Simple Tips To Be Hearty and Healthy During Pregnancy

Still unaware? The Internet is loaded with books and tips regarding pregnancy management tips and tricks. Family and friends are waiting to share loads of information with you about  healthy pregnancy.  It’s of course overwhelming, but how you discover what will work in your favour.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Mentioned below are some essential tips to have a  healthy baby:

Prenatal Care

Planning to start a family or whether you’re expecting? Good prenatal care is a must for you and your baby. On the very first visit your  pregnancy specialist  will be able to confirm your pregnancy and examine a few medical conditions in case of any complications.

Healthy Diet

Food cravings and mood swings are common phenomena in pregnancy. However, it’s essential to know that you need a proportionate of 300 calories a day. Ensure you have a protein and calcium-rich diet regime. Say NO to deli meat to stay away from bacteria that could harm your baby’s health.

Prenatal Vitamins

Your doctor will prescribe you a few prenatal vitamins, specifically folic acid and calcium. These vitamins will deliver essential vitamins and nutrients to your baby like folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA. These vitamins are key to maintaining healthy bone, vision, and brain development.

Regular Exercise

Daily workouts will boost your chances of normal vaginal delivery and will help you overcome pregnancy discomfort. Exercising will also help postpartum recovery. But, proper consultation with your healthcare provider is essential before you kick start your workout session.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

Your body needs special care during pregnancy. It’s advisable to avoid alcohol and caffeine during pregnancy. You should also stay away from any nonprescribed drugs throughout your pregnancy. Alcohol consumption can have an adverse effect on the baby’s health and brain as well as might impact the spine development. Excess intake of caffeine is associated with  high-risk pregnancy management  and miscarriage. Unprescribed drugs may also cause birth defects or behavioural issues.

Your Body Needs You

First and third trimesters often cause fatigue and anxiety, hence you need to take it easy. Listen to your body, take maximum rest, and sit on your couch or bed with a book. Take naps in between when you start feeling sick and tired.

Stay Hufrated

A pregnant woman must increase her water intake. 6-8 cups of water are recommended. Your blood supplies oxygen and essential nutrients to your baby through the placenta disposing of the waste and carbon dioxide increasing your body volume up to 50% to look after the extra activity. Hence, a good intake of water can prevent constipation, haemorrhoids, UTIs, fatigue, headaches, swelling, and other discomforts.

Restricted Exposure

Limit your exposure to chemicals or substances that may lead to birth defects. After all, you need to protect your baby. Stay away from toxic household cleaning solutions during your pregnancy.

A Flu Shot

Exposure to flu can make pregnant women sick and also increase the perils of a complicated birth. The flu shot can protect you against severe illness and promote a healthy birth.

Hygiene Should Be Your Mantra

Handwashing can prevent infections like GroupB streptococcus, cytomegalovirus, Fifth disease, and chickenpox. All of which contribute to birth defects and other complications to your baby.

Wear Sunscreen

During pregnancy, your skin turns more sensitive to sun exposure. You might get prone to sunburn, chloasma, and dark and blotchy spots appearing on the face. Wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 formula or higher will do the job.

When to See a Doctor?

Pregnancy can be quite confusing, especially if it’s your first pregnancy. See a doctor when you experience these symptoms:

• Pain and discomfort
• Strong crampings
• Contractions every 20-minutes
• Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Constant nausea and vomiting
• Trouble walking or oedema
• Decrease in baby’s activities

Dr. Swarnima Das - the  best lady gynaecologist obstetrician in Bhubaneswar  helps pregnant women optimize their health before, during, and after pregnancy. Dr. Swarnima helps you boost the possibilities of having a  healthy pregnancy  and a  healthy baby.

“Pregnancy is going to alter your thinking process forever, you will realize how fragile and important life is, and why it must be protected at all cost.”