Pregnancy is an exciting time for parents—a new addition to the family will be here soon. Over the next few months, you’ll “baby-proof” your home in preparation for the newborn. However, during this crucial period, it’s also vital that mothers take care of themselves and the unborn child to have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
No one wants to experience hiccups along the way. And while you may have an idea of some of the things you’ll need to do, we’ll review ways to support your prenatal health.
Take Vegan Prenatal Vitamins
One of the simplest ways to help promote a healthy pregnancy is by taking vegan prenatal vitamins. You don’t have to take them after finding out you’re pregnant—it’s better to take them beforehand, like when trying to conceive.
Doing so helps the neural tube—the baby’s brain and spinal cord—get essential nutrients during the first few months of the pregnancy. They may cause slight discomfort, so it’s better to take them with a light snack or at night.
Exercise Consistently
Exercising is excellent for your general well-being but can help alleviate the minor discomfort you feel when pregnant. You don’t need to do a HIIT class or go for long runs, but there are other activities that you can do, such as:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Swimming
- Walking
These activities are low impact and will not negatively affect your pregnancy. Try doing at least 30 minutes of exercise a few times a week. Doing this with the combination of taking vegan prenatal vitamins should have you feeling like Superwoman. But if you feel like your body isn’t up to it, don’t force yourself.
Avoid Harmful Substances
It goes without saying, but everything you’re doing is for two people now. So there are certain substances you should avoid, such as :
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Cigarettes
Studies have shown these substances have harmful toxins that can contribute to congenital disabilities in newborns. For example, cigarettes can hinder the amount of oxygen your baby gets. Cutting some of these behaviors out can be challenging, but you can always talk to a doctor for support and advice.
Switch Up Your Chores
Harmful toxins aren’t only found in alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes—you can also find them in everyday household chores. Exposure to these chemicals can cause some discomfort for your unborn child. So here are a few tasks you’ll need to stop right away:
- Using harsh cleaning products
- Standing for long periods
- Changing kitty litter
- Doing activities that involve climbing a ladder or stairs
It would be better to have a partner or a loved one do specific chores for you to limit your exposure to harmful substances. However, if you need to handle a task ASAP—like changing kitty litter—ensure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Be Wise While Traveling
Pregnancy doesn’t mean you need to be a homebody (although there’s nothing wrong with that). So if you feel like you want to travel, don’t hesitate to book that flight. However, most health care providers would recommend that you fly between 14 and 28 weeks pregnant. There’s a lower chance of a miscarriage, and morning sickness should most likely be gone by then.
But you’ll need to take some precautions, like staying hydrated and walking occasionally. If you plan to travel by car, continue to wear your seat belt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) outlines specific guidelines on how pregnant women should wear them. However, speaking with your doctor before traveling is essential.
Get New Shoes
If you want to get new shoes, now you have the perfect excuse. As you get deeper into your pregnancy, you’ll gain weight, which will throw off your center of gravity (sorry about this). As a result, it applies more pressure on your feet and causes some discomfort.
You may also notice your ankles and feet retaining fluids, causing them to swell. That’s why it’s essential to wear comfortable, non-restricting shoes during pregnancy. And when you’re not out and about, ensure to keep your feet elevated to limit fatigue and swelling.
Education Is Key
Whether it’s your first or third pregnancy, staying educated and preparing for delivery is crucial. Childbirth classes are an excellent resource because they provide information about child care, and you can ask questions if you’re concerned about specific issues.
Even if you’re taking vegan prenatal vitamins and exercising, your family may have a history of medical issues that could affect your pregnancy. So it’s best to consult a doctor to discuss any potential problems.
Support Your Prenatal Health By Following These Tips
Pregnancy can be a fun but challenging time in your life. However, you are now responsible for caring for yourself and your unborn child. Take vegan prenatal vitamins, exercise consistently, avoid harmful toxins and stay educated to ensure there are no issues during your pregnancy.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
