Pregnant and desire a healthy baby? Read 4 most important guidelines for a healthy pregnancy
Are you an excited mother-to-be? Well, you need to be very cautious about the baby and your emotional and physical health as the little bundle of joy is just around the corner. So read on a few guidelines for a healthy baby and a problem-free healthy pregnancy.
Focus on prenatal care
Just realized you are pregnant? Make sure that you get an appointment for your first prenatal visit, as this is the foundation of the coming weeks and can help detect any complications in the pregnancy. The choice of doctor is your decision and make sure you inform the doctor of any medications you are taking.
The doctors often recommend some supplements that are to be taken during pregnancy. Prenatal supplements include iron and folic acid. Folic acid is essential in the prevention of neural birth defects. Do not pop in any vitamin or any other oral supplement without the consultation of a doctor.
Keep a check on the diet
The doctor insists that you need to just pack in an extra 300 calories to your frame daily, but the diet should be enriched with protein. The protein intake needs 70 grams daily whereas the calcium amount remains almost the same. The only problem is that we rarely take in the amount that is recommended.
Unpasteurized dairy products, raw seafood, undercooked meat and eggs, cold deli meats, juices etcetera need to be avoided, as they may have bacteria that are harmful for both mother and child. Fish foods also may be dangerous as they may contain contaminants and very high mercury levels.
Pamper yourself; rest is a must
The body in the first three months and the last three months of pregnancy starts to show signs of fatigue and this is an indication that the woman needs to take it slow and easy. Its time to hand over the responsibilities to someone else and rest a while, an afternoon nap can do wonders for the body. Sitting in a relaxed posture does wonders for the baby, and so, yoga and meditation get the thumbs up for a healthy pregnancy.
Exercise throughout your pregnancy
Endurance and strength are a must during pregnancy and a proper regularized exercise schedule can work wonders for you. It will help in maintaining proper circulation of blood, reduce the pregnancy pains and keep down the stress levels that the woman will face in future.
Regular exercise will also make sure that you get back to your shape after the baby is born and keep your spirits up due to an elevated serotonin levels. Keep up proper water intake or else there are chances of dehydration.
Most importantly for the health of the unborn child, it is imperative to kick up the butt and stay away from alcoholic beverages.
Edited by: Medhavi Gulati
