It’s not always easy to remain active and eat healthily when expectant. Factors like morning sickness and fatigue in the first trimester and other symptoms like back pain that may come later make it tough to exercise and make good decisions. If you are concerned about how to stay healthy during pregnancy, consulting about Madison women’s health can help.
Here are five tips to help you and your unborn baby stay healthy during pregnancy:
- Eat healthy meals.
Eating nutritious meals is very crucial for pregnant women. Your baby requires nourishment to grow strong and healthy in the womb. Therefore, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, calcium-rich meals and meals low in saturated fat.
- Attend all of your prenatal appointments.
Pregnant women should see a healthcare professional for frequent checkups. Low birth weight in infants or other issues is far more common in mothers who do not get regular prenatal care. If possible, you can attend group prenatal checkups.
- Relax, rest, and repeat.
Make sure you get enough rest. Each night, you require at least 8 hours of sleep. Always pay attention to your body and rest when necessary. It can be challenging to find the correct position to relax and unwind fully, especially in the third trimester, but practicing relaxation exercises like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing daily may help you relax.
In addition, try to avoid stressful situations and seek help from friends and family if you find yourself stressed. Get a massage or go for a peaceful walk—do something relaxing and beneficial to you and the baby.
- Keep yourself hydrated
During pregnancy, you require more water. Hemorrhoids, excessive sweating, constipation, and urinary tract or bladder infections are common among pregnant women. However, drinking water keeps you hydrated and helps you avoid many of these common ailments.
Lack of enough water can also result in premature or early labor. Therefore, doctors suggest drinking about 10 glasses of water per day. Your fluid intake includes water, tea, juices, milk, and sports drinks. However, avoid beverages that contain a lot of added sugars.
- Get comfortable
Comfort is the key when shopping for a perfect pregnancy outfit. Most pregnant women experience issues with swollen feet, swollen ankles, and heel discomfort. In addition, pregnant women experience increased clumsiness or dizziness. Therefore, there is no need to put yourself at more risk by dressing inappropriately when pregnant. Choose comfortable and supportive clothes and footwear. Your back and hips will benefit from comfortable clothing.
- Take a daily prenatal vitamin
Taking a daily prenatal vitamin with iron, iodine, and folic acid can benefit you and your baby. Since you’re producing increased iron, your body requires more iron to keep up with the demand. Iron in the prenatal vitamin helps your blood and your baby’s blood transport oxygen, and folic acid helps prevent severe brain and spinal cord birth abnormalities. While a prenatal vitamin isn’t a substitute for a balanced diet, most pregnant women need to take one to ensure they receive enough minerals.
Staying healthy during pregnancy is very important for you and your baby. Therefore, ensure you stay hydrated, go for your prenatal checkups, take your daily prenatal vitamins, and avoid drinking alcohol. Contact Physicians for Women to schedule your prenatal checkups and learn more about how to take care of yourself during pregnancy.
