The 411 on Having a Healthy Pregnancy
Having a baby is one of the most rewarding, yet challenging experiences of a woman's life.
During pregnancy, mothers are responsible for their own health, as well as the health of their unborn child.
In order to deliver a healthy baby, mothers-to-be must have proper healthcare, nutrition, exercise and rest.
Here are some tips on how to have a healthy pregnancy.
Prenatal Care The first step in delivering a healthy child is to have regular prenatal care.
Schedule doctor's appointments as instructed.
The usual recommendation is an appointment every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then once a week until delivery.
Nutrition Nutrition is key in the healthy development and growth of a baby.
Nourish the body with lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods.
Mothers-to-be should also be supplementing their diets with pre-natal vitamins and plenty of fluids.
Prenatal Exercise Prenatal Exercise can be extremely beneficial for women.
Consult your doctor first, to ensure exercises are safe for the mommy and the baby.
Doctor's typically recommend low impact exercises and activities like swimming, pilates, yoga and walking.
Regular exercise during pregnancy is beneficial because it prevents excessive weight gain, increases energy, increases flexibility, decreases stress levels, improves mental outlook and prepares the mother for labor.
As long as women are aware of the changes in their bodies, like the shift in their center of gravity or changes in their balance, exercising can only benefit future mommies.
Sleep It is very important that pregnant women get plenty of rest.
During pregnancy, women feel more tired than usual because their bodies are supporting two lives.
Some doctors recommend sleeping on the left side to increase blood flow to the placenta.
Although, switching sides helps prevent varicose veins and leg swelling as well.
Avoid the No-No's Keep in mind mommies-to-be should avoid: alcohol, nicotine, recreational drugs, caffeine, and soft cheeses, unpasteurized products, raw eggs, raw meat and seafood with high levels of mercury.
If you follow these basic tips you should be well on your way to a healthy pregnancy and baby!
During pregnancy, mothers are responsible for their own health, as well as the health of their unborn child.
In order to deliver a healthy baby, mothers-to-be must have proper healthcare, nutrition, exercise and rest.
Here are some tips on how to have a healthy pregnancy.
Prenatal Care The first step in delivering a healthy child is to have regular prenatal care.
Schedule doctor's appointments as instructed.
The usual recommendation is an appointment every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then once a week until delivery.
Nutrition Nutrition is key in the healthy development and growth of a baby.
Nourish the body with lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods.
Mothers-to-be should also be supplementing their diets with pre-natal vitamins and plenty of fluids.
Prenatal Exercise Prenatal Exercise can be extremely beneficial for women.
Consult your doctor first, to ensure exercises are safe for the mommy and the baby.
Doctor's typically recommend low impact exercises and activities like swimming, pilates, yoga and walking.
Regular exercise during pregnancy is beneficial because it prevents excessive weight gain, increases energy, increases flexibility, decreases stress levels, improves mental outlook and prepares the mother for labor.
As long as women are aware of the changes in their bodies, like the shift in their center of gravity or changes in their balance, exercising can only benefit future mommies.
Sleep It is very important that pregnant women get plenty of rest.
During pregnancy, women feel more tired than usual because their bodies are supporting two lives.
Some doctors recommend sleeping on the left side to increase blood flow to the placenta.
Although, switching sides helps prevent varicose veins and leg swelling as well.
Avoid the No-No's Keep in mind mommies-to-be should avoid: alcohol, nicotine, recreational drugs, caffeine, and soft cheeses, unpasteurized products, raw eggs, raw meat and seafood with high levels of mercury.
If you follow these basic tips you should be well on your way to a healthy pregnancy and baby!