Pregnancy is a phenomenal journey filled with amazing physical and emotional changes. As an expecting mother, it is natural to want to try your best to ensure your and your baby’s health. However, if your pregnancy is progressing normally, you probably don’t have anything to worry about.
As amazing and miraculous as pregnancy is, there is no doubt that it can be hard. Your changing body, mood swings, and morning sickness may make you feel down in the dumps. You might even struggle to get out of bed some days. But regardless, it is important to take care of your physical and mental health to ensure a healthy and risk-free pregnancy.
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Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
While you may be familiar with common tips such as no smoking and drinking, there are many other important things for an expecting mother to know. So, here are some tips that can help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
1. Educate yourself
Educating yourself as much as you can about pregnancy and childbirth can help you feel more prepared for labor and delivery. It is important to remember that pregnancy can be a bumpy ride at times. Although rare, birth injuries can occur, which can be stressful for new parents. So, as a precaution, it is recommended to be prepared for any hiccups you may face. You can research birth injuries and learn about the steps you can take if something unfortunate happens. You can get helpful information from organizations such as Lawfirm.com regarding birth injuries and the course of legal action. This organization can help you learn about filing a lawsuit, choosing a lawyer and a law firm.
It is necessary to remember that most pregnancies go smoothly, and the chances of a birth injury are low. They occur in 7 out of every 1000 births. However, it’s prudent to be prepared for all possible scenarios.
2. Don’t forget your prenatal vitamins
It is important to start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you learn you’re pregnant. Doctors even recommend taking prenatal vitamins before getting pregnant when you start trying to conceive. These vitamins contain important nutrients like iron, calcium, and folic acid. It is recommended to choose a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid, as it is crucial for a baby’s healthy development.
Your baby’s neural tube develops during the first month of pregnancy. So, taking prenatal vitamins a while before conceiving can help your baby get all the important nutrients needed for healthy development.
3. Stay active
While getting enough rest during pregnancy is important, it is also important to stay physically active. Exercise is mostly for your overall health. It can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and allows you to gain a healthy amount of weight.
You can choose any form of physical activity you prefer. You can go for a walk, swim, or practice yoga or Pilates. However, it is necessary to avoid overheating while exercising. And it is also recommended to consult your doctor before starting to exercise.
4. Create your birth plan
Childbirth is a unique and special experience for all parents. So, it is normal to have some expectations or goals of what your birthing experience should look like. While there is no problem in going for the traditional process of giving birth in a hospital, you can look into other methods if you want.
For instance, water births have been gaining a lot of popularity recently. But, only around 10% of hospitals offer the option of water birth.
Here are some things to consider while creating your birth plan:
- Whether you want a vaginal delivery or a C-section.
- If you want an epidural or not.
- If you want painkillers or not.
- Things you want to avoid.
5. Go shoe shopping
During pregnancy, your body water increases by 6 to 8 liters. The extra fluids gather at the lowest part of your body, your legs, and feet, especially if you have been standing for a long time resulting in swelling. Apart from that, your growing womb can also affect your blood flow which can also be a cause for swelling.
So, wearing comfortable shoes during pregnancy is necessary as you may feel like your feet have grown a size. This will help with the discomfort of swelling, and comfy shoes can also help with back pain. It is also important to sit with your feet up as much as you can, as it can help reduce swelling.
6. Stay hydrated
During pregnancy, your body works overtime to give your baby all the necessary nutrients. Consequently, it is necessary to increase your water intake to support these changes. Staying hydrated can also help you deal with common pregnancy issues such as urinary tract infections, constipation, and fatigue. Drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water daily is recommended.
However, even keeping water down can be a struggle during the first trimester. So, if you have trouble staying hydrated, you can add lime to your water and increase your intake of other fluids, such as fresh fruit juice.
Concluding Thoughts
Pregnancy is a wonderful time in every woman’s life. But, as you prepare to welcome your baby, it is necessary to focus on your and your baby’s health as well. You can improve your chances of having a healthy and risk-free pregnancy by making healthier choices and getting lots of rest. It is also important to educate yourself as much as you can about childbirth so you are prepared to face any challenges you might encounter. Last but not least, experiencing discomfort throughout your pregnancy is normal, but if you ever experience any unusual symptoms, you must contact your doctor immediately.