops and a supply of plain crackers and pretzels. What works is different for different women. It’s best to consult your doctor and then decide what might suit you.
2. Vitamins
Doctors usually prescribe vitamin supplements for pregnant women as the amount of vitamin source from the food alone might not be sufficient for the mom and the baby. Never take any supplements on your own without consulting your doctor.
3. Hot Water Bottle
An adequate amount of hydration is a must during this period for a women. Drinking hot water can help you ease the lower back pain and discomfort during pregnancy.
4. Pregnancy Pillow
As the pregnancy progresses, some changes are bound to happen to your body. The belly expands, which can increase the discomfort and be stressful. Sleeping becomes difficult, and it is advised not to sleep on the back as the baby’s weight can compress the vessels. Using a pregnancy body pillow can be very effective as they support the hips, backbone, and legs, which eventually reduces the overall pressure.
5. Massage oil or Moisturizer
The skin tends to get extremely dry during pregnancy. Therefore, it’s common for women to get stretch marks, especially in the belly, due to the expansion. Investing in a good oil or moisturizer that suits your skin and massaging it daily will help keep the skin healthy and supple.
6. Maternity Clothing
One major concern of new expecting moms is that the old clothes no longer fit them. This might stress out some women, but remember that it’s a phase of life. Instead of stressing on old clothes, switch to some comfortable maternity wear. Unlike the old times now, there is a wide range of trendy maternity wears in the market. You may stock up maternity pants and T-shirts as the belly grows. Get your hands on them and flaunt your pregnancy!
7. Maternity Bra
As your belly grows, your breasts also begin to grow and become more sensitive and heavy. You will need a new sized bra that is soft, comforting, and breathable. It should also be adjustable as your breast keep growing throughout the pregnancy. You can also invest in a bra extender rather than getting a new bra every time.
8. Pregnancy Book
It is good to invest in some good pregnancy books as a new expecting mom. This will keep you informed and help you with your queries about pregnancy.
Things to Avoid
There are many things that soon-to-be moms should avoid during pregnancy to have a safe and risk-free pregnancy journey. Below are some of our recommendations about things that you must avoid during this time.
1. Certain Food
What you eat plays a major role in the health of your babys as well as your’s. Avoid taking uncooked or partially cooked meat, especially fish, raw eggs, unpasteurized dairy and soft cheese. On the Other hand, consume fresh vegetables and fruits,
lean protein to maintain your health. Additionally, drink plenty of water to hydrate yourself. Your doctor will provide a food chart on what to eat and not to, which you must follow during the pregnancy.
2. Caffeine
It might be hard to give up on your wake-up drink. Caffeine can increase your blood pressure, heart rate and increase your restroom trips. Although it might not harm your body, caffeine can cross the placenta and affect the underdeveloped metabolism of the baby. However, if you need to have caffeine, you can consume a moderate amount that equals to 150 to 300 mg/ day.
3. Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol are a big no during pregnancy. These are extremely dangerous for the growing baby and can be fatal as well. Alcohol can pass easily through the placenta and harm the developing brain and other organs.
4. X-ray
Avoid taking x-rays during pregnancy as the radiation can be harmful to the baby. The risk of x-ray depends on which stage of pregnancy it’s been taken and the dosage. The risk includes birth defects, physical or mental development problems. Ask your healthcare professional to evaluate if the treatment can wait until you deliver the baby.
5. Medications
You should avoid certain medications as they can interfere with the pregnancy and cause miscarriage or child defect. Always consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter medicines for body aches and supplements.
6. Hot Tub and Sauna
When these body aches and pain might be tiring, relaxing in a tub of hot water might feel heavenly. But an unnatural increase in body temperature during the first trimester can be harmful to the baby. So it’s best to avoid hot water bath or sauna during the first trimester atleast.
Keep these things in mind to improve your pregnancy journey without stressing or taking any risk. Eat healthy to get enough nutrition and do an adequate amount of exercise while keeping yourself hydrated. Always remeber to not make any changes at all in your lifestyle and eating habits without consulting your doctor.
