Getting prenatal care is essential to being a healthy mom, and being able to provide what your developing baby needs to thrive. Continue reading to learn a few pointers from other Moms who’ve been there!

Are you pregnant? Do you plan on breastfeeding? Are you thinking about doing so publicly or are you looking to be more discreet. Research nursing clothing which will help you in that regard! There is specialty clothing that can provide privacy while feeding your baby. They cover you as you feed your child. Or, you could practice breastfeeding in the mirror so as to develop a discreet breastfeeding position.

In order to sleep better when pregnant, make sure you carefully plan out your fluid consumption. Keep up your water intake before dinner, but lay off the water once you eat, and don’t drink any right before you go to sleep. This should limit the number of times you have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.

Sunscreen is important during pregnancy. Also, you should never tan while pregnant. Your skin will be more sensitive during pregnancy. This will increase the chances of sunspots and sunburns. Only use a natural sunscreen, of course.

Regular exercise is essential when you are pregnant. Exercise can make labor and recovery easier, will keep your weight down and can reduce the chances of complications in pregnancy.

Pregnant women must take care when it comes to sun protection. Pregnancy makes a woman’s skin more sensitive because of hormonal changes. So a woman is more prone to sunburn, which is a major risk factor for the development of skin cancer.

Blood Flow

A pregnant woman in her third trimester should sleep on her left side. This optimizes blood flow to the kidneys and uterus, and most importantly, your baby. Don’t sleep on your back, as this position is not good for blood flow.

When you are pregnant, you should give your body support, when you are sleeping. Many stores sell body pillows made especially for pregnancy. If you can’t find one, use a normal pillow to support yourself. Try putting pillows under both your stomach and your knees to support yourself better.

There are many blogs that you can read with stories on giving birth. Although medical books will give you all the facts, it’s always best to hear from mothers who went through the experience. Reading those stories will help you feel more calm about everything.

Prior to conceiving, pretend that you’re already pregnant. Stop drinking, quit smoking, adjust your diet, start a fitness program and live a much healthy lifestyle. Getting pregnant could take up to a year, so you might as well start adjusting to your new lifestyle now.

Pre-plan what will happen at your birth. This plan should detail tasks that others need to take care of during the labor process. Pack things that you need to bring to the hospital such as insurance paperwork, your birth plan, your camera, batteries, and the clothes that you and your baby will wear home from the hospital.

Stay away from alcohol completely when pregnant. The alcohol consumed by a pregnant woman will reach the unborn fetus by passing through the placenta. Therefore, when pregnant or when trying to get pregnant, it is advisable you refrain from alcohol. Drinking while pregnant can cause physical or mental problems to the developing baby and also increases the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

It’s important to get appropriate pre-natal care. Don’t stop going to the doctor after your baby is born, either; you and your child need proper medical care during all stages of pregnancy to stay healthy. It is a time to be smart about everything and understand all the changes that are part of a healthy pregnancy. Taking good care of yourself is up to you, and you deserve to have the best pregnancy possible.