There is nothing more exciting than when you’re expecting a baby, but it can be equally frightening because you have so many questions about pregnancy. This compilation of tips will answer some of these questions that you have and you will be able to incorporate them into your life, right away.

If you are out in the sun, make sure that you are wearing sunscreen, even if you have a dark skin tone and didn’t use it before pregnancy. Avoid tanning beds, also. The hormones that occur because of your pregnancy will make it easier to get sun damage. Use sunscreen at all times when you go out in the sun for protection.

Stay away from household cleaning products when you are pregnant. Inhaling these products when you are pregnant can cause serious health problems for you and your baby. Have someone else in your home do your cleaning, or, if you have to clean, wear a protective mask over your nose and mouth.

Add 300-500 calories a day to your diet while you are pregnant. Don’t forget you are eating for two so you definitely need to increase your caloric intake. Make sure however that you are adding healthy calories into your diet. Adding 500 calories of junk food isn’t going to do anything to help you and the baby.

Walking has been shown to help induce labor if your due date has passed. Walking is a good for you and helps to put the baby into the lower position needed for birth. Take your partner with you. Avoid anything dangerous, especially things that deal with contact exercise.

Be sure that you have a flu shot given to you when you get pregnant. A weak immune system can lead to catching the flu. This can be a danger for your child and you.

Watch out for toxins and fumes when you are decorating your new nursery. If you are planning on painting or doing wall paper, keep the windows wide open, and try to stay away from the heavy work. Provide a helping hand, but let others do the heavy labor.

If you have felt your baby moving around in your stomach, and then the movement stops for a few days, you should visit your doctor. Although this may mean nothing, there could be a problem with the baby that your doctor can help fix if taken care of in time.

Learn relaxation techniques and make sure to practice them at least once a day. Having some time to relax with breathing and calming exercises will help you relieve the stress that comes from pregnancy. Make sure you make time for yourself to keep you a happy mom to be.

Changing diapers, midnight feedings and lots of sleep deprivation are soon to take over your life. Get your rest now and take advantage of this pre-baby time. Go for a vacation or day trip to do things together as a couple before a sitter is needed to leave the house together.

Learn how to read nutrition labels and find out what to avoid. Stay with items that are low in fat and low in calories. Keep stocked with items that are high in fiber. If you do have a sugary snack, drink it with a glass of milk to keep your blood sugar levels normal.

Realize that “morning” sickness can happen at any time of the day and check with your doctor if it seems really bad. Most new parents are only affected by morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is usually one of the first signs that a women picks up on to signify that she may be pregnant. If it is keeping you from being able to keep down any food, see your doctor for ideas on how to help.

Consider taking a child birthing class with your partner or a friend, like a Lamaze class. Taking a class will help ready you for your child’s birth and teach you techniques to help alleviate pain and help you relax while you are in labor. It also teaches your partner to assist you they best they can.

For a healthy pregnancy, start taking prenatal vitamins before you decide to get pregnant. Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated to support a growing baby and contain more essential vitamins, like folic acid and iron. You should also adopt a healthy diet and low impact exercise regimen, such as prenatal yoga.

If you experience symptoms like blurred vision, pain in your right side, frequent headaches, very rapid weight gain, or cola-colored urine in the second half of your pregnancy, report them to your doctor immediately. You may be developing preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related condition that can be life-threatening. Your doctor may need to perform tests to check for protein in your urine, and your blood pressure will be closely monitored.

Now that you have a deeper knowledge on the subject of pregnancy, you can relax a little bit and enjoy it. Bask in the glow of it all and then use what you have learned here to take good care of yourself and give birth to a happy, healthy baby.

The Best Advice To Help You Through Pregnancy was originally published on Spring