As soon as you realize that you are pregnant, you want to seek prenatal care. Make an appointment with your local maternity service. The earlier you organize your care, the earlier you get good advice regarding a healthy pregnancy. You may want to schedule ultrasound scans as well as tests that you need. To get help with your pregnancy, you may want to visit Dr. Albert Scott at Dekalb Women's Specialists. The doctor will support you and the care you need during your pregnancy period. Even as you receive support and care from your doctor, you also want to make these lifestyle changes.
1. Eat Well
Strive to have a healthy, balanced diet to get you the nutrients you need for a healthy baby. Consider having sufficient portions of vegetables and fruits. Starchy foods such as pasta, rice, and bread should comprise over a third of the food you eat. You need to opt for whole grain varieties and reduce refined, white products so you have plenty of fiber. Also, consider having daily servings of proteins including lean meat, beans, eggs, fish, and nuts. You may also include milk, cheese, and yogurt in your diet.
Having portions of fish at least twice weekly, including oily fish like sardines and mackerel or salmon, is recommended to provide you with vitamin D, protein, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Make sure you stay hydrated.
2. Exercise Regularly
Having regular exercise offers many benefits not only to you, but also to your baby. Gentle exercises will help you cope with strains on joints and changes to your posture. It also allows you to keep a healthy weight. Remember that it is normal to add some weight when you are pregnant. Exercises also help protect you from complications that may arise during pregnancy including high blood pressure. Doing regular exercise boosts your mood and makes it easier to attain your normal body shape after delivering.
3. Avoid Alcohol
Any alcohol you consume rapidly reaches the baby through the placenta. Drinking alcohol during the first trimester can increase the risk of having a miscarriage. In the third trimester, alcohol can affect the development of your baby’s brain.
4. Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
Again, too much caffeine can increase the risk of having a miscarriage. Experts say that too much caffeine may result in low-birth-weight. Caffeine can be found in cola, tea, coffee, energy drinks, and chocolate. So, you want to reduce the consumption of these products.
5. Stop Smoking
It is very dangerous to smoke during pregnancy as it can lead to serious health problems for you and the baby. Pregnant women who smoke have increased chances of premature birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome.
Following these steps will help you maintain a healthy pregnancy. It allows you to avoid many complications that come during pregnancy. If you experience problems or need help and support before, during, and after pregnancy, you may want to visit your OB/GYN for help.
