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Feeling your baby kick for the first time is a truly remarkable thing. It allows you to connect with your baby as early as now. This article will teach you how to get your baby to move more in your womb!

There are questions to ask a doula so you can get one that's perfect for you, your baby, and your needs.

The day has come! You’re off to the hospital because you're in one of the stages of labor and you feel you're ready to give birth. So what's next?

You can easily control your environment by making small adjustments daily. In return, you’ll be happier, healthier, and more comfortable in your own skin. You’ll even be better prepared for baby to arrive, too! Table Of Contents 1. Make exercise a priority during your pregnancy 2. Cuddle up to a body pillow 3. Get a pedicure 4. Take up yoga 5. Attend childbirth classes 6. Buy some cute maternity clothes 7. Eat some high-quality snacks 8. Take naps as often as you need them 9. Have a gender reveal party when you are pregnant 10. Document your pregnancy journey If you’ve never been pregnant before, you probably don’t know what to expect. Everyone you know is giving you advice, but only you know what your body and baby needs to thrive. If you want to have the BEST pregnancy ever, there are some things you can do in preparation of your baby’s arrival. Among the most important is to exercise self-care daily as a way of honoring your body and increasing your ability to accept your new role of mother to the little one you’re carrying in your womb. Here are ten tips that will help you have the BEST pregnancy. 1. Make exercise a priority during your pregnancy Exercise during pregnancy keeps you fit and fine. It’s easy to feel unmotivated when you’re carrying around excess weight. Exercise is good, however, in helping you manage your fluctuating hormones. It releases feel-good brain chemicals known as endorphins which make you naturally happy. You’ll also notice less bloating and swelling because physical movement helps the lymphatic system do its job of flushing out toxins and waste products. 2. Cuddle up to a body pillow Get a body pillow as soon as you get pregnant. Comfort is king. Start nights out as a pregnant woman right by acquiring a body pillow early on in your pregnancy. That way, you’re not sacrificing sleep because your growing belly is making you uncomfortable. You can wrap your limbs around the pillow and sleep in a way that makes you feel good. 3. Get a pedicure Pamper yourself, get pedicure done as you won't be able to do it yourself. It’s perfectly acceptable to pamper yourself. A pedicure is a necessity once you’ve reached the latter stages of your pregnancy and are unable to reach your toes like you once did. Go ahead and choose a pretty polish and have the nail tech give you the VIP treatment. 4. Take up yoga Practice Yoga regularly to keep your body, brain and soul aligned. Learn how to move and stretch your body with great ease. Yoga is a healthy form of exercise that uses meditation and mindfulness in its practice. Notice how your body feels while focusing on quieting your mind and deepening your breath. 5. Attend childbirth classes Enrol yourself into childbirth classes and attend regularly. Meet other mommies-to-be and feel supported while pregnant. The bond you’ll form with your classmates will be like no other that you have. Best of all, your child will have instant friends when he or she is born because of the friends you made during childbirth classes. 6. Buy some cute maternity clothes Buy some nice maternity clothes for your body changing during pregnancy. Stretch pants and baggy t-shirts may not be your thing at all. Invest some time and money to find maternity clothes that you love. You can look cute and accentuate that growing baby bump of yours. 7. Eat some high-quality snacks Eat high quality snacks. You’ll need to consume 300 to 500 excess calories daily while pregnant. Start researching some of the best snacks to keep on hand and buy them on your next shopping trip. That way, you’re not compelled to give in to cravings and consume way more food that you intended to eat. 8. Take naps as often as you need them Take short naps and rest whenever you get the chance. You’re going to need a lot of energy to care for a little one. That’s why it’s important that you rest whenever you get the chance. You won’t be able to take a nap easily with a newborn in your home, so take advantage of this time in your life to enjoy a sweet siesta. 9. Have a gender reveal party when you are pregnant Throw a gender reveal party with family and friends. Invite your family and friends and let them be in on the fun. You’ll have a blast planning your party and the special way you’ll announce your baby’s gender. Make sure someone is there recording your reaction because you’ll one day want to share it with your child. 10. Document your pregnancy journey Start documenting your pregnancy experiences. Among the best things you can do for yourself is to keep a written or recorded account of your pregnancy. It’s a special way to bond with your baby before they’re born. It also tells their story month-by-month as you eventually approach your due date. Experience all the joy pregnancy offers by making use of the tips above. You can easily control your environment by making small adjustments daily. In return, you’ll be happier, healthier, and more comfortable in your own skin. You’ll even be better prepared for baby to arrive, too! The major concern related to post pregnancy is about the way a new mother feels about her own self. Women usually don't feel like themselves, and some don't believe that they could ever get their pre-pregnancy body back. Having the support of a postpartum corset after pregnancy, especially after a c-section can work magic and boost your self esteem and improve your childbirth recovery time. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets - Medical-Grade, Doctor-Recommended, FDA-Registered Do you think that writing down your feelings and doing things to improve your postpartum recovery will lead to a better and healthier you?

If you go past your due date, should you be concerned? The answer is no, unless your doctor states otherwise, it’s very common for a woman to experience going past due date which serves as an approximation for delivery.

Whichever position you choose to be in at the time of delivery, know that it can help ease the process and make you feel more comfortable. That’s why it’s as important as it is to choose wisely when making this decision. This list contains the most common labor positions.

The natural response to a loved one giving birth is to go visit her and the newborn baby in the hospital. It’s likely what you’ll experience yourself after delivering and truthfully, managing visitors after birth can be very overwhelming depending on the size of your inner circle.

Pregnancy causes your body to change in many ways. In fact, you may look down at your stomach in the next few weeks and wonder if you’re even the same person that you were before getting pregnant. With the influx of hormones, weight gain, and swollen feet comes some exceptionally embarrassing pregnancy problems. Knowing what to expect from the body during the nine months you’re carrying a child is ideal because it allows you to plan for the unexpected. This list of ten embarrassing pregnancy problems are very common for most pregnant women, so don’t worry. There is no need to feel humiliated because many women can relate to what you’re currently going through. Skin Problems Such as Acne If you find your skin breaking out worse than it did when you were a teenager, it’s due in part to an influx of hormones. A Quick Fix: Keep your hands off your face and make sure to cleanse and exfoliate regularly. That way, you’re able to remove impurities easily without causing the problem to worsen. Gastrointestinal Distress You may experience bloating and burp a lot because of it. That’s because the baby you’re carrying is filling the space as he or she grows. A Quick Fix: Eat smaller meals and more frequently to avoid this problem. Stay away from fried and fatty foods as well as carbonated beverages. Darkened Nipples Known as linea nigra, this problem is due in part to the estrogen in your body increasing the amount of melanin or skin pigment. This issue doesn’t normally occur until the second trimester. A Quick Fix: Use sunscreen regularly to prevent the problem from worsening. Stick to dark colored shirts, too, as white is often too revealing. Itchy Nipples The skin stretches in the area due to the breasts preparing for breastfeeding. You’ll notice a difference in the size and appearance of your chest because of the changes occurring in your body. A Quick Fix: Lanolin cream will become your best friend. Also, make sure that the bras you’ve chosen are soft, supportive, and comfortable. Constipation Since your baby is absorbing many of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you’ve consumed, you may notice that your digestive system has taken a severe blow. Once you’ve had a hard time going to the bathroom, it’s time to switch to high fiber foods. A Quick Fix: Make sure that you’re drinking enough water and eating beans, fresh fruit and vegetables, and whole grains. You may need to take a gentle over-the-counter laxative if diet alone doesn’t correct the problem. Groin Pain The ligaments around your pelvis are stretching causing a great deal of pain in the groin. Standing up is often when you feel the severity of this problem, and you might cry out in pain as a result of it. A Quick Fix: Prop your feet up. Rest until the pain has gone away. Bouts of Nausea and Vomiting Morning sickness can occur at any time during the day. Some medical professionals believe that it is due in part to a change in hormones. A Quick Fix: Ginger candy helps curb symptoms of nausea. Crackers are also a quick fix because they soak up excess stomach acid. Urinary Incontinence You may find it hard not to pee when you laugh, sneeze or move suddenly. With a baby sitting on your bladder, it’s to be expected. A Quick Fix: Wear a panty liner until you’ve given birth. Use compression underwear to help keep the weight from pushing down so hard on your body. Wild Dreams Uncertainty about the future can cause undue stress. That’s why it’s important to create a calm, safe sleeping environment for yourself. A Quick Fix: Use a white noise machine or sleep sound app to help lull you to sleep. If that doesn’t work, write out your worries in a journal or try reading something inspiring in bed until you fall asleep. Hemorrhoids Not enough fiber in the diet can cause you to become constipated. That’s why you need to make sure that you drink enough water, eat enough roughage, and don’t strain no matter how bad you need to go. A Quick Fix: Cooling wipes help reduce inflammation. If the hemorrhoids won’t go away after taking a Sitz bath, an over-the-counter suppository may be the next step in reducing the inflammation. Now that you know which embarrassing pregnancy problems most pregnant women face, you can plan accordingly to minimize the fallout. Being prepared is among the easiest ways to move quickly past the humiliating circumstances that occur within your body when carrying a child. It won’t even phase you because you’ve done what you could to make it less embarrassing for you and those around you.

If you have concerns about labor but aren’t sure if they’re valid, don’t worry. Misinformation can cause unnecessary fear. Having the information needed to prepare for your labor is key. It allows you to take advantage of the situation so that you’re in control of your body and emotions before delivering your child. The following list reveals common labor fears as well as tips for overcoming them. A C-Section is Inevitable for Me! If you want to increase your chances of giving birth vaginally, hire a doula to assist you with the birthing process. The non-medical assistant possesses knowledge about how your body should be positioned to help assist labor. The doula will also provide soothing massages which calm fears and advocate for the best possible medical treatment of you and your baby. If a C-Section does prove to be inevitable for you, know that it’s a quick and easy process that allows your partner to be in the room with you. Many women have the procedure done with no real side effects and minimal scarring. It is Going to Hurt So Bad! If you make yoga a part of your everyday routine leading up to your delivery date, you’ll experience less pain. Not only will you be able to move and breathe more succinctly, you’ll also find that you can apply the technique to help with labor pains. Use a guided visualization that has been pre-recorded to take your mind off the pain and onto a beach in Maui or lakefront cottage in Colorado. Birthing classes don’t eliminate pain but instead, teach you tips to help push past discomfort. When you focus on your breathe and pair it with the contractions you’re having, you’ll be able to give birth easier and with a lot less pain. The Baby is Going to Get Stuck While I’m Delivering! Rocking back and forth can prevent this from occurring. In fact, it’s advisable to use a birthing ball to help shake things up. By doing so, you’re opening up the pelvis wide to allow room for the baby to come through gently. You won’t need to worry about ripping and tearing horribly because you’ll not have that problem if you move a lot. If the baby does get stuck because it’s too big or you’ve grown tired of pushing, the doctor will assist in getting the child out as gently as possible. It may require the use of a pair of forceps or vacuum which supplies pressure that helps pull the infant out of the birth canal. The fears listed here are legitimate as many pregnant women aren’t sure what to expect even after speaking in detail with their OBGYN. By seeking out answers and following the advice listed above, you’re able to take action and prevent difficulties from shaping your labor experience. Labor isn’t something you should fear. With the right knowledge, you’ll know how to prepare your mind and body for pregnancy. Once you’re aware of what will occur physically, you’ll be able to ready yourself mentally for this stage of your pregnancy.

Just under 10% of pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, a form of the disease that occurs during pregnancy. Although it’s alarming to think of what could happen if complications occur, regular monitoring of blood sugars, as well as diet and exercise, help prevent the unthinkable of occurring. After your doctor has diagnosed you with gestational diabetes, you’ll be required to see him or her regularly to ensure that the disease isn’t worsening with time. Here is what you need to know about gestational diabetes. The placenta is to blame for the blockage of insulin you’re experiencing. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that converts fats and carbs and uses the sugars that your body makes as a source of energy. When you’re unable to produce insulin on your own, the blood sugars go haywire and can cause irreparable damage to the body. It can negatively affect your blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs. Gestational diabetes typically occurs in the middle stages of pregnancy. You’re most likely to develop it during the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. Blood tests administered by your doctor reveal the disease. You’ll then be forced to take your blood sugars regularly with a glucometer to monitor them. Hyperglycemia occurs when the insulin in your body is low or non-existent which causes your blood sugars to skyrocket. There are risk factors that increase the likelihood of you having gestational diabetes. You’re at higher risk for the disease if you’re overweight, older, and have a history of gestational diabetes. If your mother or grandmother had diabetes during pregnancy, you, too, could have it. These are things to consider when visiting with your primary care physician. Giving detailed information about your family history and personal experience with gestational diabetes helps the medical professional determine the course of action that is best for you. You’ll notice some rather significant symptoms with the disease. If you can’t seem to quench your thirst and need to go to the bathroom frequently, it’s likely due to the gestational diabetes. Other symptoms include fatigue and sugar present during urine analysis. Your physician will let you know if it is present so that you can do what you can to prevent the disease from worsening. Ways to treat gestational diabetes range in approach and level of difficulty. There are many ways to treat gestational diabetes. Among the easiest is through diet and exercise. By eating right and being more physical, you’re able to prevent blood sugar levels from increasing. Eating small meals and snacks throughout the day can prevent your blood sugar from dropping. It also keeps you from bingeing on foods that you shouldn’t eat because you feel like you’re starving. Don’t Let Gestational Diabetes Progress into Another Type of Diabetes If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it’s important that you follow your physician’s instructions for diet and exercise. That way, you don’t exacerbate the problem and cause harm to yourself or your unborn child. This form of diabetes usually goes away after birth but could turn into adult onset diabetes if not closely monitored.

A common question that many new mothers have is “How long does it take for a woman’s body to go back to normal after pregnancy?”. The answer depends on the person and the actions that she takes to restore her body to its pre-pregnancy condition. Because all women are different, it’s safe to say that there is no firm deadline for normalcy. There are things you can do, however, to expedite the process. Knowledge is Power Among the best ways to prepare for the changes that occur is to be aware of them. For example, while pregnant, your sex drive goes into overdrive thanks to the increased amount of estrogen that is produced in the body. After giving birth, however, your libido weakens for a short time. That doesn’t mean that you won’t want to be intimate again soon but it is something that you should take into account and dismiss as normal after delivering. Here are some other changes you’ll witness in your body after delivering a baby: The Battle of the Bulge. Just because you’ve given birth doesn’t mean that your stomach automatically reduces in size. Gaining weight stretches out the skin. Although delivering a child does make you lose pounds, it takes six to eight weeks before the uterus returns to the size it was before you got pregnant. Bigger Feet. With all the swelling and expanding your feet do while carrying a child, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many women need to buy new shoes after delivering. If you think that your feet will go back to normal, there is a very good chance that they won’t. Smaller Breasts. Your breasts swell when you’re pregnant and breastfeeding. They will, however, go down a cup size in most cases. The more children you have factors into the appearance of your breasts, too. You’ll eventually notice them sagging if you’ve had several kids. Hair That Falls Out. When estrogen levels are high, your hair benefits. You’ll notice how shiny and pretty it looks while pregnant. When you’ve delivered your child, however, you may notice the opposite. Your hair may be lackluster and falling out more regularly. Don’t worry, though, because it will eventually go back to its prior state once your hormones even out again. You’ll notice these body changes more after you’ve given birth. If they become a big concern to you, telling your physician about them is advisable. The belly bulge can be addressed on your own, however, with the use of a postpartum corset or girdle, which is designed to provide extra support to your back and abdomen as you work on losing the excess weight you gained while pregnant. Accelerate Your Healing with the Help of Bellefit Your body will go back to normal after pregnancy. Now that you know what will expedite the process, you’ll be able to focus your energy on healing. Thanks to Bellefit’s postpartum corsets and girdles, you have options that look great and feel even better to wear.

Preparing your home for baby becomes a bit of an obsession while pregnant. The act of nesting is one that most creatures do by habit. You’ll find that many animals prepare their nests for their children. You’ll even notice that the urge gets stronger during the 38th and 39th weeks of pregnancy which is completely normal. You will need to proceed with household chores and obligations with caution considering your current state. In fact, your doctor may put you on bed rest, so good luck putting those last minute touches on the baby’s nursery. If you’re lucky enough to stay on your feet, you may not be allowed to climb, reach for items high on a shelf, stand on ladders or lift anything with any weight to it, though, while you’re pregnant. Use this list to satisfy your nesting urges. Shop with convenience in mind. Start thinking about the staples that you would normally keep in your pantry. Buy them in bulk and make sure to store them in lidded containers where they remain safe. Reducing the number of trips you’ll need to take to the store with a newborn is key. It will save you time and your sanity. If you see that a grocery store or health food store is having a sale on items, stock up on them so that you have them when you need the items most. Meal prep so you’ll always have something to eat even when you don’t feel like cooking. A little advanced preparation makes a world of difference when it comes to the meals and snacks you eat. There will be days when you don’t feel like cooking. That’s why investing in a large freezer is essential. You can make food in advance, freeze it, and reheat it whenever you need to. You’ll also have plenty of premade food options that you made up to choose from for a quick lunch or snack. You’re able to gain greater control over the quality of the foods you eat that way. Stock up on baby necessities such as bottles, diapers, wipes, and rash cream. Having plenty of these items on hand ensures that you don’t need to shop for them later on. You won’t be forced to make a late night diaper run after the baby is born because you’re down to the last of the Pampers. You’ll have what you need to make baby happy and comfortable. Make sure to add these items in bulk on your baby registry so that you’re able to save money initially, too. Break down big jobs into smaller more manageable tasks. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, either. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You could easily overdo it and cause yourself to be limited on what you’re able to do to nest going forward. Ask your family or friends over to help you and enjoy the added benefit of their company as you put together a crib, hang art on the nursery walls or meal prep for the upcoming week.