Your guide to a healthy pregnancy.
Photo by Amina Filkins
From the moment you discover that you’re pregnant to the second you welcome your baby in the delivery room, pregnancy is an exciting journey full of joy and fuzzy feelings. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that is often difficult to put into words. That being said, it is also a period of life when expectant parents, and especially mothers-to-be, get a bit anxious. After all, it’s a time when many emotional, psychological, and physical changes take place. Therefore, it is quite normal to feel nervous or worried to a certain degree.
Whether you’re expecting your first child or preparing for yet another addition to your family, here is your guide to a healthy pregnancy to help keep all of those worries at bay and ensure a more pleasant, joyful 9-month-long journey.
Provide a healthy start with a well-balanced nutrition
Nourishing your body with nutritious foods is probably one of the most important health tips for women who are planning a pregnancy. In fact, it’s best that you take a look at your daily food choices before even trying to conceive. Start by creating a meal plan that includes all five food groups, and aim to reduce your salt and sugar intake. It is okay if you’re unable to stick to the plan on those days when you’re experiencing morning sickness or vomiting. Just eat what feels best at that time, but try to stick to a well-balanced diet in general.
Not only will your healthy eating habits boost your little one’s overall health while they’re still in the womb, but they will (hopefully) rub off on your little one and set them up for a healthier future.
Rely on prenatal check-ups for much-needed peace of mind
Ensuring her little one’s well-being while pregnant is on every expectant mother’s mind. After all, nine months is quite a long journey. Having that peace of mind knowing that everything is under control is essential during this period, and it all starts with preventative healthcare. Prenatal care plays a vital role in helping expecting parents get the reassurance they need when it comes to their little one’s health.
By making regular check-ups with your obstetrician a priority, you can get the care you and your baby need in order to stay healthy. Frequent visits to your healthcare provider can also help you learn the best ways for managing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, thus ensuring a brighter future for your child.
Maintain a solid exercise routine – but don’t overdo it
Not only is staying active a vital component of a healthy lifestyle, but it’s also key to a healthy pregnancy. Physical activities that get your heart rate up on a regular basis can help regulate your mood, boost your productivity, and improve your sleep. Exercising during pregnancy can help keep those extra pounds at bay while also addressing common pregnancy issues such as bloating and constipation along with backaches. What’s more, it can also help you gain strength and prepare for labor and childbirth.
Of course, you will need to make certain adjustments as your pregnancy progresses to make sure you stay safe. Build a solid exercise routine that’s easy for you to follow, but avoid overdoing it.
Get all the rest you can get at the moment
Last but not least, make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye each night. This is often easier said than done since many pregnant women face sleep problems to some degree. From leg cramps and heartburn to general discomfort and frequent urination, catching some quality z’s may be just as difficult during pregnancy as it is after the baby arrives.
Still, aim to get at least eight solid hours of sleep. If that fails, feel free to take a nap during the day when your energy levels drop. Look for the most comfortable positions to sleep in, avoid caffeine during the day and in the evening, and eat your dinner earlier in the evening to address and/or prevent some of the most common sleep-stealers and ensure a replenishing, restorative sleep each night.
Pregnancy is a new start – make it a healthy one
Starting anew isn’t easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding, especially when it comes to welcoming a new family member. While there are changes and challenges that come with pregnancy and birth, there’s no denying the fact that it can be an incredible experience for both parents. More importantly, it is an opportunity to make better, healthier, and more sustainable choices, thus ensuring a brighter future for generations ahead.