10 TOP THINGS TO KNOW WHILE BEING PREGNANT OR PLANNING TO BECOME A MUM/DAD by Lela Elbony-Nurse/Midwife|Doctor JayBee's Blog|

Once the doctor has confirmed your pregnancy, you have stepped into the most incredible phase of your life, “Motherhood”. This article lists the things you shouldn’t miss, during your pregnancy. By investing your time on following simple things, you can be sure that you have done your best to give your baby a healthy start.

✔Talk to your doctor about the vitamins you need to take right from the first trimester. Make it consistent to pop your prescribed medications every day. Vitamins like folic acid are of so much importance to your baby’s neurological development. It can reduce your baby’s risk of developing neural tube defects or commonly birth defects and crippling conditions such as spina bifida.

✔Choose a doctor that you are absolutely comfortable with and don’t waver about your decision. Make the calendar of all your doctor (a gynecologist)  visits and document all the reports, prescription and tests taken right from day one.

✔Very very essential to NOTE that you  do an echographic scan atleast three times before your pregnancy due date (Ideally you should have a scan monthly). Ensure you don’t skip on any of the scheduled visits, with your medical personnel.

✔Check with your doctor and midwife about prenatal screening tests. Also, narrate your entire medical and family history to them. This helps the personnel to pick up cues and determine whether you definitely need a prenatal screening test for a specific condition.

✔If you are a smoker or an alcohol binger start saying no to them once your pregnancy is confirmed. Indulgence into both these things can have a serious impact on your baby and on your health.

✔Cut down on caffeine, even if you love your mug of coffee every morning. A lot of studies associated with sipping of coffee during pregnancy also claim that it can cause acid reflux and other pregnancy related complications in expectant mothers.

✔Begin to eat sensibly and say no to junk foods. Restrict your intake of salty and sugary foods by enlarge. This will keep your sugar level and hypertension within limits while expecting. 

✔Stock your handbag with an assorted bag of nutty munchies and fresh fruits to keep your cravings under control.

✔To cherish every moment of motherhood you should keep yourself active by doing prenatal exercises. Ask your doctor whether you can begin a low-intensity exercise protocol. Look for a certified antenatal exercise instructor and begin your exercise regimen. Exercising during pregnancy offers many benefits including keeping you flexible, keeping low-back ache at bay and  also helping you in Labour.

atch up on enough sleep during pregnancy, make sure you get a sumptuous rest of 7-8 hours of sleep in a day. This will enable your baby to grow healthy and also make you feel a lot better during this period
✔Create a mom and baby folder and stock all your pictures in it. Yes, these are priceless memories which you can treasure all your life. Pack your labor bag in the eighth month and add in all the essential props that you will need during your labor.
Apart from all the 10 essential things stated above, there is yet another vital thing you should never forget. Have you guessed what that could be? Yes, you need to invest time in doing things that make you happy, peaceful and calmer. If you are a music lover, listen to a lot of positive music, if you love books enjoy your read. The bottom line is, you need to destress yourself off all your pregnancy blues and create a great environment for your baby. 
Most importantly stay prayerful all through.