Pregnancy issues are quite common with almost every pregnant woman across the globe. This happens due to a little mishandling, which later results in troubles not only for the pregnant woman but also for her fetus. Besides ensuring a healthy pregnancy for herself, every pregnant lady wishes to deliver a healthy baby to her family as well. To ensure a healthy pregnancy, we have listed some useful tips, but it is a bit of general advice; do consult your gynaecologist.
Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy Even Before You Conceive
The best way to deal with pregnancy complications is not to let them happen at all. So, it is wise to plan things adequately.
These eight pre-conception tips are going to assist you in a better way:
1. Discuss With Your Partner
It is important to discuss the situation with your spouse. Both of you must be aware of the consequences of having a baby. As a matter of fact, an unplanned pregnancy becomes a burden for the whole family in terms of finances as well as emotions. Thus, to enjoy a healthy pregnancy, you need perfect planning.
2. Take 400 mcg of Folic Acid Daily
Folic acid prevents neural tube defects. Moreover, it corrects folic acid deficiency anaemia, which is also known as megaloblastic anaemia. It is recommended that all women of childbearing age take 400 mcg of folic acid every day.
3. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Besides being injurious to everyone’s health, smoking and drinking also pose a serious threat to the health of your unborn child. Their consumption can lead to birth defects, premature birth, and infant death.
Moreover, avoid tobacco smoke as well because passive smoking is way more dangerous than active smoking.
4. Evaluate Your Medication
If you are taking any medication for some ailment or you use to take some over-the-counter medicines, consult your physician. This is necessary because some medicines are not safe to take during pregnancy.
5. Maintain an Ideal Weight
Being overweight during pregnancy can lead to many complications, like gestational diabetes and hypertension. So, it is better and advisable to shed some extra pounds.
6. Avoid a Toxic Environment
Certain substances are known to cause congenital disabilities. For example, tobacco, lead, and DDT can lead to low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, etc. Therefore, remove any toxic agents present around you to carry on a healthy pregnancy.
7. Get Mentally Healthy
Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Thus, get rid of anxiety, fear, or worry. If these are out of control, get help from a professional. Remember, your child needs a mother who is physically as well as mentally strong and healthy.
8. Get Vaccinated
Consult your healthcare provider regarding the need for vaccination. Moreover, follow the vaccination schedule duly.
Things to Consider During Pregnancy
Wow! You have just gotten your pregnancy test positive? Congratulations mommy! Here is what you need to know about a healthy pregnancy. After all, our ultimate goal is to help you give birth to a healthy baby. But, of course, your health comes first.
1. Healthy Foods for a Healthy Pregnancy
The first and foremost tip is to eat and drink healthy. This is unavoidable because a healthy diet is vital for your normal growth and development of your fetus. Furthermore, it prevents birth defects. To add on, it is a must to keep you fit and to fulfil the demanding responsibilities you have.
A well-balanced diet contains:
- Protein
- Vitamins
- Fresh and dry Fruits
- Fresh vegetables
- Moderate amounts of good fats
- Folic acid
2. Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Avoiding unhealthy foods is as crucial as eating healthy ones. Abstain from the following foods while pregnant:
- Fizzy drinks
- Junk food
- Bad cholesterol
All these pose a great risk to a healthy pregnancy and may cause pregnancy issues for the mother as well as for the fetus.
3. Dealing With the Morning Sickness
The crazy hormones are responsible for the nausea and/or vomiting you have. Unlike its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day. It is worse when your stomach is empty, as the glucose levels are low. So, always keep some healthy snacks with you.
It is good to eat some light cookies just before getting out of bed in the morning. Additionally, consult your gynaecologist to prescribe you some safe anti-emetics.
4. Stay Hydrated
Your body now needs water to make amniotic fluid and extra blood. Moreover, it is necessary to flush the toxic substances and wastes out of your body and your baby’s too.
5. Stay Active
It is normal to feel lazy during pregnancy (thanks to the hormones). However, you need to move around and exercise according to your doctor’s recommendations. Taking regular exercise improves blood supply to the developing baby. Moreover, it keeps your skin glowing.
6. Take Prenatal Supplements
Folic acid should be started several months before conception and should continue till the 12th week of pregnancy. Moreover, you might need iron as well as calcium supplements.
Iron helps make haemoglobin, which, in turn, plays a role in red cell formation. Calcium is necessary for healthy bones and joints. Further, it treats leg cramping. But consult your doctor before taking it, as the period matters in taking both of these supplements; you can’t take both at the same time. So, do consult your gynaecologist before taking any supplements.
7. Sleep Well
You might not be getting adequate sleep during pregnancy, as there are frequent bathroom trips. Moreover, body aches and leg cramping at night make it difficult to sleep. But what is the solution? Have a body massage before going to bed. Furthermore, ask for help to complete your chores so that you can manage to sleep whenever it is convenient for you.
8. Seek Medical Help
If you fall ill, consult your doctor immediately. Also, do not take any medicine without consulting your doctor, as these could be harmful to your baby. Follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your doctor.
9. Avoid Liquor and Smoking
Alcohol and tobacco cause damage to the baby. These cause birth defects, low birth weight, pre-term birth, and spontaneous abortion. So, avoid their consumption for the sake of your baby’s health.
Also Read: During pregnancy, everyone around you gives you bits of advice, but for your safety, ensure not to blindly follow any irrelevant suggestions or myths related to pregnancy.
