Motherhood is many things. It’s a blessing, a burden, a challenge, a joy, and a monumentally life-changing experience. However, because pregnancy, childbirth, and child care are such nuanced and complicated subjects, it’s fairly easy for expecting mothers to miss out on some crucial information along the way. Indeed, there are a number of issues that moms might not be aware of –– but really ought to know about. Thankfully, today we’ll list four of those items so that you can be better prepared for the rigors of motherhood. Check them out here:
You May not Get Pregnancy Cravings
We’ll come back to this theme a lot here, so it’s important to note that no two pregnancies are the same. To wit, one surprising factoid about pregnancy relates to the wacky food cravings that accompany it. Except, not all women have pregnancy cravings. Similarly, not all women experience morning sickness. And those that do, don’t necessarily experience it in the “morning.”
Gestation Periods are Not Exact
Everyone knows that pregnancy lasts nine months. However, that number is really quite unscientific. Sure, nine months is a decent guideline, but the reality is that the “typical” pregnancy length falls within a span of 37 days. That’s over a month of variance. The takeaway here is not to get too nervous or stressed about your delivery date if it’s a little earlier –– or later –– than what you might’ve anticipated.
Exercise During Pregnancy is Beneficial
It’s easy to see why expecting mothers might feel hesitant about exercising during pregnancy. Yet, the reality is that most women can and should exercise during their pregnancy. Light workouts, yoga, swimming, and other forms of exercise can ease joint pain and improve mood. It is worth noting though, that some forms of exercise –– like heavy lifting or particularly strenuous activity –– are not recommended for pregnant women. Lastly, doctors may advise some women to refrain from most or all forms of exercise due to increased risk of complications.
You Need to Get Tested –– Early & Often
Pregnant women need to visit with their doctor a lot. It’s not unreasonable for a pregnant woman to visit her M.D. 6-10 times during her term. Plus, there are a number of tests that doctors may need to perform to ensure that pregnant women and their children are healthy. Medical professionals may use tools like blood collection sets to conduct tests for potentially infectious diseases, for example.
Conclusion
As we’ve mentioned above, it’s very difficult to predict what a “normal” pregnancy will look like. Thankfully, educating yourself now can help you roll with the punches and prepare yourself for the birth of your baby. So keep this page handy moving forward.