7 Ways to Have a Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most fulfilling and joyful moments of your life. In a few months, you will have a precious baby to take care of.

Several things need to be looked after before your baby arrives. Because of this, it is best to take care of yourself for you to be able to give your baby the best start in life.

As a soon to be mother, you want to assure yourself and your baby that everything will be alright. Here are 7 ways to have a healthy pregnancy:

Take Prenatal Vitamins

It is a smart idea to start taking prenatal vitamins early. Having nutrients like calcium, folic acid, and iron are vital from the beginning of pregnancy. Why? The baby’s brain neural cord which develops to become the brain and spinal cord happens during the first month.

Oftentimes, these vitamins are available at most drug stores. Your doctor might give you a prenatal vitamin prescription as well. If you feel nauseous after taking your prenatal vitamins, you might take them at night or after eating a light snack.

Exercise

Exercising is good for your overall health and it can help you get rid of stress and improve blood circulation. Joining a pregnancy exercise program or walking at least 20 minutes daily is good for your pregnancy. There are plenty of activities like yoga, Pilates, and swimming which can suit you but make sure to consult your doctor first before participating in exercise workshops. Also, do not overdo your exercise.

Teach Yourself

Participating in a childbirth class will help you to prepare even more for delivery. This is a great chance to discover things concerning childbirth and point out any concerns.

Looking back on your family’s medical history is also important. Tell your doctor about issues with previous pregnancies your family encountered and occurrences of birth defects.

Choose your Chores

Doing heavy household chores like lifting heavy stuff, climbing ladders, using toxic chemicals, and more can put you at risk during pregnancy. These activities can put you and your baby’s life in danger. As much as possible, wear gloves when doing chores to avoid infections and always wash your hands after.

Don’t Drink Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol before and during your pregnancy especially if you are breastfeeding. A baby is more likely to have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) if you drink alcohol. FASD can cause defects in facial features and behavioral problems. Alcohol can negatively impact the health of the baby in the preliminary stages of pregnancy.

Don’t Smoke

Several proofs show that smoking is hazardous during pregnancy as it affects blood and oxygen flow to the baby. Smoking is risky especially for underweight babies which may result in death or illness.

Smoking can cause vaginal bleeding, premature delivery, ectopic pregnancy, and more so it is best to get rid of smoking. If you are having a hard time stopping your smoking habits, talk to your doctor immediately.

Gain Weight

According to The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), gaining weight about 25 to 35 pounds is recommended if you have a normal weight before pregnancy. Do not worry. Weight gain is natural and expected in pregnancy.

However, weight gain varies for people who are underweight before pregnancy, obese, and for those having twins.

The things we mentioned above will help you to achieve a happy and healthy pregnancy. The food you eat, the things you do, and the way you handle yourself will surely impact the delivery and growth of the baby. Remember to observe a healthy lifestyle for your benefit and the welfare of your baby. Also, always check on your doctor first before making any decisions regarding your health plan.