Top 10 Mistakes Women Make When Pregnant!

1. Eating for two – You don’t need to eat for two! When pregnant you do need extra calories, though this figure is around 200 extra calories. This is about the same amount of calories as a small sandwich! Make sure you eat a healthy balanced diet which contains protein, vitamins, and minerals that you need to keep your and baby healthy.

2. Missing out pre-birth classes – even if you plan to have an epidural. Pre birth classes have been shown to reduce stress before and during labor. They give you an insight into what will happen and things that may go wrong during birth. This can lead to a much less stressful birth! It’s also a good opportunity to meet other couples in the same position as you.

3. Leaving child care to after baby is born. Many nurseries have long waiting lists, and the process of choosing the right one can take time. You need to visit the premises, check references. This is a huge decision so make sure you don’t rush the process. Choosing a good nursery will you’re your child the best start in life.

4. Not planning how to manage your finances before baby is born. Who is going to look after the baby? Can you afford for you or your partner to give up work? So many questions that its best to work out before baby comes. These questions can difficult problems for both you and your partner. These are much better sorted out before pregnancy so they don’t become a worry during pregnancy.

5. Not getting enough sleep – Not getting enough sleep is a very common complaint during pregnancy. At some time during your pregnancy you will probably suffer from the lack of sleep. In the first trimester, elevated progesterone levels cause fatigue. If you work part-time or don’t work take a nap during the day. This is more difficult if you work full-time but you can always close your eyes for a while during your lunch break. The second trimester is generally the easiest time to sleep during pregnancy, hormones are changing a you may need to urinate less, which helps sleep when you don’t need to visit the toilet several times during the night! In the third trimester babies increasing size starts to get in the way of sleep. Baby puts pressure on your bladder making visits to the bathroom increase during the night – limiting liquids a few hours before bedtime is recommended.

6. Not getting regular exercise – you need to stay fit and flexible for the labor! Exercise can also relive problems like excess weight gain, swelling of hands and feet, leg cramps, varicose veins, insomnia, fatigue and constipation. It also help mood and self image, exercise encourages your brain to release endorphins which helps keep you happy and gives your skin a glow.

7. Getting stressed during pregnancy – Stress is part and parcel of pregnancy however finding ways to relieve stress is important as it can be harmful to your baby. Studies show that stress can lead to low birth weight or preterm birth. If work is getting too stressful then don’t be scared to talk to your boss, many will be happy to help. Try to make friends with other pregnant mothers, giving you somebody who really understands what you are going through. Visit your local health centre or community hall, many run classes that give you the opportunity to meet other pregnant women.

8. Stopping medication for pre existing conditions. If you have a pre existing condition consult your doctor as soon as possible. Many medications you can continue with however it’s always better to air on the side of caution.

9. Not belting up in the car. Many pregnant women find it uncomfortable sitting in the car with the seat belt on. Remember that you seatbelt is a life safer – for both you and your unborn baby. Position your seat belt as low as possible below your belly and keep it directly across your hips not over your belly.

10. Not preparing for breastfeeding – breastfeeding does not always come naturally. It can be difficult to first learn the position best for baby and then to get the baby to latch on. With the different generations of midwives comes different views on how best to train baby. This can lead to conflicting advice depending on which midwife is on duty. There is so much information promoting breastfeeding with good cause however, it’s not always an easy task. Neither is it always the best option for your baby.

 Nicola when not looking after her two children is a writer for a baby names site. The site also offer quality article on baby health, toddlers and pregnancy week by week.

Thank you, Nicola, for your contribution to Mommy Rantings!!! If you have anything else to add to the pregnancy no-no list, please feel free to leave a comment!