Getting pregnant is indeed an overwhelming experience. The excitement and joy it brings are beyond words. However, pregnancy brings too many emotions, whether you are going to be a mother for the first time or have already gone through the process.
Along with these emotions come some challenges that pregnant women need to battle. The most important of them is to ensure good health more than
ever. As keeping yourself healthy is directly linked with your baby’s well-being, you need to take all the necessary measures for your health.
You might also hear a lot of tips and advice from people. Eat this and don’t eat that, do this, and don’t do that – all of that might get confusing and too much for you. But as your body goes through some significant changes, you must ensure it with all the nutrients and care it deserves. Pregnancy is a period of growth, development, and transformation that will shape the course of your unborn baby’s future.
Now that you are pregnant, your primary focus should be to keep in touch with your care provider regularly and follow their advice religiously.
Here are a few tips that will help you to stay healthy both physically and mentally during your pregnancy.
Disclaimer:
This post should not be taken as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only.
1. Seek Counseling:
Although being pregnant is about the upcoming baby’s joy and excitement, it also brings mixed emotions to many women. This is mainly due to the hormonal changes inside their bodies. Therefore, getting therapy for any sudden changes in your mental health is advisable.
If you are a Pembroke Pines, Florida resident, visit Vista Pines Health for its high-quality, individualized care for those suffering from mental issues. In addition, research suggests that prolonged exposure to high amounts of stress can result in health issues such as high blood pressure or heart disease in pregnant women and an increased risk of delivering a preterm baby.
Experts, therefore, believe that Counseling may be a valuable approach to monitoring a woman’s mental health, identifying changes in her mood, and guaranteeing that she receives additional care both during and after delivery.
2. Take a Healthy and Balanced Diet:
Eating well is always encouraged as a healthy behavior, pregnant or not. But as you carry a whole life
inside, completely dependent upon you for its nutrition, you should eat for two. No, that doesn’t mean
that you eat more than the advisable amount of calories per day but also not less. Make sure that you
maintain a healthy weight throughout.
Cravings for junk during pregnancy are natural, but ensure you don’t overeat, as gestational diabetes is a high-risk factor for pregnant women. At each meal, half of your plate should be fruits and vegetables, and the other half should be whole grains.
You’ll need nutritious foods that will help your baby develop. You should also avoid certain foods and drinks that have adverse effects on the fetus. For example, stop consuming alcohol as well as tobacco in any form. Limit your caffeine and sugar intake too.
3. Ensure Regular Checkups :
If pregnant, it is vital to keep up with your checkups. You should always ask any question you have in
mind regarding your pregnancy to your primary caregiver. Prenatal (before the baby is born) checkups
are essential to monitoring the baby’s health.
Screening tests such as ultrasounds are the most common tests to determine a fetus’s growth. Because any disability or deformity in the fetus can be detected at this stage, regular checkups are necessary to avoid post-birth complications.
Your doctor will inquire about your medical history during a prenatal appointment. They will also do a physical checkup and weigh you. They will advise you on how much body weight is healthy for you and assist you in tracking your progress. Prenatal checkups, according to studies, minimize the chance of having a baby with low birth weight. On the other hand, low birth weight might lead to health issues.
4. Take Prenatal Vitamins and Minerals :
Prenatal vitamins and supplements have a proven effect on the health and development of the baby.
Folic acid and Iron supplements are on the front that you need most. Why? Because folic acid aids in the
prevention of neural tube disorders.
These are significant abnormalities of the embryonic brain and spinal cord. Iron supplements are needed because your body utilizes more iron to supply oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Other than the two, many over-the-counter vitamins are essential such as:
- Vitamin D: aids in the development of a baby’s bones and teeth.
- Vitamin A: necessary for maintaining night vision of mother and embryonic optical health, as well as
fetal immune system maintenance. - Vitamin C: assists in the creation of collagen in the body, boosts immunity, and, on top of that, promotes iron absorption.
- Although all these substances are necessary for pregnancy, it is strictly advisable to consult your
caregiver for an appropriate recommended dose to avoid toxicity.
5. Lower Stress Levels :
Stress is said to be a silent killer. It leads to complications such as hypertension and cardiac disorders if
not managed. Specific stress-related hormones may contribute to certain pregnancy problems. Severe
or long-term stress can impact your immune system, which protects you against diseases. The pressure on your immune system can raise the likelihood of a uterine infection. As a result, the chances of a
premature delivery can significantly increase. Therefore you should try to manage stress by engaging in
mood-uplifting exercises, meditation, stress reliever toys, and breathing techniques.
6. Exercise :
When you are already tired of all the hassles you must endure during pregnancy; exercise will be the last
thing on your mind. But many studies suggest that exercising can have enormous benefits for pregnant
women. Doing whatever exercise you can during pregnancy is widely recommended by health care
specialists. It is a terrific method to have a healthier and more pleasant pregnancy. Even if it is just
walking a mile or stretching for 10 minutes, making it a regular habit will keep you active. Exercising will
also aid in lifting your mood as well as keeping your blood pressure in control. It is advisable to consult
your caregiver before suggesting exercises that are safe to do according to your specified health history.
In Conclusion
Being pregnant is a great experience. However, it can also put a strain on your body. Staying healthy
during your pregnancy is possible, and you must ensure that both you and your baby stay happy and
healthy throughout your pregnancy. Stay on top of your health. By having a nutritious diet, proper
amounts of vitamins and minerals, regular checkups with your doctor, and not taking any unnecessary
drugs or alcohol during your pregnancy, you are setting yourself and your baby up for a healthier
