There are some useful and helpful tips for healthy pregnancy to help expecting moms go through the period. Pregnancy can be one of the most beautiful and also unique life experience but you have to admit that it can be difficult. It is not as easy as seen on TV or ads because each pregnancy has its own characteristics and challenges. However, expecting moms can stay healthy, positive, and hopeful during this period if they know what to do. Some of these tips may seem super simple but never underestimate such simplicity – especially for the pregnant moms.
Learn about the Healthy Weight
When you are pregnant, gaining weight is inevitable. However, it doesn’t mean that you should be overweight or have excessive weight that can lead to health problem for the baby and for yourself. You see, gaining weight during pregnancy will help the baby grow into a healthy size. However, gaining too little or too much can cause serious issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes – not only during the pregnancy but also after.
The basic and standard weight gain is to do it slowly. Within the first 3 months, you should gain only 1 pound to 4 pounds. From month 4, the gain should be between 2 and 4 pounds a month until the delivery time. This is the healthy weight that you can lose easily after the baby is born. It doesn’t mean that you should lose weight right away, but such a weight can be easily shed with breastfeeding and other activities as the new mom.
Take the (Prenatal) Vitamins
Vitamins are parts of our daily routine, right? Even when you aren’t pregnant, you take vitamins for the extra nutritients. When you are expecting, prenatal vitamins are even more crucial. The neural cord of the baby will become the spinal cord and the brain, and it develops in the first month. Taking essential nutrients from the beginning is important, especially related to iron, calcium, and folic acid. Taking the vitamins is one of the most important tips for healthy pregnancy.
Although you can easily find over the counter products, it’s always better to ask them to your doctor – or get the prescription. What about feeling unqueasy or nausea? Try talking about it with your doctor. Consuming the vitamins with light snack or at night can help in general. You can also have hard candy or a chewing gum afterward.
Involve More Greens
It doesn’t mean that you should become a vegan or you can only consume veggies – and not anything else. It means that you should consider a healthier option for the baby’s sake too. The baby will need to have enough nutrients, minerals, and vitamins – and you can get them mostly from the greens. If you don’t like veggies, you should start involving them into your daily consumption. Start small and slowly. You’ll find out that some of them aren’t bad after all.
If you like veggies, that’s good! You can increase the numbers and alternate the variants. Have you ever tried new veggies that are completely strange to you? This is the right time to do it! Consider having green smoothies or juices too.
Educate Yourself
There is no school about how to be a mom – or the formal preparation on how to be one. The best thing that you can do is to educate yourself. Read a lot of books, magazines, and parenting sites. You don’t have to buy them – make use of your internet connection to find sources and go to the libraries. In short, there is always a way if you want to improve yourself.
You can also join parenting forum and group discussion. You can learn from them. If it is overwhelming, you can always go to your friends with kids. Ask them their experience. Ask your mom. Ask your relatives or families. The sources are limitless as long as you are determined. One of the most effective tips for healthy pregnancy is to talk to as many (good) parents about their experience in caring for their babies.
Change Your Household Chores
Be careful about your regular household chores because the regular pet cleaning or bathroom scrubbing can be dangerous. When you are pregnant, even the seemingly simple tasks can be risky. Having contact with bacteria, lifting heavy items, and being exposed to toxic chemicals can endanger both you and the baby.
When you are pregnant, you should avoid these things:
- Climbing on ladders or stepstools
- Lifting heavy stuff
- Using harsh chemical stuff
- Changing the kitty litter to prevent and avoid toxoplasma
- Standing long close to a hot stove
- Not wearing gloves when you are gardening or working in the yard
Exercise
Physical activities are important to keep you in shape. Just because you are pregnant, it doesn’t mean that you must stop doing exercises, unless your doctor says so. Exercising is good for general health. It helps to boost your mood, help you sleep better, improve circulation, control the weight, and reduce stress. You can always enjoy walking, swimming, yoga, and Pilates – but always consult it with your doctor before starting out. Do at least 20 to 30 minutes a day and don’t overdo everything. Hydrate well and avoid overheat.
Hydrate Well
You should remain well hydrated when you are pregnant. You see, the blood will supply important nutrients and oxygen to the baby via the placenta. It will also transport carbon dioxide and waste to remove from the body. It will lead to the increased volume of the blood up to 50% for all these heavy and extra work. That’s why you need to drink more so your blood won’t be too thick.
Water will also help deal with fatigue, UTIs, hemorrhoids, swelling, headache, constipation, and other uncomfortable situations related to pregnancy. Try to consume at least 8 glasses of water a day – if you can make it to 10 glasses, that’s even better! Don’t like the bland taste of water? Add a lime squeeze and fruit juice splash to make it fresh. One useful tips for healthy pregnancy: use natural fruits instead of the artificial syrups – natural fruits are healthier.
Get Rid of Toxins
Pregnant moms should stay away from illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Solvents like nail polish remover or paint thinners should also be avoided. They are often the source of miscarriage and birth defects. What if you can’t stop smoking or using drugs or drinking? Then you should consult your doctor. They can provide support and advice, including programs to help pregnant moms stop their bad habits.
Recharge with Fruits
You already know that veggies are important, but don’t forget the fruits either. After all, there are many benefits to enjoy from consuming them. First of all, fruits help with caffeine withdrawal. Pregnant moms are expected to cut off their caffeine consumption, but it can be super difficult. If you are used to drink coffee, you will also experience low energy level. Consuming fruits can be your alternative option – it provides quick nibble when your body needs it bad.
Second, the fruits can also help with your loss of appetite. The refreshing effect can also help you feel better and not too nauseous. Fruits have natural sugars to help lift the energy without compromising your own health.
Those are some general efficient tips for healthy pregnancy that you can try to go through the periods successfully.