Discovering that you are pregnant for the first time is quite overwhelming. As you have not experienced this miracle before, there will be a large number of questions circling your head. For example when to meet with your doctor, when can you announce the news to the world and what body changes are going to occur. Here are the basics of what you need to know.

Whether you snored before pregnancy or not, it is quite a common occurrence for snoring to increase while you are pregnant. This is because your nasal membranes swell. If it becomes a sleep disturbance to your partner, you can try nasal strips to open up your nasal airways. Ear plugs being worn by your partner are another option.

If you find yourself experience pain in your hands when you are pregnant, in particular closing them to clench a fist first thing in the morning, chances are you could be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome. Discuss this when you next visit your doctor, however, in most cases things return to normal after birth.

Do not overeat while pregnant so that you do not have to lose too much weight after the baby is born. You should not eat twice as much as normal. You only need to consume an extra 200-300 calories per day during the last 6 months of pregnancy to help the baby develop properly.

If your doctor prescribes bed rest during your pregnancy, whether it is limited or complete bedrest, it is important that you follow the doctor’s orders. While it is difficult to sit still and watch the world around you go past, particularly when you see chores piling up, not following medical advice could lead to serious complications to your and your baby’s health.

Be prepared for frequent toilet breaks towards the end of the pregnancy. It is quite common to wake up every two hours during the night and have to get up to urinate. This is because the baby is pushing on your bladder. Consider this to be training for the sleepness nights ahead after birth.

It is very common for a woman’s feet to swell during pregnancy and for them to go up a shoe size, especially in the third trimester. Wearing flat shoes at this stage will be more comfortable than high heels so look at purchasing a new pair of shoes for this short period of your life.

Do not be too mentally hard on yourself during pregnancy. Weight gain is normal, mood fluctuations are normal and pregnancy is about giving birth to a healthy child at the end. Aim to look the best you can be but don’t continuously compare yourself to slim celebrities in magazines as this will not do wonders for your disposition.

Breast Feeding

Taking prenatal vitamins is essential. Your body needs extra nutrition before, during and after your pregnancy. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, start taking these vitamins well before. If you are already pregnant, it’s not too late to start. You will still get the benefits of it. Keep taking them well beyond giving birth. At least until you stop breast feeding.

Most new mothers know that breast-feeding is best for a newborn baby. Breast-feeding comes naturally to most women, but it helps to take a class on the subject and learn what to expect as well as what to do if you should have any problems! Remember: Breast is best!

Now that these tips have answered the most immediate questions that have sprung to mind it is time to book your first doctor’s appointment. Congratulations on the wondrous joy that you are going to experience in approximately nine months time. Seek assistance from family and friends, follow the medical advice provided and enjoy the days ahead.