source: geisinger.org

9 Ways To Stay Healthy During Your Pregnancy – 2024 Guide

If you are thinking about having a baby or if you just found out that you will have one, there are probably a lot of things going through your mind. However, one of the most common things women think about is how to keep themselves and their babies healthy. Having a baby is an important responsibility, and you can only accomplish this role if you make certain changes to your lifestyle in order to stay healthy. Of course, there are some basic tips to follow such as staying away from second-hand smoke, not consuming beverages, and getting enough rest, but, there are some other things that you will also need to know.

If you want to learn what are the best ways to stay healthy during the nine months that you will be carrying your baby, this article might be able to help you learn just that. Let’s take a closer look at the tips for staying healthy:

1. Consuming Prenatal Vitamins Is Extremely Important

source: pregnancybydesign.com

Taking prenatal vitamins is extremely important, even if you are trying to get pregnant. This is quite important since the neural cord (that becomes the spinal cord and brain later on) develops during the first month. So, you will want to consume the necessary nutrients including iron, folic acid, and calcium. You can purchase these vitamins in any pharmacy, however, it is smart to get a prescription from your doctor who will know exactly what you need. A doctor will look into your current health status and prescribe you with a prenatal vitamin that won’t take a toll on your health and safety. 

Keep in mind that taking these supplements can make you a bit queasy, and if you find yourself in this situation, you can opt for taking them with food or at night. Experiencing these discomforts are normal, especially after the first few weeks of taking the vitamin, but these should go away after your body has adjusted to the vitamin. Also, eating candy and chewing gum after you consume the vitamins can help you a lot as well.

2. Exercising Will Be Necessary

Exercising is crucial for staying healthy, and it could help you with controlling the weight you gained, reducing stress, improving your blood circulation, and you will also be able to sleep better. There are various things that you can choose to do including yoga, swimming, pilates, and walking, however, before you choose an activity, you will want to consult with your doctor first. Your goal should be at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercising during most weekdays.

Exercising during your pregnancy is important, but you should pay attention to the kind and duration of your physical activities. Engaging in too-rigorous activities can strain your body, which can affect your pregnancy.

3. Practice Kegels

source: thehealthfitnesstips.com

These exercises will help you strengthen your pelvic muscles that support your bowels, bladder, and most importantly uterus. Implementing these exercises will allow you to have an easier delivery, and it can prevent various issues from arising. And, the best part about it is that you can exercise wherever you want since the process is extremely easy. You will simply need to squeeze, hold for a few seconds then relax. This should be repeated at least 10 to 15 times.

Some pregnant women, according to their way of life, do not stop exercising even more demanding training that they had before pregnancy. Most of them run regularly for the first few months or use a treadmill in a slower mode – for more information visit here.

4. Sleeping Will Become More Difficult

As your body changes throughout your pregnancy, it will become increasingly difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep, especially if you are used to sleeping on your back or stomach. Not getting enough sleep can have negative effects on both you and your child, hence, you will want to do everything that you can to get enough sleep. This is why a lot of experts recommend getting a maternity pillow. There is a wide range of pillows that you can get, so, you will definitely be able to find one that will fit your needs best. If you want to see what maternity pillow options you have, check out giftwits.com.

5. Eliminate All Toxins

source: healthline.com

Beverage drinks and psychoactive substances are all connected with birth defects, miscarriages, and other pregnancy and delivery problems.  However, if you cannot stop yourself from consuming these dangerous things, you will need to let your doctor know right away. They might be able to offer you some advice and support, as well as tell you about programs that can help you give up the dangerous substances.

Aside from asking professional help from your doctors, you can also check reliable websites such as aguideforyour20s.com to know how alcohol affects your body and pregnancy.

6. The Chores Routine Will Need to be Changed

When you are pregnant, even the simplest tasks like wiping dust and cleaning pet hair can be risky. If you constantly expose yourself to dangerous chemicals, lifting heavy items, or come in contact with germs, you can seriously harm your baby. The things you should avoid include lifting heavy things, climbing on ladders, changing the litter from your pets, using harsh chemicals, and standing for a long period of time.

If you’re having a hard time deciding which chores should you continue and discontinue, ask your doctor for their advice. Some pregnancies can be delicate that expecting mothers are required to stay in bed the whole day.

7. Check the Medication You Are Taking

source: deprescribingnetwork.ca

If you are on prescription medicine or if you are in need of some medication, keep in mind that you should check with your doctor about any medication, supplements, vitamins, and remedies. Even medicine like ibuprofen needs to be avoided since there were studies suggesting that it can lead to miscarriages and fetal blood vessel damage.

Once you find out that you’re pregnant, make sure to ask your doctor for safer alternatives. Your doctor can recommend you medications that are safe for both you and your baby.

8. Buy New Shoes

As your baby grows, your feet might grow as well – or at least it might feel like it. That is because the weight gained messes with your center of gravity, and in return, it puts more pressure on your feet. If you do not do something about it, the extra pressure can cause pain, as well as fluid retention. That is why you will want to get comfortable shows during your pregnancy.

You won’t be able to move as much when you’re pregnant so make sure to swap your heels for flat and comfortable pairs of shoes. If possible, look for a pair that provides cushion and support to your feet.

Also, you will want to put your feet up a few times every day since it will help you prevent your legs, ankles, and feet from swelling and you will definitely feel less fatigue.

9. Stay Hydrated!

source: residencestyle.com

Your blood is what will supply your child with nutrients and oxygen. This means that your body will be doing extra activities, hence, your blood volume will be increased up to 50%. Consuming more water then usual can help with preventing a wide range of conditions including fatigue, headaches, swelling, and other symptoms that can make you feel quite uncomfortable.

Regardless of how busy you are during the day, always prioritize drinking lots of water. Have several bottles of water within your reach and drink as many as you can during the day. This might be challenging at first, but if it’s for your baby’s wellness, you should be willing to make this change to your daily routine.

Conclusion

The tips from the article above will help you and your baby stay healthy during the nine months of your pregnancy. So, now that you know how to stay healthy, do not waste any more time, and start implementing these tips into your daily routine.

About Peter Janos