Pregnancy and birth of a child is a tough and exciting journey for pregnant women. Especially, if it’s your first time, you are going to be worried and anxious trying to understand whether you are doing everything right that ensures the growth and proper development of the baby. Once you know that you are pregnant, it’s time to take good care of yourself both emotionally and physically. Following some simple steps would improve the chance of having a hassle-free pregnancy and a healthy baby. To ensure the safety of both the mother and the child, there are certain simple steps that you need to follow and this post explains those steps.
Health Tips For A Pregnant Woman
Regular exercise
It is important for a woman to remain active during every stage of her pregnancy. Walking or exercising regularly is good for weight control and also to improve your mood, increase circulation, and sleep better. It is imperative that you monitor your weight on a regular basis.
Take vitamin supplements
During the first month of pregnancy, the neural cord of a baby develops into the spinal cord and brain. Taking the right amounts of vitamin supplements is necessary to get the essential nutrients like iron, folic acid, and calcium which are required for the development and growth of your baby.
Attend classes on childbirth
You can prepare yourself for your delivery by attending a childbirth class. Such classes will give you the opportunity to voice your concerns and ask questions about labor and taking care of infants.
Kegels is necessary to strengthen your pelvic muscles
Kegels is an exercise that strengthens your pelvic floor muscles that supports the uterus, bladder, and bowels. It’s an exercise where you squeeze as though you are trying to stop the flow of urine while using the bathroom. You need to hold for three seconds and relax for another three and you need to repeat it ten to twelve times at a time.
The diet
Eating foods that are rich in folic acid would aid the development of your baby. Include items like asparagus, lentils, oranges, cereals, and orange juice in your diet. It’s better to cut down the intake of caffeine and include fruits like bananas and apples that are known to increase your energy levels. Studies have proved that the children of moms who ate plenty of fish during their pregnancy had better levels of IQ than the others. Most types of fish are rich in omega 3 which is a good nutrient for the baby’s development. Avoid fishes that contain mercury as that could be toxic to adults and babies. It’s better to avoid shark, king mackerel, and swordfish and include tuna, sardines, and shrimp in your diet.
Avoid Chores That Could Be Dangerous
Certain chores that were normal otherwise, need to be avoided during pregnancy. Avoid lifting objects that are heavy, or getting exposed to toxic fumes or chemicals as this could harm the baby and yourself.
Follow these tips to make the journey of pregnancy a comfortable and healthy one for you and your baby.
Jesus is a health blog author who has been writing about nutrition, fitness and healthy living for over 10 years. He also loves to run, hike and bike with her wife.
