Today, everyone aims towards a balanced and healthy lifestyle. This focus on good health is even more pronounced when it comes to lifestyle choices for your baby and you. A healthy mother-to-be and healthy pregnancy go hand-in-hand. In addition to the proper growth and development of the foetus, a healthy pregnancy also includes various factors such as a healthy weight, balanced diet, nutritious food, regular exercises, adequate rest, and emotional well-being. It also involves maintaining a normal blood pressure, normal blood sugar level and a big no to drugs, alcohol and smoking.
You can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy if you take good care of your health. Not only does a healthy lifestyle ensure a smooth pregnancy, but it also adds to your overall well-being. The first trimester is crucial for you as you are taking baby steps into the journey of pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy Care
Proper care for a healthy pregnancy should start as soon as you realise you are pregnant. Here are some important points you must keep in mind during the early stages of pregnancy:
Consult your doctor and get early prenatal care which includes the required prenatal tests.
Take care of your diet, and avoid undercooked food, cold meat and unpasteurized dairy products to avoid ingesting bacteria that might harm the baby. Eat healthy and fresh food
Take prenatal vitamins and other required supplements like iron and folic acid. Folic acid is necessary to reduce the risk of tube birth defects in babies
Get adequate rest, and exercise as required after consulting your doctor
Pay attention to your emotional health, ensure that you are stress-free, and keep yourself positive and happy because you are likely to be on a rollercoaster ride during pregnancy.
As the pregnancy progresses, your needs change too.
Here are some important things that you must be cautious about throughout pregnancy
- Wear comfortable footwear and watch your step to avoid a fall
- Wear seat belts while driving and ensure that you sit far away from the air bag
- Avoid taking medicines without consulting your obstetrician
- Avoid alcohol and smoking. Passive smoking is also harmful
- Avoid caffeine and products with artificial colours
- Avoid dehydration by drinking lots of water
- Rest your feet to prevent fatigue. Your legs and ankles are prone to swelling. During the day, ensure that you put up your feet at a raised level frequently.
- Get adequate sleep and take naps, if required. A minimum of eight hours of sleep is required to keep you healthy
