How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy: Healthy Habits You Should Consider
Motherhood and bringing a new life into the world is a joyful experience, but it comes with a great deal of responsibility.
You want nothing but the best for your growing baby as an expectant mother, and that starts with a safe and healthy pregnancy.
While pregnancy can be a time of worry and anxiety, there are steps you can take to keep you and your baby healthy for the entire nine months.
We've rounded up some of the most important things pregnant women should be doing to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery of a happy and healthy baby.
Regular Prenatal Checkups
Prenatal checkups allow your doctor to monitor your baby's growth and development, including heart rate, weight, and length.
This ensures that your baby is developing normally and can aid in the early detection of any potential problems.
Routine tests and screenings for potential health issues such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and infections are also part of prenatal checkups.
Early detection and treatment of these conditions can aid in preventing complications and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Prenatal checkups allow you to discuss any concerns or questions you have with your healthcare provider.
Nutrition, exercise, and childbirth preparation are examples of such topics.
Some vaccinations might be recommended by your healthcare provider during pregnancy to protect you and your baby from potentially harmful diseases such as the flu and whooping cough.
Prenatal checkups are recommended once a month during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, then every two weeks until 36 weeks, and then once a week until delivery.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may advise you to come in more frequently.
Run Prenatal Medical Tests
You may be advised to run a series of medical tests to monitor the health and development of the fetus and help with disease control and prevention. Some of these tests are:
Blood tests
Blood tests can measure the levels of various hormones and proteins in the mother's blood, providing important information about the baby's health and development.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound creates images of the developing fetus by using high-frequency sound waves.
This test can help detect any developmental abnormalities in the baby, such as birth defects or growth problems.
It can also tell you the baby's gender and give you an estimated due date.
Glucose screening
Glucose screening is a test that detects gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.
This test is done by drinking a sugary beverage and then having blood drawn to assess the body's reaction to the sugar.
Group B strep screening
Group B strep is a type of bacteria that can be found in the mother's genital tract. It can cause serious infections in the baby if left untreated.
For this test, the vagina and rectum swab is collected to check for the presence of bacteria.
Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a relatively new procedure that checks for certain genetic abnormalities in the baby.
This test, which involves drawing blood from the mother, can reveal conditions such as Down syndrome.
Maintain Optimal Nutrition
Eat a variety of healthy foods
Eating a variety of foods helps ensure you obtain all the nutrients you require. eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Take prenatal vitamins
Even if you consume a healthy and balanced diet, your healthcare provider may advise you to take a prenatal vitamin to ensure that you are getting enough nutrients such as folic acid, iron, and calcium.
Limit processed meals and sugary drinks
Processed foods and sugary drinks frequently have little nutritional value and can contribute to excessive weight gain, which can be detrimental during pregnancy.
Caffeine and sugary drinks should be avoided as they can dehydrate you. Drink plenty of water and other fluids to remain hydrated.
Don't skip meals
Skipping meals can induce a dip in blood sugar levels, which can be harmful during pregnancy. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Avoid certain foods
Certain foods, including as raw or undercooked meats, mercury-rich seafood, unpasteurized dairy products, and certain types of fish, should be avoided during pregnancy to limit the risk of foodborne illness and associated problems.
Avoid Alchohol and Smoking
Smoking during pregnancy will lead to serious health issues and complications for both the mother and the child.
Cigarette nicotine and other toxic substances can result in low birth weight, premature birth, and stillbirth.
It can also potentially raise the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (SIDS).
Secondhand smoke can cause comparable issues for the infant, so it is critical to avoid smoke-filled situations.
Alcohol is also strictly prohibited during pregnancy.
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it travels to the baby through the placenta.
Because the baby's liver is not fully grown, it might result in major health concerns such as fetal alcohol syndrome. (FAS).
FAS can result in physical, behavioral, and learning issues that endure a lifetime.
It is important to remember that there is no such thing as a safe amount of alcohol or smoking during pregnancy.
Even moderate drinking can harm the baby, so it's best not to drink alcohol entirely.
Physical Activity During Pregnancy
Physical activity during pregnancy should be approached with caution, as specific precautions should be taken to keep the mother and the baby safe.
Consult with your healthcare provider
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any workout routine during pregnancy.
They can assess your health and advise you on the sorts and amounts of appropriate physical activity for you and your baby.
Choose low-impact activities
High-impact activities, such as jogging or leaping, can place undue strain on your joints and pelvic floor, both of which might be especially vulnerable during pregnancy.
Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, and Pilates are low-impact activities that are gentler on your body while still giving significant health advantages.
The Lady Luxe Fit team wishes you an easy and healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery!