Getting ready for carrying a child to term, and going through the emotional and physical journey that accompanies it, can be difficult for any woman. As time goes on, there is more advice that becomes available. The following article contains tips on helping your pregnancy go a little bit smoother.

Make sure you adjust your intake of fluids regarding your much smaller bladder capacity. Be sure to drink lots of water during daytime hours, but reduce your intake prior to bed. This should limit the number of times you have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.

When you’re pregnant, it’s important that you continue to get regular exercise. Light to moderate exercise, that does not overly stress your body, can help you have a shorter labor and lose your baby weight quickly after delivery.

If you haven’t already done so, arrange to tour a variety of birthing facilities. If you are comfortable about the place beforehand, labor and delivery should be that much easier for you. If possible, visit more than one location to compare your options and see what is available in your area. Your chosen destination should give you everything you and your partner need when you’re in labor.

Find out by using a pregnancy test or by visiting your physician as soon as possible if you suspect there is a possibility that you might be pregnant. The longer you wait, the more complications can arise.

When you go to your doctor for your pregnancy, have them do a STD test. STD’s can be detrimental to the health of you and your unborn baby if they are left untreated. Many tests for sexually transmitted diseases can be done through urine, blood or a pap smear. If an STD is discovered, it may be necessary to deliver the baby by C-section.

Flu Shot

Get your flu shot. Your immune system might be compromised during pregnancy. Some women choose the flu shot to increase immunity, while others look to more natural options in order to avoid injecting anything into their bodies. Try to keep your immune system from becoming weakened. This is dangerous for you and the baby.

Read up on the birth process and how it works. Reading stories will give you a personal touch that books won’t give you. Check out multiple stories to get a good feel for the process.

It is important that your prenatal vitamin supplement has the necessary amount of the B vitamin, folic acid. This important ingredient will reduce the chances of serious birth defects, and it helps aid in cell formation and cell development of your child.

Before you actually conceive your baby, act as if you are already pregnant. You should live healthy when pregnant. It can take a while to get pregnant, so establishing new habits early will set you up for success later.

Don’t sit down for extended intervals. After a long day some pregnant women will experience swollen feet and legs. This happens because of the extra strain on the circulatory system, especially that of the lower body, in late pregnancy. For this reason, long periods of sitting can cause swelling to the ankles and feet. You want to lie right on the left side of your body, then make sure with cold water you soak your feet, just be sure to avoid crossing your legs while you sit.

It’s important to get adequate rest while you’re pregnant. Getting enough sleep helps your baby’s development as well as helping you recharge. Make your bed a refuge with comfortable sheets and pillows, and keep your room at a temperature you are comfortable with to ensure your most restful sleep.

Keep stress at acceptable levels when you’re pregnant by simply making a list and prioritizing tasks so that the most important things are done first. If friends or relatives are willing to help you out, you should take them up on their offer. Make sure more personal items get done yourself, and don’t put them off too long- you are on a time limit!

Pregnancy should be an exciting and joyful time. Make sure to utilize the advice in this article so that you can have the smooth pregnancy you deserve.