When you’re pregnant taking care of yourself is of utmost importance. There are plenty of things to take into consideration during pregnancy. Here are six ways to stay healthy during pregnancy.
Balanced Diet
Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy is incredibly important so that your baby receives all of the nutrients they need. Your baby needs healthy food including colourful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium-rich foods and foods low in saturated fats.
Your diet during pregnancy should also include plenty of folate rich foods such as fortified cereals, asparagus and oranges. Folic acid assists with the growth and development of your baby as well as the production of red blood cells.
Contrary to popular belief you aren’t actually eating for two whilst you are pregnant. Whilst you don’t need to eat much more during pregnancy it is imperative that you eat more nutritious foods.
Avoid Certain Foods
There are certain foods that you should avoid eating whilst pregnant. These include raw or rare meat, sushi, raw eggs, soft cheeses and unpasteurised milk. This is due to the facts that raw and unpasteurised animal products can cause food poisoning.
It is recommended that pregnant women limited their daily intake of caffeine. It can be a challenge to cut back on the caffeine, especially if it is a vital part of your daily routine. Snacking on fruit can help to give you a quick pick me up during the day. The natural sugars in the fruit can help to boost your energy levels.
Whilst diet is one factor to consider when maintaining a healthy pregnancy it is also a good idea to consider the amount of activity that you are taking part in.
Staying Active
Daily exercise is beneficial for most pregnant women to implement into their daily routine. If you are unsure of the amount of suggested exercise it is beneficial to consult your doctor.
Staying active can help to reduce stress, improve circulation, boost your mood and control your weight. Moderate exercise such as walking, pilates, yoga and swimming are great ways to maintain physical activity.
There are plenty of exercise classes that cater for pregnancy. Listen to your body when it comes to exercise to ensure that you don’t overdo it.
Keeping Hydrated
During pregnancy you will need to drink more water than usual to handle the extra activity happening in your body.
Keeping hydrated is also used as a preventive measure for things such as constipation, UTIs, fatigue, headaches, swelling, hemorrhoids and other uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms.
Aim for 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. You can even add a squeeze of lemon or lime for flavour.
Prenatal Care
Whilst pregnant you should be receiving regular prenatal care. During your prenatal visits will include blood tests, urine tests and diagnostic testing to identify possible chromosomal abnormalities or birth defects.
You should call a medical professional if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Strong cramping
- Contractions with 20 minute intervals
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid
- Fainting or dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Ongoing vomiting and nausea
- Trouble walking
- Unable to feel movement from the baby
- Pain of any kind
For further information on prenatal care you can get in touch with our friendly team here.
Take Your Vitamins
It is a good idea to start taking vitamins when you find out that you are pregnant if you aren’t already taking them. The neural cord develops in the first month of pregnancy so it is essential for your baby to receive essential nutrients right from the very start.
Prenatal vitamins are available, over the counter, from most chemists. You can also get a prescription from your healthcare provider. It can be helpful to take vitamins with food or a snack to avoid feeling nauseous.
These are just some of the ways to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. Our friendly and supportive team are here for you every step of the way during your pregnancy. Talk to us today to start your prenatal journey.