Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
Prenatal care
If you are planning to start a family, or have just found out that you
are expecting, good prenatal care is essential for you and your baby. During your
first visit, your doctor will be able to confirm your pregnancy and screen for
certain medical conditions that could lead to complications.
Healthy diet
While it’s okay to occasionally give in to your cravings during
pregnancy, it’s important to keep in mind that you typically only need an
additional 300 calories per day. Make sure you are getting enough protein and
calcium each day and avoid deli meats to prevent yourself from consuming
bacteria that could harm your baby.
Prenatal vitamins
Ask your doctor which prenatal vitamins are best for you and your baby,
particularly how much folic acid and calcium you’ll need. Prenatal vitamins
ensure you are giving your baby the important vitamins and nutrients it needs,
like folic acid, iron, calcium and DHA. These vitamins play an important role
in bone, vision and brain development.
Regular exercise
Regular daily exercise increases your chance of having a vaginal
delivery and helps you manage the common discomforts of pregnancy. Exercise can
also aid in postpartum recovery. However, if you did not exercise regularly
before becoming pregnant, check with your doctor before starting an exercise
regimen.
Listen to your body
The first and third trimesters come with fatigue, which is your body’s
way of telling you to take it easy. So, listen to your body and sit back with a
good book or take a nap when you are feeling tired.
Stop consuming alcohol and limit caffeine
It’s important to take good care of your body during pregnancy. We
recommend you avoid alcohol, limit your caffeine intake and steer clear of any non-prescription
drugs throughout your pregnancy. Indulging in alcohol can adversely affect your
baby’s brain or spinal development, too much caffeine has been linked to a
higher instance of miscarriage, and non-prescription drugs can lead to birth
defects or behavioural problems.
Limit your exposure
If you work around chemicals or other substances known to cause birth
defects, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your baby. It’s
also important to use non-toxic household cleaning solutions throughout your
pregnancy to limit your risk of exposure.
Visit your dentist
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can leave you with an increased risk of
gingivitis. Increased progesterone and estrogen levels interact with the
bacteria in plaque, leading to swollen, tender or bleeding gums.
Wear sunscreen
Your skin is more susceptible to sunburn and chloasma (dark, blotchy
spots on the face) when you are pregnant, so it’s important to apply a
sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 or higher and avoid tanning beds.
Consult the doctor If you have any of the following symptoms, you are
advised to contact your doctor:
……….
Disclaimer: Above advice is based on the information
available through various sources on the Internet. Always consult your doctor
for expert advice.
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29 Jan, 2024
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