Pregnancy is an amazing time in life, but it is not without difficulties. How those difficulties impact your experience depends a lot on how you manage them. However, you’ll be able to make your pregnancy into one that is as good as it can be if you learn all you can about it. The advice that follows will let pregnant women in on some tips that can help them get through this new experience.

Do not avoid sex when you are pregnant. Many women are under the assumption that sex can harm their unborn child, but this is not true. In fact, sex can be helpful. Women have high hormone levels when pregnant, and having sex can help relieve some of the stress that these hormones give them.

Pay attention to your body, and don’t write strange things off as simply symptoms of pregnancy. For example, swelling of the joints and face is common during pregnancy, but excessive and sudden swelling can herald pre-eclampsia. If you notice any symptoms that seem strange or haven’t been mentioned as expected by your doctor, give them a call.

As a pregnant woman, never change kitty litter. Soiled kitty litter contains chemicals that are very harmful to pregnant women. If possible, have your spouse or a neighbor help you out with doing this task for the duration of your pregnancy.

Take your iron pills. Many pregnant women will get anemia at some point during their pregnancy. Your body needs a lot of iron reserves for the birth and after when you are breastfeeding. Ask your doctor early about taking an iron supplement to keep your levels high and prevent anemia in the first place.

Try not drive alone during the later stages of your pregnancy, just in case you were to go into labor. Being alone in your car when you water breaks can mean you will be yourself when you deliver. This could cause your baby to be born improperly and can cause health problems for you.

It is important for pregnant women to avoid eating certain fish, like shark, swordfish, and tilefish. These fish contain high levels of mercury, which can cause health problems for your baby. There are some seafood that is safe for pregnant women to eat including canned tuna, pollack, salmon, catfish, and shrimp.

Read other peoples birth stories. This will let you see what it is really like, and you will be able to gain some inside tips that will help. People may write about what not to do, and you will benefit learning from their mistakes. You may also learn some positive things to do that you haven’t thought of.

Try to avoid some of the chemicals that would be harmful to your body such as paint and toxic supplies around the house. These will end up getting into your bloodstream and could affect the overall health of your baby. Be extra cautious when you are pregnant to protect the child you are carrying.

When you become pregnant, make sure that you inform your job, as soon as possible, so that you are able to file for a maternity leave when the time comes. This will allow you to prepare in advance and allow your employer to find a replacement, for the time you are out.

If you find it hard to stick to a healthy diet during pregnancy, ask your partner to join you as you change your old eating habits to new healthy ones. It is always easier to make the right choices when you have a helpful partner to support you. Both of you will see the benefit of eating more vegetables, whole grains and fruit.

Stay away from anything that could harm you or your baby. This includes cigarettes, alcohol and even over-the-counter medications. Talk to your doctor about anything you are considering taking and let them advise you on the best course of action. All these substances could have a negative impact on your unborn child’s development.

Slightly increase your calorie intake while pregnant. The phrase “eating for two” isn’t just a cute throwaway line. Expecting mothers need to eat about 500 additional calories a day to adequate provide for the baby’s needs. Make sure that extra calorie intake is composed of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables.

Stop taking any birth control the very minute you find out that you are pregnant. If it has failed to prevent your pregnancy, you do not want to continue it while you are pregnant. It has many negative health effects on the baby and the sooner you stop, the better the chances that the baby will be fine.

As was stated in the beginning of this article, pregnancy can be either pleasant or miserable, mostly depending on how you handle it. If you are aware of what is happening in your body, you can cherish this time. Use the information laid out here, and use it during your pregnancy.

Pregnant? Top Tips For A Smooth Pregnancy was originally published on Spring