Embracing The Journey: A Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of life’s most transformative experiences. Feeling excitement and uncertainty is natural as your body changes to nurture new life.
At Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood, NJ, our team, led by Dr. Elina Zeldina, is here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether it’s your first pregnancyThis link leads to New Patients page or you’re growing your family, understanding how to have a healthy pregnancy is essential for both you and your baby.
Introduction to the transformative experience of pregnancy
PregnancyThis link leads to the Obstetrics page is more than just nine months of waiting; it’s a profound journey that reshapes your body, mind, and life.
Each trimester brings unique changes, joys, and challenges. While this time can be overwhelming, it’s also a beautiful period of growth and discovery.
Premier OBGYN of RidgewoodThis link leads to Home page ensures you and your baby receive the best care and help you embrace every moment of this remarkable journey.
Quirky pregnancy moments: The odd and amusing experiences moms-to-be encounter
You’ll notice some peculiar (sometimes funny) things as your body changes.
While we are here to answer all your questions, we wanted to share a list of common things you may experience to set your mind at ease and prevent you from thinking you’re going crazy.
- Strange food cravings (and aversions): Craving pickles and ice cream at midnight or being repelled by your favorite foods can be both amusing and bewildering—but entirely normal!
- Uncontrollable laughter (or tears): Your emotions might feel like they’re on a rollercoaster, leading to fits of giggles over something small or tears during a cheesy commercial.
- Vivid and bizarre dreams: Pregnancy can cause vivid and bizarre dreams, leaving you scratching your head in the morning.
- Random forgetfulness (pregnancy brain): Forgetting why you walked into a room or misplacing your keys for the third time in a day might make you laugh (or cry).
- Unexpected burps and hiccups: The extra pressure on your stomach can lead to surprising (and sometimes embarrassing) burps or hiccups at the most random times.
- Talking to the baby bump: You might catch yourself having full-blown conversations with your belly, which can feel both endearing and a little silly. We encourage this as it creates a powerful bonding experience for both mother and child.
- Inexplicable need to nest: The sudden urge to reorganize the entire house or clean everything in sight, even at odd hours, can be an amusing quirk.
- Surprising body sounds: With all the changes happening in your body, you might notice more gurgles, pops, and other noises that can be both strange and funny.
- Superhuman sense of smell: Suddenly being able to sniff out what’s cooking three houses down or detect the faintest scent can feel like a superpower (or a curse).
- Increased clumsiness: Your growing belly can throw off your balance, leading to unintentional (and harmless) trips or bumps that are more laughable than worrisome.
Importance of prenatal care and regular checkups
Prenatal care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Regular checkups with your OBGYN allow for the close monitoring of your baby’s development and your health.
At Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood, we provide comprehensive care that includes preconception counseling, prenatal care, and ultrasounds, allowing us to address your needs.
Dr. Elina ZeldinaThis link leads to the Providers page focuses on personalized appointments, ensuring you receive the support and guidance to navigate your pregnancy confidently.
These visits help detect potential issues early, allow you to ask questions or address concerns, and allow for timely interventions that can make all the difference.
Dads are parents, too
Dads can play a crucial role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy by being supportive and involved. Here are a few key ways they can assist:
- Attend prenatal appointments: Going to doctor’s visits together helps dads stay informed and connected to the pregnancy and shows support for their partner.
- Help with a balanced diet: Encourage and help prepare healthy meals that meet nutritional needs during pregnancy.
- Be a source of emotional support: Pregnancy can be an emotional rollercoaster; offering patience, understanding, and encouragement can make a big difference.
- Participate in childbirth classes: Learning about the birthing process together prepares both parents for what’s to come and strengthens the partnership.
- Assist with physical tasks: As the pregnancy progresses, everyday tasks might become more difficult. Offering help with chores, errands, and other physical activities eases the burden on the expecting mother.
Nutritional needs during pregnancy
Eating well during pregnancy is vital to supporting your baby’s growth. We’ve all heard the saying, “You’re eating for two now!”
That doesn’t mean it’s okay to eat everything in sight. In fact, during this crucial time, your body requires specific nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein are vital for a healthy pregnancy.
Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood offers guidance on healthy pregnancy meals rich in these essential nutrients.
Eating a balanced diet helps maintain a healthy pregnancy weight and boosts your energy and well-being.
Dr. ZeldinaThis link leads to the Providers page can help you craft a meal plan that meets your specific dietary needs, ensuring you and your baby get the nourishment you need.
Managing common discomforts of pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with its drawbacks, too. You’ll experience various discomforts, from morning sickness to back pain. These symptoms, though common, can impact your daily life.
Morning sickness
Eat small meals more frequently to help with morning sickness. Dr. Zeldina also recommends staying hydrated. Some great options include water, ginger tea, or clear broth.
Ginger and peppermint are excellent natural remedies to help soothe your stomach and reduce nausea.
Managing back pain
Back pain is … well, a pain. To help relieve pregnancy back pain, practice good posture. Stand and sit with your back straight and shoulders back to reduce strain on your lower back.
Wearing a support belt can help take the pressure off your lower back by supporting your growing belly.
Another option is to sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. This position helps align your spine and reduces stress on your back.
Dr. Zeldina is always ready to provide solutions that keep you comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
Preparing for childbirth and postpartum care
As your due date approaches, preparing for childbirth becomes a priority. At Premier OBGYN of RidgewoodThis link leads to Home page, we offer comprehensive guidance on what to expect during labor and delivery.
We’ll talk about everything from pain management options to what happens during the different stages of labor. Dr. Elina Zeldina will ensure you feel prepared and supported.
Postpartum care is equally important as your body recovers and adjusts after childbirth.
That’s why we provide the postpartum care and resources you need to transition smoothly into motherhood.
Celebrating the miracle of life and motherhood
Pregnancy is about bringing new life into the world, but it’s also about celebrating the strength and beauty of motherhood.
The Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood teamThis link leads to the Office page would be honored to be a part of this special time in your life.
Every pregnancy is unique, and we’re committed to helping you embrace the journey with joy and confidence.
With expert care from Dr. Elina Zeldina, you can focus on the excitement of welcoming your new baby, knowing you’re in safe, experienced hands.
Or:
- Call us at: 201-639-3900This link opens an application to make a phonecall
- Send us a messageThis link leads to Contact page
We are located in Ridgewood, NJ and welcome people from our neighboring areas such as Westwood, Wyckoff, Allendale, Glen Rock, Haledon, Franklin Lakes, Harrington Park, and Fair Lawn, NJ.