A Basic Guide for a Healthy Pregnancy

Finding out you’re pregnant leads to thousands of inevitable thoughts and concerns.

Is the baby a boy or a girl? Are you ready to be a parent? What will you name the baby? Will you need to move into a bigger home? 

But if there’s one issue worth thinking about from the very beginning, it’s what to do to ensure that your pregnancy will be a healthy one. Having a child is a pivotal part in a person’s life, so considering what you can to keep you and your baby safe is crucial. 

While our bodies do an exceptional job at managing pregnancy on their own, there are still ways to boost your energy levels, keep yourself and your baby out of harm’s way, and take care of yourself. The following tips outline a basic guide for manifesting a happy, healthy pregnancy.

1. Avoid Alcohol

The absolute safest amount of alcohol to consume when you’re pregnan tis none at all.

There’s no denying the importance of avoiding alcohol during your pregnancy. The dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant include the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. 

Fetal alcohol syndromeis a condition that leads to congenital disabilities, growth problems, behavioral issues, learning difficulties, physical deformities, and neurological issues

Drinking alcohol while pregnant is also a health hazard for the mother. For example, it could lower the mother’s immunity and cardiovascular disorders. It’s important to note there’s no concrete amount of alcohol regarded as “safe” to drink while pregnant.

2. Don’t Smoke

Using nicotine products of any kind is another big no-no for pregnant women. Tobacco companies are required by law to inform consumers about the dangers of smoking products containing nicotine during pregnancy. 

Like alcohol, nicotine can lead to low birth weight and a greater risk of congenital disabilities. What’s more, smoking while pregnant also increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). These dangers also apply to vaping products containing nicotine.

3. Eat Healthy Foods

Healthy eating habits are an essential part of a healthy pregnancy. While it’s okay to give in to your cravings now and then, the majority of your diet while pregnant should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Foods high in folic acid include broccoli, spinach, and kidney beans.

4. Visit Your Doctor

Women who just became pregnant ought to schedule an initial appointment with their doctor as soon as possible. Scheduled checkups will likely become a routine task for the next nine months. 

Don’t skip your appointments or hesitate to reach out to your physician or midwife if you have any questions or concerns. If any complications develop during pregnancy, these exams and checkups will allow your doctor the time and resources to run important tests or exams, and detect them.

5. Have Some Fun

Taking steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy isn’t all about appointments and abstinence. There’s room to enjoy yourself now and then. Pregnancy is a natural and intimate experience between you and your child, as well as you and yourself. Be sure to remain present in the time that you are pregnant and listen to what you need to do to make yourself happy – the pregnancy will go by faster than you could imagine. 

Whether it’s a gender reveal party or a minivacation to the coast, now’s the time to make the most of life before meeting your baby. Take advantage of your more carefree moments and sit back and relax. 

6. Stay Physically Active

On the contrary to relaxation, make sure to stay physically active during pregnancy – it’s great for you and your baby!

There are obvious physical limitations that occur as a result of pregnancy. With that said, there are still plenty of ways to stay physically active during pregnancy. 

Walking is a great option, especially done at a brisk pace. Water aerobics is another good one. While it’s important to stay active while pregnant, it’s also important to avoid overdoing it. There’s no need to run a marathon in your second trimester.

7. Get Enough Sleep

Comfortable sleep becomes increasingly difficult for many pregnant women, making it hard to get enough of it during the night. However, healthy amounts of sleep are essential for an optimal pregnancy. Tips for improving sleep during pregnancy include:

• Sleeping on your left side.

• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule.

• Avoiding spicy foods.
  
  

8. Practice Stress Management Techniques

Due to the hormonal changes and life-altering nature of pregnancy, it’s common for pregnant women to experience a wide range of emotions. Some of these emotions are a positive and joyous experience for the mother, and others are less than comfortable. 

Having a good cry now and then is normal, and everyone has their bad days, but if stress and anxiety seem to be mounting without relief, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talk to your doctor about depression or any other negative feelings you’re experiencing during pregnancy. Your health provider may be able to recommend techniques to reduce stress or refer you to a specialist.

The news you’re pregnant results in a burst of questions and considerations, as well as a wide range of emotions. Above all things, pregnant women ought to focus on personal health and wellbeing. That way, they ensure the healthiest and happiest pregnancy possible.