It is the unknown that makes pregnancy such an overwhelming time, especially if you are unprepared. The next few paragraphs will serve as your field guide to pregnancy.

Litter Box

Pregnant women who have indoor cats should have someone else change the litter box while they are pregnant. While a woman is pregnant, these chemicals in a used litter box can actually cause a lot of toxic harm. A spouse or other family member, or even a neighbor, should take over cleaning the litter box during your pregnancy.

To combat an upset stomach during the first trimester, try eating lots of small meals. You will have a small amount of food in your stomach at all times but not enough to make you feel ill. Consume fresh and natural foods as often as possible. Veggies, lean meat and fruits are the best things to eat.

Keep in mind that it can take up to a year for a woman to get pregnant. If you’ve been trying for longer than that, you might want to check with your doctor. They can check you out to find out if there’s a medical reason for you not getting pregnant.

Check out the medical facility where your baby will be born. Explore the facility and chat with the staff. They will be able to answer all your questions and visiting the facility in advance should give you an idea of what to expect. Dads can be especially helped by this as they may be doing most of the communicating with the hospital staff while you are in labor.

If you suspect you might be pregnant, go to the doctor or take a home pregnancy test immediately. The longer you wait, the more complications can arise.

Try sleeping on the left side of your body once you reach your third trimester. Sleeping this way gives your fetus the best blood supply, and also allows blood to easily flow to your kidneys and uterus. Don’t sleep on your back, as this position is not good for blood flow.

Pregnant women, who are overcome by the desire for unhealthy foods, should not give in to every single craving. Your child has nutritional needs as well. While you might get some gratification from eating whatever you crave, it could possibly be detrimental to your child’s needs, so it’s important to keep eating a balanced diet.

You should have a hospital bag ready and waiting by the time you are in your third trimester. You will not like the results if you procrastinate. Make sure to have your insurance cards, camera and batteries, and a copy of your birth plan in there.

Have pictures and stories prepared to share with your baby once they are older. Kids love to see what their mothers looked like while pregnant. Take pictures and jot little notes to share with them later on when they’re ready.

Even before conception you want to live like you’re pregnant. Adjust to a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise, no smoking or alcohol and improved diet. It may take you six months to a year to get pregnant and practicing this new lifestyle beforehand is going to go a long way.

Cat Litter

As strange as it may sound, do not be near cat litter when pregnant. Toxoplasmosis can cause problems for your baby. Don’t go near cat litter to make sure your baby is safe.

As mentioned earlier in the article, pregnancy can be a potentially overwhelming nine month ordeal if you don’t know enough about it. When you learn more about pregnancy, you can make sure that you and your baby stay healthy. Hopefully, the information provided in this article will help you to have a smooth and enjoyable pregnancy.