You’ve found out that you’re now carrying a little one—congratulations! Whether you are a mother-to-be or if you’re preparing to welcome another child into your family, it can be exciting and a little stressful, too. You’re probably wondering what to do first, how to tell your spouse, when to notify your employer, what to eat, and so on.
There are just so many things to think about and plan for throughout your pregnancy journey. However, staying calm will help you manage and feel your best, especially during the first trimester when you are likely to experience morning sickness, a sore back, and fatigue, among other things.
It would also be beneficial for you to stop overthinking because it can lead to stress and anxiety, neither of which will contribute to your emotions or mental health. This is the time when what you don’t put into, or expose your body to, is just as important as what you do when you’re pregnant.
Because there are so many do’s and don’ts you may see or hear, you could feel overwhelmed by all the things you need to remember when you’re expecting—whether it’s your first pregnancy, second, or beyond. Nevertheless, try not to worry too much, and read on for six things to know about early prenatal care.
Disclaimer: These 6 tips do not constitute as official medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
6 Early Pregnancy Care Tips
Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and terrifying times of your life. Your body will go through many changes, ranging from physical to hormonal, which may cause you to feel different from before.
It has never been more important to look after yourself than it is right now. So, follow these useful tips to care for your growing belly and the baby inside.
#1. Avoid Caffeine and Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydration during pregnancy can lead to serious pregnancy complications, including neural tube defects, low amniotic fluid, inadequate breast milk production, and even premature labour. These risks, in turn, can lead to birth defects due to lack of water and nutritional support for your baby. Hence, you must drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Caffeine drinks, on the other hand, can raise your heart rate and have an effect on babies. So, limit or avoid them at all costs.
#2. Take Naps To Restore Yourself
Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule is essential while pregnant because it allows you to rest and gives your body energy. If you can’t sleep well at night, try meditation or stay away from your digital devices two hours before sleep. Take note of this because a study featured on Epidemiology suggests that women who don’t get enough sleep during pregnancy may be at a higher risk of preterm birth and foetal growth restriction.
#3. Avoid Toxic Substances and Environmental Contaminants
Environmental risks may harm you and your growing baby’s health during pregnancy. Some of the negative health implications include birth abnormalities, miscarriage, poor foetal growth, and stillbirth. To limit your chance of exposure, avoid using products that contain hazardous or toxic chemicals.
#4. Wear Comfortable Footwear and Don’t Lift Heavy Objects
Wearing comfortable shoes will do wonders for your back and feet while preventing falls that could jeopardise your pregnancy. Also, lifting heavy objects can strain your back and pelvis. It can even increase your risk of uterine prolapse, which occurs when your uterus sags or slips into your vagina. So avoid carrying heavy objects while pregnant.
#5. Choose Your Doctor and Birth Plan
If you have the option of selecting your ob-gyn (obstetrician-gynaecologist), do your research to find one who is right for you and has a good reputation. You should also consider creating a birth plan to communicate your preferences to your health care team during labour and after your baby is born. However, you must remain flexible and prepared to deviate from your birth plan if unexpected circumstances arise.
#6. Find the Best Insurance for Your Unborn Baby
Your baby requires special care and attention from inside the womb until he or she is born. It’s prudent to begin insuring your baby as soon as your chosen insurance company allows it. Lay out your options and select the insurance package that best meets your needs and provides significant benefits.
Insurance for Your Unborn Baby
Insurance is a financial safety net that can help you and your loved ones recover from unexpected events. Although finding the right insurance plan can be difficult, having one can alleviate your worries by ensuring that you will receive financial assistance in the event of any untoward incidents.
The same is true for your unborn child. While you’re not wishing for anything bad to happen, you never know what could happen. So it’s best to get your baby insured before birth. Plus, the protection extends not only during pregnancy but also after birth and until they reach a certain age.
Many parents have always been concerned about finding insurance that will cover their unborn child, so it’s reassuring to know that there is an insurance option available for them.
Introducing Zurich ValueLife Junior
When you are expecting, you may have a lot on your mind during your pregnancy. Fortunately, with the Zurich ValueLife Junior package, you can put your mind at ease about finding the best insurance for your unborn baby.
Zurich ValueLife Junior is an investment-linked plan that protects your child from inside the womb until they turn 100 years old. This plan is perfect for parents like you who want to give their child the best start in life possible, with a protection and investment plan that covers every stage of life.
You no longer have to wait until your child reaches a certain age to get insurance. In the event of an accident or illness, you can be rest assured that this new plan by Zurich for an unborn baby is valid from birth.
As with any other insurance policy, it’s vital that you know and understand what is offered to reap the greatest benefits. Zurich ValueLife Junior offers several important features and benefits for your baby, such as:
- Protection that begins as early as 13 gestational weeks.
- High protection of up to 300% of Basic Sum Assured.
- Boost the protection for you and your child with optional riders.
- No-Lapse Benefit for the first 5 policy years to ensure continuous coverage.
- Flexibility to adjust protection, coverage, and investment levels according to your child’s needs.
- Spouse Care Privilege.
- Maturity benefit.
The Protection Your Baby Needs from Pre-Birth
Providing your unborn baby with a protection plan is very important to secure your little one’s financial future and obtain quality healthcare. Zurich ValueLife Junior will not only protect your little one from inside the womb but also throughout childhood and adulthood.
Don’t miss your chance and visit www.zurich.com.my or contact Zurich Call Centre at 1-300-888-622 for more details today!
Good protection is the first step towards a healthy baby and pregnancy.
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