Pregnancy is a beautiful journey for any woman and is often overwhelming and exciting. If it’s your first time, it is understandably more challenging. However, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered!
We also understand that pregnancy differs for everyone, and what might work for one mother might not work for another. Hence, we recommend that you read this guide carefully and see what works for you and what doesn’t. Most of the information mentioned here is tried and tested and will help you maintain a healthy pregnancy.
Remember, a healthy pregnancy is the gateway to a healthy baby and quick and effective recovery post-partum. To ensure a healthy pregnancy, you must look into everything, from prenatal care to post-partum recovery.
So let’s dive into the top five tips that will help you maintain a healthy pregnancy and carry full-term:
- Prenatal Care
Good prenatal care is critical for a healthy pregnancy. While you can’t control everything during your pregnancy, especially complications during gestation, a good OB-GYN or midwife can help you manage them easily.
If you haven’t chosen a healthcare provider or OB-GYN yet, we recommend doing it as soon as possible. You can ask for recommendations from your friends and family. However, ensure that whoever you choose knows what they’re doing, has glowing reviews, and is someone you feel comfortable with.
A good OB-GYN also reduces the probability of a birth injury like a Cephalohematoma newborn. It is a birth injury that results in blood pooling under the baby’s scalp after a mishandled vaginal delivery. You may be wondering, if this case occurrences, can a lawyer help with your birth injury claim? Of course they can and you should seek legal counsel immediately. You are also eligible for compensation; the responsible party is bound to cover the aggrieved party’s medical and legal expenses.
Schedule your prenatal visit as soon as possible if you haven’t done so. Moreover, ensure you get screened for any conditions that might cause complications later in the pregnancy. Your pregnancy caregiver will probably revise the prescription if you are on any laxatives or high-potency drugs.
You’ll also get a schedule for future appointments, a diet chart, and a set of instructions that you need to follow. Usually, you’ll be visiting your OB-GYN once a month during your first and second trimesters and twice a month during your third trimester to ensure that you stay healthy. However, you might have to visit them more often if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
We recommend that you never miss your appointments.
- Eat A Healthy Diet
Your diet is extremely important when you are pregnant. Eating a healthy and nutritious diet during pregnancy can positively impact the health of your growing baby. Opt for nutrition-dense foods instead of processed foods. Always keep healthy snacks on hand.
We recommend you make a diet chart or consult a professional to eat wholesome meals comprising all food groups (proteins, fats, dairy, fibers, fruits, vegetables, etc.). For instance, add nuts, avocados, chicken, fish, and beans to your diet. Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated. However, it is advised that you limit your consumption of salt and sugar.
Ensure you consume plenty of proteins during pregnancy, critical components of cell development. Avoid uncooked or raw eggs, meat, unpasteurized dairy products, mercury-rich fish, etc.
You can easily meet your body’s nutritional requirements through a healthy diet; however, you might also need to add supplements. Your vitamins can help ensure that you don’t have any deficiencies. Moreover, talk to your dietician or pregnancy caregiver if you want to add or remove any supplements.
- Follow An Exercise Regime
A good exercise regime helps you build stamina and strength to carry your weight during pregnancy, endure labor, and have an easier delivery. It helps prevent pains and body aches and improves blood circulation. Moreover, physical exertion releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, in the body that ultimately helps you feel more relaxed and boosts your mood.
You can do anything, whether walking, jogging, aerobics, running, swimming, or meditating. You can also go for weight training if you feel you can do it. However, always discuss your exercise routine with your pregnancy caregiver and ensure that you follow their advice. Never push yourself too hard. You don’t want to put yourself and the baby in harm’s way.
- Rest Well
If you feel tired during your pregnancy, it is your body’s way of telling you to slow down. Always listen to your body and take short naps in the afternoon or the evening. If you don’t feel like napping, just put your feet up, close your eyes, and rest a little. Cut yourself some slack! Also, ensure that you get at least eight hours of sleep daily.
You can ask your family, neighbors, or friends to help with work and responsibilities so you aren’t overstressed. If you can afford a maid or helper, get someone to do your house chores. We understand that the world won’t stop spinning because you’re pregnant, but you must understand that a break is fine.
If you feel mentally stressed or emotionally drained, and it impacts your ability to rest well, we recommend you talk to a therapist. It is normal for you to feel rapidly changing moods during your pregnancy. A therapist will help you better understand yourself and what you should do to manage your mood swings.
- Cut Back on Caffeine, Alcohol, and Drugs
You should avoid all three of these substances during pregnancy. It can harm you and your baby in unimaginable ways and cause long-term health problems for both of you. Remember, there is no safety threshold with caffeine, alcohol, or drugs. Hence, play it safe!
Consuming these substances can result in low birth weight, stillbirth, premature birth, and miscarriage. If you struggle with giving them up, ask your caregiver for help.
The Bottom Line
We understand that pregnancy can be both beautiful and complicated. This is why we’ve shared these five easy tips for you to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy. Ensure you have good prenatal care, eat a healthy and nutritious diet, exercise regularly, rest well, and avoid toxic substances like alcohol, drugs, and even caffeine to stay safe.
