Pregnancy is a beautiful, life-changing experience. Some women embrace the journey, while others struggle to adjust. Whichever describes you, there are certain ways to ensure you have a healthy and happy 40 weeks.
Here you’ll discover 8 awesome tips for a healthy pregnancy that will benefit both you and baby!
Exercise
Staying physically active during pregnancy is important and encouraged. Not only will regular activity help to control your weight, but it also boosts your mood and improves circulation. Most moms to be can continue regular exercise at a similar intensity as they did prior to pregnancy. This is something you’ll want to consult your doctor about.
Exercise can be as simple as taking a walk or a yoga class. Anything that keeps your body moving and your mood lifted is great for both you and baby.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Your pregnant body’s health starts with what you put into it. Of course, most pregnant women will indulge some cravings and guilty pleasures minus the guilt, and that’s completely acceptable. It’s just important to do so in moderation. Just remember, the healthier you are during pregnancy, the better you’ll feel and the quicker your body will bounce back postpartum.
Prenatal vitamins are an important part of a healthy pregnancy. Prenatals are specifically designed to provide expecting mothers with an added dose of folic acid, calcium, iron, and other important nutrients. These ingredients help to develop your baby’s neural cord during the first month of life.
Trade Coffee for Fruit
Most doctors recommend expecting mothers reduce or completely eliminate their caffeine intake. This might be tough for women who are used to their daily trips to Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. But knowing that reducing your caffeine consumption is healthier for your baby might make it easier to put down that cup of Joe. If you’re missing that energy boost, there’s good news! You can find the same energizing effects in some fruits like apples and bananas. And you’ll get an added dose of potassium and vitamin B.
Change Your Cleaning Routine
As your baby grows and develops, so does your stomach. A pregnant belly can easily get in the way of performing daily cleaning tasks such as scrubbing the toilet or washing floors. It’s important to respect your body and its limitations. Ask for help or splurge on a cleaning service to perform the labor intensive work.
It’s also important to read the labels on all cleaning materials and chemicals used and to wash your hands regularly following contact with any foreign objects or substances.
Eat Fish
That’s right, not only can you consume fish during pregnancy but it can actually help increase your baby’s brain power. But you do need to consume fish with caution. Limit your intake to about 12 ounces per week and avoid fish high in mercury such as swordfish, shark, and mackerel. Safe seafood includes shrimp, salmon, catfish, and canned tuna.
What can fish do for you? It’s high dose of omega 3 is an essential part of your baby’s brain development.
Have a Plan
When you have both a birthing plan and a plan for delivery day, you’ll feel less stressed and more prepared for what’s the outcome. Reduced stress during pregnancy is extremely important. Stress during pregnancy can lead to a premature birth and low-birth weight.
Ward off stress by making a list of how you want your childbirth experience to go. Some common things to consider include whether or not you want an Epidural, what delivery positions you prefer, if you want any special music or focal point available, and who you’ll want present in the room. If you’re acting as a surrogate mother, you’ll likely want the intended parents there to witness the birth.
Don’t Neglect Your Kegel Exercises
Kegels are an important part of any women’s daily routine, but this is especially true for expecting mothers. The kegel muscles form part of your pelvic floor. By contracting and relaxing these muscles, you’re helping to support your bowels, bladder, and uterus. This exercise can actually result in an easier delivery and help prevent incontinence postpartum.
You can do your Kegel exercises anywhere – while driving, shopping, watching TV, or at your office desk. And the best part is, no one will ever know!
Listen to Your Body
This might be the most important pregnancy health and safety tip. Listening to your body will help keep both you and baby safe.
If you’re feeling fatigued or lethargic, it probably means you’re doing too much. Slow down, ask for help, and rest when needed.
If you feel any type of cramping or muscle spasms toward the end of your pregnancy, it’s always best to call a doctor. These pains may or may not be indications of labor, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Other indications that a call to your doctor is in order are shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding or discharge, and strong cramping or pain.
Embrace Your Experience
No two pregnancies are exactly the same. Your first experience as an expecting mother might differ drastically from your next. It’s important to treat your pregnancy as the unique and beautiful experience it is.
Educate yourself on what to expect and how to handle certain situations. By feeding your mind and body with the things it needs, you’ll be laying the groundwork for a healthy 40 weeks for both mommy and baby.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
