If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, you already know some basic pregnancy tips. You shouldn’t smoke or drink and avoid being a secondhand smoker, and a few more tips like this, but this post brings you some of the best tips for a healthier pregnancy. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a healthier pregnancy from the start till the end and be in a better position to welcome your new bundle of joy. If you are trying to conceive or have just found out about your pregnancy, it is best for you and your baby to get early and appropriate prenatal care. Make sure you schedule your first visit to the doctor early so your healthcare provider can confirm your pregnancy and recommend screening for certain medical conditions to ensure that you and your baby are doing fine.
Contents
Start Your Prenatal Vitamins
Ideally, you should start taking your prenatal vitamins while you are trying to conceive. The essential minerals and vitamins in prenatal medications such as vitamin B12 and folic acid are critical for the healthy development of your baby’s brain and the spinal cord, which develops within the first month of pregnancy. Moreover, other minerals such as iron and calcium are particularly important for the mother to ensure that she remains healthy throughout the pregnancy. You can find prenatal vitamins over the counter; however, it is best to start using them with your doctor’s prescription.
Educate Yourself
Enroll yourself in a childbirth and infant care class. Even if this is not your first baby, attending childbirth classes can help you feel more prepared for childbirth. Moreover, these classes are also helpful when you have specific concerns about childbirth and infant care. Furthermore, childbirth classes also serve as an opportunity to discuss possible complications about your previous pregnancies or the incidence of birth defects.
Check Your Current Medications
Do you have a chronic health condition that requires the use of medication regularly?
If so, it is best to check with your healthcare provider as certain medications may not be safe for your baby. Moreover, it is important to discuss the use of over-the-counter medications that you occasionally use, as some over-the-counter medications can naturally increase the risk of miscarriage and can cause damage to the blood vessels of your fetus.
Change Your Chores
Your body may be used to doing all the hard work, like scrubbing the toilets and climbing up the ladders, but some of these chores may not be safe during pregnancy. To enjoy a healthier pregnancy, it is best to change your chores slightly. Make sure you limit your exposure to toxic cleaning chemicals such as bathroom cleaners and drain openers. Moreover, it is also safe to avoid lifting heavy objects and weight and come in contact with any virus or bacteria that may harm you or your baby.
It is best to avoid the following chores throughout your pregnancy.
⦁ Climbing up the ladder,
⦁ Lifting heavy objects,
⦁ Using harsh chemical cleaners,
⦁ Standing for prolonged periods.
Furthermore, it is always best to wear gloves when working with pets and/or handling raw meat.
Exercise Regularly
One of the best tips for a healthier pregnancy is regular exercise. It is best for your body and your baby to stay active as it helps you stay calm, improves blood circulation throughout your body, boosts your mood, and helps you maintain a healthy weight. If you do not have any health condition or pregnancy complication, it is best to go for 15-20 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. However, if you have any medical condition, it is best to consult your healthcare provider before you start any exercise routine.
Listen To Your Body
While you need to stay active, it is important to listen to your body as changing hormones can leave you tired, especially during the first and third trimesters. On days when you feel low, it is a good idea to sit back or take a nap instead of stretching yourself.
Maintain A Healthy Diet
You may have cravings during your pregnancy, and it is okay to occasionally give in, but it is still best to maintain a healthy diet. Most women assume that they have to eat for two; however, in reality, your body only needs an additional 300 calories per day. So add on these extra calories but make sure your diet has enough calcium, protein, and iron to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Keep a Check On Your Weight
One of the best tips for a healthy pregnancy is to keep a check on your weight. You may be gaining extra pounds, but don’t forget that it will be hard to lose them if you pack too many of them. For a woman with normal weight being pregnant with one child, the average weight gain ranges between 25 and 35 pounds. Anything above or below could be an indication of a possible complication. Hence, it is best to consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Schedule A Dental Check-up
It is common for women to skip dental visits during pregnancy; however, let’s not forget that hormonal changes can leave you at an increased risk of dental problems such as tender or swollen gums, excessive plaque formation, and gingivitis. So if you are looking forward to a healthy pregnancy, don’t skip your dental check-ups.
Know When to Call the Doctor
One of the most critical things that can help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy is to know when you should call the doctor. Make sure you call your doctor as soon as you experience any one or more of the following conditions.
⦁ Vaginal bleeding,
⦁ Leaking fluid,
⦁ Pain in your lower abdomen,
⦁ Contractions that are 20 minutes apart or more frequent,
⦁ Rapid heart rate and palpitations,
⦁ Reduced fetal activity,
⦁ Shortness of breath or dizziness.
With these tips in mind, you can look forward to a healthier pregnancy and improved overall health for yourself and your baby.
