Healthy Pregnancy Tips: 8 Habits to Increase your Health and Baby’s
Maintaining a healthy pregnancy is essential for both mother and child. Here are 8 habits that you should adopt to increase your health and the health of your unborn baby!
1) Start prenatal care as soon as possible with a doctor who has experience in obstetrics, a specialty area of medicine that focuses on childbirth.
2) Take folic acid supplements before getting pregnant and during pregnancy to decrease the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
3) Get enough protein from lean meats, eggs, soy products, nuts, beans, seafood – including fish high in omega-3s like salmon – poultry without skin or fried foods plus dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and milk.
4) Avoid eating too much junk food like candy bars, sugary drinks, or processed foods with lots of unhealthy fats and chemicals. These types of foods can lead to excessive weight gain which could cause complications during pregnancy.
Instead, try to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet – especially leafy green vegetables – as they are a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
5) You should also drink plenty of fluids each day (at least eight glasses). Water is best but herbal teas count too! And remember to limit caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day (about two cups of coffee).
6) Take regular breaks throughout the day to move your body and get some fresh air. Pregnancy can be tiring so it’s important to get as much rest as possible, but you don’t want to overdo it either.
A good way to make sure you’re getting enough exercise is to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week. This could include a brisk walk, swimming, or light weightlifting. Just be sure to speak with your doctor before starting any new fitness routine.
7) You should also eat a balanced diet that includes healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and fish.
And remember to drink lots of water! It’s especially important for pregnant women because dehydration can lead to complications during labor – not to mention the fact that it makes you feel terrible.
If your urine is dark yellow or cloudy in color then you probably need more fluids so make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking at least eight glasses of fluid per day (about two liters). Water is best but herbal teas count too! And don’t forget about caffeine-containing drinks either; limit intake to less than 200 milligrams per day (two cups of coffee) though.
8) Finally, talk to your doctor about any other factors that could affect you or your baby such as:
• Heavy metal exposure (mercury in certain types of fish)
• Exposure to radiation
• Medications and herbal supplements
Be sure to ask lots of questions at the next appointment because it’s important for pregnant women not only to understand what is safe during pregnancy but also to know what can harm their unborn child. This way they will be able to make an informed decision on whether or not a medication/supplement should be continued while breastfeeding. Mothers who are aware of all risks associated with medications and supplements will feel empowered and less anxious when making decisions regarding their health care – which ultimately benefits both mother and child!
Maintaining a healthy pregnancy is essential for both mother and child. Here are 8 habits that you should adopt to increase your health and the health of your unborn baby! 1) Start prenatal care as soon as possible with a doctor who has experience in obstetrics, a specialty area of medicine that focuses on childbirth.…