While having a baby is the most natural thing in the world, what used to be a simple process is now complicated by products and services, options and choices. Before you make what are some of the most important decisions of your life, make sure to gather all the information you can. Here’s a good starting point for a conversation you should have with yourself, your significant other and your doctor(s): some of the pregnancy do’s and don’ts.
DON’T get overscheduled: Stress can have a negative impact on your pregnancy, causing health problems such as hypertension, and may potentially cause a miscarriage. It’s important to look at your life realistically and not get overscheduled. Spreading yourself too thin during these important nine months won’t just negatively affect you, but your unborn child as well.
DON’T be sedentary: What’s a sedentary lifestyle? If you aren’t active for a sustained 20 minutes at least three days a week, you’re living it, which may lead to weight gain. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy has been linked to labor difficulties and gestational diabetes. If you’re typically a person who doesn’t move a lot, now is the time to change. Consistent (safe) movement is so important for you and your developing baby.
DON’T forget the importance of good nutrition: Diet plays an important role during pregnancy. Eating whole, living foods begins by understanding that if it’s in a box, a can or package, there’s a good chance it’s been nutritionally compromised. Processed foods are generally less healthy and have already had most, if not all, of their important vitamins and minerals processed out of them. Remember, without sound, complete nutrition, you and your developing baby will suffer.
DO reduce your caffeine intake: Research suggests caffeine can cause miscarriages if you’re already pregnant and, if you’re not already pregnant, can interfere with conception.
DO rely on your family wellness chiropractor: Many think a chiropractor only treats back and neck pain, but many more women have discovered the benefits chiropractors can provide in terms of prenatal care. Preconception and prenatal chiropractic care for you can mean less morning sickness, less lower back pain and a shorter, more quality labor and delivery. More than that, chiropractic care supports the integrity of your pelvic function, which includes the uterus, the associated muscles and ligaments, and the interfacing of the nervous and hormonal systems, which is important for you and your baby.
DO have a birth plan established: Creating a birth plan is the best thing you can do to make sure your wishes are considered during your delivery. A birth plan should include basic decisions such as moving around during labor, when to start pushing, fetal monitoring and labor induction, but also contingency decisions, including whether to get an epidural, an episiotomy or a C-section. Of course, that’s just the beginning. Your birth plan can also have special instructions for the nurse and staff regarding who should be with you during the delivery, who you want to stay with the baby should there be complications, and more. A birth plan tool is available at www.birthplan.com.
DO recognize your right to make decisions: When all is said and done, remember that this is your pregnancy and your baby, and you have the right to ask questions and get second opinions when you are unsure about anything. You are in control and should make your decisions based on the information provided by those you trust.
If you have questions concerning this article please contact your health care provider or feel free to give Dr. Bean a call at Bean Chiropractic (916) 447-2200. You may also email him at dr_sbean@yahoo.com.
Sidney B. Bean, DC
Bean Chiropractic, 2716 V Street , Sacramento, CA 95818
www.beanchiropractic.com
