If you are growing your family and expecting a child soon, there are several things you might not know about what you can expect while you’re pregnant. Your mom and grandmother might have tips and stories about how it was for them decades ago, but things have changed. Take their advice and expertise about childbirth with a grain of salt.
As science evolves over the years and pregnancy experts learn more about the birthing process, things will look drastically different for you as an expecting mother in 2021. Everything from pregnancy to the delivery process can be a bit much to wrap your mind around. We are going to go over some of the most important things you should know as an expecting mother so you can have more peace of mind and feel better about the overall health of you and your child.
1. Pregnancy is different for everyone.
Some women have easy pregnancies, while other women can’t wait for the nine months to be over with. Everything from nausea to hair loss and swelling will look different on each woman. Some women experience severe acne while pregnant, while others notice their metabolism isn’t what it once was. Try to stop comparing your pregnancy with others around you, whether it’s your friends or acquaintances on social media.
If you have any real concerns about symptoms you’re experiencing, reach out to your primary care doctor or a specialist, such as an endocrinologist. Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in endocrine glands and hormones. Do a quick Google search such as “find a endocrinologist near me” for a list of providers if you need more information about the hormonal changes you might be experiencing.
2. You have rights in labor and delivery.
Many mothers in the labor and delivery room simply listen to the medical staff while they are shouting demands at you and making it seem like you have no options when it comes to your birth plan. The most important aspect of delivering a child is safe, but it’s also important for you to have a positive experience.
There are a variety of reasons you might want to research what your rights are in the hospital, especially during the pandemic. Whether it’s because you are choosing to go the natural birth route or have specific requests for after the baby’s delivery, you want to be comfortable and remember this day in a positive way. Having a midwife or doula present is also a great way to serve as an advocate for you and your legal rights.
Birth injury isn’t as uncommon as you might think. Nevertheless, it might be wise to research what a common birth injury might look like. Whether it’s brain damage, shoulder dystocia, or another serious injury that’s caused by medical malpractice, law practices such as this Chicago birth injury lawyer will help you with any type of birth injury case and explain to you what your legal options are. The quality of life for you and your child could be at stake and could have a profound impact on your future due to the negligence or carelessness of your obstetrician.
3. Your body will change before and after giving birth.
Whether you have stretch marks or varicose veins that seem to linger well after your pregnancy, you can expect the side effects of your body going through such drastic changes to be apparent. Certain dietary supplements, such as a natural water pill, can help with certain symptoms such as inflammation and fluid retention. Don’t expect your body to be in the same shape it was after you deliver your baby, and give yourself a break when it comes to weight loss and hormone levels.
4. Light to moderate exercise is healthy.
It’s true that some levels of exercise can be dangerous and cause fetal distress, but unless you have been a complete couch potato for years before you got pregnant, light to moderate exercise is healthy for you and your child. You want to avoid personal injury, so it would be wise to talk with your primary care doctor about issues such as weight management and fatigue when it comes to developing a treatment plan.
5. There are many resources available for expecting mothers.
There are several resources out there for expecting mothers. From help with medical bills for out of pocket costs to finding inexpensive, quality medical care, there are several organizations that specialize in helping expecting mothers financially. Making a quick phone call to 211 or your insurance company to find resources in your area would be a great start.
There are also several ways to get free items you might need in preparation for your baby’s arrival. Stores such as Target give expecting mothers a care package when they sign up for their baby’s registry. The care package usually includes items such as samples for products, bottles, and a stack of coupons that will be extremely helpful financially when you’re stocking up on diapers, wipes, and other toiletries.